Purpose Dissecting intracranial aneurysms (DIA) can present with subarachnoid hemorrhage or ischemia, and are more common in the posterior circulation. Radiographically, DIA have similar morphological features to fusiform and dolichoectatic atherosclerotic aneurysms, with difficult diagnosis on traditional CTA and MRI/MRA cross sectional imaging. In addition, the rebleeding risk from ruptured DIA is considerably higher reaching up to 71.4% with 46.7% mortality, necessitating early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to distinguish specific imaging features of spontaneous DIA using high resolution MR vessel wall imaging (VWI). Methods In a retrospective analysis of our MR VWI database between Jan 2016 and March 2019, we identified patients with suspected DIA diagnosed by clinical history, CTA/MRA imaging findings, and conventional angiography. MRI 3D TOF and MR VWI were reviewed by two neuroradiologists for imaging findings that were diagnostic for DIA including intramural hematomas, intimal flaps and double lumen. Following diagnosis on MRI/3D TOF MRA, MR VWI was serially assessed for additional findings that could aid or confirm the diagnosis. Results Seven patients (4M:3F) with mean age 62± 13.7 were proven to have DIA, all located in the posterior circulation (6 vertebral:1 basilar). All patients presented with either severe headaches or diplopia/dizziness. There was no family history of IA, but high incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia (30%). On MRI/3D TOF MRA, intramural hemorrhage was observed to diagnose two DIAs, which was also confirmed with intramural T1 hyperintense signal on MR VWI. Two aneurysms demonstrated fusiform morphology with intraluminal thrombus on MRI/3D TOF MRA without diagnosis, however, MR VWI identified an enhancing dissection flap and double lumen pathology for definitive DIA diagnosis. Two DIA were suspected with suggestion of intimal flap on MRI/3DTOF MRA, but improved visualization of enhancing intimal flap on MR VWI confirmed the diagnosis. One aneurysm was diagnosed based on clinical history and an associated enhancing dissection flap with tapered occlusion of the contralateral vertebral artery, but no imaging features on 3D TOF MRA or MR VWI suggested a dissecting aneurysm. Conclusions Spontaneous DIA are more commonly diagnosed in the posterior circulation. MR VWI is a valuable tool in confirming the diagnosis and differentiating fusiform thrombosed aneurysms from DIA with improved visualization of T1 hyperintense intramural hemorrhage, and enhancing intimal flap, and/or double lumen intracranial dissection pathology. Disclosures R. Abdalla: None. Y. Moazeni: None. A. Shaibani: None. M. Hurley: None. M. Potts: None. B. Jahromi: None. S. Ansari: None.


Down syndrome results from trisomy for human chromosome 21 (chr21). People with DS have an increased risk of getting leukemia, but the likelihood of solid tumors might be reduced by contribution of several genes. We showed that trisomy in Ts65Dn "Down syndrome" mice reduces tumor number in the ApcMin model of intestinal cancer and that tumor number is inversely proportional to copy number of the Ets2 gene [Sussan TE, Nature 451, 73–75]. The current study provides evidence for additional dosage sensitive tumor repressor gene(s) in the cancer model, NP-cis. These mice carry a single copy of both the tightly linked Nf1 and p53 genes in cis. Tumors form by LOH. When NP-cis mice were crossed with Ts65Dn, trisomic offspring survived significantly longer than euploid. In contrast to the intestinal adenoma finding, introduction of a null allele of Ets2 in either trisomic or euploid mice (resulting in 2 or one copies of Ets2, respectively) had no effect on survival. This result demonstrates further dosage effects of genes trisomic in these mice and in Down syndrome. The lack of Ets2 effect in the NP-cis model is consistent with a protective mechanism that involves up-regulation of p53 by Ets2, thereby sensitizing trisomic cells to p53-mediated apoptosis. This mechanism would not work in NP-cis since tumors form due to loss of p53. In this regard, in vitro analysis of fibroblast cell lines from several genotypes showed that trisomic cells expressing more Ets2 than euploid were more sensitive to induction of apoptosis by camptothecin and showed a higher frequency of senescence. Other genes, like Endostatin, a cleavage product of Col18a1, and Rcan1 have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in adosage dependent manner in xenograft models of tumor growth [Zorick TS, EJHG 9, 811-4, Baek KH, Nature 459, 1126-30]. In contrast to results from xenografted tumors, endogenous tumors formed in trisomic, NP-cis mice showed no reduction in angiogenesis. Our findings indicate that multiple mechanisms involving other genes trisomic in Ts65Dn mice likely contribute to reduced tumor incidence in Down syndrome. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B28.


Managing energy in the home is key to creating a sustainable future for our society. More tools are increasingly available to measure home energy usage, however these tools provide little insight into questions such as why an appliance consumes more energy than normal or what kinds of behavioral changes might be most likely to reduce energy usage in the home. To answer these questions, a deeper understanding of the causal factors that influence energy usage is necessary. In this work, we conduct a broad study of factors that influence energy consumption of individual devices in the home. Our first contribution is collection of a context-rich data set from six homes across the United States. The second contribution of this work is a set of insights into key factors influencing energy usage derived by the novel application of a rule mining algorithm to identify significant associations between energy usage and four key features: hour of the day, day of the week, use of other appliances in the home, and user-supplied annotations of activities such as working or cooking. Our analysis confirms our hypothesis that, though most devices show a regular pattern of daily or weekly use, this is not true for all devices. Associations that relate use of two different devices in the same home are often stronger, and are observed for nearly 25% of device uses. Overall, we observe that the associations derived from the first five weeks of data in our data set are sufficient to explain nearly 70% of the device uses in the subsequent five weeks of data, and over 90% of the associations identified during the first five weeks recur in the latter portion of the data set. The associations identified by our approach may be used to to aid in end-user applications that heighten awareness and encourage energy savings, improve energy disaggregation algorithms, or even detect anomalous uses that may signal problems in aging-in-place homes.


According to the requirements of safe, simple and nondestructive radiation effect investigation of semiconductor devices, the method of laser simulation was proposed and greatly promoted. Compared with large-scale facilities, laser simulation has various unique advantages. It helps understand the ionization radiation effect in depth and is an effective low-cost, table-top supplement for the hardness assurance. Its research shows great significance for radiation effect study in both theory and practice. In this paper, the basic principles of the interactions of γ and laser with semiconductor devices are firstly presented. Then the physical basics and characteristics of laser simulation are given, with the research progress review followed. The existing problems of current research are deeply discussed providing with feasible research approaches. In the end, necessary research contents in the future are proposed.


Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral infectivity factor (Vif), one of the accessory proteins, which is a small basic phosphoprotein, is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. The best well-characterized function of Vif is its ability to neutralize the host cell antiviral factor, apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide like 3G (APOBEC3G), which makes the viral particles more infective. In addition, Vif can regulate the reverse transcription and the advanced stage of replication of the virus particle, as well as induce the termination of cell cycle at G2 stage and so on. The designed drug aimed directly at Vif can efficiently block the maturation and infectivity of HIV-1. In this review, the structure, function and especially the related inhibitors of Vif are reviewed.


Abstract. The properties of the three-dimensional noncanonical osp(3/2) oscillators, introduced in [J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 27 (1994) 977], are further studied. The angular momentum M of the oscillators can take at most three values M = p− 1, p, p+ 1, which are either all integers or all half-integers. The coordinates anticommute with each other. Depending on the state space the energy spectrum can coincide or can be essentially different from those of the canonical oscillator. The ground state is in general degenerated.


The prediction of combined effects based on the effects of the individual components of mixtures by using the pharmacological concepts of concentration addition and independent action might be a promising tool for the risk assessment of pollutant mixtures. To analyze and compare the predictive capabilities of the reference concepts for similarly acting chemicals, the overall toxicity of a multiple mixture was determined in a bioluminescence inhibition assay with Vibrio fischeri. The mixture was composed of 16 similarly and specifically acting chemicals, anticipated to have a common mode of action via weak acid respiratory uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Results show that the observed mixture toxicity is rather well predicted by both concepts. Concentration addition shows an excellent predictive power; the median effective concentration (EC50) of the mixture is predicted with an error of about 10%. Independent action, in contrast, underestimates the EC50 of the mixture by a factor of a little more than three. With respect to risk assessment procedures, it may be concluded that concentration addition gives a valid estimation of the overall toxicity for multiple mixtures with similar and specific mechanisms of action of the mixture components in this type of biotest.


This paper discusses 3 recurrent dislocations of the elbow joint. As possible cause for the etiology of the dislocation the author offers the post-traumatic flattening of the semilunar notch of the ulna. In 2 cases, a successful repair using the Kapel procedure was performed.


We propose a motivic generalization of rational homotopy types. The algebraic invariants we study are defined as algebra objects in the category of mixed motives. This invariant plays a role of Sullivan's polynomial de Rham algebras. Another main notion is that of cotangent motives. Our main objective is to investigate the topological realization of these invariants and study their structures. Applying these machineries and the Tannakian theory, we construct actions of a derived motivic Galois group on rational homotopy types. Thanks to this, we deduce actions of the motivic Galois group of pro-unipotent completions of homotopy groups.


The erratic development of electronic wallets (EW) illustrates the difficulties of their adoption by the general public and shopkeepers alike. With exceptions, such as Proton in Europe and Octopus in Asia, a lot of electronic wallets are likely to disappear in the next few years. Yet the key factors of success are known by banks which often choose to ignore them. However, the strategic change taken by some in order to bring a fresh start to electronic wallets like Moneo could reverse the tendency. Nevertheless, it will still be necessary to wait several years before seeing electronic wallets really impose themselves as a credible alternative to payments in cash.


