International customers, please contact your local Sigma-Aldrich office. For worldwide contact information, please see last page. Material Matters is also available at aldrich.com/matsci. Aldrich brand products are sold through Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. Purchaser must determine the suitability of the product for its particular use. See product information on the Sigma-Aldrich website at sigma-aldrich.com and/or on the reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale. All prices are subject to change without notice. Introduction Welcome to the second issue of Material Matters™ for 2012 focusing on Functional Inorganic Materials: From Precursors to Applications. Functional inorganic materials can be broadly defined as materials which can exhibit specific properties critical for end applications. This special class of materials has emerged to play a profound role in modern technologies and find use in numerous applications such as microelectronics, computer memories, coatings, optics, sensors, catalysis, photovoltaics, energy storage and biomedicine. Rapidly changing technologies continue to drive the discovery of new materials. Recent advances in the area of functional materials include the development of porous materials, light-emitting materials, thermoelectric materials, ionic and electronic conducting materials, and nanomaterials. Crucial to these advances is understanding the relationships between composition, structure, and properties of these newly-developed functional materials, along with the dependence of their properties on precursors and processing methods. The preparation of materials in a scalable and continuous manner is another key requirement for the transition of new materials to the market. Soft chemistry or " chimie douce " has shown great success in fabricating functional and nanostructured materials with the possibility to control the reaction pathways during the transformation of the precursor species to the final product. Among the various " soft " chemistry routes, sol-gel based procedures proved to be particularly successful in the preparation of various " hard and soft " functional materials. The current issue of Material Matters™ features articles that highlight the preparation of functional inorganic materials synthesized by sol-gel and related techniques, and their applications. To begin with Prof. reviews the preparation of mesoporous titanium dioxide thin films by hard and soft templating processes and its application in semiconductor photocatalysis. In the second article, Prof. a new type of inorganic-organic hybrid material called melting gels, the effect of the nature of the precursors on the properties of the melting gels and their applications as " low κ " dielectric materials in integrated circuits for metal-oxide semiconductor …


Genesis, transportation mechanism and distribution of water in subduction system is very important to understand various geological phenomena in subduction zones. Origin of subduction zone magma is thought be deeply connected with dehydration of subducting slabs. Because water degassed from magma prior to or during volcanic eruption, concentration of water in arc magma is not well constrained. In this study, we show evidences that basalt magma in volcanic front generally contains several weight percent of water. This is in contrast with previous view on lateral variation of water in Japanese Quaternary volcanoes (Sakuyama, 1979; Aoki et al, 1981). It also contradicts with estimated geographical variation of fluid components in Japanese Quaternary volcanoes by Nakamura et al.(2008) and Nakamura & Iwamori (2010). Based on high-pressure melting experiments on primitive basalt of Izu-Oshima volcano, Hamada & Fujii (2007) concluded that presence of 3 to 6 wt% of water is necessary in order to explain very calcic (˜An90) plagioclase phenocryst. Phase relation of primitive basalt from Ofunato stage of Miyakejima volcano has been studied experimentally (Ushioda et al, 2011) and it is found that about 3 wt% of water is necessary in order to explain its phenocryst assemblage (ol + pl) and the calcic plagioclase composition (An90-94). Moreover, Hamada et al. (2011) has established a new method to estimate pre-degassing water content of magma using hydrogen concentration in plagioclase phenocryst. Using this new technique, water content in main magma chamber of Izu-Oshima volcano prior to 1986 eruption was estimated be ˜5 wt%. eruption of 1707). According to Machida (1977), amount of volcanic ash (tephra) from Fuji volcano may be equal or greater than its volcanic edifice. This indicates that the explosive erption style of Fuji volcano continued through time and therefore high water content in its basalt magma is a continuous feature. Basalt magma is less abundant in the volcanoes on Honshu Arc due to the extensive fractionation, magma mixing and crustal melting. Precise estimate of water content in their primitive basalt magma is therefore difficult. However, presence of very high modal amount of plagioclase phenocryst in basalt and basaltic andesite (usually 30˜40 vol%), is a good indication of the presence of large amount of water in these mafic magmas. This is because, degassing of hydrous basalt at shallow magma chamber invariably accompanies crystallization of large amount of plagioclase(e.g., Hamada & Fujii, 2008). We therefore propose that basalt magma in volcanic front of Izu Mariana Arc (e.g., Fuji, Izu-Oshima, Miyakejima) and those of North Honshu Arc are all wet, may be typically containing 5 wt% of water or even higher. This view strongly contradicts with previous works; 1) lateral variation of water content similar to potassium (Sakuyama, 1979; Aoki et al, 1981); 2) nearly anhydrous magma genesis model by Tatsumi et al.(1983) at the volcanic front, and 3) recent estimation of fluid component in magma based on systematics in Nd and Pb isotopes (e.g. Nakamura & Iwamori, 2010). Our model, however, is not inconsistent with a model proposed by Kimura et al.(2010). We will discuss origin of the discrepancy between our model and previous works. We will also emphasize the importance of the large water flux released by hydrous basalt magma at the volcanic front in considering circulation of water in subduction zone. Recent study suggests that boninites formed at the immature stage of subduction zone, whereas related arc tholeiites erupted 0-7 Ma after boninite formations (Ishizuka et al., 2011, EPSL, v306, p229-240). In order to constrain volatile behaviors of an immature subduction zone, we have analyzed major, volatile contents and sulfur isotopic ratios (34S/32S) of melt inclusions in Cr-spinel from fore-arc volcanic rocks in Bonin Islands and in Guam. All Cr-spinels are collected at volcanic sand beaches and purified for this study. Boninitic melt inclusions occur in Muko-jima, Chichi-jima and tholeiitic melt inclusions occur in Mukoo-jima and Guam. Cr-spinels in boninite are high in Cr# (mostly 80-90) and low in TiO2 ( < 0.1wt%), indicating highly depleted source. Whereas Cr-spinels in tholeiite vary in Cr# (45-80) and in TiO2 (0.1-1 wt%). Compositions of melt inclusions fully cover compositional range of whole-rock. Some melt inclusions of boninites have MgO higher than 20 wt%, showing that they are very primitive magmas. H2O and CO2 contents of melt inclusions of Muko-jima boninite are high (up to 4 wt%) and low ( < 50 ppm), respectively whereas those of Mukoo-jima tholeiite are lower (H2O mostly ˜1 wt%) and higher (CO2 up to ˜1000ppm). Except H2O, volatiles of boninitic melt inclusions (F < 20ppm; Cl < 500ppm; S ˜100ppm) are considerably lower than those in tholeiites (F up to 400ppm; Cl up to 3000ppm; S up to 3000ppm). High S content of tholeiitic melt inclusions may indicate high oxygen fugacity of the magmas. Sulfur isotope data of melt inclusions from boninites show the lightest value that reported from igneous rocks (d 34 S V CDT = -5 to -10), whereas those of tholeiites (d 34 S V CDT =+2 to +5) are comparable to reported arc tholeiite data. S source of tholeiite should be mixture of seawater-derived hydrothermal sulfites and mantle sulfide. Whereas S source of boninite can be seawater derived pyrite which precipitated in mantle, inorganically, because of reduced condition caused by water-mantle reaction. As source of boninite is hydrated hertzbergite, sulfur in the source before the hydration may be neglible. Therefore, all sulfur of boninite may be secondary origin. Assuming open system isotope fractionation, d 34 S V CDT difference between seawater sulfate (20 permil) and pyrite (-5 to -10 permil) can be explained by pyrite precipitation at ˜200 o C, which is consistent temperature of serpentinization at subduction zone. Boninite may be formed by melting of this serpentinite at an immature stage. Further contaminations by fluid led higher oxygen fugacity at mantle wedge, forming arc tholeiites. The redox state of arc mantle is an important issue to understand processes of material cycle and generation of magma within mantle wedge. Previous studies on mantle xenoliths indicated that arc mantle is more oxidized relative to those of other tectonic settings and proposed that the oxidized nature is attributed to an influence of subduction-related fluid. However, it is unobvious that partially melted region within mantle wedge where arc magma is generated is actually oxidized because mantle xenoliths are fragments of cool, rigid, re-equilibrated lithospheric mantle. In addition, the role of subduction-related fluid on oxidization of arc mantle is still unclear. the state of effect of subduction-related quenched information partial to determine valence state of Fe in silicate glass with several microns order of special resolution. In this study, we investigated fO2 of quenched silicate glasses included in pillow lavas and hyaloclastites of boninite from Chichijima, Otojima, and Mukojima, Bonin islands, Japan. We also analyzed quenched basaltic glasses from Anejima and Hahajima for comparison. In addition, quenched glasses of AIST standard rock samples (JA-1a, JA-2, and JB-2) synthesized at fO2 near quartz-magnetite-fayalite (QMF) and Ni-NiO (NNO) buffers were analyzed to assess the reliability of this analytical method. We performed the measurements using Beam Line 4A in Photon Factory, KEK, which enables us micro analysis of XANES. The obtained spectra were analyzed using the method of Cottrell et al. (2009) to determine mole ratios of ferric to total iron, Fe3+/Fe. Oxygen fugacity of silicate glass was calculated from the Fe3+/Fe ratio using the method of Kress and Carmichael (1991). Reliability of our analyses is confirmed because controlled fO2 during synthesizing standard glasses is reproduced within standard deviation of 0.4 by the models of Cottrell et al. (2009) and Kress and Carmichael (1991). results that state of source mantle region and (2) the redox state of arc mantle was oxidized even at an initial stage of arc evolution. This is inconsistent with the results of Lee et al. (2005, 2010). Using a micro-focused synchrotron x ray at Synchrotron SOLEIL (France), in-situ x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra of Pb, Rb, and Sr are obtained from aqueous fluids and haplogranite/jadeite melt at 0.3-1.3 GPa and 730-830C. Partition coefficients between aqueous fluids and melts are obtained for Pb, Sr and Rb (D fluid/melt Pb , D fluid/melt Rb , D fluid/melt Sr ) with and without Cl. As pressure increases, D fluid/melt Pb , D fluid/melt Rb , and D fluid/melt Sr increase. As salinity increases, D fluid/melt Pb , D fluid/melt Rb , and D fluid/melt Sr increase. D fluid/melt Pb are larger than unity in 5 M (Na, K)Cl bearing solution-haplogranite melt system. D fluid/melt Rb are larger than unity in 2.5 M NaCl bearing solution-jadeite melt system. Under the identical conditions, D fluid/melt Sr are smaller than 0.6 and 0.1, respectively. The present study confirms that saline fluids can transfer large ion lithophile elements such as Pb, Rb, and Sr from subducting oceanic lithosphere to the mantle wedge, whereas Cl-free aqueous fluids cannot. Introduction: Fluids in the earth's crust would have large effects on the occurrence of earthquake and volcanic eruptions. To delineate distribution of the fluids in the earth's crust is requisite to understand the effects of the fluids on the earthquake and volcanic activities. The distribution of the fluids has been expected to be revealed by electromagnetic observation, e.g. magnetotellurics. Electrical conductivity distribution in the crust is considered to roughly correspond to the fluids distribution because of the high electrical conductivity of fluids relative to solids. To develop a plausible model of the fluids distribution to explain the electromagnetic observations, we have to construct a data


