The synthesis and coordination chemistry of two novel ligands, 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]metacyclophane (L1) and 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]paracyclophane (L2), is described. Potentiometric studies indicate that L1 and L2 form a variety of mononuclear complexes the stability constants of which reveal a change in the denticity of the ligand when moving from L1 to L2, a behaviour that can be qualitatively explained by the inability of the paracyclophanes to simultaneously use both benzylic nitrogen atoms for coordination to a single metal centre. In contrast, the formation of dinuclear hydroxylated complexes is more favoured for the paraL2 ligand. DFT calculations have been carried out to compare the geometries and relative energies of isomeric forms of the [CuL]2+ complexes of L1 and L2 in which the cyclophane acts either as tri- or tetradentate. The results indicate that the energy cost associated with a change in the coordination mode of the cyclophane from tri- to tetradentate is moderate for both ligands so that the actual coordination mode can be determined not only by the characteristics of the first coordination sphere but also by the specific interactions with additional nearby water molecules. The kinetics of the acid promoted decomposition of the mono- and dinuclear CuII complexes of both cyclophanes have also been studied. For both ligands, dinuclear complexes convert rapidly to mononuclear species upon addition of excess acid, the release of the first metal ion occurring within the mixing time of the stopped-flow instrument. Decomposition of the mononuclear [CuL2]2+ and [CuHL2]3+ species occurs with the same kinetics, thus showing that protonation of [CuL2]2+ occurs at an uncoordinated amine group. In contrast, the [CuL1]2+ and [CuHL1]3+ species show different decomposition kinetics indicating the existence of significant structural reorganisation upon protonation of the [CuL1]2+ species. The interaction of AMP with the protonated forms of the cyclophanes and the formation of mixed complexes in the systems Cu–L1-AMP, Cu–L2-AMP, and Cu–L3-AMP, where L3 is the related pyridinophane containing the same polyamine chain and 2,6-dimethylpyridine as a spacer, is also reported. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)


Digital media have come to constitute an inherent part of the nowadays mass media universe. In the context of the Web 2.0, legacy journalism has to face competing products which become more and more important in the public news reception. This thesis presents an investigation of the language use in legacy news and digital media, elucidating the pivotal question whether the expression of private state is similar (or not) in traditional and participatory media, and in different types of participatory media, i.e. citizen press and network journalism. Every news medium is linked to a given image or association, established by stereotypes of its journalists, the readership, and a particular news style. Therefore, it was assumed that private states are expressed differently in the three media, and that authorial presence and evaluative language use distinguish media from one another. Following a discourse analytic research angle by means of a corpus linguistic approach, including quantitative and qualitative sample analyses, the study investigated different types of potential subjective elements, i.e., linguistic means which can be used to express private states in a rather implicit, objective seeming way.


Predicting people who other people may like has recently become an important task in many online social networks. Traditional collaborative filtering (CF) approaches are popular in recommender systems to effectively predict user preferences for items. One major problem in CF is computing similarity between users or items. Traditional CF methods often use heuristic methods to combine the ratings given to an item by similar users, which may not reflect the characteristics of the active user and can give unsatisfactory performance. In contrast to heuristic approaches we have developed CollabNet, a novel algorithm that uses gradient descent to learn the relative contributions of similar users or items to the ranking of recommendations produced by a recommender system, using weights to represent the contributions of similar users for each active user. We have applied CollabNet to the challenging problem of people to people recommendation in social networks, where people have a dual role as both "users" and "items", e.g., both initiating and receiving communications, to recommend other users to a given user, based on user similarity in terms of both taste (whom they like) and attractiveness (who likes them). Evaluation of CollabNet recommendations on datasets from a commercial online social network shows improved performance over standard CF.


We provide here an historical context of how studies utilizing engineered human cardiac muscle can complement and in some cases substitute animal and cell models for studies of disease and drug testing. We give an overview of the development of animal models and discuss the ability of novel human tissue models to overcome limited predictive power of cell culture and animal models in studies of drug efficacy and safety. The in vitro generation of cardiac tissue is discussed in the context of state of the art in the field. Finally we describe the assembly of multitissue platforms for more accurate representation of integrated human cardiac physiology and consider the advantages of in silico drug trials to augment our ability to predict drug-drug and organ-organ interactions in humans.


ABSTRACT Background: Mounting evidence suggests that Toll-like receptor (TLRs) plays an important role in oxidative stress and is implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperoxic lung injury. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the hormonally active form of vitamin D, not only plays an essential role in mineral balance, but also possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. Besides, Vitamin D3 is involved in the regulation of TLRs signaling. The present study was designed to investigate whether 1,25(OH)2D3 attenuates hyperoxia-induced lung injury by regulating TLRs signaling in neonatal rats. Methods: Pups were divided into four groups: normoxia control group (NC), normoxia plus 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment group (ND), hyperoxia control group (HC), and hyperoxia plus 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment group (HD). Lung tissues were collected for histological examination and detection of mRNA and protein expressions. Results: Treatment of hyperoxia-exposed animals with 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in significantly increased body weight and reduced hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly downregulated the expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Conclusions: 1,25(OH)2D3 could attenuate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats, possibly by regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling.


Background: Endothelin-B receptor (EDNRB) signaling pathway is associated for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). The aim of this study was to investigate the EDNRB gene mutation in patients with HSCR in Taiwan and correlate the genotype and phenotype. Patients and Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing, we screened for mutations in the coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the EDNRB gene in 39 isolated HSCR cases and compared them with those in 400 control chromosomes. Results: In 3 cases, heterozygous variations in exon 1 and 2 of the EDNRB gene predicted missense mutations of the first cytosolic (M132I), second transmembrane (I157V), second exoplasmic (M173T), and third transmembrane (V185M) domains of the EDNRB protein. Three of the 4 mutations in our study have not been reported previously. For total 39 unrelated cases, the mutation rates were estimated to be 10% (3 of 30) for short-segment HSCR and 7.7% (3 of 39) for all HSCR cases. Conclusions: We did not detect a significant genotype–phenotype correlation. In conclusion, this study identified 4 mutations within the EDNRB gene associated with HSCR. Because HSCR is a multifactorial and multigene disorder, the higher mutation rate of 10% for short-segment HSCR suggests the important role that the EDNRB gene plays in the pathogenesis of short-segment HSCR in Taiwan.


An autonomous lander equipped with a video camera (dropcam) was used for in situ observations of the bento-demersal macrofauna on the upper continental slope off Punta Pichalo in northern Chile, an area of permanent coastal upwelling processes, located ~70 km north of Iquique. The lander was deployed at nine stations and between 227 and 798 m of depth. According to morphological characteristics, 34 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified to the lowest taxonomic level; 24 belonged to macroinvertebrates and 10 to fishes. Macroinvertebrates comprised 9 OTUs of crustaceans, seven cnidarians, and six echinoderms. Fishes included 3 OTUs of the order Chondrichthyes, 3 belonging to macrourid. Perciformes, Anguilliformes, and Alepocephaliformes were represented by one OTU each. Also, we observed one species of lanternfish (Myctophidae). Apart from the brachyuran decapod Lophorochinia parabranchia Garth, 1969 and euphausiids, all species were observed at depths greater than 560 m. The presence of one individual identified as the granulate dogfish Centroscyllium granulatum Günther, 1887 extended the known distribution range of this species about 1000 km to the north. Images taken at 795 m showed Bathyraja peruana McEachran & Miyake, 1984. Our study suggests that the upper continental slope of northern Chile harbors nearly undiscovered biodiversity, worth to be studied more intensively to complete the comparable sparse knowledge about marine biodiversity and species distribution at the continental margin in front of Chile.


With exemption of a few private forests, timber harvesting in most plantation forests in Tanzania is carried out by less skilled and less equipped crews. Newly recruited crews often learn from experienced ones which may not be doing it in the perfect way. Therefore estimation and projecting production and costs becomes a big problem to logging managers. This study was carried out to develop productivity and costs models for chainsaw operators in a learning experiment. The experiments were designed in clear felling operations. Three experiments were set where each crew category was studied using time study and work sampling techniques that involved studying crews before training, after training and after the break at an interval of three months. Descriptive statistics and modelling was performed for each crews' performance. Specific crew's productivity and costs models have been developed reflecting necessary and unnecessary delay times. Assessment of the production costs show that unit costs decreases with increasing productivity in each unit of measurement of the production rate. It is recommended that productivity and costs for two-man crosscut saw operators be studied and modelled since they are also the main cutting tools used in tree cutting in Tanzania.


Abstract In 2015 Dhruv Raina published Needham's Indian Network: The Search for a Home for the History of Science in India (1950–1970), bringing to light the long-range networks that institutionalized the disciplinary history of science in post-colonial India, and demonstrating the intellectual and infrastructural contributions of Joseph Needham (1900–1995) in this endeavour. This paper takes a different approach and turns to the way that Needham perceived Indian vis-à-vis Chinese civilization, and the role India played in Needham's historiography of science. It turns out that Needham's most sustained engagement with India could be found in his histories of medicine, bodily practices and alchemical traditions. In the first section of the paper, I outline the key concepts of 'Grand Titration' and 'oecumenical science' that animated Needham's historiography, which clarifies why Chinese medicine, especially acupuncture, occupies a privileged status. The second section elaborates on Needham's scholarship and vision of acupuncture, involving the verification of acupuncture's reality and efficacy via Western biomedicine. He thought acupuncture would be China's unique contribution to a new 'universal medicine' in the modern age, but by contrast Needham saw little worth refurbishing in Indian medicine, arguing via an investigation in yoga that Indian practices were generally less 'materialist' and less 'proto-scientific'. In the third section, I turn my attention to Needham's preoccupation with the history of alchemy around the world, and discuss his theorization on transmission and circulation of scientific knowledge. I comment on Needham's commitment to the thesis that European alchemy was a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, Persian, Arabic, Greek, Egyptian and Roman ideas and practices. While Needham reserved his 'deepest love' and 'profoundest desire' for Chinese civilization, India on the other hand often occupied a secondary status in his historical accounts, and in the conclusion I move from a critique of Needham's preconceptions to reflect on the writing of the history of non-Western science.