An intensive soil sampling design was evaluated to determine what resolution could be obtained in N and C pool size estimates in a northern hardwood forest soil. Pits of measured volume were excavated by horizon in the forest floor and in three depth strata in the mineral soil. Future comparisons should be able to detect differences in N and C pool sizes ranging from 8 to 25% of the observed mean values depending upon the element and depth strata. Future sampling should detect changes of 230 and 130 kg N ha⁻¹ in the forest floor (combined O horizons) and 0- to 10-cm stratum in the mineral soil respectively. Similarly, changes of 5.9 and 2.4 Mg C ha⁻¹ should be detectable for forest floor and 0 to 10 cm pools respectively. Soil N content for the forest floor was 1300 kg N ha⁻¹. For the mineral soil depth strata (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20 cm to the bottom of the B horizon), N contents were 1600, 1200 and 3100 kg N ha⁻¹ respectively. Total solum N content was estimated to be 7200 kg N ha⁻¹. Soil C contents for the combined O horizons, 0- to 10-, 10- to 20- and ≥ 20-cm strata were 30, 32, 27 and 73 Mg C ha⁻¹ respectively. The total solum C content was estimated to be 160 Mg C ha⁻¹. Concentrations of soil N and C were positively correlated with elevation over the 240 m range studied, but soil pools of N and C were not correlated with elevation or soil mapping unit. Contribution of the Morris Arboretum.


In recent years, the technology readiness level of next‐generation lithium–sulfur (Li/S) batteries has shifted from coin cell to pouch cell dimensions. Promising optimizations of the electrodes, electrolytes, active materials, and additives lead to improved performance and cycling stability. However, new challenges arise with the pouch cell design and engineering (including electrode stacking and electrolyte filling), which influence the mechanistic processes of the cell. This study presents an unprecedented multimodal operando investigation of Li/S batteries on a pouch cell level and provides an inside view of material transformations during battery cycling, using X‐ray radiography, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and spatially resolved temperature monitoring. With the comparison of two different electrolytes, new experimental details about sulfur and lithium sulfide deposition and dissolution processes are revealed and related to electrolyte and temperature distribution. Operando impedance measurements on monolayer pouch cells yield a clear correlation of electrochemical and macroscopic radiographic observations. Understanding the monolayer cells' behavior represents an optimal foundation for further studies on multilayer pouch cell prototypes and demonstrators with the developed operando setup. Herein the proof of principle for correlated measurement methods on pouch cell level is shown, and the experimental proof of concept for sulfur crystal suppression in sparingly solvating electrolyte is visualized.


The traditional Chandrasekhar picture of the slow relaxation of stellar systems assumes that stars' orbits are only modified by occasional, uncorrelated, two-body flyby encounters with other stars. However, the long-range nature of gravity means that in reality large numbers of stars can behave collectively. In stable systems this collective behaviour (i) amplifies the noisy fluctuations in the system's gravitational potential, effectively 'dressing' the two-body (star-star) encounters, and (ii) allows the system to support large-scale density waves (a.k.a. normal modes) which decay through resonant wave-star interactions. If the relaxation of the system is dominated by effect (i) then it is described by the Balescu-Lenard (BL) kinetic theory. Meanwhile if (ii) dominates, one must describe relaxation using quasilinear (QL) theory, though in the stellar-dynamical context the full set of QL equations has never been presented. Moreover, in some systems like open clusters and galactic disks, both (i) and (ii) might be important. Here we present for the first time the equations of a unified kinetic theory of stellar systems in angle-action variables that accounts for both effects (i) and (ii) simultaneously. We derive the equations in a heuristic, physically-motivated fashion and work in the simplest possible regime by accounting only for very weakly damped waves. This unified theory is effectively a superposition of BL and QL theories, both of which are recovered in appropriate limits. The theory is a first step towards a comprehensive description of those stellar systems for which neither the QL or BL theory will suffice.


Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening chronic cardiopulmonary disease. However, there are limited studies reflecting the available biomarkers from separate gene expression profiles in PAH. This study explored two microarray datasets by an integrative analysis to estimate the molecular signatures in PAH. Methods: Two microarray datasets (GSE53408 and GSE113439) were exploited to compare lung tissue transcriptomes of patients and controls with PAH and to estimate differentially expressed genes (DEGs). According to common DEGs of datasets, gene and protein overrepresentation analyses, protein–protein interactions (PPIs), DEG–transcription factor (TF) interactions, DEG–microRNA (miRNA) interactions, drug–target protein interactions, and protein subcellular localizations were conducted in this study. Results: We obtained 38 common DEGs for these two datasets. Integration of the genome transcriptome datasets with biomolecular interactions revealed hub genes (HSP90AA1, ANGPT2, HSPD1, HSPH1, TTN, SPP1, SMC4, EEA1, and DKC1), TFs (FOXC1, FOXL1, GATA2, YY1, and SRF), and miRNAs (hsa-mir-17-5p, hsa-mir-26b-5p, hsa-mir-122-5p, hsa-mir-20a-5p, and hsa-mir-106b-5p). Protein–drug interactions indicated that two compounds, namely, nedocromil and SNX-5422, affect the identification of PAH candidate biomolecules. Moreover, the molecular signatures were mostly localized in the extracellular and nuclear areas. Conclusions: In conclusion, several lung tissue-derived molecular signatures, highlighted in this study, might serve as novel evidence for elucidating the essential mechanisms of PAH. The potential drugs associated with these molecules could thus contribute to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to ameliorate PAH.


Learning programming with tutor tools has grown in popularity. These tools present programming assignments and provide feedback in the form of test-cases and compilation errors. Our timeline visualization of data from one such tool allows us to tell a story about what files were accessed and for how long, in what order files were edited, grown or shrunk, what errors the student ran into, and how those errors were addressed. This can be done without a need to read and replay the entire programming session. In sum, the tool has been used to visualize logs from students that tried to solve programming assignments and we find interesting stories that can help us improve how we address new assignments.


In this study, a line balancing problem, which considers flexibility constraints of operations, has been presented to respond fast changing sectoral market demands in textile and apparel industry. This problem, called as the flexibility constrained line balancing problem (FCLBP) in lean manufacturing, takes into account operation flexibilities and assigns them to the available operators using the flexibility boundaries. The material of the study is the operation details that will be balanced the line in the sewing department as in (1). The method of the study is integer mathematical programming and meta-heuristic algorithm. Using the integer model, minimum idle time per operator in a given production range will be obtained and, furthermore, using the genetic algorithm, market demands will be responded in different balanced number. Lastly, using the algorithm, software has been programmed in C# to be used in the textile and apparel industry. Also, the high-efficiency balancing results will be obtained by means of the software.


The article considers the purpose of disciplinary measures applied to the juveniles sentenced to imprisonment as a means of educational influence, stimulation of law-abiding behavior, correction and resocialization of such juveniles, enshrined in the criminal-executive legislation of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness, feasibility and validity of incentives and sanctions applied to such individuals, using appropriate methods. The author analyzes the state of study of the issue in the science of criminal executive law, as well as in the sciences of general psychology and pedagogy and penitentiary psychology and pedagogy. Consequently, the relevance of this topic is confirmed. The article presents the exhaustive list of incentives and sanctions defined in the Criminal Executive Code of Ukraine, which can be applied to the juveniles serving a sentence of imprisonment. In addition, the author describes incentives and sanctions as traditional means to influence motivation, as an incentive to the law-abiding behavior. To identify the effectiveness of disciplinary measures applied to the juvenile prisoners, the author conducted a survey of 55 young men aged 14–17 serving imprisonment in the Kremenchug correctional colony. For this purpose, a complex of methods was used: methods of diagnosing personality about the motivation to succeed as well as for the motivation to avoid the failures of T. Ehlers; ADOR parental attitude test questionnaire; five-factor personal questionnaire «Big Five» (R. McCray and P. Costa); as well as 2 questionnaires developed by the author: a questionnaire of development factors and personal data and also a questionnaire to study the attitude of the juvenile convicts to disciplinary measures. The data obtained as a result of the survey of the juvenile prisoners and their mathematical and statistical processing with the help of cluster, comparative, correlation and factor analyzes made it possible to investigate how juveniles themselves evaluate the existing measures of incentives and sanctions. Thus, the author finds a relationship between the different attitudes of the juvenile convicts to disciplinary measures and personal characteristics of the juveniles as well as the focus of their motivation to succeed or prevent failures, which determine the greater effectiveness of incentives for some and, instead, sanctions – for others. Therefore, the author proposes to conduct a similar assessment of the feasibility of disciplinary measures in each educational colony by the employees of its socio-psychological service periodically – to optimize and effective such measures for the purpose of proper differentiated educational influence.


Low functional residual volume (FRC) in obesity may increase airway closure above FRC. Scintigraphic studies in obese patients with low expiratory reserve volume, showed reduced basal ventilation potentially due to airway closure (AC). We used single photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT-CT) to identify regional distribution of AC then related this to physiological measures of AC. Hypothesis (1)degree of AC occurring above FRC would correlate with area of closure seen on SPECT-CT (2) the obese would have more AC particularly basally. Methods: Obese subjects (OS n=5) and non-obese subjects (NOS n=7) had lung volumes (plethysmography), and single breath nitrogen washout to measure closing capacity (CC). CC/FRC > 1 indicated AC above FRC. SPECT-CT: 400mL of Technegas administered at FRC, inspiration to TLC. Areas of reduced Technegas deposition were defined as AC, and overall volume of AC, and volume of AC seen in upper, middle and bottom third of lung, expressed as a proportion of corresponding lung volume on CT (closure%). Results: OS and NOS were well matched for age. OS had higher CC/FRC than NOS (not statistically significant: OS 93.6 ± 18.5 %, NOS 69.07± 26.8 % p=0.11). There was no correlation between CC/FRC and overall closure% (r=0.22 p=0.5). OS did not have greater overall closure% than NOS. (NOS 19.5 ± 4.2 %, OS 19.52 ± 11.3 % p=1). NOS had greater closure% in the upper third.(NOS 36.77 ± 8.3 %, OS 17.62 ± 13.1% p=0.03) Conclusion: Surprisingly there were no differences in basal AC on imaging in the obese despite occurence of AC above FRC. The reason is not known. Apparent AC in NOS compared to OS in upper zones may represent altered ventilation in the OS.