This paper reports on the design, and implementation of piezoelectric-on-silicon MEMS resonators installed within a portable experimental setup for sensing nanoparticles in a laboratory environment. MEMS oscillators with a center frequency of approximately 5.999 MHz are employed for sensing 50 nm size-selected silver nanoparticles generated in the laboratory. The same experimental setup is then assembled to sense indoor particles that are present in the laboratory environment. The challenges associated with particle deposition as a result of assembling the portable experimental setup is highlighted. Furthermore, the MEMS oscillators demonstrate that the total mass of silver nanoparticles deposited onto the MEMS resonator surface using the inertial impaction technique-based experimental setup is approximately 7.993 nanograms. The total indoor particle mass accumulated on the MEMS resonator surface is estimated to be approximately 1.732 nanograms and 26.9 picograms for two different runs. The frequency resolution of the MEMS oscillator is estimated to be approximately 32 ppb and, consequently, the minimum detectable particle mass is approximately 60 femtograms for a 9.2 s integration time.


Nitrosation reactions of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-amino acids whose reaction products can act as alkylating agents of DNA were investigated. To approach in vivo conditions for the two-step mechanism (nitrosation and alkylation), nitrosation reactions were carried out in aqueous acid conditions (mimicking the conditions of the stomach lumen) while the alkylating potential of the nitrosation products was investigated at neutral pH, as in the stomach lining cells into which such products can diffuse. These conclusions were drawn: (i) The alkylating species resulting from the nitrosation of amino acids with an -NH(2) group are the corresponding lactones; (ii) the sequence of alkylating power is: alpha-lactones > beta-lactones > gamma-lactones, coming respectively from the nitrosation of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-amino acids; and (iii) the results obtained may be useful in predicting the mutagenic effectiveness of the nitrosation products of amino acids.


Brain-computer interfacing (BCI) is a technology that is almost four decades old and it was developed solely for the purpose of developing and enhancing the impact of neuroprosthetics. However, in the recent times, with the commercialization of non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) headsets, the technology has seen a wide variety of applications like home automation, wheelchair control, vehicle steering etc. One of the latest developed applications is the mind-controlled quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. These applications, how- ever, do not require a very high-speed response and give satisfactory results when standard classification methods like Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLPC). Issues are faced when there is a requirement for high-speed control in the case of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles where such methods are rendered unreliable due to the low speed of classification. Such an application requires the system to classify data at high speeds in order to retain the con- trollability of the vehicle. This paper proposes a novel method of classification which uses a combination of Common Spatial Paradigm and Linear Discriminant Analysis that provides an improved classification accuracy in real time. A non-linear SVM based classification technique has also been discussed. Further, this paper discusses the implementation of the proposed method on a fixed-wing and VTOL unmanned aerial vehicles.


The staining properties of 4 spectral pure derivates of Phenoxazin--Capriblue GN, Stella Blue, Oxonin, and Punky Blue--were investigated using human and animal tissues. Punky Blue and Stella Blue are newly synthesized derivates. A simplified staining technique was developed based on conventional fixing and mounting methods of histological materials. Punky Blue is a particularly contrasting metachromatic nucleus stain, and produces at pH = 4 and a staining period of 5 min a differentiated cell picture, the colours of which are comparable to conventional stains. The Oxonin-stain produces good contrasts after 2 min. Capriblue GN is only limited use as one-component tissue stain, due of its low metachromatic characteristics and Stella Blue, on its own, does not provide sufficient contract. The influence of electrolytes and hydrogen ions on the staining mechanisms will be discussed. An increase of hydrogen ions is used to control the selective staining of amphoteric biopolymers. The possible binding mechanisms of stains used are discussed in the light of their staining properties.


Bee products (BP) have been used for centuries as a diet complement with claimed curative properties. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral administration of BP prevented behavioral, histological, and biochemical alterations, caused by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling in rats. Male Wistar rats were employed to evaluate seizure latency, number and duration, performance in the open field test, histological alterations and mortality following BP administration. Oral administration of BP at two doses, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day, significantly lengthened latency of both clonic and tonic PTZ-induced seizures, decreased the duration and frequency of seizures and reduced mortality. In the Open Field test, BP treated groups showed increases in the number of crossed squares and rearing counts, and on optimal dose, decreases in fecal boli. Histological analysis showed in PTZ (50 and 80 mg/kg) kindling rats, lungs with inflammatory peribronchiolar, and perialveolar infiltrates. In the liver, mild losses of trabeculae, multi-vesiculated hepatocytes (steatosis) and inflammatory infiltrates in hepatic parenchyma were observed. Interestingly, in the heart, fibers were markedly separated. In testis, stratified epithelium of seminal tubules lost its normal structure, tubules had epithelium loss, spermatids were absent, and spermatogonia and Leydig cells diminished. In PTZ kindling rats treated with BP, the lungs had no inflammatory infiltrates, although the heart showed some inflammatory infiltrates. Remaining structures had normal characteristics. These results, suggest that BP can protect rats from effects of PTZ-induced kindling.


Objective: This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) development, and the diagnostic value of blood coagulation markers in patients receiving surgery for malignant bone and soft tissue tumor of lower extremity.
Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients who were examined using ultrasonography. Serum soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) and D-dimer were measured in the perioperative period. VTE incidence, VTE development time, change in blood coagulation markers, and effect of each risk factor were evaluated.
Results: VTE was found in 8 of 20 patients. Four of these 8 patients had the finding of pulmonary embolism (PE) without symptom. Onset time of VTE was from day 1 to 7 after surgery. The cutoff value of SFMC was <3 μg/mL at any measurement point and D-dimer was approximately 2 g/mL in receiver operating characteristic analysis. Body mass index was the only significant risk factor.
Conclusion: VTE showed high incidence and often occurred in the early period in only physical prophylaxis after surgery. SFMC or D-dimer was not always useful to detect VTE development. With regard to rehabilitation intervention, risk management is required until 1 week after surgery.


We examined the effect of oral 1,25(OH)2D3 pulse therapy in hemodialyzed patients with secondary hyperparthyroidism (2 degrees HPT). Prescription of 6.0 micrograms 1,25(OH)2D3 once a week combined with calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder during the last 5 days a week for 12 weeks resulted in improvement of mild to moderate 2 degrees HPT despite no significant differences in serum total calcium and phosphate concentration. In addition, the effect was greater in cases with mild 2 degrees HPT. A single administration of 6 micrograms 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced the parathyroid hormone concentration in patients with mild 2 degrees HPT or with a short duration of hemodialysis. Tmax of the serum 1,25(OH)2D3 after single administration of 6.0 micrograms 1,25(OH)2D3 was individually different (range, 0.4-20.9 hrs). It is recommended that early employment of oral 1,25(OH)2D3 pulse therapy be undertaken once a week combined with prescription of calcium salt as a phosphate binder during the last 5 days a week for the treatment of 2 degrees HPT refractory to conventional therapy, since there is no risk of aluminum accumulation with satisfactory control of the serum total calcium and phosphate concentration.


The existing distribution networks are designed based on the assumption of unidirectional power flows. The amount of distributed generation (DG) is, however, constantly increasing which creates a need to revise the current network operation and planning principles. This paper focuses on voltage level management issues related to DG. The effect of different kinds of voltage level management strategies on distribution network planning is discussed and a planning procedure regarding voltage issues when a new DG unit is interconnected to an existing distribution network is proposed.