Anterior cranial base meningiomas are rare tumors in children. Due to the extensive involvement of orbit, paranasal sinuses, midface, and anterior skull base, a multidisciplinary approach is warranted. We present a case of a child with a large planum sphenoidale meningioma extending into subfrontal region, ethmoid and maxillary sinuses inferiorly, and orbits laterally. The patient, a 4-year-old girl, presented with long-standing nasal stuffiness and swelling of the midface. An extended frontobasal approach through a bifrontal craniotomy was used to resect the intracranial portion of this mass. The tumor had eroded through nasal septum, medial orbital walls, and left maxilla, structures which were not readily accessible from a cranial approach alone. A modified Weber-Ferguson incision was used for a transfacial approach to resect the residual mass below the skull base. The advantages of combining the bifrontal craniotomy with a transfacial split provided the added exposure to maximize the extent of resection.


AIM
To examine eplerenone (Inspra, Pfizer), a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as a treatment option for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

METHODS
A retrospective consecutive case series was conducted for patients receiving oral eplerenone for chronic CSCR. At baseline and each follow-up visit, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed, including manual measurements of the height and diameter size of subretinal fluid. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in subretinal fluid following initiation of therapy.

RESULTS
A total of 17 eyes of 13 patients treated with 25 and 50 mg of oral eplerenone per day were identified. Subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased over time following eplerenone therapy (P= 0.007 and P = 0.002, diameter and height respectively). Maximum SRF height decreased from a mean of 131.5 µm at baseline to 15.3 µm at day 181+. SRF diameter decreased from an average of 2174.4 µm at baseline to 46.9 µm at day 181+. LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.42 (Snellen equivalent: 20/53) at baseline to 0.29 (Snellen equivalent: 20/39) at day 181+ (P = 0.024). Central subfield thickness (CST) decreased from 339.5 µm at baseline to 270.3 µm at day 181+ (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION
Eplerenone therapy resulted in significant anatomic and visual improvements in eyes with chronic CSCR.


An intriguing and pervasive development in the history of the past century – in the United States and at least some other societies – has been the rise of greater informality in interpersonal relations. Almost everyone knows this has been happening – a class of college students can offer a number of valid illustrations (with a heavy dose of habits on social media), and some have lived through even more extensive changes in, for example, the way people dress. But the phenomenon is dramatically understudied, taken for granted rather than assessed or analysed. There is a serious historical topic here that should be addressed by a wider audience, with several dimensions for further evaluation.


Effects of the alkanolamine salt of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D) and sodium salt of 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzonitrile (ioxynil) upon seedlings of Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata Gaud.), Park bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and Highland bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.) were evaluated in growth room and field studies. In the former, injury to Park bluegrass from both 1 and 3 lb/A applications of 2,4-D was severe with pronounced but less marked effects on fescue and bentgrass. Results were similar from applications shortly after emergence and after clipping the grass. Negligible injury was caused by 1 lb/A of ioxynil. In the field, ioxynil gave better weed control than 2,4-D when applied at a seedling height of 1 inch. No injury was caused by ioxynil. Although 2,4-D reduced yields from early clippings, there was marked recovery, even at 3 lb/A. No treatments significantly affected plant stand.


The molecular footprints of COVID-19 occur everywhere, even reaching the family of biologically active gases and gasotransmitters. Besides nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, COVID-19 might also alter the homeostasis of dihydrogen (H2), another gaseous bioactive molecule produced endogenously by the human gut bacteria. Many studies have shown various alterations of the gut microbiota in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, including the lower abundance of hydrogen-producing bacteria that could instigate the shortage of hydrogen output. Since dihydrogen has many important bioactivities, including cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic, its malproduction in COVID-19 might contribute to the disease progression and severity. On the other hand, replenishing dihydrogen by exogenous administration could be beneficial in COVID-19 for both patient- and clinical-reported outcomes. Assessing low dihydrogen along with H2 supplementation to restore normal levels could be thus combined via theranostic approaches to aid COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.


This paper proposes a model-based range extension control system for electric vehicles. The proposed system optimizes the front and rear driving-braking force distributions by considering the slip ratio of the wheels and the motor loss. The optimal distribution depends solely on vehicle acceleration and velocity. Therefore, this system is effective not only at constant speeds but also in acceleration and deceleration modes. Bench tests were conducted for more precise evaluation and to realize experimental results with high reproducibility. The effectiveness of the proposed system was verified through field and bench tests.


Static Field Micro-Particle Components (SFM-PCs) have been developed and used in different applications such as transmission lines (TL), antennas, and filters. As this technique does not require a biasing circuitry, it is a promising switching methodology for future radio frequency (RF) systems. In this paper, we propose two new techniques, Asymmetric Copper and Double Switch, to improve the performance of the SFM-PC which allow the use of this particle-based component in high-frequency wireless applications that may not be possible with the traditional structure. Both HFSS simulation and measurement results of embedding a 3.0 × 3.0 × 1.524 mm3 Double Switch Asymmetric Copper made of Rogers TMM4 on a host microstrip TL show that its frequency bandwidth for both ON and OFF states can reach up to 7.0 GHz, several times of the previously reported values, indicating the efficacy of the presented new methodologies.


In Reply .—The analysis proposed by Drs Welch and Beekman makes several assumptions as follows: They assume that the children are deficient only in mumps vaccine. It must be recalled that children's immunization status is being assessed generally, not just for mumps, and that children who are deficient in mumps vaccine may well also be deficient in other vaccines. Although exact data are not available, the theoretical cohort of 1 million children needing mumps vaccine may also include, for example, 500,000 children who need measles vaccine or 300,000 who need rubella vaccine. They assume that all of the vaccine administered would be administered in physicians' offices, whereas it is likely that a significant proportion would be administered through public clinics at a lower cost per immunization. They assume a half day of school absence for each child who needs mumps immunization. Experience in most states has


Sighted individuals take the eye and its processes very much for granted. Within this set of individuals there are many physics students who have little awareness of the optics of the eye. They are usually able to describe its basic structure and resemblance to a camera, and name some of its defects, but they seem to be unaware of the role of the various elements of the eye in the perception of spatial detail, i.e. visual acuity. To give a greater appreciation of human vision the author makes a comparison with other vertebrates and insects. Inevitably, in an article of this kind the picture must be incomplete, but the objective is to whet the appetite of the serious student and encourage him/her to research the subject more clearly.


Dyslipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for coronary disease. Despite the availability of highly effective lipid-modifying agents, many patients still do not reach lipid targets established by national guidelines. Niacin has been known to be an effective treatment of dyslipidemia for almost half a century. Niacin substantially increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels while lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a). In addition, niacin converts small LDL particles into more buoyant, less atherogenic LDL particles. Combined with other agents, niacin offers an important treatment option for patients with dyslipidemia. In particular, niacin complements LDL-C-lowering drugs; it is the most effective agent available for increasing HDL-C levels while lowering levels of LDL-C and triglycerides and improving other lipid risk factors such as lipoprotein(a). Combining niacin with statins or bile acid sequestrant therapy is safe and effective for improving lipid levels and decreasing coronary risk. Differences in niacin formulations dictate tolerability profiles and should be considered when selecting niacin as part of lipid therapy. Furthermore, adverse effects on glucose and insulin sensitivity should be considered when selecting candidates for niacin therapy. Adding niacin to lipid-lowering regimens is a valuable option for physicians treating patients with dyslipidemia and should be considered in appropriate patients.


In the aureole of the Beinn an Dubhaich granite, forsterite grew with dihedral angles of less than 110° against calcite, but was progressively and variably annealed towards the equilibrium dihedral angle of 165°. New experimental estimates of calcite–calcite–fluid dihedral angles are presented, ranging from 50–90°. The early low angles may be due to rapid olivine growth into a fluid-filled porosity. The preservation of a range of textural states in the Beinn an Dubhaich aureole has the potential to provide information on the kinetics of grain boundary readjustments in metamorphic rocks, which control pore geometry and permeability.


Nineteen stream segments of the Pedras River basin, (25o13'-25o26'S and 51o13'-51o28'W) were examined for the presence of macroalgae, of which 16 were visited once during the period of July 26 to August 21 2004 and three monthly from April 2004 to May 2005. Twenty nine infrageneric taxa and five "vegetative groups" were found. Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta were the best represented divisions, followed by Rhodophyta and Heterokontophyta. Despite predominance of blue-green and green algae has been previously reported in several studies, the macroalgal flora of the Pedras River Basin showed, in general way, significant differences to other Brazilian regions. These results suggest that macroalgal communities are still little known, reflecting, basically, the scarcity of studies focusing these important primary producers in lotic ecosystem from Southern Brazil, particularly in Parana State.