The probabilistic nature of the ventricular defibrillation threshold (DFT) remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that shock outcome is a function of the amount of myocardium in its vulnerable period (VP). The endocardial surface of five isolated, perfused swine right ventricles was mapped with 477 bipolar electrodes during ventricular fibrillation (VF). Shock parameters and VF cycle length were not significantly different in the successful (S; n = 26) and failed (F; n = 26) trials. At the instant of the shock, the number of sites with 45- to 55-ms recovery was significantly smaller in the S trials than the F trials (P < 0.04). No significant difference in the number of sites with recovery intervals outside the 45- to 55-ms range was seen in S and F shocks. Endocardial action potential showed that a recovery time of 45-55 ms corresponded to the VP spanning -15 to -60 mV in 92% of the regenerative action potentials. We conclude that the probabilistic nature of the DFT is related to the amount of myocardium in its VP.


The problem of controlling the state of a system, from a given initial condition, during a fixed time interval minimizing at the same time a criterion of optimality is commonly referred to as finite-horizon optimal control problem. It is well-known that one of the standard solutions to the finite-horizon optimal control problem relies upon the solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) partial differential equation, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain in closed-form. Herein we propose a methodology to avoid the explicit solution of such HJB pde for input-affine nonlinear systems by means of a dynamic extension. This results in a dynamic time-varying state feedback yielding an approximate solution to the finite-horizon optimal control problem.


Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) is a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily and plays important roles in multiple biological events. Although BMP2 expression has been well described in the early development of the central nervous system (CNS), little information is available on its expression in the adult CNS. We thus investigated BMP2 expression in the adult rat CNS by using immunohistochemistry. Here we show that BMP2 is widely expressed throughout the adult CNS. In addition, besides intense BMP2 expression in almost all neurons, we found BMP2 expression in astrocytes and ependymal cells. Interestingly, we found that the axons of olfactory sensory neurons express BMP2. In addition, in the glomerular layer, BMP2 was very strongly expressed in some glomeruli, whereas the other glomeruli were weakly stained, suggesting that the variations in BMP2 expression level in each glomerus might be cues for each axon to find its adequate target and to keep its identity. Furthermore, we compared the expression patterns of BMP2 and BMP4. Interestingly, BMP4 was preferentially expressed in the dendrites of several neurons, whereas BMP2 was basically not expressed in the dendrites; however, it was detected in the axons. This means that in a single neuron the localizations of BMP2 and BMP4 are differentially regulated. These data indicate that BMP2 is more widely expressed throughout the adult CNS than previously reported, and its continued abundant expression in the adult brain strongly supports the idea that BMP2 also plays pivotal roles in the adult brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4513–4530, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This paper investigates the steady hydromagnetic three-dimensional boundary layer flow of Maxwell fluid over a bidirectional stretching surface. Both cases of prescribed surface temperature (PST) and prescribed surface heat flux (PHF) are considered. Computations are made for the velocities and temperatures. Results are plotted and analyzed for PST and PHF cases. Convergence analysis is presented for the velocities and temperatures. Comparison of PST and PHF cases is given and examined.


This thesis reports on an observer based approach, i.e., deterministic functional observer approach and probabilistic unscented Kalman filter and particle filter approaches to the problem of dynamic state estimation (DSE) of generators in power systems. The proposed DSE algorithms presented in this thesis are all decentralized in which only the measurement of the local phasor measurement units (PMUs) installed on the generator busbars are used. Consequently, any change in the power system topology does not affect the DSE process. The performance of the above mentioned probabilistic approaches have been tested on different IEEE test systems and are compared when the covariances of the noise in the PMU measurements are altered. Furthermore, in this thesis, application of estimation techniques in load frequency control (LFC) of highly interconnected power systems is investigated. The proposed techniques for LFC are quasi-decentralised since the DSE based controllers need the measurement of tie-line powers (power in the transmission line that connects two different power system areas). The analysis and design of LFC controllers presented in this thesis is different to traditional methods previously reported in the literature, the method proposed in this thesis considers the entire network topology. The proposed schemes have been implemented on the IEEE 39-bus 10-generator 3-area test system considering noise in the PMU measurements and also generator parameter deviations from nominal values. The proposed probabilistic unscented transform based method, proposed in this thesis for LFC, takes into consideration noise in PMU measurements. Moreover, the advantages of functional observer based method in comparison to traditional state observer based method in LFC are demonstrated in this thesis. The application of DSE to detect faults in dynamical systems is also investigated in this thesis. A functional observer based fault detection technique for dynamical systems with application to wind turbines is proposed. The proposed scheme has the ability to detect faults independent of chosen observer parameters. The theoretical development of the fault detection algorithm and its application to wind turbines is presented in this thesis. The theoretical development presented in this thesis on DSE algorithms and DSE based LFC controllers hinges on the state of the art latest technology available in PMUs to provide synchronized measurements using global positioning system data. The thesis presents a contribution in decentralized estimation of generator states and its utilization in LFC and fault detection.


This paper explores the subtleties of exercising embodied agency within two contexts shaped by ideals and norms: ballet and fashion. Here, we focus on how dancers and models rehearsing offstage towards onstage performances negotiate their potential and limitations for achieving agency over and over. Whereas a 'turn to embodiment' has occurred within organization studies, less is known about how embodied agency is choreographed and practised between visible front stages and 'hidden' offstages, or in relation to the various human and non-human agents present in the field. The empirical material of this paper is derived from two separate ethnographic studies. By combining insights from the two contexts, we make a joint effort to explore a complex phenomenon in more detail. This paper develops our micro-level understanding of embodied agency as a relational endeavour, and offers insights into the surprisingly 'a-mobile' discussion of embodied practices within organization studies.


Current differential relays may maloperate during magnetic inrush and over-excitation because a significant differential current is produced. To prevent maloperation, the relays adopt some harmonic components included in the differential current. The harmonic restraints may increase the security of a relay but cause the operating time delay of a relay when an internal fault occurs. Moreover, the operating time delay is more increased if a current transformer (CT) is saturated. This paper describes a current differential relaying algorithm for power transformer protection with a compensating algorithm for the secondary current of a CT. The comparative study was conducted with and without the compensating algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm was investigated when the measurement CT (C40) and the protection CT (C400) are used. The proposed algorithm can compensate the distorted current of a CT and thus reduce the operating time delay of the relay significantly for an internal fault with CT saturation.


There are both opportunities and challenges in developing improved or novel therapeutics based on targeting voltage-gated calcium channels. Calcium channels are technically difficult with respect to target-based drug discovery but unquestionably are key points for influencing human physiology and pathophysiology. Many marketed drugs, including nifedipine, nimodipine, ethosuximide, pregabalin, and ziconotide, exert therapeutic efficacy via inhibition of calcium channels. Although there is no obvious path to improving these existing drugs, recent clinical results with dihydropyridine drugs point to testable strategies for treatment of Parkinson's disease and possibly other CNS disorders by inhibiting L-type calcium channels. Roles of T-type calcium channels in pain and in abnormal sleep are plausible and may soon be tested with clinical trials of novel therapeutics. Success with any of these trials certainly will be followed by intensive efforts for further refinements around the target class. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2013, 2:85–104. doi: 10.1002/wmts.71

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.


Accounting rules mandate that the cost of debt should be recorded as an expense, while the cost of equity does not appear in the income statement. Therefore, the amount of financing expense, and thus net income, in the income statements depends on how firms finance their business. Based on a clear, substantial trend of declining leverage since the 1990s, we examine how changes in capital structure might influence earnings attributes—the matching between revenues and expenses. We find that the contemporaneous relation between revenues and interest expense in US firms has decreased from 1972 to 2013, a result of both changes in leverage and the declining explanatory power of interest expense with respect to revenues. When we construct the weighted average costs of capital based on the costs of both debt and equity, we find the contemporaneous relation between revenues and the costs of capital has not significantly changed. Our results indicate that differential accounting treatment of the costs of debt and equity can affect earnings attributes through change in capital structure.


The Atankwidi Catchment, which lies in the White Volta Basin in West Africa, is intensively cultivated by locals for economic gains. During dry seasons, farmers irrigate their crops, chiefly tomatoes, using shallow groundwater harvested from shallow ponds they dig using simple tools like an axe, hoe, bucket and bowls. Recent expansion in cultivated areas has brought to the fore the need to estimate the volume of shallow groundwater stored in the catchment's underlying aquifer and to what extent it can sustain the incremental growth in irrigated areas.


A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) must provide the mechanisms for assuring secure transactions and high reliability of its services. The use of public key cryptography satisfies the first requirement[1], while the second has been traditionally satisfied by the use of distributed architectures, among these the Autonomous Decentralized Systems (ADS) [2] are specially interesting since can provide on line expandability, maintenance and fault tolerance; however, the implementation of a PKI based on ADS rise new challenges, among the most important are: how to assure the uniqueness of public keys in such system and, since ADS architectures usually rely on specialized hardware for their implementation, how to implement such architecture without that specialized hardware.This paper explores the use of an ADS architecture based on software in order to provide high reliability to a PKI, assuring the uniqueness of its public keys.


