Abstract To retrospectively analyze and quantitatively correlate UGT1A1 (bilirubin UDP- glucuronosyltransferase gene) genotypes and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (UCH) phenotypes among Chinese children. We retrospectively reviewed UCH patients, quantitatively analyzed genotype–phenotype correlation by comparing with healthy controls. Pfam database, SWISS-model, and Pymol were used for UGT1A1 protein domain analysis and protein modeling for assessing the effect of novel missense variants on protein structure. Seventy four cases, including 21 prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (PUCH), 30 Gilbert syndrome (GS), 22 Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II (CNS-II), and 1 Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I (CNS-I) phenotypes were analyzed. Total of 21 variants, including 7 novel variants (c.764T>A/p.L255Q, c.1112C>T/p.T371I, c.1028C>A/p.S343X, c.1047delG/p.I350YfsX16, c.996 + 5G>C/g.6923G>C, c.287G>A/p.G96E, and c.1142G>A/p.S381N) were found. In the multiple regression model, heterozygous A(TA)7TAA, G71R/P364L, and Y486D/other mutations were significantly associated with increased risk of GS, PUCH, and CNS-II, respectively. Total allele number is significantly associated with GS and CNS-II, with each increase in total allele number, the odds ratio (OR) of having GS and CNS-II increased by 1.46 and 4.47 fold, respectively. Having only functional polymorphisms in UGT1A1 gene is associated with increased risk of PUCH, and GS with OR values of 5.67 (95% CI: 1.52–21.13), and 3.88 (95% CI: 1.02–14.78), respectively. Having only mutation is associated with significantly increased risk of having GS phenotype (OR: 34.00, 95% CI: 4.65–248.37), but not CNS-II. Polymorphism plus mutation had the strongest association with CNS-II with OR value of 64.80 (95% CI: 7.68–546.41), followed by GS (OR: 4.53, 95% CI: 1.08–19.08). We detected 7 novel variants, and quantitatively calculated risks of having specific phenotypes using genetic data. Among Chinese children, G71R and P364L is independently associated with PUCH, A(TA)7TAA is associated with GS, and Y486D or other disease-causing mutations were associated with CNS-II. Multiple alleles were associated with more severe phenotypes. Combined variant of G71R+Y486D is a common occurrence among Chinese children with UCH.


Purpose: Neoadjuvant therapy (neoTx) has dramatically improved the prognosis of patients with locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, yet its mechanisms of action on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are still unknown. Here, we aimed to characterize the multiple facets of neoTx-induced alterations in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Experimental Design: We performed the currently most comprehensive histopathologic analysis of desmoplasia, angiogenesis, neural invasion, and immune cell infiltration at the tumor–host interface of pancreatic cancer after neoTx (n = 37) versus after primary resection (n = 37) through quantitative IHC and double immunofluorescence using automated and software-based quantification algorithms. Results: We demonstrate that, independently of the applied pretreatment, neoadjuvant regimes are able to reverse the immunosuppressive behavior of malignant cells on pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Here, neoTx-driven selective depletion of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells was associated with enrichment of antitumor immune cells in the peritumoral niche, decreased stromal activation, and less neural invasion. Importantly, the degree of this antitumor immune remodeling correlates to the degree of histopathologic response to neoTx. Survival analysis revealed that the tumor proliferation rate together with the activation of the stroma and the intratumoral infiltration with CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells constitute as independent prognostic factors for neoadjuvantly treated pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: NeoTx is not only cytotoxic but has pleiotropic, beneficial effects on all cellular and noncellular components of pancreatic cancer. Combinational approaches including immunotherapy may unleash long-term and more effective antitumor responses and improve prognosis of pancreatic cancer.


The aim of presented paper was analysis of the performance test results of young pure breed boars coming from The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region (located in Poland in Kujawy-Pomorze Province). The research covered the results concerning 4190 young boars of following breeds: Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Hampshire, Duroc and Pietrain. Young pure breed boars were performance tested in 2009 and 2010 in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region according to the actual methodology. Among young pure breed boars performance tested in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region in tested years animals of Hampshire breed had the higher growth rate. The pigs of Pietrain breed had the highest meat content. Regarding to the most important parameter of performance test, i.e. selection index in analyzed years 2009 and 2010 the best results had young boars of Hampshire then Pietrain, Duroc, PLW and PL.


This publication is based on the fundamentals of the dynamics of masses interacting by gravitation, given by the Maxwell analogy for gravitation or the Heaviside field. In our paper "A coherent dual vector field theory for gravitation" © oct 2003, we have developed a model. This dynamics model allowed us to quantify by vector way the transfer of angular movement point by point, and to bring a simple, precise and detailed explanation to a large number of cosmic phenomena. With this model the flatness of our solar system and our Milky way has been explained as being caused by an angular collapse of the orbits, creating so a density increase of the disc. The constant velocity of the stars has been calculated, and the halo explained. The "missing mass" (dark matter) problem has been solved without harming the Keplerian motion law. The theory also explains the deviation of mass like in the diablo shape of rotary supernova having mass losses, and it defines the angle of mass losses at 0° and above 35°16'. Some quantitative calculations describe in detail the relativistic attraction forces maintaining entire the fast rotating stars, the tendency of distortion toward a torus-like shape, and the description of the attraction fields outside of a rotary black hole. Qualitative considerations on the binary pulsars show the process of cannibalization, with the repulsion of the mass at the poles and to the equator, and this could also explain the origin of the spin-up and the spin-down process. The bursts of collapsing rotary stars are explained as well. The conditions for the repulsion of masses are also explained, caused by important velocity differences between masses. Orbit 'chaos' is better explained as well. Finally, the demonstration is made that gyrotation is related to the Relativity Theory. The detailed photographs of the Saturn rings made by the Cassini-Huygens mission gives us new evidence for the validity of Gravitomagnetism. It explains the presence of the flat rings around Saturn, the presence of thin parallel rings, the shape of the edges of the F-ring and the reason why such rings are present at the border of large ring zones.


In the framework of a KIC InnoEnergy funded project radiation-hardened Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) are developed to withstand high levels of radiation dose at high temperatures for their implementation in temperature- and strain sensors for nuclear facilities, accelerators or space. This paper presents gamma radiation test results obtained at room and elevated temperature in hardened FBGs as well as in the optical fibers used for their production. It is shown that radiation-induced Bragg wavelength shift (BWS) is below ±2 pm corresponding to ±0.2°C and does not influence the sensor performance even after a total dose of 200 kGy and operating temperature up to 350°C.


The breeding season is of paramount importance to the population size of waterfowl. All of the increase in population size occurs, as does much of the mortality during that season, which is often but a fraction of the entire year. Population of a species is indicative of the environmental factors of that area which strictly influences the species. The study includes the population size of the Cotton Pygmygoose Nettapus coromandelianus coromandelianus Gmelin, a least concern anatid of South-east Asia and near relatives of Pygmy-goose of New South Wales which is under threatened condition. The study also includes the parameters influencing the population sizes. Two hundred and three (203) Cotton Pygmy-geese were observed during breeding season in 2006 and 2009 in study sites of Assam. Adult survival rates were found high 0.99 to 0.94 (SE < 0.005), but duckling survival was much lower, varying from approximately 0.1 to 0.3 during 2007 to 2009. No naturally died specimens have been collected during the study period, but 7 specimens have been reported to be killed by hunters among a total of 22 gooses were killed during 2006 to 2008. The present paper deals with the population dynamics of Cotton Pygmy-goose with special mention of the factors affecting their survival.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

Death receptors of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family are found on surface of most cancer cells and their activation typically kills cancer cells through the stimulation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. The endogenous ligand for death receptors-4 and -5 (DR4 and DR5) is tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, TRAIL (Apo2L). TRAIL is expressed by many cell types, including Natural Killer (NK) cells that are involved in the immune surveillance and elimination of cells in vivo. Given that most normal untransformed cells are not susceptible to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, activators of death receptors have emerged as promising cancer therapeutic agents.

One strategy to stimulate death receptors in cancer patients has been to use soluble human recombinant TRAIL protein, but this agent has limitations of a short half-life and decoy receptor sequestration. An alternative strategy to evade decoy receptor sequestration and to have improved pharmacokinetic properties is to generate DR4 or DR5 agonist antibodies. To this end, several agonistic monoclonal antibodies have been reported that overcome the limitations of short half-life, but exhibited the limitation of activating only one of the two death receptors. The SurrobodyTM binding protein is a novel therapeutic protein structure based upon the pre-B cell antigen receptor common chain that is capable of being engineered to bind a diversity of targets with high affinity and specificity. We exploited a previously discovered SurrobodyTM that potently activates both DR4 and DR5 in vitro and in vivo. Here we show experimental results for a dual agonist SurrobodyTM that offers a powerful and likely more reliable strategy for cancer therapeutics based on simultaneous stimulation of both TRAIL receptors, DR4 and DR5.