This paper describes a system which incorporates natural language technologies, database manipulation and educational theories in order to offer learners a Negotiated Learner Model, for integration into an Intelligent Tutoring System. The system presents the learner with their learner model, offering them the opportunity to compare their own beliefs regarding their capabilities with those inferred by the system. A conversational agent, or "chatbot" has been developed to allow the learner to negotiate over the representations held about them using natural language. The system aims to support the metacognitive goals of self-assessment and reflection, which are increasingly seen as key to learning and are being incorporated into UK educational policy. The paper describes the design of the system, and reports a user trial, in which the chatbot was found to support users in increasing the accuracy of their self-assessments, and in reducing the number of discrepancies between system and user beliefs in the learner model. Some lessons learned in the development have been highlighted and future research and experimentation directions are outlined.


Synovial osteochondromatosis arising in the foot is a rare condition. We report a 69-year-old woman with synovial osteochondromatosis of the Lisfranc joint. The patient presented with a 10-year history of left foot pain. Imaging studies showed multiple calcified masses around the Lisfranc joint. We performed a synovectomy and removal of the loose bodies in the dorsal, lateral, and plantar aspects of the Lisfranc joint by dislocating the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. To our knowledge, this is only the second case report of synovial osteochondromatosis involving the Lisfranc joint.


The goals of this study were to examine the additive and interactive effects of cumulative risk and child negative emotionality on children's social competence in the transition from preschool to school and to test whether these associations were mediated by child emotion regulation within a sample of 310 low-income, ethnically diverse boys. Multiple informants and methods were used to measure contextual risk factors and negative emotionality at the ages of 1.5 and two, emotion dysregulation at the age of 3.5, and social competence in the home at the age of five and in school at the age of six. Results indicated that the relation between cumulative risk and emotion dysregulation was amplified for children with higher levels of negative emotionality. In turn, emotion dysregulation predicted lower social competence across both the home and the school contexts. This study represents an early effort to develop an integrative model of social competence by considering joint contributions of contextual risk, negative emotionality, and emotion regulation.


Identifying drought tolerant genotypes is very important for increasing corn yield. Thus four simple corn hybrids were submitted to periods of water shortage, at three phenological stages of the crop, to discriminate for drought tolerance by principal components analysis and identify their main differentiating characteristics under limited water conditions. Assessments were made of the leaf water potential, gas exchange, photochemical activity, grain yield and total dry matter. Analysis of variance was carried out and the mean values were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Water shortage at the three phenological stages of the corn crop reduced the leaf water potential (Ψw), stomata conductance (gs), photosynthesis (Ai), transpiration (Ei), potential quantum efficiency of the PSII (Fv/Fm), apparent rate of electron transport (ETR), photochemical dissipation coefficient (qP) and increased the non-photochemical dissipation coefficient (NPQ), mainly when there was drought at the vegetative and flower¬ing stages. The data obtained for grain yield (GY) showed that the TOL1 hybrid was outstanding for drought toler¬ance at all the phenological stages of the crop, while the SENS1 hybrid demonstrated greatest sensitivity to water shortage, proving the pattern of tolerance and sensitivity of these respective hybrids to drought. The result of the principal components analysis showed that the corn hybrids could be separated into diversity groups for irrigation treatment at the vegetative stage, and that integrated photosynthesis (Ai) was considered the best characteristic to discriminate the irrigation treatments and hybrids when submitted to water shortage at this phenological stage of the crop.


A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency department with pain and swelling to the right side of his neck and chest wall with associated shortness of breath. Two days earlier, while playing football, he had been involved in a minor collision with another player where he was struck on the right side of his head, but had managed to continue playing. On examination, the patient had extensive cervical surgical emphysema. There were no further positive findings on respiratory and general examination. A chest x-ray demonstrated no rib or clavicular fractures and no pneumothorax. Therefore, a CT was undertaken to ascertain the cause of the surgical emphysema. This demonstrated a pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium and extradural air in the spinal column in addition to the subcutaneous air. The CT identified no bony trauma and no other injuries. The symptoms resolved spontaneously and follow-up radiography, 9 days later, showed no residual air.


Male rats in which three pituitaries were grafted beneath the kidney capsule showed approximately a fourfold increase in circulating plasma prolactin concentration. The elevated plasma prolactin concentration did not remain at a constant level but fluctuated with time. The elevated prolactin concentration declined immediately after a single bolus injection of ergocristine (30 micrograms/kg). The slope of the prolactin decay curve, determined by sequential blood sampling, was parallel to a theoretical slope having a 7-min half-life. This result indicates that ergocristine blocked prolactin secretion immediately and completely as the decay curve (T 1/2 = 6.5 min, confidence interval 4.5--11.3) resulting from the administration of ergocristine is the same as the endogenous prolactin decay curve (T 1/2 = 7 min).


Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has proven popular with both surgeons and patients. The rapid adoption of laparoscopic surgery has resulted in a number of new operative complications, including problems related to distension of the peritoneal cavity, a lack of depth perception afforded by the video image, and new instruments used with this technique. Few reports deal with complications associated with laparoscopic biliary tract surgery. This report discusses the problems that have occurred most frequently in my region as well as problems related to me in discussions with other experienced laparoscopic surgeons; it also presents methods of recognizing such injuries and preventing them.


: In the experiment 20 dogs were subjected to bilateral kinking of the carotid artery and the effects were assessed angiographically and radiologically as well as changes in the cerebral cortex. It is shown that 30 degree kinking produced more significant ultrastructural changes which in most cases were reversible.


We discuss Bianchi type-VII0 cosmology with a Dirac field in the Einstein—Cartan (E-C) theory and obtain the equations of the Dirac and gravitational fields in the E-C theory. A Bianchi type-VII0 inflationary solution is found. When , the Universe may avoid singularity.


PAPER REMOVED AT THE REQUEST OF AUTHOR, PENDING REQUIRED APPROVAL FROM MYANMAR MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. This study contributes to understanding what challenges and opportunities exist in making livestock production more profitable and safer. In particular, consumption of pork in Southeast Asia is increasing in response to rapid urbanization and growing average household income. In order to improve lives of pig farmers while minimizing negative effects of increased pig production, we investigate factors influencing application of biosecurity measures along pig value chains in Myanmar. Based on qualitative research methods, we analyze how the value chains are governed and what institutional arrangements influence biosecurity. We find that value chain transactions are largely governed by market and show little vertical coordination. This indicates that value chain actors do not currently invest in biosecurity in a sufficient manner. Lack of access to low-interest loan encourages farmers to undertake risky behaviors while lack of cash discourages value chain stakeholders to invest in biosecurity. On the other hand, key actors such as large-scale pig farmers informally impose biosecurity measures to pig buyers while informal arrangements to ensure food safety is found to encourage increased biosecurity. Public policies may exploit these existing institutions to improve chain-wide biosecurity. Acknowledgement : This paper was developed based on funding under the Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) scheme by the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom. The authors are thankful for the support provided by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department of the Government of Myanmar, Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Cambridge in conducting the field work in Myanmar.


To explore the proportion of patients with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), their proportion of overall admissions and their psychosocial histories at a regional child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit.

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all admissions of patients with a SUD. Abstracted patient data included demographic information, diagnoses, psychosocial histories, living situation at the time of admission, legal involvement and charges, whether an alternate level of care was needed and discharge plans.

From September 2018 to February 2020, of the 540 patients admitted, 126 (23.3%) had a SUD recorded in their charts and accounted for 34.6% of the total number of admissions. Their mean age was 15.85 (SD 1.10; range 13 to 18) years and most were identified as female (n=81; 64%) which is consistent with the number of female patients admitted during the study period (n=366 female of 540 admitted; X2=0.56, p= 0.45). Common psychiatric diagnoses included mood, trauma and stressor-related and anxiety disorders. Most patients (124; 98.4%) had a history of psychosocial adversity, 90 (71.4%) patients had a parent with a mental illness or a SUD, 55 (44%) reported being bullied, 54 (43%) reported being sexually assaulted and several (n=41;33%) had experienced precarious living situations.

 Adolescent inpatients with a SUD were also managing a complex array of clinical and psychosocial challenges. Upon discharge from hospital, some patients were placed on waitlists and many patients were referred to specialized treatment far from home highlighting the need for additional, comprehensive programs for SUD and the constellation of psychosocial problems associated with these disorders.


The authors examined the parametric decay instability of the linearly unstable electrostatic ion cyclotron wave in an ion beam-plasma system which decays to an ion acoustic wave and a linearly stable electrostatic ion cyclotron wave. They have derived a set of equations which represent this mechanism, and obtained numerical results of the temporal evolution of the amplitude of the related wave and distortions of the velocity distribution function. The beam distortion begins to occur at the stage of linear instability and becomes large at the stage of nonlinear instability. Ion heating of the plasma occurs only at the stage of nonlinear instability. These large distortions of the ion beam and ion heating of the plasma are caused by the deceleration of the ion beam.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for easily comparing reference profile data (reference PD) with created measurement profile data (measurement PD) and analyzing an expression state of a gene. SOLUTION: The method includes a reference PD acquisition step S1 of showing, as a first waveform, a reference range of values equivalent to the number of bases based on positions and a detection amount of the values equivalent to the number of bases of DNA fragments, identifying and storing transcript seeds from which a predetermined peak in the first waveform comes, and acquiring the stored reference PD; a measurement PD creation step S2 of creating a measurement PD showing, as a second waveform, a measurement range of values equivalent to the number of bases obtained on the basis of positions and a detection amount of values equivalent to the number of bases of DNA fragments to be measured; a peak association step S3 applying correction processing and associating positions of peaks of a part of or all of at least either the first waveform or the second waveform; and a gene expression analyzing step S4 of reading information of the derivation of associated peak from transcript seed information, identifying the gene of the peak of the measurement PD, and thus, analyzing the expression state of the gene. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT


Twenty-one previously untreated cases, who underwent the same protocol at our department from January 1984 until December 1986, were investigated. The following results were obtained. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounted for 10.5% of all the head and neck malignant tumors at our department. The age range was from 23 to 76 years of age and had a peak in the forties. Fourteen were male and seven were female. According to the stage distribution, six cases were stage I (28.6%), nine were stage II (42.9%), four were stage III (19.0%) and two were stage IV (9.5%). Stage I and II accounted for 71.4%. By site grouping, palatine tonsil and nasal cavity accounted for 38.1%, respectively. Surgical therapy was presumably useful for a solitary lesion which resisted all conservative therapies. By combined therapy with radiotherapy, VAPE-Chemotherapy and OK-432-immunotherapy, the survival rates were 100% (stage I), 77.8% (Stage II), 50% (stage III) and 50% (stage IV). The mean survival rate was 76.2%.