Experimentally derived damping and inertia force coefficients from a test squeeze film damper for various dynamic load conditions are reported. Shakers exert single frequency loads and induce circular and elliptical orbits of increasing amplitudes. Measurements of the applied loads, bearing displacements and accelerations permit the identification of force coefficients for operation at three whirl frequencies (40, 50, and 60 Hz.) and increasing lubricant temperatures. Measurements of film pressures reveal an early onset of air ingestion. Identified damping force coefficients agree well with predictions based on the short length bearing model only if an effective damper length is used. A published two-phase flow model for air entrainment allows the prediction of the effective damper length, and which ranges from 82% to 78% of the damper physical length as the whirl excitation frequency increases. Justifications for the effective length or reduced (flow) viscosity follow from the small through flow rate, not large enough to offset the dynamic volume changes. The measurements and analysis thus show the pervasiveness of air entrainment, whose effect increases with the amplitude and frequency of the dynamic journal motions. Identified inertia coefficients are approximately twice as large as those derived from classical theory.


The process of biodeterioration of optical glass was studied after being induced by an auxiliary material (lubricant 4CKP) used in the production of optical instruments. It was determined that the lubricant can initiate growth of conidia of Aspergillus niger fungus. Acid spawn metabolites cause deterioration of the glass surface. Measurements of laser light beam transmittance through the glass plate and the AAS chemical analysis method of the post-culture fluid allowed to determine that glass with a high SiO2 content is most resistant to corrosion caused by the growth of A. niger fungi spawn.


The article presents the main results of the development of a comprehensive toolkit for solving production problems in the field of quality built on the basis of Kaizen practice.


Chemokine receptors induce cell migration, but the molecular basis of the signal cascade involved is not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated here the molecular mechanisms of CCL3‐, CCL5‐ and CCL8‐induced cells migration and investigated whether the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling pathway is involved. Some STAT3 inhibitors, like Cucurbitacin I, destroy the actin cytoskeleton inside the cells and therefore prevent any cellular migration. However, for inhibitors that do not affect the actin cytoskeleton or induce cell death, we show that chemokine‐induced cell migration is not dependent on activation of Janus kinase 2 or STAT3. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In this thesis, we explore various approaches to modeling electronic properties of large chemical systems, a challenge for theoretical and computational chemistry. We first model experimental systems with conventional electronic structure by excerpting a region of interest: a few amino acids near the reactive site of a protein, an exciplex dimer in a thin-film LED, and a few donor/acceptor molecules at an organic/organic interface. We find that these models work well for explaining experiments provided we can identify a local region that captures the property of interest. Second, we consider a situation in which the property of interest is not local. We investigate the Anderson model of localization in disordered materials, using the tools of random matrix theory. We use free probability to approximately compute the density of states of a Hamiltonian matrix ensemble without exact diagonalization. We develop an error analysis for this method, and show that it is accurate to the eighth moment of the density of states. Finally, we apply the method to various extensions of the Anderson model, to good result. Third, we develop a wavefunction-in-wavefunction embedding theory for strongly correlated systems. We base our work on Density Matrix Embedding Theory (DMET). We extend the original DMET equations to account for correlation in the bath via an antisymmetrized geminal power (AGP) wave function. The resulting formalism has a number of advantages. First, it allows one to properly treat the weak correlation limit of independent pairs, which DMET is unable to do with a mean-field bath. Second, it associates a size extensive correlation energy with a given density matrix (for the models tested), which AGP by itself is incapable of providing. Third, it provides a reasonable description of charge redistribution in strongly correlated but non-periodic systems. We then describe a new electronic embedding method based on DMET, dubbed "Bootstrap Embedding," a self-consistent wavefunction-in-wavefunction embedding theory that uses overlapping fragments to improve the description of fragment edges. We find Bootstrap Embedding converges rapidly with embedded fragment size, overcoming the surface-area-to-volume-ratio error typical of many embedding methods. Fourth, we employ semiempirical neglect of diatomic differential overlap (NDDO) methods as force fields for liquid water. Using force matching, we design a reparameterized NDDO model and find that it qualitatively reproduces the experimental radial distribution function of water, as well as various monomer, dimer, and bulk properties that standard NDDO method do not. This suggests that the apparent limitations of NDDO models are primarily due to poor parameterization and not to the NDDO approximations themselves. We identify the physical parameters that most influence the condensed phase properties. These results help to elucidate the chemistry that a semiempirical molecular orbital picture of water must capture. We conclude that properly parameterized NDDO models could be useful for simulations that require electronically detailed explicit solvent, including the calculation of redox potentials and simulation of charge transfer and photochemistry. Thesis Supervisor: Troy Van Voorhis


Abstract Wastewater surveillance has proven to be an effective tool to monitor the transmission and emergence of infectious agents at a community scale. Workflows for wastewater surveillance generally rely on concentration steps to increase the probability of detection of low-abundance targets, but preconcentration can substantially increase the time and cost of analyses while also introducing additional loss of target during processing. To address some of these issues, we conducted a longitudinal study implementing a simplified workflow for SARS-CoV-2 detection from wastewater, using a direct column-based extraction approach. Composite influent wastewater samples were collected weekly for 1 year between June 2020 and June 2021 in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, USA. Bypassing any concentration step, low volumes (280 µl) of influent wastewater were extracted using a commercial kit, and immediately analyzed by RT-qPCR for the SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 gene targets. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in 76% (193/254) of influent samples, and the recovery of the surrogate bovine coronavirus was 42% (IQR: 28%, 59%). N1 and N2 assay positivity, viral concentration, and flow-adjusted daily viral load correlated significantly with per-capita case reports of COVID-19 at the county-level (ρ = 0.69–0.82). To compensate for the method's high limit of detection (approximately 106–107 copies l−1 in wastewater), we extracted multiple small-volume replicates of each wastewater sample. With this approach, we detected as few as five cases of COVID-19 per 100 000 individuals. These results indicate that a direct-extraction-based workflow for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance can provide informative and actionable results.


P-selectin (GMP-140, CD62P) is a member of the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules expressed on the cell surface of platelets and endothelial cells, which mediates leukocyte adhesion via carbohydrate ligands. We now report that a monoclonal antibody (mAb), recognizing the ninth consensus repeat domain of the human P-selectin molecule, enhanced the adhesion activity of neutrophils to platelets, whereas the monovalent Fab fragment of the mAb did not exert this effect. The enhancement by the mAb was thought to result from cross-linking of the P-selectin molecules. The results indicated that cross-linking adjacent to the transmembrane domain of P-selectin enhanced the cell adhesion activity.


A case of a 9‐year‐old boy with fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma located in the distal femur is presented. Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma is a rare tumor. There have been 17 cases reported since 1984. The presenting complaint was pain and local discomfort. Radiological examination showed lytic and sclerotic lesions located in the distal femur. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that there was no soft tissue expansion. Differential diagnosis included fibrocartilaginous dyplasia, dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, desmoplastic fibroma, fibrosarcoma and low‐grade osteosarcoma. The diagnosis of the tumor in a state hospital would not have been possible. Wide resection of the tumor and resection arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail has yielded good results. The patient has been disease free for 4 years. Pathological diagnosis of this very rare tumor may be challenging; the treatment should be wide resection of the tumor.


This study analyses the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in the presence of good governance system in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The dataset comprised of the years 1996–2013. Fixed effect model and the Generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator are used in this study. The result of the study unveils that all the variables have a significant positive association with economic growth. Moreover, the study establishes the interaction terms which also depict a positive effect on economic growth. Further, the Granger causality test shows that the bidirectional causal relationship exists between the FDI and regulatory quality (REQ) on economic growth, whereas the unidirectional causal relationship is found among the corruption control, political stability (POS), voice and accountability (VAC), government effectiveness (GOE) and economic growth. Finally, it can be concluded from the above results that the more the countries maintain their institutional quality the better will be the economic growth and the FDI inflows. This result gives valuable policy implications, which the government should use to improve the economic growth. Further, the result obtained from this study is beneficial for policymakers who can draft effective government policies which will foster the economic growth rate of the country. Last but not least, there is a need to improve the REQ which can only be improved subject to changes in the laws of corruption.


Sketches and photographs are a familiar tool of the traveller-writer, who commonly draws on them when transforming experience into a textual narrative. The verbal thus displaces the visual — the latter retained, if at all, as mere illustration — in ways that echo James Heffernan's definition of ekphrasis as the 'verbal description of visual representation'. Yet Nicolas Bouvier's 1963 travel narrative L'Usage du monde challenges conventional conceptions of ekphrasis. Juxtaposing the stark ink drawings of Thierry Vernet — Bouvier's travelling companion — with Bouvier's textual narrative, L'Usage du monde shifts representation away from a hierarchical relationship between verbal and visual; it offers instead an account of other cultures that is grounded in polyphony and exchange. This article applies Bouvier's own image of travel as a mosaic to the dual narrative form (or 'iconotext', to use Michael Nerlich's term) in order to consider a range of fluid relationships between Bouvier's text and Vernet's drawings. In examining these relationships of amplification, reduction, and absence, the article argues that the plurality of the narrative prompts a rethinking of conventional, binary paradigms of intercultural contact. Ultimately, the iconotextual nature of L'Usage du monde can be interpreted as a metaphor for the processes of cultural translation and transculturation that are central to Bouvier's travelling ethos.