Citation Format: Snezana Milutinovic, Sihong Zhou, Carina Wimer, Paul W. Diaz, Arun K. Kashyap, Ramesh R. Bhatt, John C. Reed. Development of a novel SurrobodyTM that simultaneously activates both death receptors DR4 and DR5 and induces cancer cell death with high potency. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4318. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4318


Abstract This article presents a social cognitive framework for understanding three intricately linked aspects of career development: (a) the formation and elaboration of career-relevant interests, (b) selection of academic and career choice options, and (c) performance and persistence in educational and occupational pursuits. The framework, derived primarily from Bandura′s (1986) general social cognitive theory, emphasizes the means by which individuals exercise personal agency in the career development process, as well as extra-personal factors that enhance or constrain agency. In particular, we focus on self-efficacy, expected outcome, and goal mechanisms and how they may interrelate with other person (e.g., gender), contextual (e.g., support system), and experiential/learning factors. Twelve sets of propositions are offered to organize existing findings and guide future research on the theory. We also present a meta-analysis of relevant findings and suggest specific directions for future empirical and theory-extension activity.


We have designed, fabricated and tested a soft x-ray device, which uses a capillary discharge to achieve neon-like argon lasing. The ceramic capillary has an inner diameter of 3 mm and a length of 150 mm. When operating the device with a current of 16 kA and dI/dt of 517.8 A ns-1 at gas pressure of 26.7 Pa, lasing has been confirmed. Multi-pulse laser output has also been observed with a slightly higher current of 17.5 kA, and this indicates that there exist several configurations suitable for the Ne-like Ar lasing during one pinch process. This is the first observation of multi-pulse laser output.


The purpose of this research is to identify the perceptual maps for leading companies in the BPO sector according to the clusters of prospective employees based on the employer attractiveness scale propounded by Berthon et al (2005) Descriptive research design was used to conduct in this study using surveys. A questionnaire was administered to the students of various disciplines. Participants were required to evaluate the five potential employers under each sector using the sixteen attributes elaborated from the five values (interest value, social value, economic value, developmental value and application value) given by Berthon et al., (2005) using a five point Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree; 5 = Strongly agree). The results indicate that the employers need to use different strategies to attract talented prospective employees for each sector. The results also show the positioning of companies within each sector for each of the cluster. Hence employers can use different strategies for different clusters of prospective employees


Ferroelectrics are multifunctional materials that reversibly change their polarization under an electric field. Recently, the search for new ferroelectrics has focused on organic and bio‐organic materials, where polarization switching is used to record/retrieve information in the form of ferroelectric domains. This progress has opened a new avenue for data storage, molecular recognition, and new self‐assembly routes. Crystalline glycine is the simplest amino acid and is widely used by living organisms to build proteins. Here, it is reported for the first time that γ‐glycine, which has been known to be piezoelectric since 1954, is also a ferroelectric, as evidenced by local electromechanical measurements and by the existence of as‐grown and switchable ferroelectric domains in microcrystals grown from the solution. The experimental results are rationalized by molecular simulations that establish that the polarization vector in γ‐glycine can be switched on the nanoscale level, opening a pathway to novel classes of bioelectronic logic and memory devices.


Entropy regularization is a popular method in reinforcement learning (RL). Although it has many advantages, it alters the RL objective of the original Markov Decision Process (MDP). Though divergence regularization has been proposed to settle this problem, it cannot be trivially applied to cooperative multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL). In this paper, we investigate divergence regularization in cooperative MARL and propose a novel off-policy cooperative MARL framework, divergence-regularized multi-agent actor-critic (DMAC). Theoretically, we derive the update rule of DMAC which is naturally off-policy and guarantees monotonic policy improvement and convergence in both the original MDP and divergence-regularized MDP. We also give a bound of the discrepancy between the converged policy and optimal policy in the original MDP. DMAC is a flexible framework and can be combined with many existing MARL algorithms. Empirically, we evaluate DMAC in a didactic stochastic game and StarCraft Multi-Agent Challenge and show that DMAC substantially improves the performance of existing MARL algorithms.


We develop a sampling scheme on the sphere that permits accurate computation of the spherical harmonic transform and its inverse for signals band-limited at L using only L2 samples. We obtain the optimal number of samples given by the degrees of freedom of the signal in harmonic space. The number of samples required in our scheme is a factor of two or four fewer than existing techniques, which require either 2L2 or 4L2 samples. We note, however, that we do not recover a sampling theorem on the sphere, where spherical harmonic transforms are theoretically exact. Nevertheless, we achieve high accuracy even for very large band-limits. For our optimal-dimensionality sampling scheme, we develop a fast and accurate algorithm to compute the spherical harmonic transform (and inverse), with computational complexity comparable with existing schemes in practice. We conduct numerical experiments to study in detail the stability, accuracy and computational complexity of the proposed transforms. We also highlight the advantages of the proposed sampling scheme and associated transforms in the context of potential applications.


This paper deals with electrostatically actuated Carbon Nano-Tubes (CNT) cantilevers using Reduced Order Model (ROM) method. Forces acting on the CNT cantilever are electrostatic, van der Waals, and damping. The van der Waals forces are significant for values of 50 nm or lower of the gap between the CNT and the ground plate. As both forces electrostatic and van der Waals are nonlinear, and the CNT electrostatic actuation is given by AC voltage, the CNT undergoes nonlinear parametric dynamics. The Method of Multiple Scales (MMS), and ROM are used to investigate the system under soft excitations and/or weak nonlinearities. The frequency-amplitude and frequency-phase behaviors are found in the case of parametric resonance.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


The colonies of Microcystis, one of the most common bloom-forming cyanobacteria worldwide, harbor a diverse community of microorganisms. Among these, naked amoebae feeding on Microcystis cells can strongly influence natural Microcystis population dynamics. In this study, we investigated the species diversity of these amoebae based on 26 Microcystis-associated amoebae (MAA) strains from eutrophied water bodies in Belgium and elsewhere in western Europe. A detailed morphological characterization in combination with 18S rDNA (SSU) phylogenies revealed the presence of no less than 10 species. Nine of these belonged to the known genera Vannella (2 species), Korotnevella (2), Copromyxa (2), Vexillifera (1), Cochliopodium (1) and the recently described Angulamoeba (1). Only two were previously described, the others were new to science. One taxon could not be assigned to a known genus and is here described as Schoutedamoeba gen. n., representing a new variosean lineage. The discovery of so many new species from only one very specific habitat (Microcystis colonies) from a rather restricted geographical area indicates that the diversity of planktonic naked amoebae is much higher than previously appreciated and that only a tiny fraction of the total diversity of naked amoebae is currently known.


A wide range of technological and scientific fields is covered by this dictionary. It presents terminology in areas ranging from mechanical engineering via coal and steel, transport and transportation technology, and construction engineering, through to surveying and information technology and electronics. The basic knowledge of natural sciences has been incorporated to facilitate the comprehension of technical processes. The dictionary contains approximately 57,000 headwords assembling the basic lexical items of different branches combined with a reasonable depth in specific subjects. The dictionary addresses users/experts in sciences and technologies, translators/interpreters of language for special purposes (LSP), terminologists and technical writers. Actual advantages of the dictionary are given in those fields depending on current events as, for example, data processing and automotive engineering. Experts in technological and scientific fields and linguists with technological backgrounds cooperated in the preparation of the dictionary. European Portuguese forms the basis of the edited material - a clear advantage for its use in the European Union. Nevertheless, the dictionary also satisfies the requirements of Brazilian Portuguese.


Jobs are generated by initiating and growing small businesses within underdeveloped economies. Unemployment among youths is a critical problem confronting Nigeria (Nwogwugwu & Irechukwu, 2015). Unemployment leads to less growth and a drop-in consumer spending. Increased unemployment generates lowered business output. Unemployment results in welfare loss from lowered output, income, and wellbeing which hinder social progress of nations. Nevertheless, unemployed youths with small business initiatives experience financial constraints and lack access to startup capitals. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of some owners who succeeded despite lack of access to formal and informal sources of initial capitals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 small business owners in Lagos who started as unemployed youths. We purposefully selected participants, used thematic for data analysis, NVivo 10 software for coding and interpretation. Findings revealed 3 critical challenges to access initial capitals for startups by unemployed youths including: (a) inability to provide collaterals, (b) Reliance on insufficient private finance and short term overdrafts, and (c) bureaucracy. Result may become basis for future interventions and support programs. Authorities and youth leaders could use information for trainings and support programs to help unemployed youth access startup capitals for small business.


The extinction of an envelope flame at the forward stagnation point of a liquid fuel droplet due to forced convection is numerically investigated. The droplet is oxidizing within an air stream at atmospheric pressure. Combustion is modeled using finite-rate chemical kinetics and a one-step overall reaction. The gas-phase solution is obtained using the quasi-steady equations of mass, momentum, species, and energy conservation. A new multicomponent formulation, which is appropriate for use with the finite-volume method, was developed to accurately describe the mass diffusion. Droplet circulation is accounted for by solving the quasi-steady mass and momentum conservation equations, for the liquid phase. The gas phase and liquid phase are coupled via interfacial conservation equations, and the complete set of governing equations is solved iteratively. Results for extinction velocity as a function of droplet diameter and freestream temperature are presented for an n -heptane droplet. Numerical predictions for n -heptane are in quantitative agreement with the limited n -heptane experimental data available in the literature, and in qualitative agreement with experimental results for a variety of fuels and over a wide range of ambient temperatures and droplet diameters. A linear dependence of the extinction velocity as a function of droplet diameter constitutes the present state of knowledge. This study predicts a nonlinear dependence for small diameters (d < 1 mm ) and a linear dependence only for large diameters (d > 2 mm ) . The predictions also show that a form of the Damköhler number at extinction can be correlated with the Reynolds number through the use of the transfer number and appropriate dimensionless activation and adiabatic flame temperatures. A correlation that accurately reproduces the numerical predictions for extinction velocity over a wide range of droplet diameters and ambient temperatures is presented.