The RTS,S/AS malaria vaccine candidate is currently the most advanced in development. It is based on the
circumsporozoite protein (CSP) combined with hepatitis B surface antigen. The vaccine is designed to prevent the malaria
parasite from infecting the liver where it can mature, multiply, and re-enter the bloodstream, where it infects red blood cells
and leads to symptomatic disease. This review documents the development process of the RTS,S/AS malaria vaccine
candidate, from preclinical and early clinical trials to the recently concluded Phase III clinical trials. The final results
demonstrated that vaccination with the 3-dose primary series reduced clinical malaria cases by 28% in young children and
18% in infants. A booster dose of RTS, S/AS, administered 18 months after the primary series, reduced the number of cases
of clinical malaria in young children (aged 5-17 months at first vaccination) by 36% and in infants (aged 6-12 weeks at first
vaccination) by 26%. Administration of the booster dose provided longer term protection against clinical malaria in both
groups, with 1774 and 983 cases of malaria averted per 1000 children vaccinated in the older (age 5-17 months) and infant
(6-12 weeks) age groups, respectively. The vaccine efficacy waned over time following the booster dose and further studies
are ongoing to assess long term efficacy and the need for additional doses .The safety profile of the vaccine was acceptable.
The vaccine has the potential to make a substantial contribution to malaria control when used in combination with other
effective control measures, especially in areas of high transmission.


The Plunnecke-Ruzsa inequality is a fundamental tool to control the growth of finite subsets of abelian groups under repeated addition and subtraction. Other tools to handle sumsets have gained applicability by being extended to more general subsets of more general groups. This motivates extending the Plunnecke-Ruzsa inequality, in particular to measurable subsets of compact abelian groups by replacing the cardinality with the Haar probability measure. This objective is related to the question of the stability of classes of Haar measurable sets under addition. In this direction the class of analytic sets is a natural one to work with. We prove a Plunnecke-Ruzsa inequality for K-analytic sets in general compact (Hausdorff) abelian groups. We also discuss further extensions, some of which raise questions of independent interest in descriptive topology.


In biology and medicine, "translational research" indicates the "translation" from the language of molecular biology in animal experiments to human physiology in order to improve our insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of cardiac diseases and to verify the mechanism of action or the potential of newly developed drugs. Positron emission tomography (PET) plays a major role in this setting due to four major characteristics: 1) extremely high sensitivity; 2) excellent temporal resolution; 3) the possibility to label molecules without altering their chemical properties and 4) the short half live of isotopes. These features make PET as an unique method able to display in the same image format different variables related to the physiology of the myocardium under different pathophysiological states, thus allowing a more precise geographical correlation of the different processes underlying disease or drug effect. This paper will review the literature available about the utilization of PET in the setting of cardiovascular pathophysiology and drug development. This task will be accomplished by describing the theory and practice of methods available to measure myocardial blood flow and to characterize myocardial metabolism in order to obtain a more precise clarification of disease phenotype. Similarly the potential of this method in defining drug effectiveness in clinical trial will be discussed, in order to offer an overview of the potential for the noninvasive measurement of physiological variables in the modern medicine.


Freshwater gobies, particularly fry and some adult species, have been used as an alternative fishery resource. Mandulog River in Iligan City, northern Mindanao, Philippines, is one of the areas known for goby-fry fishery. This study described the potentials of the goby population in Mandulog River in terms of its fishery aspects. Households along the Mandulog River were the respondents of the survey. Results show that most of the freshwater gobies were caught as alternative food while goby-fry were sold in the market. Goby fishing was done five times a year using nets and traps. The maximum catch per fishing session was one to three kilograms and sold at more or less PHP 10 (Philippine Peso) (USD 0.23) per kilogram. Monthly income from goby fishing was from PHP 100 to PHP 200 (USD 2.35 to USD 4.71) only. Goby species such as Sicyopterus lagocephalus, Oxyeleotris lineolata, Awaous melanocephalus, A. ocellaris, Giuris margaritacea, and Rhyacichthys aspro were the preferred prey species. Findings suggest that goby fishing was not a major source of livelihood as fishers were not earning much from it. However, as a bycatch, the goby population is under threat, with their economic and ecological benefits not utilized. Destructive fishing methods such as cyanide fishing, electric fishing, and use of fine mesh nets might also adversely affect the goby population, despite being non-target species. Therefore, protection of target species from overexploitation would also benefit the goby species.


In the paper, a novel 2(3HUS+S) parallel manipulator, which has two moving platforms, is proposed. The parallel manipulator is adopted to simulate hip joint motion and can conduct an experiment for two hip joints simultaneously. Motion experiments are conducted in the paper, and the recommended hip joint motion curves from ISO14242 and actual hip joint motions during jogging and walking are selected as the simulated motions. The experimental results indicate that the 2(3HUS+S) parallel manipulator can realize the simulation of many kinds of hip joint motions without changing the structure size.


The burden of malnutrition is evident around the world and more pronounced in developing countries affecting vulnerable groups such as infants, children under five years of age and pregnant women. This study assessed the nutritional status of infants and children aged 9-59 months who visited a well-child clinic at a teaching hospital in Lagos Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 children consecutively recruited at a well-child clinic in 2013. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information collected includes the sociodemographic details of each child and caregiver. In addition, selected anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests comprising serum ferritin and total blood protein levels as well as dietary information for each child participant were obtained by trained data collectors. The sampled children were aged 9-59 months, with slightly over half (53.6%) being 12 months old and above. There were more female children and the number of Fathers 84.1%who had attained tertiary education was higher (84.1%) than that of mothers (76.3%). Serum protein and ferritin levels were less than the normal reference values in 1.8% and 26.2% of the children respectively, while the prevalence of underweight children was 4.9% and 8.1% of the children were overweight based on weight-for-age z-scores. Results from the dietary survey showed that the children consumed fewer proteins than carbohydrates. Furthermore, only 18.8% and 12.6% of parents reported feeding their children fruits and vegetables. Significantly more mothers (97.5%) with tertiary education had children with normal weight for age (P<0.05). Despite the low prevalence of malnutrition among the sampled population, it was found that consumption of fruits and vegetables was low, yet these are major sources of vital micronutrients. Results indicated that the prevalence of malnutrition among the study group was generally low. Therefore, steps must be taken to ensure nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive intervention programs aimed at improving the nutritional status of children Key words : Nutritional status, assessment, children, weight, ferritin, protein, diet, malnutrition, clinic


Background. Game studies offer cross-disciplinary perspectives, but the body of knowledge is not yet in the form of a cohesive game science paradigm. Klabbers (2018a) argues that a comprehensive and coherent view on game science is needed that connects three levels of inquiry: the philosophy of science level, the science level, and the application level. Aim. This single-theme symposium issue On the Architecture of Game Science is especially devoted to the reflection and discussion on the foundations and principles of gaming and simulation. Method. Raising a debate among scholars and professionals, addressing the questions and frame-of-reference presented in the introductory article of Klabbers (2018a) and completed by his rebuttal. Results. The contributions range from the linkages between game science and complex social systems design through gaming simulation, to gamification science, and game studies, focusing on the ludosphere and the growing field of digital games. Conclusion. The articles present an overview of the current state of the art, craft, and science of gaming simulation, gamification and game studies. They present a stimulating and challenging debate, and a good basis for advancing the principles and foundations of game science.


In addressing the grand challenge to build healthy relationships to end violence, social workers continue to engage in helping individuals affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV often results in negative mental health and physical health outcomes. This qualitative study explored Latina immigrant women's experiences of IPV by using an intersectional Chicana feminist approach. Twenty Latina undocumented immigrants who experienced IPV shared their testimonio interviews to denounce the injustices they experienced when seeking help. A narrative analysis is presented to illustrate some of the ineffective responses the participants experienced when seeking help as well as effective responses that provided them support. The analysis of the survivors' testimonios also offered detailed stories to help us understand the intersectional experiences related to the survivors' gender, ethnicity, social class, and undocumented immigration status when seeking help. Providing support to Latina immigrant survivors requires a better understanding of the unique help-seeking barriers they encounter in the United States. Implications from this study suggest that in order to effectively support the health of undocumented survivors of IPV, social workers need to consider trust building and be prepared to respond to the current political climate and institutional barriers when providing services for undocumented immigrant survivors.


We present new Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of a sample of eight radio-quiet (RQ) γ-ray pulsars detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. For all eight pulsars we identify the X-ray counterpart, based on the X-ray source localization and the best position obtained from γ-ray pulsar timing. For PSR J2030+4415 we found evidence for a ∼10″-long pulsar wind nebula. Our new results consolidate the work from Marelli et al. and confirm that, on average, the γ-ray-to-X-ray flux ratios (Fγ/FX) of RQ pulsars are higher than for the radio-loud (RL) ones. Furthermore, while the Fγ/FX distribution features a single peak for the RQ pulsars, the distribution is more dispersed for the RL ones, possibly showing two peaks. We discuss possible implications of these different distributions based on current models for pulsar X-ray emission.


Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 93(2): 343-345 (2000) ABSTRACT The frequent interruption of male courtship in highly crowded mass-rearing cages of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) was correlated with changes in both male courtship and female acceptance criteria in a mass-reared Costa Rican strain, in accord with previous studies of other strains. Abbreviation of courtship behavior by mass-reared males was associated with the loss of the wild-type female tendency to reject males that performed shorter courtships. Consideration of probable costs and benefits of female choice in mass-rearing cages suggests that inadvertant selection in the cages probably favored the change in female criteria because females obtained sons with more effective courtship behavior.


OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the incidence, nature, and predisposing factors of atrioventricular block (AVB) associated with closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). BACKGROUND In our institution, 162 patients underwent ASD closure using ASO between December 1997 and December 2001. This includes small children with large defects. METHODS Electrocardiographic tracings during ASO implantation and at follow-up visits were reviewed. Anatomic characteristics and device size were assessed as potential risk factors for AVB. RESULTS Ten patients (6.2%) presented with new-onset (n 9) or aggravation of preexisting (n 1) AVB. Atrioventricular block occurred during the procedure (n 3) or was first noted one day to one week later (n 7). Patients had first-degree (n 4), second-degree Wenckebach (n 4), or third-degree (n 2) AVB, with no symptoms or hemodynamic compromise. First-degree AVB persisted in two patients at 12 and 33 months of follow-up, whereas most recovered normal AV conduction within one (n 7) or six months (n 1). A larger shunt (Qp/Qs ratio 2.8 0.9 vs. 2.1 0.8, p 0.01) and device size (24 5 vs. 19 6 mm, p 0.01) were the only determinant factors for AVB. A device size 19 mm was used in 90% (9 of 10) of patients who developed AVB, as compared with 49% of those without AVB (p 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Closure of ASDs using the large ASO can be associated with the development of AV block and mandate a closer follow-up. In our series, however, all AVBs resolved or improved spontaneously, with no recurrence at mid-term follow-up. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2004;43: 1677–82) © 2004 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation


The research has been conducted on 120 football players at the age of 15 years. They were treated by 21 motor tests for assessment of 7 hypothetical motor dimensions, i.e. 3 tests for each dimension: movement speed, explosive power, flexibility, coordination, agility, repetitive strength, and endurance. The aim of the research is to assess the validity of the used motor tests. By using the Hotelling factor analysis unsatisfactory validity has been found only for the coordination assessing tests.


Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure results in a sudden drop in left ventricular (LV) preload, and this may affect the LV functions. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the immediate- and short-term changes in LV functions by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) post percutaneous PDA closure. Materials and Methods: The study included 45 patients with PDA who were referred for PDA trans-catheter closure. All the patients included in the study underwent full echocardiographic examination and speckle tracking analysis before PDA closure, immediately after closure, and 1 month after the PDA closure. Results: There was no statistically significant change in LV functions by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography; the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) decreased significantly in the immediate follow-up from 41.608 ± 25.8846 ml before duct closure to 36.317 ± 21.6945 ml. The drop in the LV EDV continued in the 1-month follow-up. The LV end-systolic volume decreased as well, however it took 1 month for this drop to be statistically significant. The LV end-diastolic dimension also decreased significantly after duct closure. Regarding STE results, the global LV strain and strain rate values did not significantly change. The global strain values had a mean of −22.944% ± 3.5128% before duct closure and decreased to a mean −22.028% ± 2.8932% immediately after duct closure. Conclusion: The study concluded that STE could be used to detect subtle changes in LV deformation. Time to peak systolic strain is an understudied parameter that needs further evaluation to provide a better understanding regarding its role in myocardial function assessment.


This paper presents Sentaur, a middleware designed, built, and deployed to support sensor-based smart space analytical applications. Sentaur supports a powerful data model that decouples semantic data (about the application domain) from sensor data (using which the semantic data is derived). By supporting mechanisms to map/translate data, concepts, and queries between the two levels, Sentaur relieves application developers from having to know or reason about either capabilities of sensors or write sensor specific code. This paper describes Sentaur's data model, its translation strategy, and highlights its benefits through real-world case studies.


This exploratory study examined the frequency and nature of providers' contact with families of persons with severe mental illness. Fifty-nine providers in six community mental health programs completed a self-administered survey. A subsample of 8 providers also completed two in-depth interviews. Although most providers had some family contact, the contact was restricted to a small percent of their caseloads. The nature of contact that providers have with families is generally limited by their professional role. Best practice guidelines for the treatment of mental illness and agency administrators responsible for instituting these guidelines will need to clarify the types of providers who are expected to implement various aspects of family involvement.


The effect of A-factor on streptomycin resistance and productivity in Streptomyces griseus and S. bikiniensis was studied using A-factor-negative mutants. Resistance of several of these mutants was markedly increased by adding A-factor to the growing medium, as also was their streptomycin productivity. The A-factor induced resistance was due to inactivation by streptomycin-6-phosphotransferase, and enzyme synthesis in these mutants was completely dependent on the presence of A-factor. In the case of S. griseus 2247 where streptomycin productivity was independent of A-factor, resistance and synthesis of the inactivating enzyme were also independent of A-factor. A-Factor-negative mutants of S. griseus showed a decreased level of NADP-glycohydrolase and an increased level of several NADP-linked dehydrogenases, but these enzymes did not return to parental levels in cultures supplemented with A-factor. A-Factor seems to regulate streptomycin biosynthesis, not through an indirect metabolic sequence involving these enzymes but, more likely, by directly stimulating synthesis of enzyme(s) in the biosynthetic pathway.


Exploring a fast and accurate salient object detection (SOD) model is a promising research area. TBRS [1] has been proposed a two-branch network for real-time SOD. However, its principle of adding an extra path to encode spatial information is time-consuming. And its backbone is borrowed from image classification tasks, may be inefficient for SOD due to the deficiency of task-specific design. To handle these problems, we propose a novel and efficient structure named short-range concatenate module (SRCM) by removing structure redundancy. Specifically, we gradually reduce the dimension of feature maps and use the aggregation of them for image representation, which forms the basic module of SRCM network. Moreover, we propose an efficient detail guidance branch (DBG) to further encode detail structural information in low-level stages instead of the time-consuming perceptual branch used in TBRS. Finally, low-level features and high-level features are fused by the feature projection module (FPM). Extensive evaluations and analysis demonstrate that our proposed algorithm achieves the leading accuracy performance with real-time speed (216fps). We hope that our series of works can motivate future research for real-time SOD task.


Several thousand Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) including worker, nymph, soldier, neotenic and alate castes were collected from three pine logs brought into the laboratory on dates five years apart. The neotenics, all nymphoid, were divided into three groups based on the extent of cuticle pigmentation and termed regular neotenics (RN), black-headed neotenics (BHN) or black neotenics (BN). All castes, from Log A, in 2008, provided a neutral sex ratio except BHN (N = 378) and BN (N = 51) which were exclusively male while the soldiers (N = 466) were female-biased. This information suggests that there is a sex-linked bifurcation along the path for termite development with a male-biased neotenic or female-biased soldier as the choice. In contrast, termites collected in 2004 from Log B provided sex ratios that included a female biased RN (N = 1017), a neutral soldier (N = 258) and male biased BHN (N = 99) and workers (N = 54). Log C, collected in 2009, provided female biased soldiers (N = 32), RNs (N = 18) and BHNs (N = 4) and only male BN (N = 5). Eight laboratory cultures, ranging in age from five to 14 years old, also were sampled and all castes sexed. The census included a 14-year old queen-right colony, an 8-year old polyandrous colony and six colonies provided nymphs and male-biased worker populations. Together these data indicate a flexible caste determination system providing a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the flexible developmental options available in R. flavipes that we discuss relative to the literature on Reticulitermes ontogeny.


The present study in rats was aimed at determining the specific day of pregnancy on which maternal body fat accumulation starts and which tissues are involved. Most of the body weight increase at day 12 of gestation corresponded to conceptus-free maternal weight which progressively increased until the 19th day of gestation after which maternal weight stabilized and the rate of conceptus weight gain became maximal. Maternal carcass fat content progressively increased until day 18 of gestation, increased very markedly on day 19, stabilized between day 19 and 20 and then decreased on day 21. These changes were the opposite of the course of the specific-gravity values. The fresh weight of lumbar fat-pads and mesenteric adipose tissue reflected the changes in carcass fat content throughout gestation. Periuterine adipose-tissue mass declined on day 12 of gestation to be recuperated later, subcutaneous adipose tissue increased on day 12 to decline progressively thereafter and interscapular brown adipose tissue remained stable until day 20 and increased on day 21. With only a few exceptions, the lipid concentration in all these adipose tissues remained stable throughout gestation. Mammary glands and liver weights increased intensely from day 12 and, whereas the lipid concentration in the former was stable, in the latter it decreased on day 12 and increased on days 18 and 19. These results show that in the rat (a) maternal carcass fat accumulation during gestation is not paralleled by the size of the different fat-storing tissues and (b) mammary-gland fat accumulation also contributes to maternal fat storage.