A two variable model describing the circadian fluctuation of two proteins (PER and TIM) in cells is considered. The original model was set up by Leloup and Goldbeter [1998], the present form was developed by Tyson et al. [1999]. Periodic solutions with 24-h period were investigated in those papers. Here the possible phase portraits and bifurcations are studied in detail. The saddle-node and Hopf bifurcation curves are determined in the plane of two parameters by using the parametric representation method [Simon et al., 1999]. It is shown that there are four cases according to their mutual position (as the remaining parameters of the system are varied). Using these curves the number and type of the stationary points are determined in all four cases. The global bifurcation diagram, which is a system of bifurcation curves that divide the given parameter plane into regions according to topological equivalence of global phase portraits, is also determined. Finally, the so-called constant period curves are computed numerically. These curves consist of those parameter pairs on the parameter plane for which the system has a limit cycle with a given period. It turns out that in a wide range of parameters the system has limit cycles with period close to 24-h.


We experienced a 45-year-old Japanese man who was transferred to our hospital complaining of acute onset of pain and pallor in the right lower limb. Two years earlier, he had complained of repetitive pain at rest and pallor in the left third and fourth fingers. The physical exam and angiography demonstrated occlusion of finger arteries, however we could not reach final diagnosis. Acute arterial occlusive disease in the right lower limb was suspected. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a gross tumor in the left atrium, which suggested left atrial myxoma. An emergency tumorectomy was successfully conducted. Pathologically, the fragile tumor and resultant thrombosis could have caused the patient's peripheral circulatory failure at least two years prior to this episode. A rigorous systemic survey is important even when the ischemic symptom is localized in peripheral circulation.


The article aims to raise some issues related to the restructuring process in the banking sector and its social implications (employment, skills, training, wage and union's action), in the context of the 1990's. The observations and conclusions presented result from the analysis of a case-study in a Brazilian state bank preparing for privatization, as well as from the use of statistics concerning the sector as a whole. Among the conclusions, it is worth to mention that the gains obtained by the work-force in the process under study should be assessed vis-a-vis the negative effects as physical and mental stress for those who remain employed, as well as the occurrence of high rates of unemployment. The main conclusion, therefore, would be that the skills raising in employment would correspond to a degradation of living conditions in general.


Abstract Background Results of preventative emollient therapy on atopic dermatitis and food allergy trials are inconsistent. In addition to the ingredients considered beneficial, the moisturizers may contain potentially harmful haptens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of haptens in moisturizers used in studies to prevent atopic dermatitis or food allergy and assess their correlations to the trial results. Methods A systematic search of studies investigating the role of emollient usage in preventing atopic dermatitis or food allergy in infants was performed from inception to December 2020. Haptens were identified based on the nine common patch test series (European, American, and Australian). Results 12 clinical trial studies were included in the review. In total, 16 different emollients were applied as an intervention. The vast majority (75%) of preparations contained at least one hapten from which several substances pose high allergic or irritant potential. Quantitative data synthesis of the findings regarding food allergy and atopic dermatitis prevention was not possible due to the significant heterogeneity of preparations used. Conclusions Careful selection of emollient should consider the absence of potentially harmful ingredients, particularly when used in youngest children. Chronic skin exposure to haptens promotes the development of allergic contact dermatitis and moreover, via deterioration of the skin barrier and subclinical inflammation, may facilitate epicutaneous sensitization and promote atopic dermatitis; however further research is needed to validate our suppositions.


The high prevalence of statin and clarithromycin utilization creates potential for overlapping use. The objectives of this MiniReview were to investigate the evidence base for drug-drug interactions between clarithromycin and currently marketed statins and to present management strategies for these drug combinations. We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines with English language studies retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE (from inception through March 2019). We included 29 articles (16 case reports, 5 observational, 5 clinical pharmacokinetic and 3 in vitro studies). Based on mechanistic/clinical studies involving clarithromycin or the related macrolide erythromycin (both strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and of hepatic statin uptake transporters OATP1B1 and OATP1B3), clarithromycin is expected to substantially increase systemic exposure to simvastatin and lovastatin (>5-fold increase in area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC)), moderately increase AUCs of atorvastatin and pitavastatin (2-4-fold AUC increase) and slightly increase pravastatin exposure (≈ 2-fold AUC increase) while having little effect on fluvastatin or rosuvastatin. The 16 cases of statin-clarithromycin adverse drug reactions (rhabdomyolysis (n = 14) or less severe clinical myopathy) involved a CYP3A4-metabolized statin (simvastatin, lovastatin or atorvastatin). In line, a cohort study found concurrent use of clarithromycin and CYP3A4-metabolized statins to be associated with a doubled risk of hospitalisation with rhabdomyolysis or other statin-related adverse events as compared with azithromycin-statin co-administration. If clarithromycin is necessary, we recommend 1) avoiding co-administration with simvastatin, lovastatin or atorvastatin; 2) withholding or dose-reducing pitavastatin; 3) continuing pravastatin therapy with caution, limiting pravastatin dose to 40 mg daily and 4) continuing fluvastatin or rosuvastatin with caution.


ABSTRACT Distinctive trails in sand made by jelly fish carried on an incoming tide have been observed in a shallow estuary. Traces of the trails were obliterated within four hours by the ebb tide. Preservation of such trails in the fossil record would require special conditions and occurrences will be rare.


ABSTRACT Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a complex phenomenon requiring integrated knowledge of multiple disciplines to better manage and mitigate impacts. The chemical environment (e.g. produced water, soured oil) plays an important role in MIC. Chemical reactions and phase changes due to temperature, pressure, pH and to a lesser extent salinity, impact microbial activities which in turn influences the surrounding chemical environment leading to corrosion. The chemical–microbial interactions complicate the understanding of chemical species transformation and partitioning behaviour in gas, water and oil and subsequent impact on corrosion. In this paper, a review of the complex chemical transformations of chemical species resulting from biotic and abiotic processes are presented. These chemical species can have growth, inhibitory or synergistic effects on microbial activities causing MIC. Microbial activities are found to overlap with chemical/electrochemical processes leading to corrosion. The interaction between chemical environment, environmental factors, electrochemical and microbial processes has been explained with examples from the literature, to understand the contributory effects on MIC. This study will inform further investigation on the chemical environment impacting MIC and model development.


Abstract : The Chapman-Davies-Littlewood technique for the computation of the equivalent path of an ionospherically propagated High Frequency (HF) radio signal was used to determine the most probable modes of oblique propagation and the corresponding frequency windows that existed during six experimental aircraft flights in the polar region. In comparison to these results, the Elkins-Rush HF Polar Predictive Model has been found to be inadequate for short-term propagation predictions. These oblique propagation measurements have verified Feldstein and Starkov's conclusion that the magnetic Index Q is a good indicator of the position, shape, and size of the Instantaneous Auroral Oval as they have defined it on the basis of ground-based optical measurements which they subjected to statistical analyses. An approach has been developed which sheds new light on the behavior of HF signals propagating via the polar ionosphere. On the basis of the results achieved using this approach, it is recommended that an attempt be made to develop a new method of predicting short-term polar region HF propagation conditions well in advance (that is, an hour or more in advance in real time). A hypothetical example of an application of such a method is given. Action should be taken soon to exploit this possibility. Additional work could extend the applicability of this approach beyond anything that has seemed feasible before. New understanding of the physics of the polar ionosphere could result. It is hoped that this report will stimulate the experimental and theoretical research that will result in this increased understanding of the polar ionosphere. (Author)


Immunotherapy offers a distinctive mechanism of action compared to traditional treatments, arising from additional value dimensions that may not be captured in standard health technology assessments. Cancer patients may have the expectation that immunotherapy provides durable, long-term survival gains. Moreover, some patients may be willing to take a 'risk' to undergo immunotherapy to achieve better survival outcomes. We reviewed quantitative methods that explored patients' risk preferences in their non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment choices, in PubMed (MEDLINE), from January 1, 2015, until July 1, 2022. The consideration of a value dimension ('hope') based on patients' risk-seeking preferences is specifically addressed for the valuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC. We reported that the quantitative methods that aim to measure patients' risk preferences or 'hope' empirically are emerging. Value assessments should not only comprise survival improvements for the mean or median patient but also consider methods that reflect durable, long-term overall survival gains for risk-seeking patients. However, the published evidence for incorporating 'hope' based on patients' stated preferences for uncertain treatment profiles is not strong, and future research could strengthen this evidence base. We encourage further research on the development and validation of quantification methods to incorporate 'hope' and risk preferences of patients treated with immunotherapy for NSCLC and beyond.


The popularity of mobile computing and communications devices can be traced to their ability to deliver information to users when needed. Users want anywhere, anytime access to information and applications from the device in hand, and they want to access and update this information. The ability to use applications and information on one mobile device, then to synchronize any updates with the applications and information back at the office, or on the network, is key to the utility and popularity of this pervasive, disconnected way of computing. Rather, there is a proliferation of different, proprietary data synchronization protocols for mobile devices. Each of these protocols is only available for selected transports, implemented on a selected subset of devices, and able to access a small set of networked data. The absence of a single synchronization standard poses many problems for end users, device manufacturers, application developers, and service providers. We analyze the SyncML architecture and protocol of synchronization technique, and represent the server architecture.


The properties of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) for possible use in conjunction with scintillating fibers as charged particle detectors were measured. The quantities measured so far have been the gain of the APDs, the amplitude distribution of pulses from particles through the fibers, and the efficiency of detecting these particles. The device tested seems to be marginally usable, although the efficiency obtained is still too low. Preliminary results indicate the importance of the choice of associated electronics and good optical coupling between fiber and APD. >


ABSTRACT The merging of regions initiated in France in 2016 makes it possible to observe the processes of reinvention of a regional identity after thirty years dedicated to strengthening two different ones. The analysis of this territorial recomposition therefore gives us the opportunity to better understand what makes a region and what it does, two questions to which the answers were still not quite stabilized in France. They are now raised again in an explicit and clear way and allow us to better define the contemporary outlines of the state and current modes of government. To that end, we will examine the merger of two former French regions, Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, which have been grouped into a new region called Occitanie.