OBJECTIVES
Atherosclerosis is an important complication of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). One suggested mechanism may be the action of autoantibodies directed against plasma lipoproteins. We studied the presence and patterns of cross-reactivity between antibodies directed against cardiolipin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) in patients with SLE and APS.

METHODS
Sera from 50 patients (25 SLE and 25 APS) and 10 healthy controls together with three human immunoglobulin G anti-cardiolipin (CL) monoclonal antibodies (IS4, CL1 and CL24) were assessed for the presence of autoantibodies binding cardiolipin, HDL and Apo A-I. Classical inhibition assays were performed to study interference by HDL and Apo A-I in the binding of the human monoclonal antibody to CL. To determine the cross-reactivity patterns between these autoantibodies, sera from 12 patients were incubated on ELISA plates coated with the three different molecules and the captured antibodies were then tested for their activity towards each of the other antigens.

RESULTS
All three monoclonals bound to CL. IS4 and CL1 also bound to HDL but only IS4 bound to Apo A-I. Anti-cardiolipin titres were higher in patients with APS than SLE and in healthy controls (P<0.03 and P<0.009 respectively). Titres of antibodies to HDL were higher in patients with SLE and APS than in controls (P<0.009 and P<0.03 respectively). There were no significant differences with respect to the presence of antibodies binding to Apo A-I. In the SLE population, anti-HDL antibody titres correlated with anti-Apo A-I (r=0.563, P<0.004), but not in patients with APS. In the cross-reactive assay, 11/12 (91.7%) of the samples containing isolated anti-CL antibodies reacted to HDL and 2/12 (16.7%) to Apo A-I. Samples containing isolated anti-HDL antibodies also reacted with CL and Apo A-I (7/12 and 3/12 respectively). All samples collected after incubation with Apo A-I bound to HDL and 6/12 (50%) to CL. There were no differences in the cross-reactivity patterns between patients with SLE and APS.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with SLE and APS have antibodies directed against HDL and Apo A-I. A high percentage of these antibodies cross-react with CL, suggesting the presence of different groups of antibodies with different targets. The study of the interaction between the immune response and the lipoprotein components and the correct characterization of the reactivity patterns of autoantibodies may be of relevance in the study of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE and APS.


ABSTRACT In forestry, many processes of interest are binary and they can be modeled using lifetime analysis. However, available data are often incomplete, being interval- and right-censored as well as left-truncated, which may lead to biased parameter estimates. While censoring can be easily considered in lifetime analysis, left truncation is more complicated when individual age at selection is unknown. In this study, we designed and tested a maximum likelihood estimator that deals with left truncation by taking advantage of prior knowledge about the time when the individuals enter the experiment. Whenever a model is available for predicting the time of selection, the distribution of the delayed entries can be obtained using Bayes' theorem. It is then possible to marginalize the likelihood function over the distribution of the delayed entries in the experiment to assess the joint distribution of time of selection and time to event. This estimator was tested with continuous and discrete Gompertz-distributed lifetimes. It was then compared with two other estimators: a standard one in which left truncation was not considered and a second estimator that implemented an analytical correction. Our new estimator yielded unbiased parameter estimates with empirical coverage of confidence intervals close to their nominal value. The standard estimator leaded to an overestimation of the long-term probability of survival.


The development of work–life policies—e.g., employee assistance programs, on-site childcare, flextime, part-time, compressed week, and so on—is increasingly important for a growing number of organizations. Though such programs provide benefits for both employees and employers, usage rates are still low. Scholars have called for research that addresses this phenomenon and more particularly explains the underlying processes of individual decision-making concerning work–life balance, and describe why and how certain social groups differ in their approaches to policy use. Our inductive study –based on 44 individual interviews- aims to address these issues. We found that the policies are used differently depending on the employees' social group, and that certain salient social identities—such as gender, parenthood and managerial status—shape their use. Such programs are a structural and cultural change for organizations and often present an opportunity for redefining the centrality of work. Indeed the values inherent in them, including resting and taking time for oneself or for one's family, may conflict with the traditionally masculine values associated with the 'ideal worker', intuitively linked to performance and production of positive results. The clash between the two, which permeated the interviews, causes employees to fall back on the social identity or identities they find meaningful. Our findings show three main strategies that individuals use when they feel that their social identity is threatened: (1) engage in workaround activities to avoid using work-life policies; (2) try to compensate for policies use (by engaging in projects outside one's job or doing overtime work) ; and (3) significantly limit policies use. These results contribute to literature by showing that many managers and men do not feel legitimate to use work-life policies and find workarounds to manage without them, thus perpetuating stereotypical masculine norms. We demonstrate that the identity threat that underlies work-life policies taking may help women in the short term, but also contributes to their discrimination in the long run as well as is detrimental to the work-life balance of men.


This 15th volume of "Advances in Early Education and Day Care" focuses on the implementation of professional development for early childhood educators, describing a number of models for improving early childhood care. These models differ by setting, urban, rural, public, private, center and home based child care. These programs also differ by implementation model. Mentoring, workshops, online information and college courses are examples of how professional development was implemented. The systematic assessment of both the providers and the children described in these chapters will be of assistance for future research designers who are conducting large scale data collection and analysis. These chapters should serve as a way for policy makers to become informed about how best to expend scarce resources in the implementation of professional development. Increasing our knowledge of effective practices in professional development is an important factor in improving the outcomes for future generations of children. The collection of these chapters in one volume should provide future developers of professional development with a road map for what works and what might not be as effective.


A benchmark comparison for different computational methods and basis sets has been presented. In this study, five computational methods (Hartree–Fock (HF), MP2, B3LYP, MPW1MP91, and PBE1PBE) along with 18 basis sets have been applied to optimize the geometry of carbon disulfide (CS2), and further calculate the vibrational frequencies of the optimized geometries. The differences between the calculated frequencies and corresponding experimental data are used to evaluate the efficiency of each combination of computational method and basis set. The comparison of frequency difference indicates that B3LYP generally gives the best prediction of frequencies for CS2, whereas the other two density functional theory (DFT) methods, i.e., MPW1PW91 and PBE1PBE, often give parallel results. Although MP2 predicts the frequencies with accuracy almost as good as those from DFT methods, in a particular case, HF calculation outperforms MP2 as well as MPW1PW91 and PBE1PBE for prediction of the frequency of asymmetrical stretching for CS2. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


The early use of appropriate antibiotic therapy is one of the important and explicit steps in the management of potentially fatal adult acute bacterial meningitis (ABM). Changing epidemiology of ABM, especially with regards to the change of the relative frequency of causative pathogens, has been noted in a serial of studies in Taiwan. This change may influence the choice of initial empiric antibiotic treatment. In this review, the authors will discuss the epidemiologic trend, diagnosis and management of ABM in Taiwan. For a better understanding, the clinical and laboratory data of 204 adult ABM cases diagnosed at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung, collected over a period of 8 years (1999-2006), were included for analysis. This review may help first-line, primary-care neurologists have a better view on handling this critical central nervous system infection.


This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and safety profile of Ziferon (interferon beta-1b) and Betaferon. A total of 41 patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are selected from the MS outpatient clinic affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The patients are randomly assigned to two groups. Each group either receives Ziferon 250 mcg subcutaneously (SC) on alternate days or Betaferon 250 mcg SC on alternate days. Clinical and para-clinical outcomes, such as mean relapse rate/year score, mean expanded disability status scale (EDSS)/year score, the cumulative number, and the volume of gadolinium-enhancing lesions, in addition to the cumulative number of new T2 lesions and safety profile, are evaluated for each group during the years of treatment. There are no significant differences in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes (change in total lesion volume, new lesion per T2-weighted scan, and gadolinium-enhancing lesions per T1-weighted scan from baseline; P = 0.236, P = 0.56 and P = 0.496 respectively were observed). There is no significant difference in the relapse rate between the Ziferon and Betaferon treated groups (P = 0.56). No unexpected safety events occur. The number of patients who discontinued the study due to adverse events is almost the same between the two groups. The evidence gained demonstrates the non-inferiority and bio-similarity of Ziferon to Betaferon, in terms of efficacy and safety profile.


The half-life of theophylline is partially dependent on the rate at which it is oxidized by the enzyme cytochrome P-450. Thus, substances that decrease levels of this enzyme could affect theophylline clearance. Several studies in animals have demonstrated that the level of cytochrome P-450 and the rate of related drug metabolism are de- creased following activation of host de-fence mechanisms by various agents.'5 studied only patients selected after


Adaptations in growth dynamics in fish, i.e. how fish prioritise tissue accretion between organs, remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of graded feed restriction levels on nutrient deposition in 1·3 g fingerlings and 70 g juveniles. At the whole-body level, highly restricted juveniles strove to maintain body protein while mobilising lipid reserves and compensating for mass loss by increasing water content. In contrast, fingerlings maintained body water and energy contents. Additionally, we investigated deposition patterns in four body compartments (red and white axial muscles, viscera and rest of the carcass) in juveniles and changes in the cellularity of the white and red muscles in fingerlings. We provide evidence of priorities in growth and nutrient deposition in body compartments in response to low feeding levels. In juveniles, feed intake (FI) primarily affected the white muscle, while the red muscle and the viscera appeared to be preserved. Specific proteins (45 and 173 kDa) were preferentially deposited in the white muscle, while others (22 and 32 kDa) were preferentially mobilised. In fingerlings' muscle anterior to the anus, the cross-sectional surface areas increased with increasing FI in a logarithmic fashion in the white muscle, and in linear fashion in the red muscle. The maximum diameter of white fibres decreased linearly with fish length, while that of red fibres remained stable. This suggests an adaptation mechanism by decreasing white muscle hyperplasia in favour of hypertrophy when feed is restricted. Overall, these results indicate some mechanisms by which fish cope with low food availability. Our findings also suggest different adaptation strategies employed by fish of different body weights.