The ab-initio density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) is a tool that can be applied to a wide variety of interesting problems in quantum chemistry. Here, we examine the density matrix renormalization group from the vantage point of the quantum chemistry user. What kinds of problems is the DMRG well-suited to? What are the largest systems that can be treated at practical cost? What sort of accuracies can be obtained, and how do we reason about the computational difficulty in different molecules? By examining a diverse benchmark set of molecules: π-electron systems, benchmark main-group and transition metal dimers, and the Mn-oxo-salen and Fe-porphine organometallic compounds, we provide some answers to these questions, and show how the density matrix renormalization group is used in practice.


An NMR probe head for diffusion measurements in molten salts at temperatures up to 673 K is described. The spin echo technique using pulsed magnetic field gradients was employed. Resulting self-diffusion coefficients of Na+ in molten NaNO3 in the temperature range 596-670 K are compared with literature data obtained by other methods.


Abstract In many physical systems, reliability evaluation, such as ones encountered in telecommunications, the design of integrated circuits, microwave relay stations, oil pipeline systems, vacuum systems in accelerators, computer ring networks, and spacecraft relay stations, have had applied consecutive k-out-of-n system models. These systems are characterized as logical connections among the components of the systems placed in lines or circles. In literature, a great deal of attention has been paid to the study of the reliability evaluation of consecutive k-out-of-n systems. In this paper, we propose a new method to compute the reliability of consecutive k-out-of-n:F systems, with n linearly and circularly arranged components. The proposed method provides a simple way for determining the system failure probability. Also, we write R-Project codes based on our proposed method to compute the reliability of the linear and circular systems which have a great number of components.


Purpose. To report long-term results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for valgus knees. Methods. 34 women and 19 men aged 39 to 84 (mean, 74) years with valgus knees underwent primary TKA by a senior surgeon. Of the 78 knees, 43, 29, and 6 had type-I, type-II, and type-III valgus deformities, respectively. A preliminary lateral soft-tissue release was performed, and the tibia and femur were prepared. The tight lateral structures were released using the pie-crusting technique. In 92% of the knees, cruciate-retaining implants were used. In knees with severe deformity and medial collateral ligament insufficiency, the posterior cruciate ligament was sacrificed and constrained implants were used. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was assessed, as were tibiofemoral alignment, range of motion, stability, and evidence of loosening or osteolysis. Results. Patients were followed up for 8 to 14 (mean, 10) years. All knees had a good patellar position and were clinically stable in both mediolateral and anteroposterior planes. No radiolucency was noted. The mean HSS knee score improved from 48 to 91 (p<0.001). The mean tibiofemoral alignment improved from valgus 20° to 5° (p<0.001). The mean range of motion improved from 65° to 110° (p<0.001). One patient developed a deep infection at year 4, and 2 had periprosthetic fractures at years 6 and 8. Conclusion. Adequate lateral soft-tissue release is the key to successful TKAs in valgus knees. The choice of implant depends on the severity of the valgus deformity and the extent of soft-tissue release needed to obtain a stable, balanced flexion and extension gap, in order to achieve minimal constraint with maximum stability.


The theory of social attachment states that individuals seek the proximity of attachment figures (e.g. family members, friends, colleagues, familiar places or objects) when faced with threat. During disasters, this means that family members may seek each other before evacuating, gather personal property before heading to familiar exits and places, or follow groups/crowds, etc. This hard-wired human tendency should be considered in the assessment of risk and the formulation of disaster management plans. Doing so may result in more realistic evacuation procedures and may minimise the number of casualties and injuries. In this context, a dynamic spatio-temporal analysis of seismic risk is presented here using SOLACE, a multi-agent model of pedestrian behaviour based on the theory of social attachment applied using the Belief-Desire-Intention approach. The model focuses on the influence of human, social, physical and temporal factors on successful evacuation. Human factors considered include perception and mobility defined by age. Social factors are defined by attachment bonds, social groups, population distribution, and cultural norms. Physical factors refer to the location of the epicentre of the earthquake, the spatial distribution/layout and attributes of environmental objects such as buildings, roads, barriers (cars), placement of safe areas, evacuation routes, and the resulting debris/damage from the earthquake. Experiments tested the influence of time of the day, the presence of disabled persons and earthquake intensity. Initial results show that factors that influence arrivals in safe areas include (a) human factors (age, disability, speed), (b) pre-evacuation behaviours, (c) perception distance (social attachment, time of day), (d) social interaction during evacuation, and (e) physical and spatial aspects, such as limitations imposed by debris (damage), and the distance to safe areas. To validate the results, scenarios have to be designed with stakeholders, who would also take part in the definition of a serious game. The recommendation of this research is that both social and physical aspects must be considered when defining vulnerability in risk analysis.


Small cyclic nucleotide derivatives are employed as second messengers by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes to regulate diverse cellular processes responding to various signals. In bacteria, c-di-AMP has been discovered most recently, and some Gram-positive pathogens including S. pyogenes use this cyclic nucleotide derivative as a second messenger instead of c-di-GMP, a well-studied important bacterial second messenger. GdpP, c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase, is responsible for degrading c-di-AMP inside cells, and the cellular role of GdpP in S. pyogenes has not been examined yet. To test the cellular role of GdpP, we created a strain with a nonpolar inframe deletion of the gdpP gene, and examined the properties of the strain including virulence. From this study, we demonstrated that GdpP influences the biogenesis of SpeB, the major secreted cysteine protease, at a post-translational level, susceptibility to the beta lactam antibiotic ampicillin, and is necessary for full virulence in a murine subcutaneous infection model.


This study considers the application of quantitative risk assessment (QRA) on the siting of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and determining nearby land use limitations. In such cases the most important consideration is to be assured that the proposed site would not be incompatible with existing land uses in the vicinity. It is possible by the categorization of the estimated levels of individual risk (IR) which the proposed site would impose upon them. An analysis of the consequences and likelihood of credible accident scenarios coupled with acceptable risk criteria is then undertaken. This enables the IR aspects of the proposed site to be considered at an early stage to allow prompt responses or in the later stages to observe limitations. According to the results in many cases, not only required distances have not been provided but also CNG stations are commonly located in vicinity of populated areas to facilitate refueling operations. This is chiefly because of inadequate risk assessment studies and ambiguities to define acceptable risk criteria.


In this study, stomach contents of 716 whiting were examined caught from the Turkey Middle Black Sea Coast between December 2001 and April 2003. The analyses of feeding regime of whiting were made according to the seasons and age groups. The Frequency of Occurrence, The Numerical Occurrence Windell and Bowen (1978) and Geometric Index of Importance (GII) Assis (1996) methods were used. Analysis of stomach contents showed that whiting feed on mainly the fishes and crustacean, mostly anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) with yearly find frequency as (%F) 23.04. The occurrence of the quantity and type of food items in the stomach was related to their seasonal abundance. It was observed that whiting consumed intensively during spring and summer. Anchovy as primarily prey; whiting, horse mackerel and shrimps as secondary prey; sprats and gobies as thirdly prey; pipefish and isopoda sp. as occasional prey were determined according to geometric index of importance (GII).


This article outlines how an in-depth engagement with visual archives has transformed the author's pedagogical practice. It argues that working with visual sources like photographs and illustrations offers students important opportunities to develop key academic skills, and to think critically about archives and sources. It details how working with such rich materials makes space for personal reflection and discovery, especially for students engaging with histories of sex and sexuality for the first time. Outlining the strengths of this approach, it explores some of the tensions and obstacles inherent in doing this kind of work—discussing, for example, the ethical dilemmas faced when reproducing and disseminating sexualized images in the classroom, the complexities of handling student reactions, and the activities students and the instructor have created to negotiate these issues.


Adhesion of lymphocytes to glomerular endothelial cells might be a critical step in the development of acute and chronic glomerulonephritis. The protective effect of anti-CD11a and anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) antibodies on the cytotoxity elicited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated lymphocytes was investigated by using cultured bovine glomerular endothelial cells (GEN). Both anti-CD11a and CD18 antibodies inhibited GEN injury induced by the activated lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, both antibodies also inhibited the adhesion of the activated lymphocytes to the GEN monolayers. These results suggest that it is important for activated lymphocytes to bind to GEN via adhesion molecules for cytotoxity to be produced by the activated lymphocytes.


BACKGROUND:There is an increasing trend of smoking shisha amongst young people all over the world including Pakistan,without knowing its hazardous effects. OBJECTIVE: To assess belief about harmfulness of smoking shisha as compared to cigarette smoking as per view of public. METHODOLOGY:A questionnaire formed with the help of Chest Health and Education Society, was filled from 123 Pakistani students of age group 16-35 years. Subjects included shisha and cigarette smokers and non smokers. Result: Analysis showed that 71% of cigarette and 56% of shisha users knew about its contents while rests were unaware. Shisha was more popular in 16-28 years of age group while people above 28 years prefer cigarette smoking. Among females,41% were found to be inclined towards shisha while 8% towards cigarette.For 20.3% subjects shisha was sign of modernization and social tool while 9.7% thought cigarette reduces stress.More people(19.5%) were comfortable in smoking shisha in front of their families while only 1.6% cigarette users had this comfort level.On questioning about quitting shisha,50.4% were not sure of the answer while 24.3% did not want to. With cigarette smoking, 31.7% people wanted to quit (p Conclusion. Shisha in today's world is considered a recreational tool rather than a drug; hence its popularity is reaching new heights.Parents permit their children to smoke shisha but shun cigarettes. Electronic media should put a ban on its advertisement and spread awareness regarding different forms of tobacco smoking.