Background
Programmed death 1 (PD1) inhibitors are now a foundation of medical management of metastatic melanoma. This study sought to determine whether circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) provides useful early response and prognostic information.

Patients and methods
We evaluated the relationship between pre-treatment and early on treatment ctDNA and outcome in melanoma patients treated with PD1 inhibitors alone or in combination with ipilimumab.

Results
ctDNA was detected in 40/76 patients (53%) at baseline, and correlated with stage, LDH levels, disease volume and ECOG performance. RECIST response was 72% (26/36) in group A (undetectable ctDNA at baseline), 77% (17/22) in group B (elevated ctDNA at baseline but undetectable within 12 weeks of therapy) and 6% (1/18) in group C (elevated ctDNA at baseline and remained elevated during treatment). The median PFS was not reached in groups A and B and was 2.7 months for group C [hazard ratio (HR) 0.09; P < 0.001 for group A versus C, and 0.16; P < 0.001 for group B versus C]. The median OS was not reached for groups A and B and was 9.2 months for group C (HR 0.02; P < 0.001 for group A versus C and 0.14; P < 0.001 for group B versus C). The poor outcome measures associated with group C remained significant in multivariate analysis adjusted for LDH, performance status, tumour stage and disease volume. The predictive value for ctDNA for response was confirmed in a separate validation cohort (n = 29, P < 0.01).

Conclusion
Longitudinal assessment of ctDNA in metastatic melanoma patients receiving treatment with PD1 inhibitors is an accurate predictor of tumour response, PFS and OS. Patients who had a persistently elevated ctDNA on therapy had a poor prognosis, and this may guide combination and sequencing of subsequent therapies.


In this paper a blondeliine tachinid, Eomedina hamoyensis sp. nov., from Namibia is described, illustrated and compared with the only known congeneric species E. apicalis (Curran). The Afrotropical genus Eomedina has a blunt, scoop-like and well sclerotized ovipositor, and based on this derived structure appears to belong to the "Medina genus-group". The new species is known only from several females and they differ from females of E. apicalis in lacking a pair of proclinate orbital setae and in having just one pair of reclinate upper orbital setae.


ABSTRACT The antileishmanial activity of a series of bis-pyridinium derivatives that are analogues of pentamidine have been investigated, and all compounds assayed were found to display activity against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) lower than 1 μM in most cases. The majority of compounds showed similar behavior in both Leishmania species, being slightly more active against L. major amastigotes. However, compound VGP-106 {1,1′-(biphenyl-4,4′-diylmethylene)bis[4-(4-bromo-N-methylanilino)pyridinium] dibromide} exhibited significantly higher activity against L. donovani amastigotes (EC50, 0.86 ± 0.46 μM) with a lower toxicity in THP-1 cells (EC50, 206.54 ± 9.89 μM). As such, VGP-106 was chosen as a representative compound to further elucidate the mode of action of this family of inhibitors in promastigote forms of L. donovani. We have determined that uptake of VGP-106 in Leishmania is a temperature-independent process, suggesting that the compound crosses the parasite membrane by diffusion. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a severe mitochondrial swelling in parasites treated with compound VGP-106, which induces hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and a significant decrease of intracellular free ATP levels due to the inhibition of ATP synthesis. Additionally, we have confirmed that VGP-106 induces mitochondrial ROS production and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. All these molecular events can activate the apoptotic process in Leishmania; however, propidium iodide assays gave no indication of DNA fragmentation. These results underline the potency of compound VGP-106, which may represent a new avenue for the development of novel antileishmanial compounds.


To facilitate the selection of soybean fGlycine max (L. ) Merr,] genotypes with improved rates of apparent photosynthe sis per unit leaf area (AP), knowledge of the physiologic or anatomical factors that cause genotypic variation in AP would be useful. In previous work, we bred lines with divergent leaf photosynthetic rates. The objective of this experiment was to determine the causes of that divergence. Two rapid and two slow photosynthesizing lines from the original popula tion were grown in the field. About the beginning of rapid seed growth, the dependence of AP on (1) atmospheric CO2 con centration and (2) photosynthetic photon flux density, each at two different leaf temperatures (28 and 18 C), was mea sured for recently expanded, terminal leaflets. Leaves were harvested for measurement of leaf and cell dimensions. Evidence indicates that neither stomatal conductance of COg, nor mesophyll cell size or number, nor the efficiency of the photochemical or enzymatic reactions are causative. This implicates factors internal to the cell. The residual resistance tended to be less for the two rapid photosynthesis lines at 28 C, though the effect was not significant. The evidence in toto implies that amount of photosynthetic material per unit leaf area mediates AP differences among


The calculated electron-optical properties of a special cylindrical mirror analyser are presented. The analyser consists of three concentric cylinders and is capable of separating and simultaneously analysing the energy and angular distribution of incoming positrons and electrons. It is shown that the analyser has second-order focusing properties with remarkable dispersion. The optimal design parameters are presented for three variations. The lineshape, the active length of the source and the range of the entrance solid angle are investigated for an extended source. The different modes of operation are discussed.


The optical properties of potash doped lead chloride (PbCl2) have been studied by sol gel technique. The optical properties of the materials were determined using a JENWAY 6405 UV-VIS spectrophotometer operating at a wavelength range of 200nm to 1200nm at an interval of 5nm. It was observed that the crystals are optically transparent. The average refractive index (n) is between 0.6 and 2.9. The refractive index greater than 2.0 makes the crystals good materials for protective coatings. The band gaps are from 3.9 to 5.0 showing that they are wide band gap materials and are good refractory materials.


Aloe Vera is one of the nature's most used therapeutic healing herb being used globally due to its widespread habitat. However it is not considered as a part of modern drug therapy. Formulations of aloe vera whether a part of a complex mixture of a drug or a single require rigorous monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Identifying the correct species and making a correct formulation of aloe vera is a great task. Clinical research has shown a wide array of biological activities but research as a formulation is admittedly lacking. The reason may be difficulty in postulating, separating, isolating and eventually providing verified active ingredients in dosable quantities and may be lack of well-designed clinical trials. There are also cautionary investigations & warning of possible allergic effects on some patients. Independent quality and compliance standards are needed to be established in products used internally as there is a concern about products having a little or no aloe in them. The current article is a phytochemical review, constraints analysis and about the potential of aloe vera as a mainstay of drug therapy.


The purpose of this chapter is to present analytic tools based on functional maps that can be used to identify investment opportunities and to formulate strategy in large, evolving technical systems. I argue that the points of value creation and value capture in a technical system are the system's bottlenecks. Bottlenecks arise first as important technical problems to be solved. Once the problem is solved, the solution in combination module boundaries and property rights can be used to capture a stream of rents. In this chapter I extend the functional mapping techniques developed in the last chapter to locate technical and strategic bottlenecks, modules, and property rights. I then show how these analytic tools can be used to construct narratives explaining the dynamics of three nascent technical systems: early aircraft, high-speed steel in machine tools, and container shipping.


Previous studies demonstrated that uropathogenic Escherichia coli infection contributes to human bacterial prostatitis. Apoptosis of prostate epithelial cells is closely associated with the progression of bacterial prostatitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cellular tumor antigen p53 (p53) on the apoptosis of bacterial prostatitis cells. The prostate epithelial RWPE‑1 cell line was infected with Escherichia coli, and treated cells and the culture supernatant were obtained at specific time points. The cell apoptosis rates, protein and mRNA of p53 were detected in the different treatment groups. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl‑transferase‑mediated dUTP nick end labeling assays were used for the detection of cell apoptosis, and cell proliferation was determined by a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. The expression of p53 was inhibited by small interfering (si)RNA, and its mRNA and protein were detected. An ELISA was used for detecting cytokines in the culture supernatant. The result demonstrated that Escherichia coli infection led to an increase in prostate epithelial cell apoptosis (P<0.05), and resulted in increases of interleukin (IL)‑4, IL‑6 and IL‑8, and decrease in IL‑10. p53, apoptosis regulator BAX (Bax), caspase‑9 and Caspase‑3 expression were upregulated upon Escherichia coli exposure (P<0.05). Following transfection with p53 siRNA, the promotion of cell apoptosis induced by Escherichia coli infection was decreased, and the p53 and Bax protein expression were additionally decreased. Therefore, it was suggested that Escherichia coli increases cell apoptosis in bacterial prostatitis by activating the death receptor pathway involving p53. Inhibition of p53 alleviated prostate cell apoptosis induced by Escherichia coli.


has been made of them by Christian translators and writers. Most of these terms are in fact originally Sanskrit, rather than Tamil; but all are found in Tamil writings as loan-words. The problem, though, is always the same: if the terminology of Hindu belief and practice arouses certain cultic and metaphysical associations, how far can the Christian writer employ those same terms in such a way as to arouse other associations? The reader is for the most part left to form his own conclusions on this matter. The book is


Background The purpose of this study was to assess the value of conservative surgery in aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) in our institutional series. Method This was a retrospective review of patients with AA treated at our institution between 1999 and 2010. Results Fourteen consecutive patients were analyzed: 8 primary tumors and 6 recurrences. Female/male ratio was 13:1; median female age was 36 years. Median size of primary lesions was 12 cm (range, 7–17 cm). Median size of recurrences was 20.5 cm (range, 3–44 cm). Twelve patients were operated on. Two asymptomatic patients whose surgery would have been mutilating were placed under wait and see. Four patients had concomitant visceral resections because of massive infiltration. No tumor rupture was recorded on pathological examination. Margins were R0 (n = 2), R1 (n = 10), and R2 (n = 0). Seven patients (50%) received radiotherapy. Median postoperative follow-up was 69 months, and no patient was lost at follow-up. All patients operated on (primaries and recurrences) had no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion Conservative and planned en bloc surgery achieves good local control with low morbidity. Radiotherapy could enhance local control in advanced disease. Wait and see is an exploratory option for asymptomatic, stable, and nonprogressing AA in which surgery would be mutilating.