In this paper, a framework for traffic modelling and planning of a GEO-based broadband satellite network is presented. First, the GEO satellite network architecture is illustrated, the uplink multi-frequency time division multiple access (MF-TDMA) scheme is described, and the corresponding resource allocation algorithm is introduced. Then, a detailed traffic study for the given satellite network is performed. Service descriptions and parameter values for each of the service applications are addressed in both connection level and packet level. Source traffic modelling approaches are provided for different services such as voice, video, and data. Detailed simulations and analysis are done to investigate the impact of traffic mixes on grade of service (GoS), quality of services (QoS), network bandwidth utilization and revenue


This paper analyzes financial dual track in China. We show that the co-existence of a soft-budget track (under centralized financing) and a hard-budget track (under decentralized financing) can be strictly more efficient than the two pure cases. Our argument is as follows. First, a hard budget constraint alone is not sufficient to induce sound firm performances, positive incentives in terms of firms' profitability are needed as well. Second, for an economy such as China where many firms are hopeless money losers, there is pecuniary externality in financing. That is, the total number of firms financed into operation in the economy can affect the profitability of all firms. This paper offers a number of examples of such externality. In such an economy, centralized financing helps internalize the externality, improving firms' profitability, and yet it leads to a soft budget constraint. Under decentralized financing, budget constraint is hard, but firms suffer from low profitability. A financial dual track does better: the existence of the soft-budget sector improves profitability, enhancing the disciplinary effect in the hard-budget sector. Based on this analysis, the paper sheds light on the complementary relation between soft budget constraint syndrome in the state sector and the remarkable growth of the non-state sector in China


Chitosan was chemically functionalized with poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) using a grafting to approach to produce a CO2-responsive material for adsorbing metals from wastewater streams. A need for improved economical and greener approaches to recover heavy metals from wastewater streams exists due to increasing resource scarcity. Chitosan is currently used as an adsorbent for heavy metals but suffers from some properties that can be disadvantageous to its effectiveness; it is difficult to effectively disperse in water (which limits available surface area) and to regenerate. We set out to improve its effectiveness by grafting CO2-responsive tertiary amine containing polymers onto the chitosan backbone, with the goals of preparing and assessing a new type of adsorbent based on a novel concept; using carbon dioxide switchable polymers to enhance the performance of chitosan. PDEAEMA chains prepared by nitroxide-mediated polymerization were grafted onto chitosan functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate. In carbonated water, the grafted chitosan displayed improved dispersibility and exhibited a Ni(II) adsorption capacity higher than several other chemically functionalized chitosan variants reported in the literature with the regenerated material having a higher capacity than all physical and chemical derivatives reported in the literature. The results of this study validate the continued development of this material for applications in heavy metal removal and recovery from wastewater streams.


Recent reviews highlight the social changes that have arisen from widespread use of the contraceptive pill (about 50 million women). However, there has also been an increase among young women of stricture of the heart muscle, particularly among those taking the pill. Sclerosis of the coronary arteries is also commonly noted, as well as thrombosis. Also appearing are accidents in the blood vessels. Stricture of the heart muscle and intracranial thrombosis and strokes have increased markedly. Tests and studies have shown a close relationship between these conditions and use of the pill. Other factors have been stress and smoking, and it is the combination of these factors that causes the greatest problems. Age and diet also play major roles in contributing to these conditions. It may be necessary for many women to discontinue use of the contraceptive pill and use other methods.


The writers studied thin sections and core chips of South Norwegian hyperites by optical methods and made modal analyses for each of the rocks studied. They used X-ray and spectro-chemical procedures to supplement optical mineralogical data. The hyperites are slightly altered olivine gabbros. The parent gabbro differentiated by a separation of olivine from a mixture of diallage and labradorite. Well-developed reaction rims (coronas) are present about primary olivine, magnetite, and diallage. The coronas about olivine consist of an inner bronzite rim and an outer symplectite of hornblende and pleonaste. The bronzite has formed from olivine by the addition of silica to the rock. Iron and magnesium from the reactions that formed bronzite have contributed to the development of the symplectite from adjacent plagioclase. The complete conversion of olivine to bronzite in a typical rock required the addition of about 10 percent by weight of silica. At the termination of the olivine-bronzite transformation, further additions of silica caused the formation of garnet from pleonaste and hornblende. Contemporaneously, carbon dioxide and chlorine caused the formation of scapolite from plagioclase. All the reactions followed the rules of volume-for-volume replacement. The appearance of garnet and scapolite has not been governed solely by specific temperatures and pressures. The stabilization of these phases and the persistence of the original mineral assemblages have been determined by the original composition of the rock together with the amount of introduced water and silica. The final mineral assemblages in the altered hyperites cannot be ascribed to the operation of the usual variables referred to in the concepts of metamorphic facies.


As adult educators, we strive to facilitate learning using a variety of teaching strategies that engage learners. Learning by doing is a powerful method that combines both application and practice to address the needs and motivations of adult learners. Digital educational games provide one type of an engaging instructional strategy for adult learners that can be delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. Digital educational games are not something new, however, as they were developed soon after the first computer games (Wolfe & Crookall, 1998). Additionally, game-based educating has been used in many adult learning contexts, including the corporate environment to train staff in financial and economic skills, and in the military system for combat and strategy training (Whitton & Hollins, 2008). Despite these successful applications, there is a lack of recognition of digital educational games as a significant instructional method for the adult learner (Connolly, Boyle, MacArthur, Hainey, & Boyle, 2012; Gros, 2007). In this chapter, we review the research literature on adult learning via games in terms of learner motivation and engagement, specifically focusing on adult learning in the online environment. We will define key terms and essential characteristics of educational games, share best practices for developing and designing engaging educational games as an instructional strategy, and discuss the types of learning outcomes that can be achieved through the use of effective educational games, concentrating on adult learners in the online environment.


ABSTRACT The blood-testis barrier and blood-brain barrier are responsible for protecting the male genital tract and central nervous system from xenobiotic exposure. In HIV-infected patients, low concentrations of antiretroviral drugs in cerebrospinal fluid and seminal fluid have been reported. One mechanism that may contribute to reduced concentrations is the expression of ATP-binding cassette drug efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The objective of this study was to investigate in vivo the tissue distribution of the HIV protease inhibitor atazanavir in wild-type (WT) mice, P-gp/breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp)-knockout (Mdr1a−/−, Mdr1b−/−, and Abcg2−/− triple-knockout [TKO]) mice, and Cyp3a−/− (Cyp) mice. WT mice and Cyp mice were pretreated with a P-gp/Bcrp inhibitor, elacridar (5 mg/kg of body weight), and the HIV protease inhibitor and boosting agent ritonavir (2 mg/kg intravenously [i.v.]), respectively. Atazanavir (10 mg/kg) was administered i.v. Atazanavir concentrations in plasma (Cplasma), brain (Cbrain), and testes (Ctestes) were quantified at various times by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In TKO mice, we demonstrated a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (5.4-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (4.6-fold) ratios compared to those in WT mice (P < 0.05). Elacridar-treated WT mice showed a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (12.3-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (13.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice. In Cyp mice pretreated with ritonavir, significant (P < 0.05) increases in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (1.8-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (9.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice were observed. These data suggest that drug efflux transporters, i.e., P-gp, are involved in limiting the ability of atazanavir to permeate the rodent brain and genital tract. Since these transporters are known to be expressed in humans, they could contribute to the low cerebrospinal and seminal fluid antiretroviral concentrations reported in the clinic.


Conclusion Poor prescription uptake was not related to any measure of asthma control, meaning that we could not differen-tiate the genuine therapy resistant from the non-adherent. But it is not possible to assess how much ICS was actually inhaled. Pat-terns of ICS use may be a more important determinant of control. Self-reported adherence, as measured by MARS was high even in those with very poor < 50%) prescription uptake high-lighting the limitations of this questionnaire. More objective means of assessing adherence should be incorporated into proto-cols for assessing severe asthma.