Organic solar cells employing fullerenes blended with conjugated polymers as the main light-absorbing material have achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 10%. They hold promise as an alternative energy source with many advantages in terms of long-term sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Detailed information on the electronic and geometric structure of the molecules involved is generally not accessible through experimental means, as the typically amorphous polymer films are not readily studied with e.g. X-ray crystallography. Computational chemistry, and in particular quantum chemistry as used for the research presented in this thesis, can however provide molecular level insight into the properties of these conjugated polymers. (Time-dependent) density functional theory calculations are here employed on various polymers, mainly of donor–acceptor (D–A) and D–A1–D–A2 types. Systematic studies demonstrate how the energy levels and optical properties relate to each other, as well as to the chemical composition of the polymers. In particular focus are the traits that are important for efficient solar cells: strong absorption, suitably narrow band gap, appropriate LUMO energy vs. the fullerene LUMO, and extended conjugation promoting high charge carrier mobilities. Several polymers with high-performance solar cells are studied, including TQ1 where a computationally revealed unique helical geometry is used to partially rationalize its 7.08% efficiency, and the D–A1–D–A2 polymer P3TQTIF whose two distinct acceptor units allow two strong low-energy electronic transitions, greatly enhancing its spectral coverage. Size-converged optical properties are obtained through a scheme based on extrapolations from oligomer calculations, and a detailed comparison to experiments has facilitated the development of an empirical correction for absorption energies and strengths. These corrections are subsequently used for a priori predictions of polymer absorption spectra with good agreement to experiments. Finally, a strategy is presented that includes the effect of temperature, in form of thermally populated conformations with reduced conjugation and weaker and blue-shifted absorption, yielding trends in excellent agreement with experimental optical properties. Calculations are in summary able to provide deeper insights into the fundamental properties of conjugated polymers, constituting a valuable tool for the ongoing development of materials for application in high-performance organic solar cells.


The  OBJECTIVE  is  to  study  the  effect  of application of different  pancreatic stump  closure techniques to  the  postoperative period,  the frequency and  severity  of postoperative complications including postoperative pancreatic fistulas  after distal pancreatectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS.  The  clinical  material  consisted of 126  patients who  underwent distal  pancreatectomies  (isolated or  in  combination  with  surgical   interventions  on  the  adjacent organs of  the  abdominal cavity  and retroperitoneal space).  The  patients  were   divided  into  4  groups  depending  on  the  pancreatic  stump   closure  techniques (isolated suturing  of the  main  pancreatic duct  of the  pancreatic stump  with its omentization by gastrocolic omentum or local sealing its  by  hemostatic sponge  (control  group);  using  a  local  biological  glue  2-octylcyanoacrylate; using  the  Endoscopic Linear  Cutter  Echelon; external transduodenal  transnasal  drainage of the  enlarged main  pancreatic duct  of the  pancreatic stump). We  evaluated the  influence   of  different  pancreatic stump   closure techniques  after  distal  pancreatectomies on  the postoperative period  as well the  frequency and  severity  of postoperative pancreatic fistulas  depending on the  diameter of the main  pancreatic duct  of pancreatic stump.   RESULTS.  The  overall  rate  of postoperative  complications in the  control  group of patients was  45.8  %, and  was  due  to an  increase in the  frequency of specific  complications (35.4  %). The  most  frequent complication  in  the  control  group   of  patients  was   postoperative  pancreatic  fistulas   –  29.2   %.  The  statistically   significant decrease  of  frequency  and   severity   of  postoperative  complications,  frequency  and   severity   of  postoperative  pancreatic fistulas and decrease of postoperative hospital-stay after the application of the proposed different pancreatic stump closure techniques were  revealed in comparison with the  control  group  of patients. There  was  no  hospital  mortality.  CONCLUSION. Distal  pancreatectomy with  «standard»  pancreatic stump   closure techniques  accompanied by  high  frequency and  severity of postoperative complications, as well as postoperative pancreatic fistulas. The use of the proposed pancreatic stump closure techniques after  distal  pancreatectomy led  to  a  decrease of  the  frequency and  severity   of  postoperative  complications, a decrease of the  frequency and  severity  of postoperative pancreatic fistulas,  and  a decrease of the  postoperative hospital-stay.


A new program, Fungal Identification System (FIS) was introduced in POISINDEX (PI) in 1991. We studied the accuracy of this program compared to the traditional method of consulting an expert mycologist and also the utility of FIS for the certified specialist in poison information (CSPI) and the emergency department personnel. Fifteen samples were obtained from a Chicago area forest preserve and immediately identified by a CSPI using FIS from PI of summer-fall 1991. The samples were then refrigerated overnight and identified the following morning by a PhD mycologist, using standard mycological identification techniques (SMIT). Another group of 18 mushrooms were collected in August 1992 from rural southwestern Michigan and identified by FIS and SMIT after refrigeration overnight. In 4 cases the mycologist used both SMIT and FIS to identify the mushrooms. Identification by FIS did not match SMIT in 27 of 31 samples (1 was discarded and 1 was identified by FIS but not identified by SMIT). In 2 of 4 cases where the mycologist used FIS, a different answer was obtained from that obtained by the CSPI; however, these were still incorrect identifications. Four types of problems using FIS have been identified which can lead to erroneous results; these are the use of multipart questions, emphasis on color over less variable characteristics, questions which do not account for variability in morphology, and problems which arise from the sequence of questions. These points need to be addressed before FIS can be used as a safe basis for clinical recommendations.


A method for determining breakthrough of organic vapors in a respirator cartridge was developed. A thick film semiconductor gas sensor was used as a breakthrough detector. Air containing organic vapor was introduced into the cartridge, and an output signal from the sensor inserted in the downstream flow of the cartridge was recorded on an IC card. Simultaneously, the breakthrough curve was obtained by measuring the vapor concentration at downstream from the respirator cartridge with a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector. When the breakthrough was almost completed, the data recorded in the card were transferred to a personal computer and the change in the output signal from the sensor was compared with the breakthrough curve obtained by the GC. Twelve organic solvents including aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetates, alcohols, ketones, and aliphatic hydrocarbons were tested under low (20%-25%) and high (70%-80%) relative humidity ranges. The sensitivity of the sensor for chlorinated hydrocarbons such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane was relatively low, especially when the relative humidity was high, but the rise time of the sensor output signal was almost the same as or earlier than the breakthrough time by the GC. Based on the experimental results, a new respirator for organic vapors that can detect the end of service life was developed.


The reclamation of Jakarta Bay is a main debate issue in late few years. Some central and provincial government institutions take different stances on the issue. This research tries to find out, why institution have different stances. This research uses a mix-method approach which is quantitative and qualitative. Data is obtained from in-depth interviews to stakeholders who are 3 experts from central government and 3 experts from provincial government. Furthermore, the data analysis is conducted with AHP to find out knowledge of 6 experts about what for reclamation is. AHP also find out, what they respond, pro or cons in conflict of Jakarta Baya reclamation. The results of the analysis from the central government show that the knowledge of experts seen Jakarta Bay Reclamation as social and environment issue (42.7%) and they choose to cons-reclamation (75.7%) for the respond. While the provincial government indicates that the knowledge of Jakarta Bay Reclamation is about Economical Issue (54.8%) and choose pro-reclamation (85.7%) because it will have a positive impact. This different perception becomes an obstacle in resolving the Jakarta Bay reclamation conflict.


Previous research has treated multiple family homicide, or familicide, as a uniform event. We sought to explore whether subtypes of familicide could be discerned, making use of a decade of Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR) coupled with newspaper articles. The resulting 238 cases were analyzed through a two-step cluster analysis, showing that the familicides can be subgrouped into four categories based on the perpetrator's age, relationship between perpetrator and victims, and perpetrator's suicide. The empirically grouped categories were labeled Despondent Husbands, Spousal Revenge, Extended Parricide, and Diffuse Conflict. Familicide is thus a heterogeneous phenomenon and must be viewed in unique terms to appropriately determine prevention strategies.


Horqin Sandy Land is one of the key regions for desertification prevention and control in China. However,there is lack of exact boundary of Horqin Sandy Land at present. Subsequently,the control and recovery process of environment in this region is affected. Based on both the existing literatures and the formation history and earlier distribution of the Horqin Sandy Land,the core region of the area was first determined in the present study. Then,26 intersections for the boundary of the core region from 16 directions were taken as the samples using the ecology sampling method. Remote sensing and GIS methods such as linear spectral mixing model and tasseled cap transformation were adopted to process the Landsat-5 TM images in the study area. Three components after tasseled cap transformation(i.e. brightness,greenness and wettness) were used to identify the sample points in the southern nine directions. Based on multiple replication tests,optimal thresholds were selected by obtaining the demarcation characteristics of each intersection sample and the exact boundary of Horqin Sandy Land was delineated accordingly. The linear spectral mixing model was applied in the northern directions because the sandy land and saline-alkali soil were distributed crossly. Combined with the optimal thresholds,the northern part boundary was delineated accordingly. However,this method was inapplicable to two directions and the thematic map of land use types was used to explore the demarcations. Subsequently,field investigation,high resolution images provided by Google Earth and the permanent geomorphology features were combined to confirm each direction of the final boundary of Horqin Sandy Land. According to the verification,the boundary was adjusted slightly. The results showed that the area of Horqin Sandy Land was 52 300 ± 360 km2with the verification accuracy greater than 94%. The errors were caused mainly by the set of threshold values,precision of spectral unmixing results and the resolution of images. The achievements in the present provide the reference to eco-regionalization and environment monitor and ecological restoration in the definite confines in Horqin Sandy Land.