Sharing good news with the partner improves individual and relational well-being. While prior research has confirmed the benefits of such capitalization processes, knowledge on how the type of events that are shared, and the way they are shared, affects individuals and relationships is limited. We investigated diary data from 49 married couples to examine associations between the explicitness in the disclosure of events that were either internal or external to the couple, and individual and relational well-being, above and beyond the effects of the events and their disclosure. Multilevel analyses suggested that self-esteem and relationship quality increased as a function of women's and men's reports of internal and external positive events, but not as a function of the mere disclosure of the event. Being explicit when disclosing a positive event to the partner, however, was positively associated with individual and relational well-being in women and in men, beyond the effects of the event and its disclosure. We discuss how the current research contributes to the understanding of the capitalization process and its contribution to well-being, underscoring the importance of communication skills.


Cancer cells secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that are involved in the remodeling of tumor microenvironment (TME) and can promote tumor progression. The role of sEVs and their molecular key players in colon cancer stem cells differentiation are poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the role and content of sEVs released during the differentiation of colorectal cancer stem cells. Here we show that sEVs secretion during colon cancer stem cells differentiation is partially controlled by CD147, a well-known player involved in colon cancer tumorigenesis. CD147 + sEVs activate a signaling cascade in recipient cells inducing molecular invasive features in colon cancer cells. CD147 knockdown as well as anti-CD147 antibodies impaired sEVs release and downstream effects on recipient cells and blocking multivesicular body maturation prevented sEVs release during the differentiation. Our findings reveal a functional role of CD147 in promoting sEVs release during the differentiation of colon cancer stem cells and in triggering cellular changes in recipient cells.


Two amphipatic polymers of the poly(2-oxazoline) family, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOZ) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOZ), were synthesized with the carboxylic group positioned at either the initiation or termination ends of the polymer chains. Distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine was covalently linked to the carboxyl groups of the polymers, resulting in conjugates which incorporate readily into liposomes. Systematic evaluation of plasma clearance kinetics and biodistribution of liposomes containing hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and 5 mol % the polymer-lipid conjugates in mice revealed the following. Both polymers, PMOZ and PEOZ, exhibited long plasma lifetimes and low hepatosplenic uptake. PMOZ was more effective at decreasing blood clearance rates than PEOZ. The best results, which were quantitatively comparable to the results obtained with the optimized preparations of methoxypolyethylene glycol(PEG)-2000-grafted liposomes, were obtained with formulations containing PMOZ of molecular weight 3260.


A hybrid emulsion polymerization was formulated for synthesizing Fe3O4/polystyrene composite latex. This system, containing binary droplets that are magnetic (Mag)-droplets with a diameter of 100–200 nm and styrene (St)-droplets with a diameter of 3–4 μm, was obtained by mixing Mag-miniemulsion and St-macroemulsion. With extremely low surfactants concentration (≪critical micelle concentration, CMC), the nucleated loci are selectively controlled in the Mag-droplets, as the result of smaller droplet size and larger surface ratio. Both water-soluble potassium persulfate (KPS) and oil-soluble 2,2′-azobis(2-isobutyronitrile) was adopted to initiate the polymerization. In the presence of KPS, magnetic polystyrene latices with particles size of 60–200 nm, narrow size distribution, and high magnetite content (86 wt % measured by TGA) were attained successfully. The synthesized magnetic Fe3O4/polystyrene latices assembled into well-ordered hexagonal structure in the surface of a carbon supported copper grid. The influence of various parameters on various aspects of the as-synthesized Fe3O4/polystyrene was investigated in detail: type of initiator on composite morphology, feed ratio of Mag-miniemulsion and St-macroemulsion on magnetite content, and hydrophobic agent or amount of surfactant on size and size distribution. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5285–5295, 2007


In 2011, the World Bank initiated its first-ever examination of the policies and characteristics of effective insolvency systems for individuals (natural persons). This paper describes the two-year process that led to the publication of the World Bank's landmark Report on the Treatment of the Insolvency of Natural Persons. After examining the key content and three major themes of the Report, three of the most recent new personal insolvency regimes are introduced with an eye to identifying the ways in which the themes of the Report are reflected in these new laws. The personal insolvency provisions in Colombian law most directly evidence the influence of the World Bank project. Its major themes are reflected distinctly in the new laws in Italy and Ireland, as well, though in very different ways, lending support to the World Bank's predictions of convergence but continuing diversity of approach around the world in this rapidly developing area of law.


OBJECTIVES OF STUDY:
Overall : To compare the efficacy of autologous PRF with moist saline dressing in patients with chronic venous leg ulcer.
Specific : To compare the mean reduction in ulcer area at end of 4 weeks.
JUSTIFICATION / RATIONALE FOR THE CONDUCT OF STUDY: Chronic venous leg ulcers is a result of the progression of chronic venous insufficiency. This often affects the quality of life of patients and shows a protracted healing, resulting in economic burden. Cutaneous wound healing involves release of platelet growth factors and chronic wounds have been hypothesized to be deficient in them. It has been suggested that topical administration of platelet derivates, including "platelet-rich plasma" and "platelet gel" can enhance tissue repair. Platelet derivates have been used to accelerate tissue repair in orthopaedic surgery, dental surgery, plastic surgery, and chronic diabetic ulcers.
Justification for the study: Topical platelet derivates have been found to be efficacious in enhancing tissue repair, including cutaneous ulcers of varied etiology, in randomized control trials.
Inclusion Criteria :
Patients with chronic venous leg ulcers of lower extremity of > 6 months duration, attending the out-patient department, having an ulcer area of 1cm x 1cm to 5cm x 5 cm.
Exclusion Criteria :
(i) Ulcers < 6 months duration,
(ii) Ulcers of other etiology e.g. neuropathic ulcer/arterial ulcer/diabetic ulcer/ulcer with
Underlying vasculitis,
(iii) Patients with osteomyelitis affecting the area of the ulcer,
(iv) Ulcers with exposure of tendons or bones,
(v) Ulcers with area 5cm x 5cm,
(vi) Ulcers with copious discharge /overt infection /infected with Pseudomonas,
(vii) Hb < 11 gm/dl and/or platelet count < 1,50,000/ mm3,
(viii) Patients receiving anti-coagulants/ anti-platelet drugs/ bleeding diathesis,
(ix) Patients with age 65 years,
(x) Pregnancy and lactation,
(xi) Non-consenting patients.
METHODOLOGY :
Study design: Open labeled prospective randomized control trial
No. of groups to be studied, their names and definitions: 2 groups
Group 1 (Treatment Group): Patients with chronic venous ulcer receiving Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
along with standardized regimen of good wound care and rest.
Group 2 (Control Group): Patients with chronic venous ulcer receiving moist saline dressings along with standardized regimen of good wound care and rest.
Sample size : 15.
Sampling method :
All patients with chronic venous c ulcer of lower extremities, and satisfying the inclusion & exclusion
criteria shall be included in the study.
Randomization technique :
Simple randomization technique will be used to allocate the treatment to patients. It will involve
computer generated random numbers which will be sealed in an envelope.
Preparation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) :
PRF preparation requires a table centrifuge under sterile precautions. 10 ml of patient's own whole
blood will be drawn into vacutainer tubes without anticoagulant and immediately centrifuged at
3000 rpm for 15 minutes. A fibrin clot is obtained in the middle of the tube, just between the RBCs
at the bottom and acellular plasma at the top. 10 ml of whole blood will yield about 2.5 ml of clot.
This clot will be removed from the tube under aseptic precautions with the help of sterile forceps
and the attached RBCs will be scraped off and discarded. Fibrin clot will be used for dressing
immediately.
Dressing procedure :
Group 1 will receive PRF clot dressing. It will be applied over the wound surface in a thin layer and
covered with sterile saline gauze (primary dressing) followed by cotton pad and roller bandage
(secondary dressing). The secondary dressing will be changed daily whereas the primary dressing
will be left in place for 1 week. After 1 week, all PRF remnants will be removed with water and
sterile gauze. Following this, the next PRF treatment shall be given. A total of four PRF treatments
at weekly intervals shall be given for a total duration of 4 weeks.
Group 2 will receive only sterile saline soaked gauze dressing which will be changed weekly.
Baseline measures after randomization:
 i) Ulcer margins (length & breadth) in mm: by measuring greatest length and the greatest width.
 ii) Digital photography taken at beginning and end of treatment
 iii) Outcome measures at the end of four weeks
CONCLUSION : In our study, there was high ulcer reduction rate at the end of 4 weeks in the patients treated with PRF dressings when compared to the saline group, which was statistically significant. As this procedure is effective, simple, patient friendly, cost effective, painless and can be done as an outpatient procedure, we would like to conclude that the use of Platelet Rich Fibrin dressings as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of chronic venous ulcer is effective, as it shows great potential to achieve complete closure of ulcers and can successfully be used as a routine procedure in the treatment of venous ulcers.


Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to investigate changes in total energy and charge population of metal microclusters under various conditions for electric charging. This information would be helpful in the design of single-electron devices in which charge confinement in a quantum dot is essential to achieve device action. Total energies suggest that storage of electric charge is allowed within ±2e at normal device voltage for an Al169 cluster whose diameter is 3.8 nm in the planar structure. Less charge confinement (±e) is permitted for smaller cluster size. Charge populations show a difference between atoms located at the inner and outer parts of the cluster. The total amount of electrons in the inner part is almost constant in spite of the variation of electric charging conditions. In contrast, the outer part is significantly involved in storing or releasing electrons.