Abstract
 In the vegetable production systems of the Colombian Caribbean, diversification in the use of land and products to be commercialized increases the complexity of the system. These systems require quantifying the productivity and risk associated with each of the selected crops and identifying the limiting factors that affect the economic return in order to prioritize the resource investment options by farmers and researchers dedicated to these systems. To guide this purpose, this study used a participatory modelling approach using qualitative and quantitative information on the production system provided by farmers from the Sinú Valley. The qualitative information provided in focus groups and individual interviews was organized using a systems approach. Quantitative information related to system variables was extracted as distribution probabilities after farmers were trained to provide quantitative estimates of variables. Model and input values for the variables were used to construct a probability simulation that allowed (i) to estimate the expected income in vegetable crops, and (ii) to identify the critical uncertainties of the production system. The analyzed crops were aubergine, sweet pepper, papaya and green beans. The simulation shows that there is an overlap of the distribution ranges for income (net present value) and the cost-benefit relationship for these crops. Consequently, one crop has no advantages over another in terms of higher benefits and lower risks. The preference for a particular crop could be explained by the differences in the investment required for each crop, where farmers with less financial capacity prefer to plant crops with little investment and shorter cycles (long beans). The analysis of the value of the information allowed identifying the variables that most affect the expected income of the production system: sale price of the products, losses associated with pests and diseases, and yield; it was determined that the variables associated with sweet pepper are the most important on the expected performance of the irrigated vegetable production system in the Sinú Valley.


Photodetection probabilities are calculated far from a nonlinear medium or atom in parametric down-conversion. These probabilities may be heuristically interpreted as due to single-photon states with photodetection amplitudes having a power law tail of exponent 5/4 in configuration space.


Around the world, governments spend enormous amounts of public funds in controlling possession, manufacturing and trafficking of illicit drugs. These costs are usually difficult to observe, as they correspond to the opportunity cost of many bureaucrats involved in the process. In this paper, we estimate the expected cost per arrest for possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs for the case of Colombia. We find that the expected cost of an arrest is roughly COP$11 million, hence the expected total cost associated with the 984,106 arrests carried out between 2001 and 2015 adds up to COP$10.6 billion. Also, we analyse whether these expenditures are justified by the control of international drug trafficking, crime associated with drug dealing in local markets or drug abuse deterrence. We conclude that none of these reasons justify such fiscal expenditures; rather, these seem to be explained by an issue of incentive compatibility in Colombian authorities


This paper presents some aspects of sensor data fusion that were derived from the EU-SENSE project of the European Commission (Horizon 2020, Grant Agreement No 787031). The aim of EU-SENSE was to develop a novel network of sensors for CBRNe applications through the exploitation of chemical detector technologies, advanced machine-learning and modelling algorithms. The high-level objectives of the project include improving the detection capabilities of the novel network of chemical sensors through the use of machine learning algorithms and reducing the impact of environmental noise. The focus in this paper is on the detection and data fusion aspects as well as the machine learning approaches that were used as part of the project. Detection (in the sense of detectto-warn) is a classification task and improvement of detection requires enhancing the discriminatory power of the classifier, that is reducing false alarms, false positives, and false negatives. This was achieved by a two-step procedure, that is a sensitive distance-based anomaly/change detection followed by downstream classification, identification and concentration estimation. Bayesian networks proved to be useful when fusing information from multiple sensors. For validation purposes, experimental data was gathered during the project and the developed approaches were applied successfully. Despite the development of several new, helpful tools within the project, the domain of chemical detection remains challenging, particularly regarding provisioning of the necessary prior-knowledge. It might make sense from a coverage point of view to look into integration of stand-off detection techniques into a sensor network, including data fusion too.


Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) could form the basis for rendering human faecal wastes safe whilst at the same time generating a carbon-rich material (hydrochar) and providing prospects for the recovery of energy. The work presented here has an objective of the search for optimal conditions for the HTC conversion of human faecal waste.

Primary sewage sludge (PSS) and synthetic faeces (SF), of various moisture contents, were used as feedstocks to investigate the kinetics of decomposition of solids during HTC over a range of reaction times and temperatures. Decomposition was found to follow first-order kinetics, and the corresponding activation energies were obtained. Temperature was of primary importance to influence solid decomposition. Higher temperatures resulted in higher solids conversion to hydrochar. The energy contents of the hydrochars from PSS carbonised at 140 200oC for 4 h ranged from 21.5 to 23.1 MJ kg 1. Moisture content was found to affect the HTC process and feedstocks, with higher initial moisture contents resulted in lower hydrochar yields.

The effect of reaction conditions on the characteristics of the hydrochar, liquid and gas products from HTC of faecal material, and the conditions leading to optimal hydrochar characteristics were investigated using a Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Models were developed here which could aid in the identification of reaction conditions to tailor such products for specific end uses. The results showed that the amount of carbon retained in hydrochars decreased as temperature and time increased, with carbon retentions of 64 77% at 140 and 160oC, and 50 62% at 180 and 200oC. Increasing temperature and reaction time increased the energy content of the hydrochar from 17 19 MJ kg 1 but reduced its energy yield from 88 to 68%. HTC at 200oC for 240 min resulted in hydrochars suitable for fuel, while carbonation at 160oC for 60 min produced hydrochars appropriate for carbon storage when applied to the soil. Theoretical estimates of methane yields resulting from subsequent anaerobic digestion (AD) of the liquid by-products are presented, with the highest yields obtained following carbonisation at 180oC for 30 min. In general, HTC at 180oC for 60 min and 200oC for 30 min resulted in hydrochars having optimal characteristics, and also for obtaining optimal methane yields. Maillard reaction products were identified in the liquid fractions following carbonisations at the higher temperatures. It was also found that the TOC, COD and BOD of the liquid products following HTC increased as the reaction temperature and time were increased and that these would require further treatment before being discharged. The results indicated that the gaseous phase following HTC contained carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide indicating that additional treatment would be required before discharge to the atmosphere.

In order to identify the optimum conditions leading to greater filterability of slurry resulted from HTC, the effects of reaction temperature and time on the filterability of PSS and SF slurries were investigated and optimised using RSM. It was shown that filterability improved as the reaction temperature and time at which the solids were carbonised was increased, with the best filtration results being achieved at the highest temperature (200°C) and longest treatment time (240 min) employed here. The specific cake resistance to filtration of the carbonised slurries was found to vary between 5.43 x 1012 and 2.05 x 1010 m kg 1 for cold filtration of PSS, 1.11 x 1012 and 3.49 x 1010 m kg 1 for cold filtration of SF, and 3.01 x 1012 and 3.86 x 1010 m kg 1 for hot filtration of SF, and decreased with
increasing reaction temperature and time for carbonisation. There was no significant difference in specific resistance between cold and hot filtration of SF. The RSM models employed here were found to yield predictions that were close to the experimental results obtained, and should prove useful in designing and optimising HTC filtration systems for generating solids for a wide variety of end uses.

Mass and energy balances of a semi-continuous HTC of faecal waste at 200oC and a reaction time of 30 min were conducted and based on recovering steam from the process as well energy from the solid fuel (hydrochar) and methane from digestion of the liquid by-product. The effect of the feedstock solids content and the quantity of feed on the mass and energy balances were investigated. Preheating the feed to 100oC using heat recovered from the process was found to significantly reduce the energy input to the reactor by about 59%, and decreased the heat loss from the reactor by between 50 60%. For feedstocks containing 15 25% solids (for all feed rates), energy recycled from the flashing off of steam and combustion of the hydrochar would be sufficient for preheating the feed, operating the reactor and drying the wet hydrochar without the need for any external sources of energy. Alternatively, for a feedstock containing 25% solids for all feed rates, energy recycled for the flashing off of steam and combustion of the methane provides sufficient energy to operate the entire process with an excess energy of about 19 21%, which could be used for other purposes.


Split laser beams of varying separation were directed through the crystalline lenses of rats of young, old, and intermediate age. The variation in back vertex distance was determined from photographs of the focal effects of each lens. The results indicate that negative spherical aberration of the rat lens increases with age. In addition, local reversals in the slopes of the negative spherical aberration curves are larger and more frequent in the older lenses. The increase in negative spherical aberration is likely due to tighter packing of central lens fibers and a consequent increase in central refractive index although change in lens shape may contribute as well.


Within the ADDIE instruction design model, this paper reports the implementation phase and the evaluation phase of teaching introductory software engineering course framed in the cognitive apprenticeship approach. Twelve learning objectives are classified in a 2D Bloom framework and evaluated against the result of instructional implementation, demonstrating coherent linkage between objectives, instruction and assessment. Descriptive statistics show the coverage of cognitive apprenticeship and high degree of acceptance from students. Analysis of learning process profile also shows consistently expanding effects on various aspects of learners, especially on teamwork. Pedagogical improvement in terms of the time allocated to individual instruction activities is also polled.


A new species of the genus Linaria is described, illustrated and compared with its morphologically closest relatives from L. sect. Versicolores : L. salzmannii , L. viscosa and L. spartea . Furthermore, the identity of L. salzmannii , with which it has been usually misidentified, is discussed. The new species occurs on molasse substrates, forming part of communities of ephemeral annual herbs, in the province of Malaga (southern Spain), near the locality El Chorro. Synonymy is revised for the concerned names, and an identification key is reported for the Iberian taxa of L. sect. Versicolores .