The port-city of Buenaventura (in the Colombian Pacific coast) is at the center of national and international geopolitical interest as "the capital of the Pacific Alliance", a US$ 3 trillion trade bloc formed by Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru to advance regional integration and cross-pacific trade. At the same time, the city is also known for extraordinary levels of gruesome violence, dismembered dead bodies floating in the low-tide area of port-expansion being its most visible aspect. In this article, we ask: How is racial terror tied to such a promising future for capitalist development? How can we theorize the dynamics of capital's flow, economic expansion and global integration in this Fanonian zone of nonbeing? To answer these questions, we first analyze the colonial geography of this predominantly Black port-city as well as its place in the geographic imaginary of Colombia. Then, in dialogue with literature on multiple dimensions of racial capitalism and structural antiblackness such as racialized surplus populations and social death, we analyze some spatial dynamics that dialectically produce Buenaventura simultaneously as a dystopic and a value- producing spatiality that repositions Colombia in the global economy. Finally, borrowing from Rhonda Williams' analysis of racialized dispossession as "accumulation-as-evisceration," we provide some reflection on the racially-driven eviscerating politics of capital-making in this port-city as it relates to current global geopolitics as well as to lasting antiblack injustices in Colombia and beyond.


From the capability approach, child poverty is understood as the deprivation of basic capabilities and related achieved functionings. This paper examines multidimensional poverty among Afghan children using the Alkire and Foster method. The case of Afghanistan is particularly relevant as years of conflict aggravated by several severe droughts, political insecurity, bad governance and on going violence have significantly increased poverty in the country. The paper discusses the relevant dimensions when analysing child poverty and uses data from a survey carried out by Handicap International which contains information on dimensions of children's wellbeing that is typically missing in standard surveys. Ten dimensions are considered in this paper: health, material deprivation, food security, care and love, social inclusion, access to schooling, freedom from economic exploitation, autonomy and mobility. Our results show that younger children and those living in rural areas are the most deprived. JEL classification: O53, I3, I32, J13 keywords: Multidimensional poverty measurement, Capability approach, Children


Urban political ecology attempts to unravel and politicize the socio-ecological processes that produce uneven waterscapes. At the core of this analysis are the choreographies of power that influence how much water flows through urban infrastructure as well as where it flows, thereby shaping conditions and quality of access in cities. If these analyses have been prolific in demonstrating uneven distribution of infrastructures and water quantity, the political ecology of water quality remains largely overlooked. In this paper, we argue that there is a clear theoretical and practical need to address questions of quality in relation to water access in the South. We show that conceptual resources for considering differentiated drinking water quality are already present within urban political ecology. We then contend that an interdisciplinary approach, highlighting the interdependencies between politics, power, and physiochemical and microbiological contamination of drinking water, can further our understandings of both uneven distribution of water contamination and the conceptualisation of inequalities in the urban waterscape. We illustrate our argument through the case of water supply in Lilongwe, Malawi. Our political ecology analysis starts from an examination of the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water supplied by the formal water utility across urban spaces in Lilongwe. We then present the topography of water (quality) inequalities in Lilongwe and identify the political processes underlying the production of differentiated water quality within the centralised network. This paper thereby serves as a deepening of urban political ecology as well as a demonstration of how this approach might be taken forward in the analysis of urbanism and water supplies.


In the 8 years before 1980, 3958 women were examined in the St. Michael's Hospital breast clinic in Toronto. Of 302 women with breast cancer, 87 (29%) had normal mammograms. Breast cancer was found in 34 after at least one clinical and mammographic examination had given normal results. Of these, 6 (18%) cancers were detected only by mammography while, paradoxically, 23 (68%) were detected only by clinical examination. Normal mammograms are significantly (p less than 0.001) more frequent in young women with breast cancer and in those with small palpable breast cancers. Mammography is most productive when used as a routine study in older women who have clinically normal breasts. All women should start having them around the age of 40 to 45 years. How often they should be repeated is debatable. There is no evidence that they should be repeated annually. Under 35 years of age mammography for any reason is unrewarding. Biopsy of a breast lump that is solid on aspiration should never be delayed because of a normal mammogram. Biopsy of a radiologically suspicious lesion in the breast should never be delayed because the findings on clinical examination are normal.


Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans) and Black Face General (Strobilanthes crispus) are herbal plants in Malaysia, proven scientifically to possess antioxidative properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the methanolic extracts of both Clinacanthus nutans (CME) and Strobilanthes crispus (SME) for their hepatoprotective potential. The extracts were first tested for their phytochemical content, total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content. Next, the phenolic compounds and flavonoids in both extracts were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extracts were then subjected to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and direct effects reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay on liver cells to investigate their antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. It was shown that both extracts contained tannins and phenolic compounds, flavonoids, fixed oil, terpenoids as well as cardiac glycosides. The total phenolic content for SME (36.269 + 1.306 mg GAE/g) was slightly higher than CME (31.755 + 0.997 mg GAE/g). Meanwhile, the total flavonoid content for CME was 7-fold higher than SME (1.686 + 0.026 mg QE/g). The phenolic compounds chlorogenic acid, as well as ellagic acid, and the flavonoid kaempferol were tentatively elucidated in both CME and SME. However, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and (+)-catechin were found only in CME. Furthermore, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of both extracts were dosage dependent. The scavenging activity of CME and SME were 14% and 29% respectively at the concentration of 500 μg/mL. At concentration of 1000 μg/mL, the scavenging activity of both extracts were more than 90%. Interestingly, cells treated with 250 μg/mL SME showed
ROS reduction of 72.69%, which was 8% higher than CME. This showed that both CME and SME had the potential to protect the human liver cell line, HepG2 cells from oxidative damage.


The aim of the present study was to further our understanding of the cognitions and motives underlying decision making in drunk driving. Oriented to the theory of planned behavior and the model of alcohol-myopia, aspects of the decision making process were investigated. 185 drivers who have been officially registered by the police for drunk driving were compared to a group of 145 drivers who have never been detected for drunk driving. Each subject was asked to imagine a standard scenario with low (BAC 1.1 %) Descriptive analysis shows that a decision process takes place, that the number of both, inhibiting and impelling beliefs is reduced under the condition of high alcohol consumption, and that there is a lack of inhibiting beliefs in the group of detected drivers. These drivers show a strong and significant tendency to neglect social norms and to lower the perceived risks of detection and accident. For the covering abstract see ITRD E106992.


DLEC1 has been suggested as a tumor suppressor gene in several cancers. DLEC1 D215N somatic mutation (COSM36702) was identified in a melanoma cell line through whole genome sequencing. However, little is known about the implication and prevalence of this mutation in primary melanomas or in melanocytic nevi. The aim of this study was to genotype DLEC1 D215N mutation in melanoma tissue and melanocytic nevi samples to confirm its occurrence and to estimate its prevalence. Primary melanomas (n = 81) paired with synchronous or asynchronous metastases (n = 21) from 81 melanoma patients and melanocytic nevi (n = 28) were screened for DLEC1 D215N mutation. We found the mutation in 3 primary melanomas and in 2 melanocytic nevi, corresponding to a relatively low prevalence (3.7% and 7.1%, resp.). The pathogenic role of DLEC1 215N mutation is unclear. However, since the mutation has not been previously described in general population, its involvement in nevogenesis and melanoma progression remains a possibility to be clarified in future studies.


Lipoma arborescens is an intra-articular benign tumor characterized by villous synovial hypertrophy that can cause chronic joint pain and effusions. This disease is rare in adults and exceptionally rare in children. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 10-year-old boy who presented with a painful chronic left knee effusion. The workup included radiographs, MRI, and laboratory analysis, and he was diagnosed with lipoma arborescens. He underwent arthroscopic synovectomy and had a full recovery with the ability to return to all desired activities.


Driven by the emergence of pervasive computing and the increasing need for self-managed systems, many approaches have been proposed for building software that can dynamically adapt to its environment. These adaptations involve not only changes in program flow, but also run-time recomposition of the software itself. We discuss the supporting technologies that enable dynamic recomposition and classify different approaches according to how, when and where recomposition occurs. We also highlight key challenges that need to be addressed to realize the full potential of run-time adaptable software. This survey is intended to be a living document, updated periodically to summarize and classify new contributions to the field. The document is maintained under the RAPIDware project web site, specifically, at http://www.cse.msu.edu/rapidware/survey.