This descriptive study was conducted in the State of Bahrain using: firstly, a questionnaire for students in the final year of their school education, together with a similar questionnaire for their parents, teachers and all Bahraini health promoters; secondly, focus group interviews; thirdly, hazard analyses critical control point (HACCP) model and a checklist to assess schools' canteen, and finally, an evaluation of school's textbooks and health education materials. The study was designed to answer three principal research questions: 1. Do Bahrainis have appropriate knowledge, healthy beliefs and opinions which will empower them to control food poisoning; 2. Are the canteen environments and the practices within the canteens supportive to health; 3. Do school textbooks and health education materials empower the community in food safety?

This study describes for the first time the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs of students, parents, teachers, and health promoters in food safety and HACCP in schools and TLMs and linked these three areas to suggest empowering control measures.

The results of this study indicate that future health promotion programmes should start at primary school level and teachers need to be further trained in environmental health issues. Canteen environment, and practices need to be further addressed by authorities. Particular attention should be focused on the critical control points which are the time of preparation, transportation, storage and temperature control during display of foods. There is a need for providing appropriate resources which influence learning and community empowerment. Recommendations also suggested the implementation of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion which mobilises all the community, resources and the media.


Remotely sensed images in isolation are not usually a subject of interest, but become so if they are related to a property of interest at the ground. To obtain information on the property of interest it is usually necessary to establish a relation (for example, regression) between selected image pixels and a sample of the target property, and apply the relation to the image to estimate the target property at the unobserved places. Where the sample of the target property is obtained by interpolation, the estimates may be smoothed and the regression relation may be biased. In this Letter a potential solution to the problem is presented. The procedure is illustrated with a simple example in which the objective is to model the relation between snow depth in the U.K. and SSM/I microwave imagery.


The restenosis and reocclusion rate after coronary recanalization by conventional angioplasty are high. The role of stent implantation in this context is unknown. The authors assessed a group of 49 patients who underwent implantation of one or more stent after a recanalization procedure by angiography at 6 months. The restenosis rate assessed by quantitative angiography was 24%; no cases of reocclusion were observed. These angiographic results were accompanied with a significant improvement of the anginal symptoms (p < 0.01). These results suggest that stent implantation following recanalization of a coronary occlusion may be beneficial on the restenosis and reocclusion rates and anginal symptoms. However, they should be confirmed by randomised study. It would also be important to analyse the impact of this procedure on the outcome of left ventricular function.


Activated carbons are widely used as supports for industrial catalysts based on metal nanoparticles. The catalytic performance of carbon-supported catalysts is strongly influenced by the carbon activation method. Notwithstanding this important role, the effect induced by different activation methods has been rarely investigated in detail. This work deals with two carbons of wood origin, activated either by steam or by phosphoric acid, and the corresponding catalysts based on supported Pd nanoparticles. We demonstrate that the catalysts perform in a different way in hydrogenation reactions depending on the nature of the carbon used as a support, being the palladium dispersion the same. We propose a multi-technique approach to fully characterize both carbons and catalysts at the micro- and nanoscale. In particular, we investigate how the activation procedure influences the texture (by N2 physisorption), the morphology (by Scanning Electron Microscopy), the structure (by Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction) and the surface properties (by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy and Inelastic Neutron Scattering) of carbons and of the related catalysts. The comprehensive characterization approach proposed in this work allows the rationalization, at least in part, of the role of activated carbons in enhancing the performance of a hydrogenation catalyst.


Two 2'-deoxyuridines as new building blocks for automated DNA synthesis carry a small aryltetrazole as "photoclickable" group at their 5-positions. The postsynthetic "photoclick" labeling of such presynthesized DNA using a maleimide-modified Cy3 dye shows an up to 17-fold fluorogenicity due to an energy transfer between the pyrazoline moiety and the Cy3 fluorophore in the DNA products. This concept is also applicable to other maleimide-modified dyes.


Chemical and anodic methods as the pretreatment of aluminium alloys were tried to find out the best method of pretreatment for Borosilicate frit.As a result of the present examination it has been discoverd that in the anodic oxidation treatment with metasodium sllicate, sodium perborate, lithum borate and kalium borate, which were effective for aluminium plate as previously reported, were also most effective in pretreatment of aluminium alloys, in view of the result of bending and thermal shock tests.In the chemical treatment it was noticeable that the Alrok method showed good results in the bending and the thermal shock test.


Extensive denitrification resulted in a dramatic increase in pH (from 6.8 to 9.5) in nitrate-impacted, acetate-amended sediment microcosms containing sediment representative of the Sellafield nuclear facility, UK. Denitrification was followed by Fe(III) reduction, indicating the presence of alkali-tolerant, metal-reducing bacteria. A close relative (99% 16S rRNA gene sequence homology) to Serratia liquefaciens dominated progressive enrichment cultures containing Fe(III)-citrate as the sole electron acceptor at pH 9 and was isolated aerobically using solid media. The optimum growth conditions for this facultatively anaerobic Serratia species were investigated, and it was capable of metabolizing a wide range of electron acceptors including oxygen, nitrate, FeGel, Fe-NTA and Fe-citrate and electron donors including acetate, lactate, formate, ethanol, glucose, glycerol and yeast extract at an optimum pH of c. 6.5 at 20 °C. The alkali tolerance of this strain extends the pH range of highly adaptable Fe(III)-reducing Serratia species from mildly acidic pH values associated with acid mine drainage conditions to alkali conditions representative of subsurface sediments stimulated for extensive denitrification and metal reduction.


We assess the efficacy of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) with ribavirin (RBV) and the predictors of sustained virological response (SVR) among HIV/hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4)-coinfected patients. Thirty-nine (31.5%) of 124 individuals with HCV-4 achieved SVR compared with 103 (22.7%) of 453 individuals with HCV genotype 1 (P=0.046). Only interleukin-28B (IL28B) genotype CC was independently associated with SVR in HIV/HCV-4-coinfected patients. The efficacy of peg-IFN with RBV in coinfected individuals with genotype 4 is significantly higher than in those with genotype 1. IL28B CC genotype is the main predictor of response in this population.


ABSTRACT Fertility in Taiwan has been persistently low since 2003. Theorists have attributed this to gender inequity in domestic labour, yet this relationship has not been statistically tested. We assess the way in which the division of housework influences the probability of having an additional child. We assess this relationship for a sample of childbearing-aged married couples, as well as for education- and employment-specific subgroups. We find evidence of impacts for university-educated and working-mother couples, and when survey respondents are wives rather than husbands. The probability of a university-educated and working-mother couple with an equal division of housework having a child within five years is 0.73, whereas the probability of a couple with the mean division of housework having a child is 0.39. This finding is significant at the 1 per cent level.


. This article explores ten models for thinking critically about technology's place in our lives, which have been proposed in some form by various modern philosophers and theologians, including Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The author first provides a definition of technology and then analyzes the models. He concludes with a consideration of what he calls a moral "partnering" of man with technology and some thoughts on the role that technology plays in the mission of the Church and in her efforts to evangelize. forms, the the


BACKGROUND
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a widely used therapeutic modality for the pancreaticobiliary tree. However, it is responsible for the highest rates of complications among the endoscopic procedures, especially post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. The preventive methods include mechanical and pharmacological approaches, such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of two different strategies using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, and to clarify the uncertainty about the route of administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the prevention of this complication.

METHODS
This was a prospective trial. Two therapeutic groups were compared with a control group that was composed of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, performed in the same service and by the same team in the period preceding the study (historical series), without the administration of any type of prophylaxis. The first group received 100 mg rectal diclofenac. The second group received 100 mg intravenous ketoprofen. Both groups were compared, separately and jointly, with the control group.

RESULTS
Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis occurred in 4.39% (12/273) of the participants. In the group without prophylaxis, the incidence was 6.89% (10/145). Among those who received intravenous ketoprofen, the incidence was 2.56% (2/78). No cases of acute post-procedural pancreatitis were observed in the group that received rectal diclofenac (0/52). Although there was no statistical difference between the therapeutic groups when they were separately analyzed, a statistical difference in the prevention of post-procedural pancreatitis was observed when they were analyzed together (P=0.037).

CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence for the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.


This paper presents a feature extraction method based on multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) combining with the power spectrum feature, and the method aims at the non-stationary electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetoencephalogram (MEG) signal in brain-computer interface (BCI) system. Firstly, we utilized MEMD algorithm to decompose multichannel brain signals into a series of multiple intrinsic mode function (IMF), which was proximate stationary and with multi-scale. Then we extracted and reduced the power characteristic from each IMF to a lower dimensions using principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, we classified the motor imagery tasks by linear discriminant analysis classifier. The experimental verification showed that the correct recognition rates of the two-class and four-class tasks of the BCI competition III and competition IV reached 92.0% and 46.2%, respectively, which were superior to the winner of the BCI competition. The experimental proved that the proposed method was reasonably effective and stable and it would provide a new way for feature extraction.


The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) on superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) and to determine whether there is a difference in responsiveness to TNFalpha between ESC and decidualized ESC. TNFalpha increased manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD) mRNA level and Mn-SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner in ESC. The concentration of TNFalpha required for an effect was lower for decidualized ESC than for non-decidualized ESC. TNFalpha had no effect on copper-zinc-SOD (Cu,Zn-SOD) expression in either type of cell. Incubation of ESC with actinomycin D, an RNA synthesis inhibitor, blocked TNFalpha-induced Mn-SOD mRNA expression, but cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, had no effect. H7, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), also inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated Mn-SOD mRNA expression in both types of cells. These findings suggest that TNFalpha-induced Mn-SOD expression is regulated at the transcription level and mediated by PKC-dependent phosphorylation and that de-novo protein synthesis is not required for the TNFalpha effect. In summary, TNFalpha induces Mn-SOD expression in human ESC. This phenomenon may be important for protection of ESC from cytokine-mediated oxidative stress.