Background Although, communication is an integral part of medical practice, it is also the source of 20–50% of patient complaints. Breaking bad news is a challenge across all disciplines yet little time is devoted to formal training and practice at any stage of medical training. We aimed to improve medical student confidence in delivering bad news in an appropriate and sensitive manner. Methods Students received a teaching session including didactic teaching, discussions, video example and scenario group work. Students completed an anonymous questionnaire after the session, which assessed their basic demographics, aspects of breaking bad news (BBN) and their confidence in BBN pre and post the session. Results 114 students completed the questionnaire, of whom 59 were male and 74 were undergraduate-entry. 110/114 had previously considered that breaking bad news might be an important part of their future jobs however only 73/112 had previously considered that breaking bad news might consume a lot of time in their future jobs. 83 had witnessed professionals breaking bad news to either patients or family members in their training, and most commonly this was in paediatrics (n=40), General Surgery (n=24) and adult medicine (n=45). The average change in confidence in breaking bad news was +2.46 (range –1 to 6). Students rated the session as 7.79/10 for usefulness and 8.22 for interest. Discussion Training in the communication skill of breaking bad news is useful and interesting to medical students. Identifying key strategies to employ whilst breaking bad news, and engaging in role play, improves confidence.


We report on preliminary results from a pilot study using a virtual experiment to analyse human behavior during epidemics of an infectious disease. The experiment used a two-dimensional computer game representing an epidemic scenario, linked to an agent-based simulation of an epidemic spreading through a large population. 230 participants played the game and completed question-naires about their characteristics in relation to a psychological model of health behaviour, Protection Motivation Theory. The results show that participants responded to increasing infection load in their local neighbourhood by reducing their social contacts, as they would be expected to do in reality. However, there was no correlation between the strength of this response and a number of psychological factors that are known to be associated with health protective behavior in the real world. This suggests that participants might not have responded to the game in the same way they would respond to a real epidemic. We discuss possible explanations for this mismatch, drawing on ideas from experimental behavioral economics, psychology, computer game design, and the study of virtual worlds, and suggest ways in which our experimental methodology could be improved to produce a more realistic response.


We have studied the erythrocytes of two individuals (P. L. and K. W.) who lack the Gerbich (Ge) blood-group antigen. The erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were not reactive with two monoclonal antibodies (NBTS/BRIC 4 and NBTS/BRIC 10) which reacted with normal erythrocytes. The membranes of P. L. and K. W. erythrocytes appeared to lack three minor sialoglycoproteins (beta, beta 1 and gamma). These three minor sialoglycoproteins were found to be associated with the cytoskeletons of normal erythrocytes. Approx. 10% of the erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were frankly elliptocytic. We suggest that one or more of the minor sialoglycoproteins may play a part in maintaining the discoid shape of the human erythrocyte.


Like the constructivist approach to the history of science, the new history of reading has shifted attention from disembodied ideas to the underlying material culture and the localized practices by which it is apprehended. By focusing on the complex embodied processes by which readers make sense of printed objects, historians of reading have provided new insights into the manner in which meaning is both made and contested. In this brief account I argue that these insights are particularly relevant to historians of science, first, because practices of reading, like those of experiment and fieldwork, are constitutive of scientific knowledge, and, second, because attention to the history of reading provides important evidence of the multifaceted and uneven contest for meaning that occurs when science is mobilized in popular culture. The essay concludes by considering some of the surprisingly abundant sources of available evidence from which a history of scientific reading might be constructed for the modern era.


The thermal diffusion and viscous dissipation effects on an unsteady MHD free convection heat and mass transfer flow of an incompressible, electrically conducting, fluid past an infinite vertical porous plate embedded in a porous medium of time dependent permeability under oscillatory suction velocity in the presence of a heat absorbing sink have been studied. It is considered that the influence of a uniform magnetic field acts normal to the flow and the permeability of the porous medium fluctuates with time. The dimensionless governing equations for this investigation have been solved numerically by using the efficient Galerkin finite element method. The numerical results obtained have been presented through graphs and tables for the thermal Grashof number   r G 0  corresponding to the cooling of the porous plate and   r G 0  corresponding to heating of the porous


【Typical surgical methods for the treatment of mandibular fractures include intermaxillary-fixation (IMF) for obtaining temporary intraoperative occlusion. Traditionally IMF has been achieved with arch-bars or interdental eyelet wiring. However, these techniques are time-consuming procedures, can produce periodontal damage, and are not well tolerated by the patient even under local anesthesia. Moreover, daily maintenance of oral hygiene is difficult for patients with an arch bar. Recently, intermaxillary fixation using intraoral skeletal anchorage screws (SAS) has been introduced for the treatment of mandibular fractures. This method solves the problems above, but they have the potential for tooth damage, screw fractures and intraoperative occlusal instability. In this study, patients with mandiblular fractures were divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated by IMF using archbars(both maxilla and mandible), Group 2 was treated with SAS(maxilla) and arch-bar (mandible), Group 3 was treated with SAS(both maxilla and mandible). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the different IMF methods on periodontal tissue health and intraoperative occlusal rehabilitation about each groups, and to discuss the most favorable IMF method.】


We examine the possibility of building a meteorological prediction tool using data from the Greek National Hail Suppression Program. More specifically, we focus on maximum hail size prediction from operational meteorological radar and/or sounding data. Factor analysis and linear regression are applied in order to identify the optimum number of independent variables and the sequence to build the corresponding meteorological tool. A significant linear relationship is discovered for non-seeded storms relating hail size to various radar parameters, such as the Reflectivity or the group of Vertically integrated liquid density and Cloud top. A relationship for predicting hail size using radar parameters for seeded storms failed to be statistically significant.


This paper presents a second generation 3D integrated feature-extracting CMOS image sensor. This 64×96 pixel vision sensor was designed and fabricated using a 0.18 µm 3D FDSOI process. Each pixel implements a photodiode and computation circuits on three individual tiers, which are vertically stacked and connected through the 3D inter-tier vias. The photodiode is sited on the top tier with an optimized photo sensitivity and a high fill factor (∼97%). The in-pixel analog memory and a parallel diffuser network allow this image sensor to store the previous frame image and perform a spatially smoothing operation. Hence, the proposed image sensor can deliver an intensity image, either the previous frame or the smoothed image. Using off-chip subtraction, image features including temporal motions and spatial contours can be easily extracted. Moreover, the power consumption for this image sensor is around 0.8mW at 100 fps. The low power consumption and feature extraction capability make this sensor appealing for the sensor network applications.


To examine the influence of bilateral motor behaviors on flexibility performance, two studies were conducted. Previous research has shown that when performing unilateral motor behavior that activates the affective and motivational systems of approach versus avoidance (arm flexion vs. extension), it is the congruence between laterality and motor activation that determines flexibility-rigidity functioning (Cretenet & Dru, 2009). When bilateral motor behaviors were performed, a mechanism of embodiment was revealed. It showed that the flexibility scores were determined by the match between the respective qualities of congruence of each of the unilateral motor behaviors performed. These results bring to light an overall embodied mechanism associated with the compatibility of the cognitive impact(s) of each motor behavior performed.


The ground resistance, the ground potential rise, touches and step voltages are the basic design quantities of the grounding grids. Such quantities greatly depend on the safety of grounding system. The aim being pursued is to minimize these mentioned quantities, while the safety restrictions required by the standard regulations are met. The innovative aspect of the proposed approach is the influences of reflective coefficient of two-layer soil and the thickness of upper-layer soil, the irregular grounding grid area are analyzed when using this approach for optimum grounding grid design. By discussing the genetic algorithm, architecture of multi-objective optimization design of substation grounding grids, optimal population size and terminal condition, the realization of the proposed strategy is expounded in this paper. Calculation shows that the method is feasible and the optimal results can minimize these mentioned quantities which are not subject to hierarchical structure of soil and irregular grounding area.


Bench-scale pilot plant studies were conducted to evaluate chemical coagulation and ion exchange for decontamination of 2724-W laundry wastewater. Chemical coagulation is accomplished at pH 11 to avoid complexant problems and assure good transuranic radionuclide removals. Clinoptilolite is used to remove cesium and strontium. Results of the pilot plant studies are summarized as follows: Decontamination factors of 70 (strontium) and more than 100 (cesium) were achieved by chemical coagulation and ion exchange. Decontamination factors exceeding 90 were measured for europium by coagulation with a combination of ferric chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride added to the wastewater at pH 11. Coagulation with these three agents in the wastewater at pH 11 was more effective for turbidity removal than coagulation with lime. Addition of up to 1.7 lb of clinoptilolite fines per 1000 gallons of wastewater during coagulation did not substantially increase strontium and cesium removal. Filtration without chemical coagulation reduced suspended solids by only 25%. About 70% of the suspended solids remaining in the filtered wastewater were removed in the zeolite column causing plugging which could not be easily dislodged by backwashing. Plugging of the ion exchange columns by previously clarified wastewater required short periods of limited backwashing to relievemore » the plug. The plugging is due to CaCO/sub 3/ and is not expected to be a severe problem in a full-scale plant with brief detention times between filtration and ion exchange. A high pressure surface wash should be included in the columns to break up crust or plugs at the surface of the zeolite. Centrifugation of iron sludges for 2 min at 2000 g reduced the sludge volume to about 1% of the total wastewater volume. Wet iron sludges from the sludge storage tank were readily dewatered by vacuum filtration. 14 tables, 9 figures.« less


This essay problematizes the imfamous XXth century architect Le Corbusier's understandings on space, self and city through his concept of ineffable space ( L'Espace Indicible ). Le Corbusier represents a contradictory role: He is both a symbol of a radical shift in XXth century architecture and is also subject to a radical criticism. Very few actors of this kind within the oeuvre can be identified. The concept L'Espace Indicible is one of the major concepts of his universalist measure, the Modulor. However this very concept is heavily citicized due to its essentialist visuality denies the complexities of the city. In this essay, L'Espace Indicible is countered by Jung's concept of 'temenos'. Le Corbusier's argument on creation, mystifying it as a closed process, meets Agamen's critic about the world considered as a camp and becoming a camp, an open-air, global jailhouse. Agamben's pessimistic claim that within this global camp the body's closure can not be reversed seems to be the realization of Le Corbusier's moduloric ideals.