Purpose: to justification of the need to develop new-generation domestic technologies that ensure the competitiveness and stability of the Russian economy to external challenges. Using the laws of accelerated development of various systems, objects and processes of the material world will allow us to construct a mechanism for analysis, decision-making and management of the justification, development and implementation of new generation technologies.Methods: the research method is based on the generalization of forecasting the accelerated development of various processes under the conditions of growth restrictions, methods for constructing targeted information-logic models, decision-making methods for justifying the costs of upgrading one-generation technology options and analyzing domestic and foreign technology development experience new generation.Results: within the space of creation and development of new generation technologies, in accordance with the well-known concept of the full life cycle, the process of development and implementation of new generation technologies in the form of a logistic curve has been specified. The solution to the problem of managing the creation of new generation technologies is presented as the fastest possible implementation of projects to search for innovative solutions that meet the requirements of competitiveness. Mathematical models of the formulated problem are considered. Examples of practical tasks for managing the development and development of new generation technologies are given.Conclusions and Relevance: the dynamics of development and the economic conditions for the transition to technology modernization are determined by the need for further development of new generation technologies in the interests of full use of the innovative potential of this generation. Information-logical and mathematical models have been developed for making decisions on managing the justification of the necessary resources for the implementation of projects in the full cycle during the transition from innovative solutions to new technologies and innovative products.


We refine our previous study of a $u d \bar{b} \bar{b}$ tetraquark resonance with quantum numbers $I(J^{P})=0(1^{-})$, which is based on antiheavy-antiheavy lattice QCD potentials, by including heavy quark spin effects via the mass difference of the $B$ and the $B^{*}$ meson. This leads to a coupled channel Schr\"odinger equation, where the two channels correspond to $BB$ and $B^{*}B^{*}$, respectively. We search for $\mbox{T}$ matrix poles in the complex energy plane, but do not find any indication for the existence of a tetraquark resonance in this refined coupled channel approach. We also vary the antiheavy-antiheavy potentials as well as the $b$ quark mass to further understand the dynamics of this four-quark system.


Polyphosphate (polyP) is an abundant and physiologically important biomolecule for virtually any living cell. Therefore, determination of changes in cellular content of polyP is crucial for its functional characterization. Determination of cellular polyP has been performed by many different methods, and the lack of a standardized procedure is possibly responsible for the large dispersion of results found in the relevant literature. For a relatively simple organism, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this variation can be up to 12-fold. polyP extraction and determination of free phosphate released by enzymatic degradation of the polymer is a method quite common and relatively straightforward for polyP determination. By using the yeast S. cerevisiae as model, we have experimentally evaluated the different steps in this procedure in order to identify critical issues that might explain the disparate reported results. As the main output of this evaluation we propose a straightforward and robust procedure that can be used as gold standard protocol for cellular polyP purification and determination from unicellular organisms, thus providing consistency to measurements and facilitating inter-laboratory comparisons and biological interpretation of the results.


Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men in the United States. However, skin metastasis from prostate carcinoma is extremely uncommon. Here, we present a 75‐year‐old Caucasian man with a history of metastatic prostate cancer developing multiple subcutaneous, erythematous nodules over the left anterior chest over a 3‐month period. A fine needle aspiration of a subcutaneous nodule showed neoplastic cells consistent with metastatic prostate cancer. This case represents only the fourth reported case of cutaneous metastasis from prostate cancer to the chest wall and the ninth case outside the inguinal area.


The present dissertation project investigated the organization of space-time in collaborative learning processes mediated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The background of my argumentation is that we live in an historical moment in which the introduction of continuously evolving virtual spaces and the implementation of novel pedagogical approaches entail the transformation of the spatial and temporal relations of pedagogical activities. In order to examine these transforming space-time relations and the role that they may play in the learning process, I propose an adapted socio-cultural perspective based on the dialogical notion of chronotope. A chronotope depicts the emergent configuration of space-time relations during an intentional, collaborative learning activity. In sum, the perspective that I adopt considers cognition and learning as distributed in the environment, and space and time as interdependent social constructions. The dissertation report aimed to account for multiple types of physical, social, virtual, real and imagined spatialities and temporalities as they are perceived, discursively negotiated, and bodily enacted by participants in ICT-mediated learning practices. I carried out four studies that examine various aspects of space-time relations. In Study I, I explored how participants in collaborative learning activities locate themselves and the others across multiple physical, social and virtual spaces; in Study II I investigated how the space-time frames detected in students' discourse on the task affect the process of task interpretation; Study III was aimed at analysing if and how space-time configurations bodily enacted by participants affect the pace and the quality of the learning process; in Study IV I examined the significance and implications of patterns of organization of space-time during the process of instrumental genesis. All the studies adopt a qualitative ethnographic methodology that involves the triangulation of participant observation, discourse analysis, and video analysis. The results of my studies suggest that examining the organization of space and time can provide crucial insights into technology-mediated collaborative learning activities, informing both theory and practice. Understanding how participants locate themselves and the others in space and time might help us to design learning space-times that enhance coordination and collaborative processes. Considering the discursive framing of space-time by the students can help teachers and instructional designers to ensure that divergent assumptions concerning space-time frames will not induce students to deviate from the set task. Modelling the spacetime configurations bodily enacted by participants may provide cues for scaffolding the learning process, helping students to orchestrate space and manage time, in line with the teachers' pedagogical aims. Finally, detecting patterns of spacetime organization may inform decisions concerning where and when to provide just-in-time information, scaffolds and tools to enhance students' learning without interrupting their experience of flow.


To the Editor. —Dopamine is a common drug used in the emergency department and intensive care unit settings. Previously reported cutaneous complications have included local skin necrosis due to extravasation at the site of the intravenous canula, 1 and acral gangrene due to distal vasoconstriction leading to ischemia. 2 I report an unusual local cutaneous reaction proximal to the site of dopamine infusion. Report of a Case. —A previously healthy 27-year-old man was admitted to the coronary care unit with congestive heart failure due to idiopathic cardiomyopathy. A dopamine infusion at 5 to 7 μ/kg per minute was begun through a peripheral intravenous line in the left cephalic vein just above the wrist. Approximately 2 hours later, the patient noted an asymptomatic "rash" on the lateral side of the left upper arm, midway between the elbow and the shoulder.


Introduction FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) is a rare form of food allergy, non IgE mediated, described in the infant and toddler. Contributing factors/triggers are not clearly defined,entering into discussion the allergy to cow milk protein or soy,a deficiency of cell-mediated immunity. Objective To present a case whose history overlaps FPIES diagnosis. Case presentation Male patient aged 3 years and 11 months, diagnosed in the neurology service in 2015 with febrile seizures and in 2016 with 'shape belt' myodistrophy. Previously hospitalised in the paediatric service, the child showed multiple episodes of acute diarrheal disease, associating severe vomiting and dehydration. Symptomatology appeared after 5 months of age, apparently linked to the consumption of cow's milk protein. Up to 5 months of age, the child was fed naturally.Episodes of severe diarrhoea and dehydration repeated, having a similar clinical picture, without a clearly defined food trigger. The child presented an unsatisfactory stature-weight development. Clinical status at the time of admission: apathy, adinamy, abdominal pain around the navel, diarrhoea (4 stools in 3 hours time), weakness in stature-weight (G=14 kg, T=100 cm, BMI=14 kg/ sqm, P10). Biological investigations carried excluded: an infectious cause (negative stool, Rotavirus and Laboratory exams carried out excluded an infectious cause – negative stool culture, Rotavirus and Adenovirus negative coproantigens, negative sweat test for cystic fibrosis, as well as negative antibodies for the detection of celiac disease. However, immunophenotyping revealed low levels of CD8 +(half the normal value). The hospital was done balancing electrolyte subsequently induced restricted diet for protein from cow's milk and soy, with the reintroduction of progressive nutrition and other basic foods: potatoes, wheat, root vegetables, poultry and beef, domestic fruit(apple, pear ). The subsequent evolution was favourable, with normalisation of intestinal transit. The patient was discharged with the recommendation to consult a food diary. Conclusions FPIES is a clinical syndrome with allergic substrates, non IgE mediated and without well defined biomarkers. The case presented corresponds with observations from the literature. Whatever the etiological substrate is, FPIES represents a maximum emergency.


Introduction: COVID-19 disproportionately affects those with comorbidities and the elderly. Hypertension is the most common pre-existing condition amongst COVID-19 patients. Upregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is common in hypertensive patients and may promote inflammation and ensuing cytokine storm in COVID-19. It is unknown whether RAAS inhibition with ACE1 inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) can be harmful or beneficial. Methods: Within Hackensack Meridian Health network, the largest healthcare provider in New Jersey, we performed a retrospective, multicenter, convenience sampling study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were manually abstracted. Fishers exact tests, and logistic regression were performed. Results: Among 3017 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 1584 (52.5%) carried a diagnosis of hypertension. In the discharged or deceased cohort, the overall mortality was significantly increased at 35% vs 13% among COVID-19 patients with hypertension. However, when adjusted for age, the effect of hypertension on mortality was greatly diminished, with a reduction in odds-ratio by over half; and completely disappeared when adjusted for other major covariates. The mortality rates were lower for hypertensive patients prescribed ACE1 (27%, p=0.001) or ARBs (33%, p=0.12) compared to other anti-hypertensive agents (39%) in the unadjusted analyses. RAAS inhibitor therapy appeared protective compared to other anti-hypertensive agents (p=0.001). Conclusions: While our results are limited by the retrospective nature of our study and by potential confounders, our data argue against a harmful effect of RAAS inhibition and support the HFSA/AHA/ACC joint statement recommending continuing ACE1 and ARB therapy in hypertensive COVID-19 patients.


SUMMARY
Glauconite pellets exhibit considerable variety in morphology and internal structure. Recognized morphological types are: (1) ovoidal or spheroidal; (2) tabular or discoidal; (3) mammillated; (4) ellipsoidal; (5) vermicular; (6) composite; and (7) fossil casts, internal molds, or replacements. Types of internal structures include: (1) random microcrystalline, (2) oriented microcrystalline, (3) micaceous, (4) organic (?) replacements, (5) coatings on detrital grains, and (6) fibroradiated rims.