The components of postoperative body weight loss were analysed in eleven adult male patients who had uncomplicated abdominal surgery of moderate severity namely vagotomy and a drainage procedure for chronic duodenal ulceration. Four patients (Group I) had the routine postoperative regimen which consisted of intravenous isotonic dextrose and dextrose-saline solutions. Another group of four patients (Group IIa) had supplementation of this regimen with 50% dextrose and an amino-acid/sorbitol preparation whilst a group of three (Group IIb) patients had supplementation with only amino-acid/sorbitol preparation. Group I patients exhibited the expected losses of lean tissue and body fat, but these were partially obscured by retention of extracellular water. Group IIa exhibited excessive loss of extracellular water which was parallel to an increased urine flow and this loss completely overshadowed the reduction in lean tissue and body fat losses produced by the protein and calorie supplementation. Group IIb patients exhibited the smallest amount of weight loss because they had a reduction in lean tissue and body fat losses whilst they still exhibited a mild antidiuretic response. It is suggested that the amino-acid/sorbitol preparation provides the safest form of supplementation, particularly in the face of increased extra-renal losses of water such as may be dictated by a warm tropical environment.


Abstract Deep gravel-pit exposures reveal the distribution and structure of till and underlying sand and gravel in drumlins near Waukesha, Wisconsin. The subglacial sediment is interpreted to have moved laterally into the drumlin sites because the till thickens from the margin to the core of the drumlins, the stone orientation in the till is perpendicular and oblique to ice flow on the drumlin margins, and recumbent isoclinal folds occur in sand on the drumlin margins with axes parallel to the drumlin axes. The resulting accumulations of sediment presented obstacles to ice flow and were streamlined into the minimum-drag drumlin shape by erosion on the margins and by remolding of material in the core of the drumlins. These drumlin nuclei may have formed at spots where there was low effective stress on the bed. The subglacial sediment became mobile as a result of high pore pressure that may have developed as ground water and subglacial melt water were trapped behind a frozen bed at the ice margin. Under certain conditions, however, lateral sediment flow might also have occurred when the sediment was frozen.


To establish a dose-effect relationship for the xipamide diuretic in double-blind trials 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg of xipamide were administered to 5 groups of 6 to 14 healthy test persons in each group. Before, during and after the 15-d period of application all the blood electrolytes as well as the metabolism parameters of glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, neutral fats as well as creatinine and urea were determined. Similarly during the entire period of investigation the 24-h urine samples were collected daily and from these the electrolyte excretion as well as the endogenic creatinine clearance were determined. It was found that diuresis and natriuresis significantly enhanced in comparison with placebo were already achieved with 5 mg xipamide per day, they could no further be increased by higher doses. Much rather at 40 mg xipamide per day a significant hypokalaemia as well as a light hypercalcaemia developed. Independently of the dose, during the period of investigation a light, fully compensated hypochloraemic alkalosis developed. Regarding the metabolic processes a slight increase in the uric acid and cholesterol blood levels was observed, while the blood-sugar level, the triglycerides as well as the endogenic creatinine clearance remained unaffected. It can be concluded from the investigations that maximum natriuresis and diuresis can already be achieved with a daily xipamide dose of 5 mg, while side effects can be kept at a minimum.


An angular analysis of B 0 → J= ψ K þ π − decays is performed, using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb − 1 collected with the LHCb detector. The m ð K þ π − Þ spectrum is divided into fine bins. In each m ð K þ π − Þ bin, the hypothesis that the three-dimensional angular distribution can be described by structures induced only by K (cid:2) resonances is examined, making minimal assumptions about the K þ π − system. The data reject the K (cid:2) -only hypothesis with a large significance, implying the observation of exotic contributions in a model-independent fashion. Inspection of the m ð J= ψπ − Þ vs m ð K þ π − Þ plane suggests structures near m ð J= ψπ − Þ ¼ 4200 and 4600 MeV.


BACKGROUND
This review provides an outline of the main pharmacological and clinical features of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and a wider description of reviparin. The basic pharmacological properties of LMWHs are compared with those of unfractionated heparin, showing clear advantages of the former, mainly as for pharmacokinetic profile.

DESIGN
Consequently LMWHs are characterized by a more predictable behaviour. A key issue is the lack of "bioequivalence": LMWHs are in fact distinct chemical entities, with typical pharmacological and clinical profile for each agent. Therefore, they are not reciprocally interchangeable. The efficacy and safety of reviparin, a second generation LMWH, has been evaluated in many clinical trials as both thrombosis prevention and treatment. Reviparin use is documented in general and orthopaedic surgery. In patients undergoing abdominal surgery reviparin resulted more effective and better tolerated than unfractionated heparin (UFH). In total hip replacement patients, reviparin compared favourably with enoxaparin, showing the same efficacy but better safety. In patients who undergone total hip replacement, also the long-term, out of hospital prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been proven.

CONCLUSIONS
The comparison with acenocoumarol demonstrated that reviparin was more effective in preventing DVT recurrences and far better tolerated than oral anticoagulant treatment. Reviparin was also effective and well tolerated in immobilised patients following leg injury with plaster casts or braces applications. Positive results were also obtained in the treatment of venous thromboembolism in well-designed studies on large patient populations. In this indication reviparin compared favourably with iv UFH. As for the use in cardiology patient, reviparin is at present the only approved LMWH for the prevention of acute thrombotic events in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) on syndecan-4 protein expression and proliferation of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial-like cells (HUVECs) in vitro.

METHODS
HUVECs exposed to different concentrations of TNF-alpha(100, 20, 10, and 1 ng/ml) were cultured for 24 h and 36 h to observe their proliferation in comparison with the control group. The cell proliferation rate was determined by non-radioactive MTS/PES assay. The expression of syndecan-4 protein was evaluated by immunoblotting technique using anti-syndecan-4 antibody. Results The proliferation rate of the endothelial-like cells was 1.956-/+0.214 in the control group, and 2.154-/+0.250, 2.260-/+0.151, 2.118-/+0.205 and 2.106-/+0.136 in TNF-alpha-treated groups corresponding to TNF-alpha concentrations of 100, 20, 10 and 1 ng/ml at 24 h, respectively. It was shown that TNF-alpha significantly stimulated cell proliferation at the concentration above 1 ng/ml (P<0.05) as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The proliferation rate of the endothelial-like cell was 1.915-/+0.236 in the control group, and 2.067-/+0.328, 2.207-/+0.150, 2.052-/+0.126 and 2.051-/+0.180 in TNF-alpha-treated groups corresponding to TNF-alphaconcentrations of 100, 20, 10 and 1 ng/ml at 36 h, respectively. The expression of syndecan-4 protein was significantly enhanced by TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS
TNF-alpha can stimulate HUVEC proliferation, and expression of syndean-4 may represent an additional component of the pro-inflammatory, growth-stimulating pathways that are activated in response to changes in the vascular wall.


Relevance . Despite the assisted reproductive techniques being widely used in modern gynaecology, the challenge of restoring fallopian tube patency in patients with hydrosalpinx, distal tubal occlusion, peritubal and periovarial adhesions remains relevant. Objective . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery in restoring fertility in patients with tubal factor infertility. Materials and methods . We included 99 patients, who underwent laparoscopic surgery for tubal factor infertility. During the follow-up we assessed the rate of spontaneous pregnancy and pregnancy after IVF. Results . Pregnancy occurred in 41 (41.4%) patients with a history of tubal factor infertility. Moreover, after reconstructive plastic surgery on the fallopian tubes out of 66 patients, in 17 cases (25.8%) pregnancy occurred spontaneously. In 33 patients tubectomy was performed due to impossibility of adequate fallopian tube reconstruction. In 24 (24.2%) patients, pregnancy occurred after IVF (after salpingo-ovariolysis or after tubectomy). The frequency of pregnancy after IVF in these patients was 1,5 times higher than in patients that underwent IVF in the same medical institution during the same period (42.5% and 27.8%, respectively). Conclusion . In patients with tubal factor infertility younger than 35 with preserved ovulation and the absence of pathospermia in a partner, laparoscopy is an effective method for restoring patency of the fallopian tubes. If a severe falopian tube lesions are present in patients with infertility, bilateral tubectomy should be considered, since bilateral tubectomy in such patients increases the effectiveness of IVF.


This article aims to clarify the meaning of henology for Lacan and Žižek. Žižek apparently rejects Neoplatonic way of thinking, but by considering Lacanian Henology through its origin, Etienne Gilson, Lacanian henology and Žižek's Hegelian reading of the One become converged. Both of them think the movement of the One from one principle and its two aspects. The principle is that the One gives something that it does not have, and it corresponds to Lacanian definition of love. Regarding its two aspects, the first one is the logical necessity that generates necessarily the One, and the second is the logical contingency that generates contingently the surplus element. By this, we can clarify the theoretical development of each period of Lacan. In early Lacan, henology was a logic that ties his "the Symbolic" and Freudian Death drive. In middle Lacan, his main concern was the mathematical logic as the logic of the Id, and henology became the generative logic of the subject of enunciation or the subject of the jouissance. But at the same time, this movement produces as a co-product a inassimilable remainder, "object a" with the subject of signifiant. In late Lacan, by virtue of the "necessary" movement of the One and its "contingent" co-product, the universe of the discourse became indeterminate, undecidable, "not-all," which means for Lacan "the contingent." This characteristic became the logic of Lacanian "sexuation."


Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) represents a major programmatic challenge at the national and global levels. Only ∼30% of patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) were diagnosed, and ∼25% were initiated on treatment for MDR-TB in 2016. Increasing evidence now points towards primary transmission of DR-TB, rather than inadequate treatment, as the main driver of the DR-TB epidemic. The cornerstone of DR-TB transmission prevention should be earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective treatment for all patients with DR-TB. Despite the extensive scale-up of Xpert® MTB/RIF testing, major implementation barriers continue to limit its impact. Although there is longstanding evidence in support of the rapid impact of treatment on patient infectiousness, delays in the initiation of effective DR-TB treatment persist, resulting in ongoing transmission. However, it is also imperative to address the burden of latent drug-resistant tuberculous infection because it is estimated that many DR-TB patients will become infectious before seeking care and encounter various diagnostic delays before treatment. Addressing latent DR-TB primarily consists of identifying, treating and following the contacts of patients with MDR-TB, typically through household contact evaluation. Adjunctive measures, such as improved ventilation and use of germicidal ultraviolet technology can further reduce TB transmission in high-risk congregate settings. Although many gaps remain in our biological understanding of TB transmission, implementation barriers to early diagnosis and rapid initiation of effective DR-TB treatment can and must be overcome if we are to impact DR-TB incidence in the short and long term.


Abstract. Accurate urban land-cover datasets are essential for mapping urban environments. However, a series of national urban land-cover data covering more than 15 years that characterizes urban environments is relatively rare. Here we propose a hierarchical principle on remotely sensed urban land-use/cover classification for mapping intra-urban structure/component dynamics. China's Land Use/cover Dataset (CLUD) is updated, delineating the imperviousness, green surface, waterbody and bare land conditions in cities. A new data subset called CLUD-Urban is created from 2000 to 2015 at five-year intervals with a medium spatial resolution (30 m). The first step is a prerequisite to extract the vector boundaries covered with urban areas from CLUD. A new method is then proposed using logistic regression between urban impervious surface area (ISA) and the annual maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value retrieved from Landsat images based on a big-data platform with Google Earth Engine. National ISA and urban green space (UGS) fraction datasets for China are generated at 30-meter resolution with five-year intervals from 2000 to 2015. The overall classification accuracy of national urban areas is 92 %. The root mean square error values of ISA and UGS fractions are 0.10 and 0.14, respectively. The datasets indicate that the total urban area of China was 6.28 × 104 km2 in 2015, with average fractions of 70.70 % and 26.54 % for ISA and UGS, respectively. The ISA and UGS increased between 2000 and 2015 with unprecedented annual rates of 1,311.13 km2/yr and 405.30 km2/yr, respectively. CLUD-Urban can be used to enhance our understanding of urbanization impacts on ecological and regional climatic conditions and urban dwellers' environments. CLUD-Urban can be applied in future researches on urban environmental research and practices in the future. The datasets can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2644932.


One of the hallmarks of cancer genome is aneuploidy, resulting in abnormal copy numbers of alleles. Structural variations (SVs) can further modify the aneuploid cancer genomes into a mixture of rearranged genomic segments with extensive range of somatic copy number alterations (CNAs). Indeed, aneuploid cancer genomes have significantly higher rate of CNAs and SVs. However, although methods have been developed to identify SVs and allele-specific copy number of genome (ASCNG) separately, no existing algorithm can simultaneously analyze SVs and ASCNG. Such integrated approach is particularly important to fully understand the complexity of cancer genomes. Here we introduce a new algorithm called Weaver to provide allele-specific quantification of SVs and CNAs in aneuploid cancer genomes. Weaver uses a probabilistic graphical model by utilizing cancer whole genome sequencing data to simultaneously estimate the digital copy number and inter-connectivity of SVs. Our simulation evaluation, comparison with single-molecule Optical Mapping analysis, and real data applications (including MCF-7, HeLa, and TCGA whole genome sequencing samples) demonstrated that Weaver is highly accurate and can greatly refine the analysis of complex cancer genome structure.


Amphisbaenians are a poorly understood clade of fossorial lizards. Because of their derived anatomy and relative scarcity, the systematics of the clade and its placement within squamates has long been controversial. Traditional approaches grouped species into four assemblages according to burrowing behavior and cranial morphology, resulting in the recognition of "shovel-headed," "round-headed," "keel-headed," and "spade-headed" morphotypes. Recent phylogenetic analyses do not support the monophyly of the taxa that share those morphotypes. Detailed analyses of cranial osteology were previously accomplished using high-resolution x-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) for the "shovel-headed" Rhineura hatcherii (Rhineruidae) and the "spade-headed" Diplometopon zarudnyi (Trogonophidae). A detailed description of the "round-headed" Amphisbaena alba was previously completed based upon traditional "dry" skeletal specimens. Seven species of the "round-headed" Blanus (Blanidae) were also analyzed using HRXCT. The goal of that project was a comparative analysis of all extant species of Blanus rather than a detailed, bone-by-bone description of one species, but certainly is useful for comparison with another "round-headed" taxon. The "round-headed" morphotype is by far the most common among amphisbaenians and is much in need of further documentation. We use HRXCT imagery to provide additional data about the disparity in cranial morphology among amphisbaenians. Those data allow us to provide another detailed description of a "round-headed" amphisbaenian, the poorly known southern African species Zygaspis quadrifrons. HRXCT is ideal for this relatively rare and diminutive species. We are able to visualize and describe a detailed reconstruction of the entire skull as well as individual cranial elements. Comparisons with other species that were described in similar detail-D. zarudnyi, Spathorhynchus fossorium, R. hatcherii, and A. alba-and to a lesser degree with Blanus, reveal a complex mosaic of morphological features of the skull in Zygaspis. Preliminary data suggest that intraspecific variation is present within Z. quadrifrons, and interspecific variation among other species of Zygaspis may be sufficient for species-level recognition based on cranial osteology. Our description is, therefore, also intended to serve as a baseline for comparative analysis of other specimens of Z. quadrifrons and of other species within the genus.


Current national health care issues of affordability, quality, and accessibility have prompted the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). Components of ACOs and PCMHs call for increased capacities in areas of teamwork, engagement, and physician leadership skills and behaviors. Three hundred sixty degree feedback evaluation processes have been established in corporate environments as effective for increasing capacities in these areas. Recently, health care organizations have begun to adopt the use of such tools with positive outcomes. This article presents a case study of the development and implementation of a 360-degree evaluation process at a family medicine clinic. We also discuss the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way.


In this paper, we address the problem of topology control in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Taking energy consumption and reliability into account, we consider topology control to be a problem of multi-objective degree-constrained minimum spanning tree (mcd-MST) and present an improved discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for generating such topology schemes. The simulation results compared with genetic algorithm (GA) show that this algorithm could obtain higher robust structure and lower contention topology schemes.


Treatment of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is currently unspecific and directed at ameliorating the symptoms rather than eliminating the cause. NS is actually a multitude of glomerular diseases characterized by poorly understood disease mechanisms and symptoms that include proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and edema. Originally described in the 1950s, treatment of NS with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was rediscovered lately and its potentially beneficial effects on proteinuria and glomerular function have been studied in patients with different nephrotic diseases. Our research group has shown that the effects of ACTH treatment are mediated through cells in the glomerulus. Thus, the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) was found to be colocalizing with the podocyte marker synaptopodin. Treatment with MC1R specific agonists had beneficial effects in an experimental model of membranous nephropathy, Passive Heymann Nephritis (PHN). The aims of this thesis have therefore been to examine the intracellular signaling pathways and beneficial mechanisms following MC1R stimulation both in vitro and in vivo. The hypothesis is that MC1R stimulation activates a number of beneficial effects in podocytes and stabilizes the actin cytoskeleton. To study these mechanisms, we performed experiments with MC1R selective agonists in the in vivo models of nephrotic syndrome; PHN and adriamycin nephropathy (AN). MC1R stimulation had ameliorating effects in the PHN model, but not in the AN model. In addition, we did in vitro experiments in order to analyze the intracellular effects induced by MC1R stimulation, and to perform a large-scale pathway analysis. MC1R stimulation induced a number of protective effects in podocytes, including increased catalase activity, decreased oxidative stress and protection against apoptosis. Furthermore, MC1R stimulation affected the actin cytoskeleton by inducing RhoA activity and increasing stress fiber formation. Subsequently, the MC1R stimulation had protective effects in both the puromycin and protamine sulfate in vitro models. We conclude that MC1R stimulation has beneficial effects in different models of NS through activation of endogenous protective pathways and by stabilizing of the actin cytoskeleton. Building on these results, we believe that it is possible to create new, specific drugs with minimal side effects to treat patients with nephrotic syndromes in the future.


In this paper we propose a new protocol for unstructured and semantic-searching based p2p networks: Bittella. It forms a three level overlay network: the lower level is the unstructured p2p network (e.g. Gnutella). The medium level is formed by clusters per content, we call the resulting structure Small World per Content structure. This level allows the utilization of Bittorrent-like download techniques in unstructured p2p networks resulting in a reduction of the download time. Finally, the third level is a common interest based overlay (the nodes form clusters based on common interests). This level is created by applying a learning algorithm called Ranking Algorithm and permits the reduction of the bandwidth used in the search procedure in the unstructured p2p networks. Therefore, Bittella improves the traditional unstructured p2p networks like Gnutella in two main aspects: it reduces the download time and it reduces the bandwidth consumption of the search procedure.