BACKGROUND
Postoperative complications of myringotomy and tube placement often include otorrhea, tympanosclerosis, and tympanic membrane perforation. However, the incidence of sensorineural or conductive hearing loss has not been documented. Recent efforts to curb the use of preoperative audiometric testing requires documentation of this incidence.

OBJECTIVE
To define the incidence of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss associated with myringotomy and tube placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 550 patients undergoing myringotomy and tube placement was performed. A total of 520 patients undergoing 602 procedures (1204 ears), including myringotomy and tube placement, were assessed for preoperative and postoperative sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

RESULTS
No patient developed a postoperative sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. All patients resolved their conductive hearing loss after myringotomy and tube placement. There was a 1.3% incidence of preexisting sensorineural hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of sensorineural or conductive hearing loss after myringotomy and tube placement is negligible and the use of preoperative audiometric evaluation may be unnecessary in selected patients, but further studies need to be done to corroborate this small data set.


The authors have previously reported (see Proc. 14th Int. Conf. on Electric Contacts, p.233-7, 1988) that, when Pd contacts are operated using mechanical break-make actions without switching load current in the air, palladium-oxides are formed on the contact surfaces by mechanochemical reaction caused by mechanical actions, and they cause serious deterioration of contact resistance. In the present work, the formation of the same products is reported on Ag-Pd70% and Ag-Pd50% contacts after tests involving operation 100000 times. Significant increase of contact resistance, however, was not observed. On the other hand, it is also found that the products show nonlinearity of contact resistance according to measuring current in both dynamic and static measurement. Temperature calculation shows that softening of the electrodes is not the main cause of the observed phenomenon. Thermal dissolution of the products is proposed as a possible cause. >


This study aims to determine the optimal concentration of Fenton reagent for pharmaceutical chemistry industry, varying the concentration of ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide subsequently monitor the treatment in pilot scale and wastewater treatment (WWTP) station of the main parameters: color, odor, pH and COD. Pilot tests to obtain the guidelines used in formulating the Fenton reagent to be used in large scale in the effluent tank were performed, the pilot test of experiment T12 showed the best result (Color and COD) for the composition of the treatment with: 3.2 mL of H2O2 and 160 mg Ferrous Sulfate. From this parameter the treatment was carried out daily monitoring in the laboratory and pilot scale, and the values were similar for both treatments, with the percentage reduction of COD of 93.57% in the lab test and 94.00% in the ETE test. The process of wastewater treatment using Fenton reagent showed excellent results, with better values than the limits established by law. But the treatment time of 16 days is not feasible for some industries, but is smoothly carried out in the study industry.


Pathways for visual (sensory) information into the CNS are explained. The hypothesized areas where this sensory information begins to initiate the motor program include the periarcuate area, superior colliculus, and the areas of the motor program such as the Cortex, superior colliculus and reticular formation, along with the control exerted on the systems via the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei. The information demonstrates that the co-ordinated movements of eye-head-neck towards a goal, involves a number of parallel independently active neural centres which initiate the movements. However, there is continuous monitoring of these separate pathways by areas of the CNS in order to achieve that salient feature of the CNS, co-ordinated motion. A method of assessing the system, which will provide valuable information for the clinician and will be a rewarding area of research for the chiropractic profession is herein described.


We present a numerical study of the spectral properties of the 1D Bose-Hubbard model. Unlike the 1D Hubbard model for fermions, this system is found to be non-integrable, and exhibits Wigner-Dyson spectral statistics under suitable conditions.


There is a need of more advanced analysis for studying how the long-term behaviour of glued laminated timber structures is affected by creep and by cyclic variations in climate. A beam theory is presented able to simulate the overall hygro-mechanical and visco-elastic behaviour of (inhomogeneous) glulam structures. Two frame structures subjected to both mechanical and cyclic environmental loading are analysed to illustrate the advantages the model involved can provide. The results indicate clearly both the (discontinuous) inhomogeneity of the glulam products and the variable moisture-load action that occurs to have a significant effect on deformations, section forces and stress distributions within the frame structures that were studied.


Introduction Although the rhabdomyosarcomas are rare in adults, these tumors occur with some frequency among children. Over the past 15 years at the Columbus Children's Hospital, 310 solid malignant tumors have been entered in the hospital's Tumor Registry. This represents an unselected series of tumors seen in a general children's hospital. Excluding the tumors of the central nervous system, rhabdomyosarcomas were exceeded in number only by the neuroblastomas and Wilms' tumors. This paper discusses our experience with 14 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma of various types and locations (Table 1). Classification Our cases of rhabdomyosarcoma have been classified according to the histological scheme advocated by Horn and Enterline. 1 According to this system, the 3 types are: (1) the pleomorphic, found primarily in adults; (2) the alveolar, which appears largely in adolescents and young adults, and (3) the embryonal, which occurs mainly in infants and children. It is now fairly well accepted


Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) outbreaks have been reported in the main citrus-growing regions of Italy in the past 10 years. In some areas where eradication efforts failed to suppress spread, high CTV incidence is now observed. Recently, potentially severe CTV strains were detected in Calabria (southern Italy), one of the major citrus-growing area. As a result, investigations of the virulence and molecular features of CTV populations spreading in this region were undertaken. Virus was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a broad spectrum polyclonal antiserum, and was differentiated into potential virulent categories with the severe-strain discriminating monoclonal antibody MCA13. Isolate genotyping was conducted using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with multiple molecular markers (MMM), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the amplicons from the genes coding for the coat protein (CP) p25 and the non-structural p20 protein as well as sequence analysis. Based on the serological reactivity, the isolates were differentiated in two distinct serogroups: MCA13-reactive and MCA13 non-reactive. Similarly, based on the molecular profile, the isolates were grouped in two genetically distinct phylogenetic clusters, and associated either with a T30-like or with a T3-like genotype. These data were related to the results of biological indexing on standard indicator plants, which distinguished isolates causing mild or severe seedling yellow reactions. The study has demonstrated the presence of MCA13-reactive isolates associated with a T3-like genotype and causing severe seedling yellows in sour orange, grapefruit and lemon seedlings, and stem pitting in Mexican lime.


Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), one of the common inherited disorders in humans, is characterized by the development and enlargement of renal cysts, often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, Iranian ADPKD families were subjected to high-throughput DNA sequencing to find potential causative variants facilitating the way toward risk assessment and targeted therapy. Methods: Our protocol was based on the targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) panel previously developed in our center comprising 12 genes involved in PKD. This panel has been applied to investigate the genetic causes of 32 patients with a clinical suspicion of ADPKD. Results: We identified a total of 31 variants for 32 individuals, two of which were each detected in two individuals. Twenty-seven out of 31 detected variants were interpreted as pathogenic/likely pathogenic and the remaining 4 of uncertain significance with a molecular diagnostic success rate of 87.5%. Among these variants, 25 PKD1/2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were detected in 32 index patients (78.1%), and variants of uncertain significance in four individuals (12.5% in PKD1/2). The majority of variants was identified in PKD1 (74.2%). Autosomal recessive PKD was identified in one patient, indicating the similarities between recessive and dominant PKD. In concordance with earlier studies, this biallelic PKD1 variant, p.Arg3277Cys, leads to rapidly progressive and severe disease with very early-onset ADPKD. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that targeted gene panel sequencing is expected to be the method of choice to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in PKD patients with heterogeneity in genetic background.


Objective: To evaluate the physical rehabilitation of decentralized services targeted
to people with disabilities in light of the ordinance GM / MS n o 818/2001,
considering also the perception of professionals and users of those services. 5
attended rehabilitation services, 10 professional and 42 users. Method: We used
a structured form, containing 67 items of the ordinance, 21 items were raised by
professionals and a question was held to users on the quality of servico. Elaborou
is a classification ranking between the departments of rehabilitation. Results: It
was found that 100% of services have a regular classification considering the ordinance
and 80% of the respondents considered the service that act as regular.
The quality of services was "very good" in the opinion of the users. Is there a
relationship between the items listed by the ministry and opinions of service
professionals Conclusion: The implementation of physical rehabilitation services
in the state of Alagoas seems to be favorable, particularly in view of the users.