These characteristics can be used to interpret the origin and/or subsequent history of pellet types. Suggested origins include: (1) chemical precipitation, (2) expansion and alteration of detrital mica, (3) alteration of fecal pellets, (4) alteration of clay fillings of fossil tests, (5) mechanical aggregation, and (6) chemical replacement.

Not all glauconite pellets exhibit diagnostic characteristics with regard to their genesis. Original morphologies may be obscured by abrasion (reworking) prior to final burial. Internal structures may be changed by recrystallization or other diagenetic processes.

It is concluded that glauconite pellets have multiple origins. They can form from several different parent materials and by several different processes. Frequently, however, characteristics which might reveal the original nature of the pellets have been lost during reworking and diagenesis.

Inasmuch as glauconite occurrences differ in kind and variety of pellets, recognition of pellet types and their distribution is potentially useful for stratigraphic correlation or environmental determinations.


Abstract. A near-infrared (NIR) band provides information invisible to human eyes for discriminating and recognizing objects more clearly under low lighting conditions. To capture color and NIR images simultaneously, a multispectral filter array (MSFA) sensor is used. However, because lenses have different refractive indices for different wavelengths, lenses may fail to focus all rays to the same convergence. This is the reason an out-of-focus problem occurs and images are blurred. In this paper, a demosaicking algorithm that considers the out-of-focus problem is proposed. This algorithm is used by the MSFA of a red-green-blue-NIR image sensor to obtain color and NIR images. After the energies of the multispectral (MS) channels in the MSFA image are balanced to minimize aliasing, that image is filtered by the estimated low-pass kernel to generate a panchromatic (PAN) image. When an image is acquired, the out-of-focus problem and the formation process of the PAN image are modeled. The desired MS image is estimated by solving the least squares approach of the difference between the PAN and MS images based on the models. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in estimating high-quality MS images and reduces the out-of-focus problem.


In healthcare, disablement model frameworks aim to improve the delivery of patient-centered care through the recognition of patient factors beyond impairments, restrictions, and limitations, which include personal, environmental, and societal factors. Such benefits translate directly to athletic healthcare providing a mechanism for athletic trainers (ATs), as well as other healthcare professionals, to ensure that all aspects of the patient are managed prior to returning to work or sport. The purpose of this study was to investigate ATs recognition and use of disablement frameworks in current clinical practice. We used criterion sampling to identify ATs who were currently practicing from a random sample of ATs that participated in a related cross-sectional survey. A total of 13 participants engaged in an online, audio-only, semi-structured interview that was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A consensual qualitative research (CQR) approach was used to analyze the data. A coding team of three individuals used a multi-phase process to construct a consensus codebook that identified common domains and categories among the participants' responses. Four domains emerged regarding ATs' experiences and recognition of disablement model frameworks. The first three domains were related to the application of disablement model frameworks: (1) patient-centered care, (2) limitations and impairments, and (3) environment and support. Participants described varying degrees of competence and consciousness regarding these domains. The fourth domain related to participants' exposure to disablement model frameworks through formal or informal experiences. Findings suggest that ATs largely demonstrate unconscious incompetence regarding the use of disablement frameworks in clinical practice.


In this talk we propose a numerical scheme to investigate the stability of steady states of the nonlinear Gurtin–MacCamy system which is a basic model in population dynamics. In fact the analysis of stability is usually performed by the study of transcendental characteristic equations that are too difficult to approach by analytical methods. The method is based on the discretization of the infinitesimal generator associated to the semigroup of the solution operator by using pseudospectral differencing techniques. The method computes the rightmost characteristic roots and it is shown to converge with spectral accuracy behavior. It is a joint work with M. Iannelli, S. Maset and R. Vermiglio.


We report on a flexible microcamera array inspired by natural visual systems. The camera array is a hybrid artificial visual system that combines the large field of view (FOV) of compound eyes together with the high resolution of mammalian eyes. The camera array allows for maximum flexibility and instantaneous reconfigurability to observe a wide FOV. The microcamera array takes advantage of different fabrication techniques including 3-D printing and ultraviolet (UV) liquid phase photopolymerization, as well as utilizing flexible polymers. The array consists of three miniature cameras, each composed of a 1 mm2 stand-alone image sensor and a 0.9-mm-diameter microlens. The lenses were fabricated by utilizing the surface tension of UV curable transparent polymers on Teflon coated substrates. The structure of the array was fabricated using 3-D printing. The miniaturized cameras were connected by a flexible and stretchable polymer. Images from the cameras in the array were stitched together to provide an FOV of 130°.


Received: Revised: Accepted: April 04, 2012 May 03, 2012 July 25, 2012 Streptokinase is a novel bacterial fibrinolytic enzyme that binds and activates plasminogen and is produced by several species of Streptococci. Streptococcus mutans was selected for optimum production of streptokinase using corn steep liquor, molasses, rice polishing and sugarcane bagass in liquid state fermentation. Substrates were applied in different concentrations ranging from 0.1-0.8%. Maximum fibrinolytic activity was observed by 0.3% corn steep liquor, 0.5% molasses and rice polishing and 0.4% by sugarcane bagass. The fibrinolytic activity achieved by fibrin clot lysis method was 5.5, 5.08, 5.16 and 4.75 units using corn steep liquor, molasses, rice polishing and sugarcane bagass, respectively. ©2012 PVJ. All rights reserved


This paper revisits and extend discussions which evaluate the impact of different rules on monetary policy. Rules on one which excludes or includes stability of the exchange rate as an objective of monetary policy making, with currency mismatch existence as given, on the fluctuations of major economic variables. In this paper I develop a financial accelerator model with financial intermediary consistent with currency mismatch, and assume imperfect international substitutability of assets. This paper found that the variation of rule of monetary policy considered in the analysis produces variations in the fluctuations of the macroeconomic variable. However the impact of the different monetary policy rules on the stability of the macroeconomic variables is shock dependent.


Internet users constantly make searches to find objects or results of their interest, generally through terms or phrases. Traditional search offers only solutions that take into account just the individual characteristics of the results, and not the relations they have with the rest of the universe. Typically, we are given an ordered list of the results related to the search criterion, which implies the need of changing several times the terms of the query to get to a solution that is more adequate to the intended search goal. As a solution to this problem, Composite Retrieval proposes that the results to a query may be grouped in sets of items (bundles), related through some similarity criterion, but at the same time are complementary. In this work we propose heuristic algorithms for Composite Retrieval which are evaluated experimentally, showing performance improvements over the previous results presented in the literature.


Since the mid-1980s, Further Education has experienced deep transformations as the result of market driven reforms and the emergence of 'new managerialism' in the sector. The changes affected its governance, purpose, organisation and culture, and had deep influence on the relations and identities in the workplace. This paper explores the response of managers in selected Colleges of FE in England, and their discursive construction of new work identities. It is argued that in mediating the reforms, managers adopt a range of responses and position themselves differentially to the discourses of 'managerialism' and the 'market'. From enthusiastically adopting entrepreneurial management, to resisting, or quietly re-constructing vocabularies and practices to fit traditional models of professional practice, the managers in this study illustrate the contested nature of implementing reforms in the public sector, and the complex interplay between agency and institutional practice.


The researchers conducted a qualitative case study to describe the experiences of two seventh grade students with mild intellectual disability as they engaged in mathematics word problems involving proportions. The researchers analyzed student performance in large group settings and with individualized instruction to gain perspective on the students' tendencies with challenging mathematics content. During the teaching sessions in this study, one of the participants initially struggled with the proportions word problems, but demonstrated success after teachers connected new information in the tasks to students' long-term memory and utilized gestures and diagrams to facilitate the students' processing of information. Another participant succeeded more easily with proportions word problems which, along with the success of the other participant, provides support that students with a mild intellectual disability can succeed with challenging topics, such as proportions word problems.


In this paper, a high resolution SQUID system was used for animal experiments. The auditory evoked magnetic fields of three adult mice were measured. Tone bursts of 2 kHz with 10 ms duration was used as the auditory stimuli. The stimuli were presented to the right ear of the mouse through a plastic tube. Magnetic signals were filtered from 1 to 100 Hz and averaged more than 5000 times. The peak of the magnetic fields appeared at the latency about 20 ms and the large peak appeared at the latency 80 ms. The study showed that it is possible to measure the mice magnetoencephalogaphy (MEG) with adequate spatial resolution. Animal MEG measurement may contribute to the further understanding of the physiological basis of the MEG.