Nowadays there are relatively few studies that have compared consumer attitudes to Islamic finance in developed and developing countries. This study aims to analyze differences in attitudes towards Islamic finance between bank consumers in developed country (Italy) and developing country (Libya), including identifying various antecedents of attitudes to seeking financing by bank consumers in both countries. For this reason, we conducted an exploratory study through a content analysis of two scientific journal articles. Specifically, we systematically reviewed two scientific journal articles that discussed the bank's attitude towards Islamic finance. The first article was written by Gait and Worthington (2015) and the second article was written by Opromolla (2012). We found that the study of Gait et al. (2015) succeeded in identifying four determinants of consumer attitudes toward Islamic finance, namely community service, profitability, religion, and unique services. In addition, religion and community service are the most important positive attitudes that determine the use of Islamic finance methods by retail consumers in Libya. On the other hand, the Opromolla study (2012) aims to analyze the suitability of Islamic banking with the Italian banking system. Through a practical analysis of experience in financial services in Italy, it was found that although Italy provides a conducive and flexible legal environment and supporting banking laws and regulations, Islamic banks are not yet established in Italy. For this reason, we need a way to adjust (reconcile) Islamic banking with EU regulations and the Italian banking system. In summary, the slow progress of Islamic banking in Italy is likely to be answered through the findings of empirical studies conducted by Gait and Worthington (2015).


Five economists, led by Peter Dawkins, have recommended that award wage rates be frozen so that real wages fall when the rate of inflation is positive. In papers supporting their recommendations they claim that work by Debelle and Vickery shows that a cut in real wages of 2 percent will reduce the unemployment rate by one percentage point. A careful reading of Debelle and Vickery's work reveals that one could equally well argue that, even taken at face value, their work supports the claim that the unemployment rate will only fall by 0.4 of a percentage point if real wages fall by 2 percent. Moreover, a critical analysis of Debelle and Vickery's work casts further doubt on the value of freezing award wage rates. Freezing award wage rates is an ineffectual way of reducing real wages, which increases inefficiency in the economy and inequity in society. * Center for Applied Economic Research, The University of New South Wales. An abridged version of this paper is published in Economic Papers, June 2000. Thanks are due to participants at the Conference, especially Bruce Chapman, for helpful comments and to Trevor Stegman who commented on a draft.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial, age-related neurological disease characterized by complex pathophysiological dynamics taking place at multiple biological levels, including molecular, genetic, epigenetic, cellular and large-scale brain networks. These alterations account for multiple pathophysiological mechanisms such as brain protein accumulation, neuroinflammatory/neuro-immune processes, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration that eventually lead to cognitive and behavioral decline. Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) signaling have been implicated in the epigenetics and molecular genetics of all neurobiological processes associated with AD pathophysiology. These changes encompass altered miRNA abundance, speciation and complexity in anatomical regions of the CNS targeted by the disease, including modified miRNA expression patterns in brain tissues, the systemic circulation, the extracellular fluid (ECF) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). miRNAs have been investigated as candidate biomarkers for AD diagnosis, disease prediction, prognosis and therapeutic purposes because of their involvement in multiple brain signaling pathways in both health and disease. In this review we will: (i) highlight the significantly heterogeneous nature of miRNA expression and complexity in AD tissues and biofluids; (ii) address how information may be extracted from these data to be used as a diagnostic, prognostic and/or screening tools across the entire continuum of AD, from the preclinical stage, through the prodromal, i.e., mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phase all the way to clinically overt dementia; and (iii) consider how specific miRNA expression patterns could be categorized using miRNA reporters that span AD pathophysiological initiation and disease progression.


The relationship between collective memory and the built environment is a complex relationship. Though the concept of memory is fragile, the maintenance and continuation of urban memory are essential to maintain groups' identities and to support the sense of place and place attachment between community members and the architectural settings they use and/or reside in. Preserving the physical aspects of buildings, spaces and settings that are linked with memory, is important to preserve the memory, however, the mere preservation does not guarantee the continuation of memory. The maintenance and continuation of memory is a process that depends on several factors, where the preservation of the physical aspects is only one among several. This paper aims at a better understanding of the intricate relationship between collective memory and the built environment, focusing on the processes of formation, stimulation and consolidation of memory. The paper sheds the lights on historic houses that are embedded with significant meanings and memories to their social contexts. It claims that historic houses can easily shift from 'potential cultural memory' to 'actual cultural memory' that could act as pillars of memory to their surrounding community, if the conservation process is done comprehensively, that is to include not only the physical and spatial aspects of memory but also to tackle the social dimensions of memory as well. The paper is organized into three sections: the first investigates the memory formation process, focusing on the social and the spatial dimension of memory, then the second investigates the possible channels to memory stimulation and consolidation, and finally, as a case study, the third section investigates the memory of two historic houses in Cairo, Egypt. The review of the works undertaken in the two houses highlights the difference and the distance between the concept of restoration and the essence of conservation. Findings yielded that, urban memory is an important aspect of cultural heritage that should to be captured and preserved for current and future generations, an aspect that is missing in local conservation approaches. Moreover, to be maintained, urban memory needs physical, social and moral props.


In the present work, the conducted research concerned the determination of the toxicity and oxidative stress generation of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU), its metabolite nor-fluoxetine (Nor-FLU), the antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA), caffeic acid (CA) and their mixtures in three different environments: microbial medium (MM), raw wastewaters (RW) and treated wastewaters (TW). We evaluated the following parameters: E. coli cell viability, toxicity and protein damage, sodA promoter induction and ROS generation. It was found that FLU, Nor-FLU, NA, CA and their mixtures are toxic and they have the potency to generate oxidative stress in E. coli strains. We also detected that the wastewater, in comparison to the microbial medium, had an influence on the toxic activity and oxidative stress synthesis of the tested chemicals and their mixtures. Regardless of the environment under study, the strongest toxic activity and oxidative stress generation were detected after bacterial incubation with NA at a concentration of 1 mg/dm3 and the mixture of FLU (1 mg/dm3) with Nor-FLU (0.1 mg/dm3) and with NA (0.1 mg/dm3). The ROS synthesis and sodA promoter induction suggest that, in the case of the examined compounds and their mixtures, oxidative stress is the mechanism of toxicity. The analysis of the types of interactions among the substances constituting the mixtures in the wastewater revealed synergism, potentiation and antagonism.


Plug-and-play functionality allows deep learning models to adapt well to different tasks without requiring any parameters modified. Recently, prefix-tuning was shown to be a plug-and-play method on various text generation tasks by simply inserting corresponding continuous vectors into the inputs. However, sequence labeling tasks invalidate existing plug-and-play methods since different label sets demand changes to the architecture of the model classifier. In this work, we propose the use of label word prediction instead of classification to totally reuse the architecture of pre-trained models for sequence labeling tasks. Specifically, for each task, a label word set is first constructed by selecting a high-frequency word for each class respectively, and then, task-specific vectors are inserted into the inputs and optimized to manipulate the model predictions towards the corresponding label words. As a result, by simply switching the plugin vectors on the input, a frozen pre-trained language model is allowed to perform different tasks. Experimental results on three sequence labeling tasks show that the performance of the proposed method can achieve comparable performance with standard fine-tuning with only 0.1\% task-specific parameters. In addition, our method is up to 70 times faster than non-plug-and-play methods while switching different tasks under the resource-constrained scenario.


OBJECTIVE
The current study investigated psychosocial correlates of abnormal adolescent eating behavior at three times during adolescence and young adulthood and its association with psychiatric diagnosis in young adulthood in a community sample.

METHOD
Sixty-four (10.5%) high-risk subjects (mean age 15 years) with abnormal eating behavior were identified at Time 1, another 252 (16.9%) were identified at Time 2 (mean age 16.2 years), and 164 (16.9%) were identified at Time 3 (mean age 19.7 years) and compared with three control groups matched for age and gender. Dependent measures included emotional and behavioral problems, life events, coping capacities, self-related cognition, social network, and family functions. Outcome was measured additionally by structured psychiatric interviews, and stability of abnormal eating behavior was studied in a longitudinal sample of 330 subjects.

RESULTS
Few subjects showed more than one of five criteria of abnormal eating behavior. High-risk subjects shared a very similar pattern at all three times. They were characterized by higher scores for emotional and behavioral problems, more life events including more negative impact, less active coping, lower self-esteem, and less family cohesion. Among 10 major psychiatric disorders, only clinical eating disorders at Time 3 shared a significant association with abnormal eating disorder at the same time whereas high-risk status at Times 1 and 2 did not predict any psychiatric disorder at Time 3. Stability of abnormal eating behavior across time was very low. Stability of abnormal eating behavior across time was very low.

DISCUSSION
Abnormal eating behavior in adolescence and young adulthood is clearly associated with various indicators of psychosocial maladaption. In adolescence, it does not significantly predict any psychiatric disorder including eating disorder in young adulthood and it is predominantly a transient feature.


The problem of scheduling the (time) resource allocation of a base station (cell tower) that interacts with clients (users of wireless mobile devices with Internet access) and servers from which they download web pages (files in general) is studied.


This article uses settler colonialism as a specific analytic frame through which to understand the historical forces in the formation of settler cities as urbanizing polities. Arguing that we must pay attention to the intertwined histories of immigration and colonization, the author traces the symbolic and economic functions and origins of the settler-colonial city to reveal its political imperatives, the expropriation of Indigenous land, and the dispossession, removal, sequestration, and transformation of Indigenous peoples. Taking as a case study the city of Victoria, BC, and its Lekwungen people throughout the nineteenth century, the author charts the shift from a mixed and fluid mercantilist society to an increasingly racialized and segregated settler-colonial polity. This transition reveals how bodies and urbanizing spaces are reordered and remade, and how Indigenous peoples come to be produced and marked by political categories borne of the racialized practices of an urbanizing settler colonialism, which complement the powerful forces of settler ethnogenesis and colonial modernity.