Abstract All Dutch rift basins that formed during Jurassic and Early Cretaceous extension have been inverted during the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary. Several inversion pulses occurred more or less simultaneously in all basins. Analysis of vitrinite reflectance data, in combination with fission track and fluid inclusion data show that the magnitude of uplift and erosion generally did not exceed 2 km. Inversion was strongest in the Broad Fourteens, Central Netherlands and West Netherlands basins. The direction of maximum compressive stress was generally not at right angles to the pre-existing fault trends, and resulted in transpressional movements. Within the NW-SE striking basins, dextral strike-slip movements can often be interpreted, which is consistent with a general N-S to NNW-SSE direction of maximum compression related to Alpine structural events. Where no Zechstein salt is present, trends of flower structures formed through reverse reactivation of pre-existing faults. Where the Zechstein salt is thick, re-activated faults could not breach the salt, and a broad uplift of the post-salt succession resulted, while faulting below the salt caused acceleration of halokinesis. In areas where the Zechstein salt was thin, and where the offsets of reverse faults exceeded the thickness of the salt, impressive thrusts with the Zechstein salt as detachment horizon developed. The later Tertiary inversion pulses did not affect all basins, and caused broad basin uplift in the West and Central Netherlands basins while individual faults were no longer reactivated. It appears that due to crustal thickening during the first inversion pulses the crust could become stabilised such that further compression could only be accommodated by broad basin uplift.


The behavior of three-port bidirectional DC-DC converters (TPC) under soft-switching mode for hybrid electric vehicles is analyzed in this paper. The principle of power flow control and the operation under soft-switching mode are studied to establish the converter operation range. All this allows to establish design criteria to operate the TPC under soft-switching within a wide operation region. The parameters considered are the transformer turns ratio and the leakage inductance of the transformer, which allows determine the maximum power that can be transferred. Simulation results that validate the analysis are also presented.


ABSTRACT Climate change has turned the Arctic simultaneously into an environmentally highly fragile space and a region offering manifold economic opportunities. The notion of 'Arctic Paradox' aptly captures the trade-off between environmental protection needs and economic prospects. We investigate how the European Union has positioned itself regarding this Paradox by asking to what extent its Arctic policy discourse integrates environmental concerns. Analysis involving the main strategies of EU institutions, and the EU's Arctic and major non-Arctic members finds three co-existing coalitions with differing visions of environmental policy integration in the Arctic. The aggregate EU discourse on the Arctic is currently 'green by omission', that is, by explicitly avoiding a clear stance on the trade-off embodied in the 'Arctic Paradox'. We attempt to explain this, and conclude by discussing the likelihood of the EU developing a genuinely environment-oriented Arctic policy.


This paper compares the performance of two polymeric substance, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a host in graphene saturable absorber (SA) fabrication. By applying a low-cost solution casting method, graphene flakes which was prepared using the electro-chemical exfoliation technique will be mixed with PEO or PVA solvent as a host. Single concentration (12.04 wt.%) of graphene-PVA and graphene-PEO has been prepared for comparison. At 1.5 µm wavelength region, 2.8 meters erbium doped fiber (EDF) was applied as a gain medium in ring laser cavity setup. Generally, our measurement confirmed stable Q-switched pulses generation (>30 dB) for both SAs at 1.5 µm region. Evidently, the generated pulse by graphene-PVA at 1531.1 nm produced shorter pulse width of 1.85 µs as compared to 18.1 µs by graphene-PEO at maximum permissible pump power. Although smaller pulse energy was calculated for graphene-PVA, the ability of this type of SA to withstand higher pump-power proved its superiority as compared to its counterpart. Notably, this is the first ever effort that assess the performance of PVA and PEO host in graphene-based saturable absorption, particularly at 1.5 µm region.


Background& objectives : Intertrochanteric fractures of hip are relatively one of the common fractures and it is imposing a huge burden on patients in terms of medical expenses and morbidity .A sliding hip screw (DHS) and trochanteric nail (TN) both are described for fixation of these fractures. The discussion about the selection of ideal implant is controversial in terms of outcomes in various studies. Methods: Ninety patients with intertrochanteric fracture were treated in our hospital from Jan 2009 to Dec 2011. All AO 31-A1 patients who were between 40-80 years old were included to compare Dynamic hip screw and Trochanteric nail in the management of intertrochanteric fractures by analyzing operative time, duration of hospital stay, complications, time taken to union and post operative mobility. 63 patients were enrolled in DHS group and 27 were enrolled in intertrochanteric nail group.Results: Patients treated with DHS had shorter operative time ,less radiological exposure ,easy reduction and fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications .Implant failure and non union was noted in one out of twenty seven patients treated with trochanteric nail group.Interpretation & Conclusions : The analysis of our study supports the use of DHS rather than trochanteric nail for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients


Abstract Introduction: Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) is one of the most common ENT emergencies. A 2002 UK audit of quinsy management revealed that an average ENT department treated 29 cases annually; the most common treatment was needle aspiration with intravenous antibiotics, and culture of the aspirate was often performed routinely. The aims of our study were to evaluate the value of routine culture of quinsy aspirates, and to establish whether the information thus gained was clinically useful. Methods: We examined the notes of patients admitted with quinsy to two hospitals in south-west England, from January 1998 to January 2004 in one hospital and from January 1995 to January 2005 in the other. A total of 577 cases was found. Aspirated pus had been sent for culture in 119 (21 per cent). These cases were examined in more detail. Results: Of the 119 patients, 78.2 per cent (93/119) were treated with either a cephalosporin or penicillin, plus metronidazole. Streptococcal species were cultured in 43.7 per cent (52/119) and anaerobes in 23.5 per cent (28/119; of these cultures, 5.9 per cent (7/119) were pure anaerobes only). All the anaerobes were sensitive to metronidazole. One of the 119 cultures, growing aerobic bacteria, was resistant to penicillin; however, this patient improved clinically on a combination of penicillin and metronidazole. No patients had their treatment changed because of culture results. Conclusions: There appears to be no need to routinely culture quinsy aspirates, based upon our findings (of 16 hospital years) and previous studies (which found no recorded episodes of treatment change as a result of culture sensitivities). The combination of penicillin or a cephalosporin, plus metronidazole appeared to be theoretically effective in 99.2 per cent (118/119) of our specimens; this finding is supported by other studies. However, the rare but potentially life-threatening complications of quinsy must be recognised.


For many least-squares decomposition models efficient algorithms are well known. A more difficult problem arises in decomposition models where each residual is weighted by a nonnegative value. A special case is principal components analysis with missing data. Kiers (1997) discusses an algorithm for minimizing weighted decomposition models by iterative majorization. In this paper, we for computing a solution. We will show that the algorithm by Kiers is a special case of our algorithm. Here, we will apply weighted majorization to weighted principal components analysis, robust Procrustes analysis, and logistic bi-additive models of which the two parameter logistic model in item response theory is a special case. Simulation studies show that weighted majorization is generally faster than the method by Kiers by a factor one to four and obtains the same or better quality solutions. For logistic bi-additive models, we propose a new iterative majorization algorithm called logistic majorization.


Past empirical studies demonstrate a positive connection between revenue concentration and organizational efficiency. This supports the idea that concentrating revenue helps minimize transaction costs of nonprofit organizations, resulting in greater efficiency. However, this finding contradicts the belief that revenue concentration increases the risk of revenue volatility, leading to service delivery disruptions and reduced efficiency in nonprofits. Moreover, these studies have used an efficiency measure that might not be suitable. To address this, our study examines the relationship between revenue concentration and organizational efficiency using a more appropriate measure. Analyzing data from Habitat for Humanity, we discover a U-shaped relationship: nonprofits are most efficient when fully diverse or fully concentrated in revenue. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate on nonprofit revenue diversification, with significant implications for nonprofits. They also highlight the importance of using more appropriate efficiency measures in future scholarly research.


The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term biochemical and pathological effects induced by neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in patients with clinically localized disease. Between March 1993 and May 1997, 24 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer received NHT for 3 to 11 months (median: 5 months) using luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue prior to radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. The clinical stage was T1 in 1 patient, T2 in 17 and T3 in 6, the pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value was < or = 10 ng/ml in 5 patients, 10 to 20 ng/ml in 4 and > 20 ng/ml in 15 (mean: 34.7 micrograms/l), and the Gleason score was < or = 4 in 9 patients, 5 to 7 in 11 and > 8 in 3. The mean prostate specific antigen (PSA) value 3 months after NHT had reduced below 2 ng/ml in 18 of the 24 patients (67%), and finally decreased by an average of 95% (i.e., 1.9 ng/ml) prior to surgery. The pathological stage was pT0 in 2 patients, pT2 in 10 and pT3 in 12. The incidence of organ-confined disease (OCD) was significantly higher in patients with clinical stage T1 or T2a than with T2b or T3, with pretreatment PSA values < or = 10 ng/ml than with PSA values > 10 ng/ml, and with PSA values < or = 2 than with PSA values > 2 at 3 months after NHT; in contrast, the Gleason score had no significant impact on the rate of OCD. After a median follow-up of 49 months (range 34 to 85 months), 6 patients (25%) had a recurrence evidenced by rising PSA, and the 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 79%. These results suggest that NHT appears not to be of significant additional benefit to patients who have a higher clinical T stage, higher pretreatment PSA values and/or in patients whose PSA values do not normalize early in the treatment process.


This paper deals with the reconstruction of smooth, flexible, isometrically embedded flat surfaces in 3D, such as a sheet of paper or a flag waving in the wind, from a set of 2D projected observations such as camera images. To solve the problem, a set of matched features of the waving object at different poses is needed, which are then applied to the reconstruction algorithm here described. The complete algorithm consists of 2 phases, the first obtaining an initial approximation from local features, the second uses this result to iterate a global cost function, trying to achieve a better estimate. To validate the algorithm, synthetic data with noise is generated, reconstructed and compared to ground truth data. Also, a second experiment consisting of real images of a sheet of paper is shown.