New types of laboratory reactors that are highly customizable, low-cost and easy to produce are needed to investigate low-temperature geochemical processes. We recently showed that desktop 3D printing stereolithography (SLA) can be used to efficiently fabricate a mixed flow reactor (MFR) with high dimensional accuracy comparable to traditional machining methods (Michel et al., 2018). We also showed that the SLA method allowed for the addition of complex features that are often beyond the capabilities of traditional methods. However, the stability of 3D printed parts at lowtemperature geochemical conditions has not been fully evaluated. The objectives of this work were twofold: 1) to provide a framework for assessing the stability and compatibility of SLA printed materials at geochemically relevant conditions, and 2) to show how 3D printed specialty devices can enable new laboratory geochemical experiments. Part 1 of this Master's thesis presents findings for enhancing mechanical and solvent resistance properties of a commercial 3D printing material (Formlabs Clear) by UV post-curing procedures and also provide data showing its stability in aqueous solutions at pH 0, 5.7, and 12 for periods of up to 18 days. Thermal degradation patterns, mechanical analysis, and leachable fraction data are provided. Part 2 shows experiments coupling 3D printed reactors and flow devices for in situ small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Schwertmannite (pH 2.7) and goethite (6.2) are precipitated from solution using various setups and observed differences in growth rates are discussed. The data show the potential of 3D printing for enabling novel laboratory geochemical experiments. 3D Printing of Specialty Devices for Geochemical Experiments: Real-Time Studies of Goethite and Schwertmannite Formation


We have used biostratigraphic data from deep exploration wells to determine the tectonic subsidence history of the Somaliland (northwestern Somalia)‐Yemen conjugate margin, a poorly known margin in the central part of the Gulf of Aden. Bathymetry and magnetic anomaly data suggest the Gulf of Aden is a young feature that formed following the rifting apart and breakup of the African and Arabian plates ~32 Ma. Our tectonic subsidence data suggest, however, that the present‐day Gulf of Aden developed on an earlier Mesozoic rift system. The oldest episode of rifting initiated at ~156 Ma and lasted for ~10 Ma and had a NW‐SE trend. We interpret the rift as a late stage event associated with the breakup of Gondwana and the separation of Africa and Madagascar. At ~80 Ma, there is evidence of an intermediate rift event which correlates with a rapid increase in spreading rate on the ridges separating the African and Indian and African and Antarctica plates and a contemporaneous slowing down of Africa's plate motion. The combined effect of all three rifting events has been to thin the crust and upper mantle by up to a factor of 2. The amount of thinning deduced from the wells is in accord with the crustal structure inferred from available seismic refraction data and process‐oriented gravity and flexure modeling. The margin is asymmetric with a steeper gradient in the Moho on the Yemen side than the Somaliland side. The main discrepancy is on the Yemen side where the gravity‐derived Moho is 10 km deeper than the well‐derived Moho. We attribute the discrepancy to the addition of material at the base of the crust since rifting, possibly magma sourced from the Afar plume.


Reliability-aware software architecture design has recently been gaining growing attention among software architects. This chapter tackles the issue by proposing an ontology-based, reliability-aware software architecture design and evaluation approach, called OntoArch, which incorporates quantitative reliability evaluation in software architecture design by the means of the OntoArch ontology and the OntoArch tool. The OntoArch approach is characterized by: (1) integration of software reliability engineering and software architecture design; (2) proposing a reliability-aware software architecture design process model; (3) developing the OntoArch ontology in the context of software architecture design and software reliability engineering; and (4) the OntoArch tool not only enabling software architects to design architectures and model reliabilities, but also functioning as a knowledge management platform relying on reliability-aware software architecture design. The OntoArch approach is validated for a software architecture design; for example, Personal Information Repository (PIR), with the use cases of OntoArch-based software architecture knowledge management, software reliability profiling, and software architecture modeling and evaluation. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-215-4.ch003


Nitrogen (N) fertilization at higher rates enhances the yield of crop plants; however, overuse of N in cultivation of crop not only decreased Nitrogen Use Efficiency of crop plants but caused severe environmental pollution. Hence, the optimum use of N is perquisite for sustainable development of Agriculture. This study was carried out during 2016, to evaluate the effect of various nitrogen applications on the economic performance of muskmelon. This research work was laid out at experimental site of Horticulture orchard SAU Tandojam with three replications in RCBD. The growth and yield performance of muskmelon was assessed by using six nitrogen (N) levels viz; 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha -1 . Two varieties including Chandny and golden tumbro were used in the current study.The result showed that effect of different nitrogen doses on the economic important parameters of muskmelon was significant (P<0.05) for all the studied traits. The crop fertilized with maximum N had positive effect on vegetative traits and produced tallest plants with more branches. Nitrogen also showed significant effects on fruits characteristics and produced plants with more fruits, highest weight and maximum yield. The results further reflected that there was a significant reduction in all vegetative and fruit contributing characters with each reduction in N application rate. The cultivars revealed a highly significant response to various N doses. The variety Golden Tumbro showed maximum vine length (201.00 cm), more branches vine -1 (3.4222), more fruit vine -1 (6.7339), highest fruits weight vine -1 (3.0056), maximum single fruit weight (656.83 g), fruit yield plot -1 (4.4450 kg) and fruit yield (24.635 t ha -1 ).


A gas chromatographic assay specific for the analysis of bromophenylmercapturic acids in urine is described. The mercapturic acids are first hydrolyzed to form bromothiophenols, which are acetylated, extracted into dichloromethane, and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Using samples from rats and mice treated with bromobenzene, the authors make a comparison between this specific method and a nonspecific assay for the determination of total thioethers in urines.


IMPORTANCE
Acetazolamide has been used for decades as a respiratory stimulant for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and metabolic alkalosis, but no large randomized placebo-controlled trial is available to confirm this approach.

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether acetazolamide reduces mechanical ventilation duration in critically ill patients with COPD and metabolic alkalosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
The DIABOLO study, a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, was conducted from October 2011 through July 2014 in 15 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. A total of 382 patients with COPD who were expected to receive mechanical ventilation for more 24 hours were randomized to the acetazolamide or placebo group and 380 were included in an intention-to treat analysis.

INTERVENTIONS
Acetazolamide (500-1000 mg, twice daily) vs placebo administered intravenously in cases of pure or mixed metabolic alkalosis, initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission and continued during the ICU stay for a maximum of 28 days.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation via endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy. Secondary outcomes included changes in arterial blood gas and respiratory parameters, weaning duration, adverse events, use of noninvasive ventilation after extubation, successful weaning, the duration of ICU stay, and in-ICU mortality.

RESULTS
Among 382 randomized patients, 380 (mean age, 69 years; 272 men [71.6%]; 379 [99.7%] with endotracheal intubation) completed the study. For the acetazolamide group (n = 187), compared with the placebo group (n = 193), no significant between-group differences were found for median duration of mechanical ventilation (-16.0 hours; 95% CI, -36.5 to 4.0 hours; P = .17), duration of weaning off mechanical ventilation (-0.9 hours; 95% CI, -4.3 to 1.3 hours; P = .36), daily changes of minute-ventilation (-0.0 L/min; 95% CI, -0.2 to 0.2 L/min; P = .72), or partial carbon-dioxide pressure in arterial blood (-0.3 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.8 to 0.2 mm Hg; P = .25), although daily changes of serum bicarbonate (between-group difference, -0.8 mEq/L; 95% CI, -1.2 to -0.5 mEq/L; P < .001) and number of days with metabolic alkalosis (between-group difference, -1; 95% CI, -2 to -1 days; P < .001) decreased significantly more in the acetazolamide group. Other secondary outcomes also did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Among patients with COPD receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, the use of acetazolamide, compared with placebo, did not result in a statistically significant reduction in the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. However, the magnitude of the difference was clinically important, and it is possible that the study was underpowered to establish statistical significance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01627639.


The purpose of this study is to identify some relevant key themes, which have emerged from a fieldwork on female academics in Pakistan, which was conducted between 2015 and 2016.

The focus of the present research is to explore the experiences of female academic staff in a number of selected Higher Education institution. The investigation goes beyond the formal contractual role boundaries, such as job scope and requirements, and it analyses female academics' experiences in a holistic sense. This is in recognition that the value of female employees is not only defined by the nature of their work roles but also by societal as well as cultural norms.

To this end, the analysis of female career progression, in the context of a 'conservative and gendered society', is complemented to the ones of work-life conflict and multiple identities. As for its methodology, the analysis employs qualitative research techniques, such as interviews leading to a thematic analysis of the generated data. Our preliminary results are consistent with the established literature, in so far as they show significant work-life conflict, slower career progression and fewer development and progression opportunities for female academics.


Purpose To correlate spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Methods Fifty patients (50 eyes) having macular edema due to CRVO or BRVO, were retrospectively reviewed Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the relative contribution of several variables, including SD-OCT characteristics such as baseline central retinal thickness (CRT), central intraretinal cyst size, serous retinal detachment (SRD) size, photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity and external limiting membrane (ELM) status with mean BCVA.

Results Thirty three patients had BRVO (66%), 14 patients (28%) had CRVO and 3 patients (6%) had HVO. Mean CRT was 574,52 µm. There was a strong correlation between CRT and visual acuity (CCP=0,41 ; P=0,003). Cystoid macular edema was present in 46 eyes (92%) with central intraretinal cyst in 36 eyes (72%). Mean BCVA was statistically better in eyes without central intraretinal cyst (P=0,015) but there was not a significant difference depending of the cyst size (CCP=0,28 ; P=0,09). SRD occurred in 22 eyes (44%) and mean thickness of SRD was 237µm. Mean BCVA was statistically better in eyes without SRD (P<0,001) but there was not a significant difference depending of the cyst size (CCP=0,27 ; P=0,21). IS/OS line was disrupted in 17 eyes (34%) and absent in 21 eyes (42%). Eyes without IS/OS line showed worse BCVA (P<0,001).Mean BCAV was better when IS/OS line was intact (P<0,001). MLE was intact in 6 eyes (24%) over 25 patients. Mean BCAV was statistically better when MLE was not disrupted (P<0,001).

Conclusion SD-OCT is an important tool in macular edema evaluation. Our results suggest that baseline SD-OCT characteristics, the status of photoreceptor IS/OS and ELM can be helpful in predicting the final visual outcome in patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion.