Fibrotic processes in the liver of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients cause microcirculatory dysfunction in the organ which increases blood vessel resistance and causes portal hypertension. Assessing blood vessel function in the liver is challenging, necessitating the development of novel methods in normal and fibrotic tissue that allow for drug screening and translation toward pre‐clinical settings. Cultures of precision cut liver slices (PCLS) from normal and fibrotic rat livers were used for blood vessel function analysis. Live recording of vessel diameter was used to assess the response to endothelin‐1, serotonin and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activation. A cascade of contraction and relaxation events in response to serotonin, endothelin‐1, Ketanserin and sGC activity could be established using vessel diameter analysis of rat PCLS. Both the sGC activator BI 703704 and the sGC stimulator Riociguat prevented serotonin‐induced contraction in PCLS from naive rats. By contrast, PCLS cultures from the rat CCl4 NASH model were only responsive to the sGC activator, thus establishing that the sGC enzyme is rendered non‐responsive to nitric oxide under oxidative stress found in fibrotic livers. The role of the sGC pathway for vessel relaxation of fibrotic liver tissue was identified in our model. The obtained data shows that the inhibitory capacities on vessel contraction of sGC compounds can be translated to published preclinical data. Altogether, this novel ex vivo PCLS method allows for the differentiation of drug candidates and the translation of therapeutic approaches towards the clinical use.


Celastrol is an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium Wilfordii, which exhibits significant antitumor activity in different cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies have showed that celastrol kills cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, in this study, we reported that celastrol has potential to enhance TNF-induced necroptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Low dose of TNFα plus celastrol induced remarkable cell death which could be prevented by RIP1 kinase inhibitor Necrostatin-1, but exacerbated by caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. The mechanism for celastrol to enhance TNF-induced necroptosis involves promoting prolonged JNK activation and inducing ROS accumulation. TNFα plus celastrol induced cell death and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) could be reversed by ROS scavenger BHA. In addition, Mdivi-1, an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission protein Drp-1, could also block TNFα plus celastrol induced cell death and MOMP, which is consistent with previous elucidation that RIP1/RIP3 mediated cell death signal through Drp-1 to induced necroptosis. The effect of celastrol on enhancing cancer cells programmed necrosis may provide a new way to overcome the resistance chemotherapy induced by evading apoptosis in some cancer cells. Citation Format: Ming Zhao, Song Lin, Xiang Cheng, Guozhu Chen, Xiaodan Yu. Celarstrol enhances TNF-induced neuroblastoma cells death by promoting ROS-mediated programmed necrosis. [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 2959. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2959 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.


Many molecular investigations of colorectal cancer (CRC) have suggested that the accumulation of specific mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes regulating cell growth via signal transduction trigger the stagewise progression to malignancy. In this study, the frequency, location, and type of mutations of the K-ras proto-onco-gene exon 1 and p53 tumor suppressor gene exons 5-8 were analyzed in colorectal carcinomas of 65 patients from Central Europe, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cold single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) screening and direct sequencing. The incidence of K-ras activating mutations in these Central European samples was lower (25%) compared to that obtained in American and western European populations (40-50% at least), while the incidence of p53 inactivating mutations was similar (58%). These results suggest that some other genetically linked mechanisms may play a role in CRC development and progression, and hence K-ras and p53 mutations cannot be considered to be universal genetic markers for CRC.


Objective To evaluate the reliability of the practical life space in post-stroke patients using the Korean version of the Life-Space Assessment (K-LSA) questionnaire and to assess the relationships between the K-LSA and physical function, daily activity, quality of life, and post-stroke depression. Methods The LSA questionnaire was translated into Korean, and the translated version was authorized by the author of the LSA questionnaire. In a cross-sectional study, the performance of the K-LSA was evaluated in 34 stroke patients (20 males and 14 females; mean age 65.11±2.39 years) who were receiving physical and occupational therapy at the outpatient clinic in the rehabilitation medicine department of a university medical center at the time of evaluation. Performances were assessed twice by one examiner at a 2-week interval to test the reliability. The patients were evaluated using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale, and mobility subscale of the FIM to assess their relationships with the K-LSA. They were also evaluated using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to determine the relationship with quality of life and post-stroke depression. Results Test-retest reliability at the first (62.20±32.14) and second (63.15±32.22) assessment was 0.993 (p<0.01). The K-LSA showed significant correlations with the FAC (r=0.848, p<0.01), FIM (r=0.765, p<0.01), mobility category of the FIM (r=0.764, p<0.01), GDS (r=-0.657, p<0.01), and EQ-5D (r=0.506, p<0.01). Conclusion This study suggests that the practical life space of post-stroke patients, assessed by the K-LSA, has a significant correlation with patients' functional mobility, independence in daily activity, quality of life, and depression.


Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004

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Introduction : New therapies are sorely needed to improve outcome for patients with head and neck carcinoma. We identified a novel oncogene Squamous Cell Carcinoma Related Oncogene (SCCRO) , amplified in mucosal squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, lung, and cervix. To validate SCCRO as a useful target in head and neck cancer, we transfected several cell lines with SCCRO antisense and demonstrated a significant reduction of SCCRO protein expression, growth, and viability, when compared to matched controls. Given the limited clinical applicability of antisense therapies, we aimed to develop a retroviral RNA-interference (RNAi) system for SCCRO targeting and demonstrated its efficacy in silencing SCCRO expression in vitro and in vivo . Methods : We screened seven different RNAi constructs against SCCRO for efficacy. We identified construct 339, targeting region 339-357 along SCCRO cDNA, that appeared to be most effective. SCCRO-339 was ligated into pSUPER-retro-neo-GFP, a recombinant retroviral RNAi vector featuring a fused neomycin/EGFP selection cassette driven by a PGK promoter. SCCRO -Null, a nonspecific oligonucleotide, was also designed and used to prepare a control null vector. Virus was produced by transient cotransfection of 293T with the recombinant pSUPER retroviral construct and the pCL-Ampho packaging vector. Results : SCCRO -339 RNAi construct uniformly resulted in SCCRO protein suppression in all head and neck carcinoma cell lines tested. Furthermore, it reduced growth and viability, and increased the apoptotic fraction of MDA1386 head and neck cancer cells harboring SCCRO amplification. In addition, SCCRO abrogation led to reduced capacity for anchorage-independent growth on soft agar assay. Conversely, no effects were noted in the control 584 cell line lacking SCCRO amplification. Conclusion : These results establish the efficacy of RNAi-based gene therapy in oncogenes activated by amplification. Use of the pSUPER system is being tested in vivo and shows promise for clinical use in the future.


Introduction: The cancer burden in India is given in gynaecological cancers occur in about 6.8% population. The lifetime risk of developing sporadic epithelial ovarian cancer is approximately 1.7% although patients with a familial predisposition have a much higher lifetime risk in the range of 10 to 40%. Methodology: Cholesterol in tissue and blood has consistently been found to have a prime role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, but an association of cholesterol with cancers such as colorectal and breast cancer and leukemia has also been reported. The cholesterol content of cell membranes is tightly regulated, and this process of regulation involves the uptake of cholesterol-rich low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The present study designed with an aim to explore the changes in the biochemical profile Cholesterol of malignant and benign ovarian tumours pre therapy and post therapy. A case study control was conducted on 40 patients suffering from ovarian tumors (Benign and Malignant) who had reported to Rangaraya Medical College and hospital, Kakinada. Results: All stastical analysis was done using SPSS software and results were obtained The mean age of the patients were found to be 44.77 ± 11.66. Mean age of the patients with malignant tumors (n=29) was 47.7 to ± 9.26 years whereas for benign tumors (n=11) it was only 37± 4.34 years. hical committee clearance and informed the concent from the patients.


The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new beta-Blocker Visual Analog Scale designed to identify and quantify the impact that the side effects of beta-blocker therapy have on people's lives, and the self-management practices people use to mediate their influence. Instruments included the 20-item beta-Blocker Visual Analog Scale and the Profile of Mood States. Subjects had hypertension; 51 men were involved in a larger study involving antihypertensive medications and exercise, and 19 men and women were receiving beta-blocker therapy as first-line drug of choice. Estimates of internal consistency reliability, content validity, and concurrent and discriminant validity were moderately strong. The most problematic side effects were related to lack of sleep, vivid or active dreams, lack of energy and pep, diminished interest in sexual activity, and changes in vision. Among self-management practices used to mediate side effects were planning rest and activity periods, thinking carefully before reacting, and seeking out others for support.


Rabies diagnosis uses a direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT) that is difficult, costly, and time-consuming, and requires trained personnel. We developed a rapid immunochromatographic test (RICT) for the diagnosis of rabies. The efficacy of the RICT was compared with that of the FAT. Brain samples were collected from humans, dogs, cats, and other animals in Sri Lanka (n = 248), Bhutan (n = 27), and Thailand (n = 228). The sensitivity (0.74-0.95), specificity (0.98-1.0), positive predictive value (0.98-1.0), negative predictive value (0.75-0.97), accuracy (0.91-0.98), and kappa measure of agreement (0.79-0.93) were all satisfactory for animal samples and samples preserved in 50% glycerol saline solution. Because the RICT showed high sensitivity but low specificity with human brain samples, it is unsuitable for confirming rabies in humans. No amino acid substitutions were found in the antibody attachment sites of the nucleoprotein gene with FAT-positive, RICT-negative samples. The RICT is reliable, user friendly, rapid, robust, and can be used in laboratories with a modest infrastructure.


The purpose of the study is to determine how the teacher discipline system in British Columbia changed as a result of Bill 20, the Teaching Profession Act and Revised School Act of 1987. The nature of the discipline system both before and after Bill 20 was described and the significance of changes to the education community indicated. Before 1987, teacher discipline was governed by a statutory model, pursuant to provisions of the School Act The current system, a collective bargaining model, is governed by the Industrial Relations Act, 75 collective agreements, and arbitral jurisprudence. The study reviews differences in those two systems both generally, and specifically. An analysis of legislative frameworks governing teacher discipline across Canada, as well as a brief overview of the American system, allows the conclusion that the B.C. teacher discipline system is one of a kind in North America and not likely modeled after any other on the continent. To compare the two teacher discipline systems and also to describe them in relation to theoretical concepts, the following were analyzed: (1) legal frameworks governing employer-employee relationships in general, theoretical concepts used to describe employee discipline systems, and studies of employee discipline, especially in the unionized environment and in the case of teachers, (2) decisions of all boards of reference and review commisions prior to 1988, (3) all reported B.C. teacher grievances, specifically discipline-related grievances, and arbitration awards between 1988 and 1991, (4) collective agreement provisions in effect in 1991 related to matters of teacher discipline, (5) critical arbitral jurisprudence on employee (and teacher) discipline, and (6) B.C. teacher discipline cases before 1988 which fell outside the regulated system but resulted in court decisions. The study concluded that the previous teacher discipline system in B.C. was an inferior system, unfair and patronizing at best, but biased against teachers, and open to political manipulation at worst. Only limited teacher discipline decisions prior to changes in legislation were appealed, and even then, often to inexperienced and non-objective bodies. The current system promises to provide more regulated, predictable, and fair treatment, although more knowledge, skills, training and personnel are required to manage the system. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page


This study exploits the relationship between functional enhancement (FE) activity and defect distribution to produce a model for predicting FE induced defect activity. We achieve this in 2 steps: (1) apply canonical correlation analysis to model the relationship between a set of FE activity indicators and a set of defect activity indicators; this analysis isolates 1 dimension of this relationship having strong correlation; and (2) model the relationship between the latent variables at this dimension as a simple linear regression; this model demonstrates predictive quality sufficient for application as a software engineering tool. The predictive model considers FE activity as the sole source of variation in defect activity. Other sources of variation are not modeled, but remained constant throughout the development effort that yielded the modeled data. Models developed with this technique are intended for predicting defect activity in the program modules that result from the next iteration of the same development process, in production of the next release of the modeled product, with the same key people implementing the software changes that introduce FE. Even in this application, software engineers should understand and control the impacts of the unmodeled sources of variation. The modeling technique scales to larger development efforts involving several key people by either developing unique models for each area of responsibility, or adding independent variables that account for variation introduced by differing skill and understanding levels.


Monoclonal antibody drugs (mAbs) have become a major therapeutic strategy in cancer care. The approved mAbs have been about 40 items, and a lot of clinical trials have been now performing in the world. For precise cancer therapy, overall pharmacokinetic (PK) information in blood or tumor tissue will become the mainstream indicators for many clinicians. Therefore, versatile and robust analytical technologies for the direct detection of antibody will be important outcome in clinical applications. The bioanalysis of mAbs using LCMS is a significant platform for the selective quantitation or the feasibility of the multiplex assays for combination therapy. For regulated LCMS bioanalysis independent of a variety of mAbs or biological taxonomy sources, we have focused on the two features: antibody structure-indicated analysis, and complementarity-determining region (CDR)-targeting quantitation. Using the previous LCMS bioanalysis by general proteomic method, the signature proteolytic peptides of the mAb should be quantified from the massive analyte and residual protease because immunoglobulin molecules are second major protein in plasma proteome. The excess peptides will be cause to decrease the selectivity and sensitivity. To address this issues, we have recently reported the novel method for the selective proteolysis on the Fab by limiting protease access to antibodies, which have named nano-surface and molecular-orientation limited (nSMOL) proteolysis. nSMOL chemistry is designed based on the unique features: (1) protease reaction on nanoparticle surface; (2) Fc immobilization onto the resin, such that the Fab is oriented outward to the solution; and (3) Fab-selective limited proteolysis by making use the difference of the protease nanoparticle diameter (200 nm) and the Ab resin pore size (100 nm). nSMOL has made it possible to minimize the sample complexity while the maintaining the sequence specificity in CDR. We are now performing the bioanalytical validation for several mAbs in accordance with the Guideline on Bioanalytical Method Validation in Pharmaceutical Development. The results of validation study show that nSMOL is possible to cover the clinical dose, and more accurate and sensitive than ELISA and conventional proteomic approaches. For clinical feasibility test, we measured the plasma concentration of Bevacizumab in patients with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer according to nSMOL protocols. nSMOL proteolysis coupled with LCMS bioanalysis is a novel method for the clinical PK independent of a variety of monoclonal antibodies, and have confirmed the clinical usability by the fully validated bioanalysis. This analytical approach will be applicable for many new mAbs and biosimilar drugs. Furthermore, the clinical trials based on LCMS may be expected to aid acceleration of the development of many biopharmaceuticals. Citation Format: Takashi Shimada, Noriko Iwamoto, Sho Saeki, Ji-ichiro Sasaki, Taka-Aki Sato, Akinobu Hamada. Development of the LCMS bioanalysis for clinical pharmacokinetics of antibody drugs using Fab-selective limited proteolysis (nSMOL). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2962.


Sensor networks have recently emerged as an important computing platform. These networks necessitate suitable protocol solutions. Researchers, over the recent past have fine tuned MAC protocols for sensor networks and provided techniques to reduce energy consumption, maximize throughput and accurate latency. Some of these goals may be conflicting and may enforce a trade-off. Balanced emphasis of the design goals would have to be based on application requirements. For example, many sensor network applications are: latency sensitive. In this paper, we first overview the key proposed energy efficient MAC protocols for sensor networks. We define and study latency in wireless sensor networks with different topologies and number of nodes for IEEE 802.11, SMAC, adaptive SMAC and TDMA


Brucella ovis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that causes a non-zoonotic ovine brucellosis mainly characterized by male genital lesions and is responsible for important economic losses in sheep farming areas. Studies about the virulence mechanisms of Brucella have been mostly performed with smooth (bearing O-polysaccharide in lipopolysaccharide) zoonotic species, and those performed with B. ovis have revealed similarities but also relevant differences. Except for few strains recently isolated from unconventional hosts, Brucella species are non-motile but contain the genes required to assemble a flagellum, which are organized in three main loci of about 18.5, 6.4, and 7.8 kb. Although these loci contain different pseudogenes depending on the non-motile Brucella species, smooth B. melitensis 16M builds a sheathed flagellum under particular culture conditions and requires flagellar genes for virulence. However, nothing is known in this respect regarding other Brucella strains. In this work, we have constructed a panel of B. ovis PA mutants defective in one, two or the three flagellar loci in order to assess their role in virulence of this rough (lacking O-polysaccharide) Brucella species. No relevant differences in growth, outer membrane-related properties or intracellular behavior in cellular models were observed between flagellar mutants and the parental strain, which is in accordance with previous results with B. melitensis 16M single-gene mutants. However, contrary to these B. melitensis mutants, unable to establish a chronic infection in mice, removal of the three flagellar loci in B. ovis did not affect virulence in the mouse model. These results evidence new relevant differences between B. ovis and B. melitensis, two species highly homologous at the DNA level and that cause ovine brucellosis, but that exhibit differences in the zoonotic potential, pathogenicity and tissue tropism.


Modern day mass higher education presents challenges for both learners and teachers. Whilst digital resources, Web 2.0 technologies and online connectivity can add significantly to the learning opportunities of 21st century students, many cross programme Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provisions remain collections of somewhat disconnected and basic materials. In its early development, organised e-learning has generally been the province of specialist programmes and individuals championing the new technologies. However along with the adoption of technology enhanced learning, there is a growing need to develop, design and embed more fundamental and far reaching strategic approaches that embrace the core of traditional university learning and teaching programmes. This paper focuses upon a large undergraduate core module and discusses the implications of a practice based case study which explored how traditional campus based undergraduate learning and teaching could be redesigned and enhanced by the addition of online technology and e-pedagogy. It considers aspects of both pedagogical and technological design and examines how a VLE can support learners and teaching teams. Findings showed that students were extremely positive about the mix of onsite and online learning. They saw anytime, anywhere access as fundamental, and valued the flexible access and collaborative opportunities offered by Web 2.0 and mobile resources. Considerable operational benefits arose in supporting teaching teams and student marks increased. Drawing upon lessons learned from practice, and feedback gained from students and teachers, the paper examines how the approach may inform future curriculum delivery and programme specification. It considers the contribution that blended learning may make in addressing the needs of 21st century learners in mass higher education, and reflects on the implications of the case study in terms of aspects of design, practice and strategy.


The microstructure and mechanical properties of two high strength steels with different carbon content were studied by means of metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and mechanical testing machine. The results showed that the microstructure of the 0.2C (wt.%) steel and 0.4C (wt.%) steel was tempered sorbite, a large number of granular carbides dispersed on the ferritic matrix. The carbides contained Fe3C and M6C (Fe3Mo3C) phase. Compared with 0.2C steel, the content of the carbides of 0.4C steel was larger, while the particle size was smaller. The tensile and yield strength of 0.4C steel were higher, but the elongation was lower and the toughness was worse. In addition, the hardness values of the two materials were basically the same.


In the current study, simulations by five crop models (WOFOST, CERES-Barley, HERMES, DAISY and AQUACROP) were compared for 7–12 growing seasons of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) at three sites in the Czech Republic. The aims were to compare how various process-based crop models with different calculation approaches simulate different values of transpiration (Ta) and evapotranspiration (ET) based on the same input data and compare the outputs of these simulations with reference data. From the outputs of each model, the water use efficiency (WUE) from Ta (WUETa) and from actual ET (WUEETa) was calculated for grain yields and above-ground biomass yield. The results of the first part of the study show that the model with the Penman approach for calculating ET simulates lower actual ET (ETa) sums, at an average of 250 mm during the growing season, than other models, which use the Penman–Monteith approach and simulate 330 mm on average during the growing season. In the second part of the current study, WUE reference values in the range 1.9–2.4 kg/m were calculated for spring barley and grain yield. Values of WUETa/WUEETa calculated from the outputs of individual models for grain yields and above-ground biomass yields ranged from 2.0/1.0 to 5.9/3.8 kg/m with an average value of 3.2/2.0 kg/m and from 3.9/2.1 to 10.5/6.8 kg/m with an average value of 6.5/4.0 kg/m, respectively. The results confirm that the average values of all models are nearest to actual values.


Since its publication in 1897, Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" has been adapted for the cinema, dramatized for the stage and inspired a whole series of books and films on the Dracula theme. This success story is explored here, with fascinating revelations about how Stoker's novel came about, alongside details of the growth of the Dracula screen cult and interviews with the major film stars. In addition there is a detailed listing of the films themselves and a chronology of famous real life cases of vampirism from around the world.


Classically, psychiatric disorders have been considered to lack defining pathology, but recent work has demonstrated consistent disruption at the molecular level, characterized by transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations.1–3 In ASD, upregulation of microglial, astrocyte, and immune signaling genes, downregulation of specific synaptic genes, and attenuation of regional gene expression differences are observed.1,2,4–6 However, whether these changes are limited to the cortical association areas profiled is unknown. Here, we perform RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on 725 brain samples spanning 11 distinct cortical areas in 112 ASD cases and neurotypical controls. We identify substantially more genes and isoforms that differentiate ASD from controls than previously observed. These alterations are pervasive and cortex-wide, but vary in magnitude across regions, roughly showing an anterior to posterior gradient, with the strongest signal in visual cortex, followed by parietal cortex and the temporal lobe. We find a notable enrichment of ASD genetic risk variants among cortex-wide downregulated synaptic plasticity genes and upregulated protein folding gene isoforms. Finally, using snRNA-seq, we determine that regional variation in the magnitude of transcriptomic dysregulation reflects changes in cellular proportion and cell-type-specific gene expression, particularly impacting L3/4 excitatory neurons. These results highlight widespread, genetically-driven neuronal dysfunction as a major component of ASD pathology in the cerebral cortex, extending beyond association cortices to involve primary sensory regions.


Objective: To investigate the predictive value of striatal dopamine turnover in patients with de novo Parkinson disease (PD) for the onset of later motor complications. Methods: This retrospective, observer-blinded cohort study followed up 31 patients with early PD who completed quantitative 18F-dopa PET imaging to measure striatal 18F-dopa uptake (Kocc) and effective distribution volume ratio (EDVR) as the inverse of dopamine turnover prior to antiparkinsonian treatment. The onset of wearing-off and dyskinesias was determined based on blinded clinical assessments and patient records. The predictive value of baseline PET measures for motor complications was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: During a mean follow-up time of 6.8 years, 18 (58.1%) patients developed wearing-off, 11 (35.5%) dyskinesia, and 20 (64.5%) any motor complication. Patients with dyskinesia and any motor complication showed lower baseline EDVR (higher dopamine turnover) in the putamen than those without dyskinesias and any motor complication, with differences most markedly present in the posterior putamen. Baseline EDVR in the whole and the posterior putamen predicted development of motor complications with an increasing risk with lower EDVR (higher dopamine turnover), whereas EDVR in other regions and Kocc did not correlate with motor complications. Correspondingly, Kaplan-Meier curves showed reduced survival from motor complications in patients with lower baseline EDVR (higher dopamine turnover) in the posterior putamen with ongoing levodopa treatment and disease duration. Conclusions: Elevated putaminal dopamine turnover in de novo PD is associated with an increased risk for later motor complications and comprises a disease-intrinsic predisposing factor for their development.


The authors report a series of 11 urethrorectal fistulas observed over a 25-year period. The mean age of the patients was 37 years (range: 15 to 70 years). The aetiologies were surgical trauma (5 cases), fracture of the pelvis (2 cases), inflammatory lesions (3 cases), and one fistula was congenital. The clinical features were dominated by urine discharge from the anus (11 cases), urinary tract infection (8 cases), spurious diarrhoea (6 cases), faecaluria (4 cases), pneumaturia (2 cases). Digital rectal examination was normal in 7 patients. IVU demonstrated opacification of the rectum in 5 out of 8 cases. Cystourethrography, performed in 9 patients, demonstrated the communication in each case. Urethrocystoscopy visualized the fistula in each case in which it was performed. Treatment consisted of bladder drainage by urethral catheter in all patients, allowing closure of the fistula in 2 patients. Colostomy was performed in 2 patients, internal urethrotomy and urethral catheter was performed in 2 cases. Surgical closure of the fistula was performed in 7 patients, via an abdominoperineal (3 cases), perineal (2 cases), transperitoneal (1 case) or transanosphincteric incision (1 case).


Twenty-four patients with acute visceral leishmaniasis and leukopenia (< 1500 neutrophils/mm3) due to Leishmania chagasi were studied, 4 in an open-label pilot study and 20 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), 5 micrograms/kg daily, or placebo for 10 days, plus 10-20 mg/kg pentavalent antimony daily for 20 days. In GM-CSF recipients, neutrophil counts increased threefold and fourfold over baseline at 5 and 10 days, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in placebo recipients (P < .02). Eosinophil and monocyte counts were significantly increase in GM-CSF recipients at 10 days (P < or = .03). Secondary infections occurred in 3 GM-CSF and in 8 placebo recipients (P = .04). All patients had complete resolution of their leishmaniasis at 3 months. Few adverse events were recorded. GM-CSF, 5 micrograms/kg daily for 10 days, was safe, rapidly reversed neutropenia, and reduced the number of secondary infections in patients with leishmaniasis.


The dynamics of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) drives the functioning of most low order freshwater ecosystems. We evaluated plant litter input, litterfall, leaf litter breakdown rates, and the aquatic invertebrate community over the course of one year in a stream situation in a transition zone between savannah and Atlantic forest. Total organic matter input (litter fall) was 335 g m -2 yr -1 , which was mainly composed of leaves (50%). Higher values are found in the transition from dry to rainy season (September and October), probably in response to water stress. The remaining leaf mass (65% on average) was lowest in May (49%) and highest in August (79%). CPOM productivity in this transition riparian zone is higher than in other savannah systems, but lower than in Atlantic forest. The higher leaf litter breakdown in May was likely accompanied by environmental enrichment due to increase in fruits and flowers (high energy resources). The coefficient of decomposition was classified as fast (k= -0.016) and showed a positive relationship with water flow (increase in physical abrasion). Collected invertebrates were classified as 6% shredders and 12% scrapers. The remaining leaf mass showed a negative relationship with scraper abundance, highlighting the importance of these trophic groups in tropical streams. We can conclude that climate factors (e.g., rainfall) directly affect the input and quality of CPOM and, consequently, leaf decomposition in savanna/Atlantic forest transition zones.


This book is the first detailed study of a village in the Roman Empire, Tebtunis, in Egypt, in the first century AD. It is based on the evidence of the archive of the local notarial office (grapheion), which was run by a man named Kronion for most of the mid-first century. The archive as a whole, unparallelled in antiquity, includes over 200 documents written on papyrus and attests to a wide range of transactions made by the villagers over well-defined periods of time, in particular the years AD 42 and 45–7 during the reign of the emperor Claudius. This evidence gives us a unique insight into various aspects of village life, such as the level of participation in the written contractual economy; the socio-economic stratification of the village, including the position of women, slaves, and priests, and the role of the elite; the functions of associations; the types and importance of agriculture and non-agricultural activities. This book argues for a highly diversified village economy, wide involvement in written transactions among all strata of the population, and a rural society that generally lived above subsistence level. It provides a model of village society that can be used for understanding the large majority of the population within the Roman empire who lived outside cities in the Mediterranean, particularly in the other eastern and more Hellenized provinces.


BACKGROUND
Medication - related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare but serious complication of antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic therapy. It mainly affects oncological patients, however, it can occur in patients with metabolic bone diseases, although this is less frequent. These lesions not only significantly impair the quality of life but can also have impact on the treatment of any underlying disease. In some rare cases MRONJ can be life-threatening. There is still no ideal consensus for treatment, though surgical therapy has been mostly preferred in recent years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A monocentric retrospective evaluation of surgical therapy of MRONJ in osteoporotic patients, treated in the time period 3/2014-3/2018 using the uniform department-specific protocol.

RESULTS
26 osteoporotic patients with 32 MRONJ lesions of stage 1 (9%), stage 2 (75%) and stage 3 (16%) were treated surgically. The maxilla: mandibula ratio was 1:2.2, in 19% of patients there was multiple jaw involvement. 69.2% of patients had received bisphosphonates, 15.4% denosumab and 15.4% had a history of both types of antiresorptive treatment. Complete healing was observed in all patients, in 9% of cases by secondary intention in the mean period of 6 weeks. The mean follow-up was 20.5 months.

CONCLUSION
The presented protocol for surgical therapy was effective in the management of all MRONJ stages in the osteoporotic patients described here. The surgery is indicated as an early treatment to prevent complications and the progression of the lesions. It leads to improvement in quality of life and option to resume antiresorptive therapy if interrupted.


Objectives: This research examined factors associated with condom failure, i.e., slippage or breakage, among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Special attention was paid to the association between client-perpetuated violence and condom failure. Methods: Two hundred FSWs were recruited for a community-based voluntary human immunodeficiency virus prevention project. Participants completed a face-to-face structured questionnaire that collected information on their sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, experience of client-perpetuated violence, and sexual risk behavior. Results: The prevalence of condom slippage and condom breakage in the 3 months before the survey was reported at 36.2% and 34%, respectively, of all sexual contact in which a condom was used. The prevalence of client-perpetuated violence in the previous year was 68.4%. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other factors, condom failure was significantly associated with drug use [adjusted odds ratios (aOR = 4.01)], condom use of coworkers (aOR = 0.39), and client-perpetuated violence [aOR = 2.30 (low violence vs. high violence)]. Conclusion: Condom failure is a common problem among FSWs, particularly drug-using sex workers and those who have experienced client-perpetuated violence. On the other hand, condom use of coworkers is negatively associated with condom failure.


Bariatric and metabolic surgery has become the clinical hot topic of the treatment of metabolic syndromes including obesity and diabetes mellitus, but how to choose the appropriate surgical procedure remains the difficult problem in clinical practice. Clinical guidelines of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery(ASMBS)(version 2013) introduced the procedures of bariatric and metabolic surgery mainly including biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch(BPD-DS), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG). To choose the appropriate bariatric and metabolic procedure, the surgeons should firstly understand the indications and the contraindications of each procedure. Procedure choice should also consider personal condition (body mass index, comorbidities and severity of diabetes), family and socioeconomic status (postoperative follow-up attendance, understanding of potential surgical risk of gastrectomy and patient's will), family and disease history (patients with high risk of gastric cancer should avoid LRYGB; patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease should avoid LSG) and associated personal factors of surgeons. With the practice of bariatric and metabolic surgery, the defects, especially long-term complications, of different procedures were found. For example, LRYGB resulted in higher incidence of postoperative anemia and marginal ulcer, high risk of gastric cancer as well as the requirement of vitamin supplementation and regular follow-up. Though LSG has lower surgical risk, its efficacy of diabetes mellitus remission and long-term weight loss are inferior to the LRYGB. These results pose challenges to the surgeons to balance the benefits and risks of the bariatric procedures. A lot of factors can affect the choice of bariatric and metabolic procedure. Surgeons should choose the procedure according to patient's condition with the consideration of the choice of patients. The bariatric and metabolic surgery not only manages the diabetes mellitus and weight loss, but also results in the reconstruction of gastrointestinal tract and side effect. Postoperative surgical complications and nutritional deficiency should also be considered. Thereby, individualized bariatric procedure with the full consideration of each related factors is the ultimate objective of bariatric and metabolic surgery.


Risk of falling increases with age. Increasing falls incidence and associated injuries sustained by the growing older adult population contributes towards an increasing strain placed on local health services. Long-term exercise interventions have elicited significant reductions in falls incidence in community-dwelling older adults, and may be used in a preventative manner to reduce fall incidence in older adult populations. However, the effectiveness of shorter interventions is less well-known. Study One of this thesis identified that an 18-week postural stability instruction (PSI) programme is effective in reducing fall prevalence in frail older adults by 33%, and may improve health-related quality of life, confidence, and clinic-based strength and balance measures. However, gait performance and whole body lean mass remain unchanged. Study Two established that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching does not cause acute deficits in strength or muscle activation in the plantarflexors and is safe for use by healthy older adults as a flexibility training component of PSI interventions. Study Three found chronic strength and flexibility gains following completion of a 4-week PNF stretching intervention at the ankle in old and young adults, without any acute strength deficits. Chronic strength gains during higher velocity contractions were demonstrated in dorsiflexion in the older group, while flexibility gains demonstrated during knee flexion suggests a training effect on the soleus muscle. These findings indicate that and 18-week PSI programme reduces falls risk and prevalence, and that PNF training at the ankle may be used safely and effectively by healthy older adults to improve strength and flexibility. Refinement of individual PSI components to ensure implementation of the most effective and age-appropriate strength, balance and flexibility training methods is warranted. Specifically there is a need for research to examine changes in falls incidence and risk factors following completion of an 18-week PSI intervention that incorporates PNF stretching.


This work focuses on the evaluation of acoustical comfort in high-school classrooms through in-field measurements and selfreports. The acoustic quality of the classrooms have been analyzed based on measurements of the reverberation time, sound pressure level inside and outside the classrooms, and sound insulation. Measurements of ambient noise (external and internal) followed the Indonesian Standards SNI 7231-2009.. Measurement of reverberation time and sound insulation followed the international Standards ISO 140-4, ISO 140-5, ISO 717-1, and ISO 3382. Results (sound insulation and reverberation time) have been compared with reference values found in the Indonesian SNII 6368 and SNI 6629. Results reveal poor acoustical quality of the surveyed classrooms It was found that the acoustic environment of these high schools is not adequate. With open windows, the noise levels at both Private School classrooms and Public Scool classrooms are 62.3 dB for windows open and 60.6 db for windows closed. The average reverberation time and early decay time measured in five classrooms at frequencies 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz.. The sound insulation inclassroomscalculated standard level difference 'DnT,w' The calculated values are 27.7 dB for Private School classroom and 20.6 dB for Public School classrooms.


This paper proposes a trajectory planning and gathering strategy of multiple parafoil systems based on Gauss pseudo-spectral method. The model in wind field of multiple parafoil systems is built first. To transform the trajectory planning problem of multiple parafoil systems to an optimal control problem with a set of nonlinear and complex constraints, the constraint conditions of two phases are developed, including boundary constraints, control constraint, complex path constraint, conflict and gathering constraints. And the objective function with minimum control consumption is considered. Finally, Gauss pseudo-spectral method is applied as the solver of the optimal control problem. Additionally, two simulation experiments with or without a tough terrain are set. The simulation results demonstrate that no matter the flight environment is better or severe, multiple parafoil systems are able to gradually gather into a flock and maintain gathering while steering to the target zone and avoiding collisions among the parafoils, with small touch-down dispersion and global-optimal quantity. So this cooperation method among parafoils can make airdrop a more efficient and reliable way of delivering critical supplies and provides a reference for further research on cooperative control of multiple parafoil systems.


Abstract The Schiff base ligand, 3-(2-(2, 4-dihydroxybenzylidene) hydrazinyl) quinoxalin-2(1H)-one (RHQO) has been synthesized and characterized by spectral and single crystal X-ray analysis. The Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of RHQO have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-VIS, mass, EPR spectra, CHN, thermo gravimetric analysis, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. The morphology of the ligand and complexes is studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The metal complexes formed were found to be polymeric in nature. The abilities of the ligand and its metal complexes to interact and bind with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy and their quantitative binding strength was evaluated in terms of their intrinsic binding constant (Kb). The cleavage interaction of the ligand and its metal complexes with super coiled pBR 322 DNA has been investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cytotoxicity of the Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes was evaluated using various cancer cell lines, Human cervical cancer cell line (Hela), B16 melanoma F10(B16-F10), Human ovarian cancer cell (SKOV3) and Breast cancer cell line (MCF7) by MTT assay. The results indicated that the ligand and its metal complexes bind with CT-DNA by groove binding mode and cleaved the supercoiled pBR 322 DNA in to nicked form. The Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes exhibited anticancer activity without affecting the normal CHO-K1 cell lines. Communicated by Vsevolod Makeev


A firm's technological knowledge base is the foundation on which internal product and process innovations are generated. However, technological knowledge is not accumulated solely through internal learning processes. Increasingly, firms are turning to external sources in the technology supply chain to acquire the technological knowledge they need to introduce product and process innovations. Thus, the successful structuring and executing of partnerships with external "technology source" organizations is often critical to competitive success in technologically dynamic environments. This study uses situated learning theory as a basis for explaining how factors inherent to the knowledge acquisition context may affect the successful transference of technological knowledge from universities to their industry partners. Data collected via a survey instrument from 104 industry managers were used to explore the effects of various organizational knowledge interface factors on knowledge acquisition success in university–industry alliances. The organizational knowledge interface factors hypothesized to affect knowledge acquisition success in the current research include partner trust, partner familiarity, technology familiarity, alliance experience, formal collaboration teams, and technology experts' communications. Results indicate that partner trust predicts the successful acquisition of tacit knowledge but not explicit knowledge. Both forms of knowledge are predicted by partner familiarity and communications between the partners' technology experts. These findings suggest three principal managerial implications. First, although the development of a trusting relationship between the knowledge source and knowledge-seeking parties is generally advisable, firms that seek to acquire explicit technological knowledge from their alliance partners may successfully do so without having made significant time and energy investments designed to assure themselves that they can trust those partners. The relative observability and verifiability of explicit knowledge relative to tacit knowledge may enable knowledge-seeking parties to have greater confidence that knowledge has been acquired when partner trust is in question or has not been deliberately developed. A second implication is that, other things being equal, a knowledge-seeking party's interests may be best served through repeated exposures to particular alliance partners, particularly if those exposures facilitate mutual understandings on relevant process-related matters. A third managerial implication is that ongoing, broad-based communications between the partners' technology experts should be used to effect technology transfer. A key quality of the organizational knowledge interface that promotes the successful acquisition of technological knowledge, both tacit and explicit, is multipoint, real-time contact between the technology experts of the partner organizations. Such communications potentially enable the knowledge-seeking party to directly access desired information through the most knowledgeable individuals on an as-needed basis.


BACKGROUND
The clinical relevance and anatomic characteristics of intracavitary coronary arteries coursing within the right ventricle (RV) are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and computed tomographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with intracavitary coronary arteries coursing within RV (intra-RV coronaries).

METHODS
Electronic records from a single high-volume cardiac center were retrospectively screened for the presence of intra-RV coronaries among consecutive patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) from 2008 to 2019.

RESULTS
Overall, 31,748 coronary CTA reports were evaluated, and 17 subjects with intra-RV coronaries were identified. None of these patients was referred for subsequent invasive coronary angiography. One patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 patient had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, and 1 patient had a concomitant coronary anomaly: left circumflex coronary artery originating from the right coronary artery. All of the involved coronaries (n = 17) were the left anterior descending coronary arteries (LADs). Typical segmental coronary course within RV was along the border between free RV wall and interventricular septum (beneath interventricular groove), often within trabeculae carneae of the RV. Only the midsegment and distal segment of the LAD traversed within the RV. The mean ± SD distance from the aorta to the coronary entrance into the RV was 74.5 ± 17.1 mm, whereas the mean ± SD intra-RV coronary length was 25.1 ± 14.0 mm.

CONCLUSIONS
Intra-RV course of the coronaries in an adult CTA population is an infrequent anatomical variant involving LAD. It may require additional attention during interventional and surgical interventions.


It is shown that interannual variations in Indian continental rainfall during the south-west monsoon can be usefully represented by two regional rainfall indices. Indian rainfall is concentrated in two regions, each with strong mean and variance in precipitation: the Western Ghats (WG) and the Ganges-Mahanadi Basin (GB) region. Interannual variability of rainfall averaged over each of the two regions (WG and GB) is uncorrelated; however, the rainfall over these two regions together explains 90% of the interannual variance of All-India rainfall (AIR). The lack of correlation between WG and GB rainfall suggests that different mechanisms may account for their variability. During the period 1982-2001, rainfall variability over each of these two regions exhibits distinct relationships to Indian Ocean SST: warm SSTA over the western Arabian Sea at the monsoon onset is associated with increased WG rainfall (r = 0.77), while cool SSTA off of Java and Sumatra is associated with increased GB rainfall (r = -0.55). The connection between SSTA and AIR is considerably weaker, and represents the superposition of that associated with each region. We find the relationship with WG rainfall is robust, while that with GB results from a single exceptional year. Each region also exhibits distinct relationships to El Nino SSTA indices.


In this commentary, we reflect on Rinaldi and Bekker's scoping review of the literature on populist radical right (PRR) parties and welfare policies. We argue that their review provides political scientists and healthcare scholars with a firm basis to further explore the relationships between populism and welfare policies in different political systems. In line with the authors, we furthermore (re)emphasize the need for additional empirical inquiries into the relationship between populism and healthcare. But instead of expanding the research agenda suggested – for instance by adding categories or niches in which this relationship can be observed – we would like to challenge some of the premises of the studies conducted and reviewed thus far. We do so by identifying two concerns and by illustrating these concerns with two examples from the Netherlands.


[1] Water is essential to life; therefore, when humanity asks howmuch fresh water there is, the answer better be right. Answering this question correctly is one of the primary goals of hydrologic science. We do this through development of hydrologic theory, advancing hydrologic analysis, and improving hydrologic measurements. Theory constructs the framework of our investigations and analysis extracts information from our measurements, but after the dust settles, our understanding must be based on observations. The value of our measurements depends on the intrinsic capabilities and limitations of our sensors and on making the best decisions of what tomeasure (where, andwhen, and how) to challenge our theories and improve our understanding. As a result, the adequacy of observations must be assessed in the context of the question to be addressed. [2] The need for informative hydrologic measurements has never been greater. Humanity is in the midst of a radical global hydrologic experiment. It is critical that we quantify and understand the trajectory of change in the distribution of water in response to a changing climate. Of direct and practical interest to all people is: will the patterns of water availability in the future be significantly different than those that we have come to depend upon? Meeting this need requires accurate and complete measurements of the current conditions to provide a baseline against which changes will be assessed. In addition, we will have to continually improve our measurements, analyses, and theories to quantify, understand, and adapt to our changing world. [3] We believe that this special section ofWater Resources Research on Hydrologic Measurement Methods marks a turning point in appreciation of the essential and unfinished business of learning how to get the right data upon which our understanding of hydrology rests. At first look, some of the questions that our science is asking may seem straightforward, but as is shown in this collection of almost 50 papers, getting the answers requires insight, ingenuity, and persistence. Readers of this special section will find approaches to determining answers to the following questions. How much of a rainfall evaporates [Heitman et al., 2008]? How much hits the ground [Friesen et al., 2008] and infiltrates [Kamai et al., 2008]? What is the flow in a river [Le Coz et al., 2008; Muste et al., 2008; Nihei and Kimizu, 2008]? How much sediment is the river water carrying [Gray and Gartner, 2009]? How much snow is on the ground and what is its condition [Fassnacht et al., 2009; Lundquist and Lott, 2008]? How much water is stored in the subsurface [Gehman et al., 2009]? These findings are joined by discussions of new technologies (e.g., lasers, ultrasonics, microradio networks, and fiber optics) to ''see'' water and to sense its movement [Robinson et al., 2009; Scheuermann et al., 2009; Trubilowicz et al., 2009; Tyler et al., 2009]. Other authors [e.g.,Abdu et al., 2008; Bradford et al., 2009; Crook et al., 2008] discuss the necessary bridge between measurement and analysis (e.g., tomographic analysis, exhaustive data checking, and assimilation of models in data analysis) to ensure that as much information as possible is extracted from the data. [4] What becomes obvious when reading this collection of papers is that while technology has transformed our ability to obtain and interpret quantitative observations, the full potential of our technologies are only realized when hydrologists combine dedicated attention, dogged resolve, and deep appreciation of the desired capabilities and inherent limitations of sensors to their investigations. Equally obvious is the joy that drives most scientists, including hydrologists: the rare gift of being present at the ah ha moment, when new measurements challenge old beliefs and spark discovery. [5] With this special section, Water Resources Research concretely reaffirms its recognition of the primacy of hydrologic measurement. Into the future,Water Resources Research will continue to provide authors with a venue for their discoveries of how to better quantify our precious common resource. As editors of this collection, we find great satisfaction in seeing the volume and quality of work dedicated to the advancement of hydrologic understanding through measurement. We thank all the contributors, reviewers, and the journal's remarkable staff for their tireless efforts that made this collection possible.


To understand failure and estimate connector reliability a connector model was made in which two mated rough copper surfaces were subjected to ingression and corrosive attack by atmospheric oxygen. The rough surface segments the connector contact area into many small discrete areas (a-spots) through which currents flow. The initial a-spot contact radii a/sub e/ (formed as metal-to-metal bridges by mating surface heights on the mating surfaces) was determined by the externally applied load, connector materials, geometry, and surface topography. Later, corrosive attack of the metallic surfaces cause the metallic contact radii to shrink and resistances to increase. Factors in the model that influence the corrosive process are environmental temperature, partial pressure of oxygen, and geometric factors associated with the contact. Resulting curves of contact resistance versus time are similar in trend and shape to experimentally measured curves by Takano and Mano. From time variations of contact resistance of the connector, methods for estimating the useful lifetime of electrical connectors are given.<<ETX>>


This thesis aims to examine the effectiveness of a mobile phone based SMS game as a learning intervention for the Peer Educators of the Males having Sex with Males (MSM) groups in Kolkata, India. MSM groups are marginalised and are at higher risk of HIV/AIDS, falling under the core groups for the National AIDS Control and Prevention programmes in India. Peer to peer education for behaviour change in HIV/AIDS prevention projects is a bottom up approach to reach out to this marginalised population for HIV prevention. Training is in place for MSM peer educators but research shows gaps in their support and learning needs.

This project developed a mobile game based learning tool to address the peer educators' learning and support needs. Using a participatory research approach a multiplayer SMS based simulation game was developed, deployed and evaluated, using an existing game engine called 'Day of the Figurines'. In an effort to enhance experience sharing and peer learning the real life experiences of the peer educators were captured and incorporated through a participatory and iterative process as scenarios of the game. A SMS game on mobile phones was chosen to be in keeping with the marginalised, secretive nature of the MSM identity of the peer educators as well as be in keeping with the mobile nature of their work. The SMS game was piloted in Nottingham and Kolkata and the final intervention was deployed and evaluated in Kolkata with a group of sixteen peer educators from MANAS Bangla, a network of community based MSM organisations in Kolkata, India.

Evaluation of the game showed it to be useable, relevant to peer education, interesting and entertaining but in some cases slow, uninteresting and confusing. The game play was affected by technical faults but players still exchanged SMS messages with the game and communicated between players using the 'chat' feature of the game. Playing the game enabled players to acquire better communication skills and increased confidence, it gave them a feeling of self-efficacy and influenced their work practices. The intervention was instrumental in increasing the peer educators' critical consciousness, it created a space to address the practical barriers faced by the peer educators by providing dialogic methods for developing knowledge, encouraging and facilitating collaboration, developing communication skills and increasing access to learning opportunities. This research contributes an exploration of peer educators' problems, evaluation of mobile game based learning and account of participants' experiences in a mobile-health development context in resource constrained settings.


Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Conduction disturbances (CD) may explain the CV burden, as they are independently associated with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the prevalence of CD in AS, and (ii) to evaluate the relationship between CD and demographic and AS-related characteristics. Methods: A rheumatological evaluation assessing demographic and AS-related characteristics and a resting standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed in 131 consecutive AS patients. Results: A first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block was found in six (4.6%) patients. One (0.8%) patient suffered from a complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and one (0.8%) patient had a left anterior hemiblock. A prolonged QRS (pQRS) interval was observed in 38 (29.2%) patients, including those with a complete or incomplete BBB. Age, disease duration, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with the PR interval, and male gender, disease duration, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) with the QRS interval. In multivariate analyses, disease duration remained independently associated with both the PR and the QRS intervals. Conclusion: Intraventricular CD is highly prevalent in AS, particularly in patients with long-standing disease. Further research is needed to determine whether intraventricular CD contribute to the increased CV risk and long-term CV mortality in AS.


We introduce a new discrete polynomial transform constructed from the rows of Pascal's triangle. The forward and inverse transforms are computed the same way in both the one- and two-dimensional cases, and the transform matrix can be factored into binary matrices for efficient hardware implementation. We conclude by discussing applications of the transform in digital image processing, such as bump and edge detection.


The epicardium is an epithelial monolayer that plays a central role in heart development and the myocardial response to injury. Recent developments in our understanding of epicardial cell biology have revealed this layer to be a dynamic participant in fundamental processes underlying the development of the embryonic ventricles, the coronary vasculature, and the cardiac valves. Likewise, recent data have identified the epicardium as an important contributor to reparative and regenerative processes in the injured myocardium. These essential functions of the epicardium rely on both non-cell autonomous and cell-autonomous mechanisms, with the latter featuring the process of epicardial Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). This review will focus on the induction and regulation of epicardial EMT, as it pertains to both cardiogenesis and the response of the myocardium to injury.


Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide; however, in developing countries few surveillance programs exist, as a result limited information about the prevalence of this pathogen at pre-harvest is known. In order to identify the relationship between particular serotypes and PFGE patterns, 95 isolates from a Salmonella stock culture collection of the Food Microbiology Laboratory at Texas Tech University were analyzed; isolates were originally isolated from samples collected in Veracruz, Mexico in 2009. In addition, 33 confirmed Salmonella isolates from lymph nodes (mandibular, mediastinal, and mesenteric) and feces from cattle of one slaughter facility of Merida, Mexico were molecularly characterized by PFGE. High concordance (88.4%) was found between serotype and PFGE banding subtype; Salmonella Kentucky and Salmonella Give were found to be the most clonal in this study while Salmonella Muenster was the most diverse with 11 subtypes identified. For the second part of the study, six serotypes were identified, Salmonella Poona was found to be the most common and clonal identified. In addition, high diversity was observed among serotypes from lymph nodes and feces from the same animal. The diversity observed suggest multiple sources of contamination. The findings of this study reflect the need of improving interventions at different points in the food chain to avoid further Salmonella spread among carcasses.


The success of membrane-based, cell-encapsulating microcapsules depends on the membrane permselectivity that provides efficient inward transport of nutrients, therapeutic protein egress, and complete exclusion of immunoglobulins. Microcapsules with a calcium crosslinked alginate core and a genipin-crosslinked chitosan alginate (GCA) were prepared with good control over size, membrane thickness and density. Importantly, in this study, we report a novel approach of using three relevant biomolecules and investigating the effects of the membrane characteristics (thickness and density) and microcapsule size on biomolecular mass transport across the GCA microcapsules using mathematical models based on a balance of the chemical potential. Scaling analysis was used to interrelate the membrane thickness, chitosan–alginate reaction rate constant, and diffusion coefficient. The resistance to diffusion of the three biomolecules increased with membrane density and thickness. Interestingly, swelling in the large microcapsules resulted in an increase in permeability, allowing larger biomolecules (immunoglobulin and carbonic anhydrase) to diffuse more readily. In the case of the smaller biomolecule, vitamin B12, a shorter diffusion path length in smaller microcapsules allowed better ingress. When compared with other microcapsules, the GCA microcapsules possess improved permselectivity for them to allow diffusion of small nutrient molecules and proteins, whereas completely excluding antibodies. Also, these results elucidate the importance of membrane properties and microcapsule size to realize favorable transport of biomolecules. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011


pypet (Python parameter exploration toolkit) is a new multi-platform Python toolkit for managing numerical simulations. Sampling the space of model parameters is a key aspect of simulations and numerical experiments. pypet is designed to allow easy and arbitrary sampling of trajectories through a parameter space beyond simple grid searches. pypet collects and stores both simulation parameters and results in a single HDF5 file. This collective storage allows fast and convenient loading of data for further analyses. pypet provides various additional features such as multiprocessing and parallelization of simulations, dynamic loading of data, integration of git version control, and supervision of experiments via the electronic lab notebook Sumatra. pypet supports a rich set of data formats, including native Python types, Numpy and Scipy data, Pandas DataFrames, and BRIAN(2) quantities. Besides these formats, users can easily extend the toolkit to allow customized data types. pypet is a flexible tool suited for both short Python scripts and large scale projects. pypet's various features, especially the tight link between parameters and results, promote reproducible research in computational neuroscience and simulation-based disciplines.


Impurities DTU Orbit (14/12/2018)  Thermodynamic Evaluation of LSCF Cathode Stability and Tolerance towards Gas Impurities Strontium and iron co-doped lanthanum cobaltites (La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-δ, LSCF) show good oxygen ion and electronic conductivity and fast oxygen surface exchange kinetics at temperatures between 600 and 800 °C, and is considered today one of the most promising class of cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Despite its technological importance, the phase stability of the LSCF perovskite has not yet been fully mapped out and may be critical for the use of the materials during long-term operation. For cells with LSCF or LSCF/CGO (CGO: gadolinia doped ceria) cathodes, partial decomposition of the perovskite phase has been reported as a possible cause of high degradation rates. In addition, the LSCF perovskite is prone to react with gas species, such as CO2 and water vapor, which are present in atmospheric air, or species evaporated from stack components (interconnects and glass seals), such as chromiumor boron-containing gas species. In this paper, a thermodynamic database for the multicomponent La-Sr-Co-Fe-O system is presented which was established employing the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) methodology. The phase stability of LSCF itself is then discussed as a function of composition, temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The results show that the LSCF perovskite phase will decompose at high Sr or Co content, at elevated temperature, or at reduced oxygen partial pressure. The LSCF reactivity towards gas impurities is further analyzed under realistic SOFC operating conditions.


Arabic is the compulsory subject of elementary school in Ministry of Religious Affair, Indonesia. Therefore, it is a need to identify the Arabic teaching and learning in extending the new curriculum. This article discusses the development of Arabic teaching and learning in Muslim minority of West Papua. Qualitative approach was applied during research. It was started from focus group discussion to identify research problem among elementary school teacher. Observation and in-depth-interview were conducted to collect data. Three months serial observation and interview to students, teacher, and school management were employed in ensuring data collection was stimulated. This article shows that Arabic language teaching and learning in Muslim minority of West Papua was developed to articulate environmental need. In addition, there are circumstances during program acceleration. Therefore, there are programs to develop and extend classroom achievement. Finally, this article discusses initiatives from teachers and school management in expanding and enlarging learning opportunities not only in school area and time, but also outside school hours.


Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) is being widely considered for repair of damaged tissues, for controlled antibiotic release, and also as scaffolds for cultured cells. PLLA was blended with the lactide monomer in its two enantiomeric forms: D-lactide (D-la) and L-lactide (L-la) and with the cyclic dimmer D,L-la, in order to enhance its flexibility and thereby overcome its inherent problem of brittleness. In this work, the crystallization, phase structure, and tensile properties of PLLA and PLLA plasticized with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% of D-la, L-la, and D,L-la are explored. The three plasticizers used were effective in lowering the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the melting temperature (Tm) of PLLA, around 20°C for a plasticizer content of 20 wt%. The tensile strength and modulus of the blends decreased following the increasing content of plasticizers from approximately 58 MPa to values below 20 MPa, and from 1667 to 200 MPa, respectively. Aging the blends at storage ambient temperature revealed that the enhanced flexibility as well as the morphological stability was lost over time due to the migration of the plasticizer to the surface, this being less marked in the case of D-la as a result of interactions between the polymer and its enantiomeric monomer of complementary configuration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2073–2080, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers


Automatic home respiratory polygraphy (HRP) scoring functions can potentially confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) (obviating technician scoring) in a substantial number of patients. The result would have important management and cost implications. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic cost-effectiveness of a sequential HRP scoring protocol (automatic and then manual for residual cases) compared with manual HRP scoring, and with in-hospital polysomnography. We included suspected SAHS patients in a multicentre study and assigned them to home and hospital protocols at random. We constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for manual and automatic scoring. Diagnostic agreement for several cut-off points was explored and costs for two equally effective alternatives were calculated. Of 366 randomised patients, 348 completed the protocol. Manual scoring produced better ROC curves than automatic scoring. There was no sensitive automatic or subsequent manual HRP apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) cut-off point. The specific cut-off points for automatic and subsequent manual HRP scorings (AHI >25 and >20, respectively) had a specificity of 93% for automatic and 94% for manual scorings. The costs of manual protocol were 9% higher than sequential HRP protocol; these were 69% and 64%, respectively, of the cost of the polysomnography. A sequential HRP scoring protocol is a cost-effective alternative to polysomnography, although with limited cost savings compared to HRP manual scoring.


Abstract A main priority in conservation is the protection of species in their natural habitat. However, ex situ management of threatened species is a recognised strategy of conservation. Harpy Eagles (Harpiaharpyja) are removed from the wild due to illegal capture, nest tree destruction, or other conflict sources. This study presents a review of the current ex situ Harpy Eagle populations in Brazil and worldwide, including information on the origin, sex, and year of entrance or year of birth under human care. Worldwide, until 2020 there were 205 Harpy Eagles in 77 different facilities in 16 countries, with 40 institutions in Brazil and 37 in other countries. The largest ex situ Harpy Eagle population is maintained in Brazil, with 139 individuals (75 females and 64 males) in 40 institutions. Of these institutions, there were 24 zoos, seven conservation breeding centres, six commercial breeders, two wildlife shelters, and one wildlife sorting centre. In Brazil, 62% (n = 86) of the individuals were hatched in the wild and 38% (n = 53) were bred in captivity under human care; for the wild individuals, only 73% (n = 64) have a known state of origin, with the majority from Pará state. This investigation provided relevant information to establish an ex situ demographic database. These individuals may potentially constitute a genetically and demographically viable safety population for future conservation strategies, as well as a source for research and education applied to Harpy Eagle integrated conservation.


One of the roles of engineering faculty is to make engineering accessible and exciting to young people. At the University of Kentucky Extended Campus Program at Paducah, we have developed a simple way to reach young people from elementary through high school (and their parents). A simple trivia game modeled after a popular television show has been used for several years to rave reviews from participants. What some of the participants see as a mere game is actually a means of demonstrating the relevance of their science and math education to future careers. The prizes they earn by correctly answering questions give them a taste of the material rewards that may be earned though an engineering career. Above all, this activity ensures that participants have a good time as they are exposed to engineering concepts a direct and entertaining way. The student and faculty involvement in the development of the software used in this outreach, the forums in which it has been used, and the responses of participants are described. Applications of the software in chemical engineering courses are considered. Different modes of question writing are also discussed, including application of the lower levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.


In an extensive determination of the effects on somatosensory functions of penetrating brain wounds in man, Semmes, Weinstein, Ghent, and Teuber (1960) noted that there appeared to be inherent differences in the cerebral organization for somesthesis. Cortical representation for the right hand was found to be somewhat focally concentrated within the somatosensory regions of the left hemisphere, while representation of the left hand was more diffusely distributed within the right hemisphere, and occasionally, also in the left hemisphere. These findings raised the possibility that if cerebral organization between hands differed, then it was likely that somatosensory functions could differentially affect each hand. In their study, a small group of normal right-handed subjects were found to have greater sensitivity to pressure on the left hand while a very limited number of normal left-handers showed greater sensitivity on the right hand. Weinstein and Sersen (1961) extended this experiment to a large sample of normal rightand lefthanders to determine whether lateralized sensitivity was the result of peripheral callus or a reflection of differential central organization. Testing palms, forearms, and soles, Weinstein and Sersen were unable to demonstrate significant directional differences in mean pressure thresholds for the right or left side. However, when frequency counts were made, it was noted that there was a consistent trend for the left side to be the more sensitive side for both handedness groups, particularly on the palms. Further analysis, according to the presence of a family history of sinistrality, altered the directional trends as follows: whereas non-familial sinistrals and dextrals continued to show a trend toward greater sensitivity on the left hand, familial sinistrals showed a significant trend toward greater sensitivity on the right hand. The results of the study of Weinstein and Sersen (1961) discount the effects of peripheral factors on directional asymmetries in pressure sensitivity


To initiate antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, it is important to identify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-infected infants as soon after birth as possible. This study was undertaken to evaluate a novel 5-hour nonisotopic (NI) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (Amplicor® PCR; Roche Molecular Systems) and four other commonly used HIV-1 diagnostic tests including culture, oligonucleotide hybridization PCR, p24 antigen and immune complex-dissociated (ICD) p24 antigen tests and to determine the optimal age at which to perform these tests for the early and rapid diagnosis of HIV-1 in infants and children. We prospectively evaluated 225 infants and children, including 114 neonates, for HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 infection was defined as 2 positive HIV cultures. Of the 225 infants and children, 57 were infected, 138 were uninfected and 30 were of unknown (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Classification P0) status. The sensitivity of NI PCR was 60% in cord blood, 40% at 0 to 2 days, 67 to 80% in the neonate (3 to 30 days) and 95 to 100% after 1 month of age. NI PCR was as sensitive as oligonucleotide hybridization PCR, culture, p24 antigen and ICD p24 antigen in the first 2 months of life and was more sensitive than p24 antigen or ICD p24 antigen thereafter. Specificity was 94% for cord blood and 99 to 100% for all age groups. The majority of HFV-1-infected newborns can be identified with NI PCR if testing is performed at birth and again between the third and fourth weeks of life. For older infants and children 2 NI PCR tests can correctly diagnose 98.5% of infected and uninfected infants and children. NI PCR of umbilical cord blood might also be useful as an initial -screening test to identify infants who may be infected with HIV-1.


The Balfour diamond bore was started in the year 1902 from a position not far below the top of the Millstone Grit, in order to test the presence and thickness of the coal seams of the Carboniferous Limestone Series in that part of Fifeshire. The latitude of the borehole is 56° 11′ 15″ N., and the longitude 3° 4′ 45″ W. It was finished in the year 1907, having by that time attained the depth of 4534 ft., and being the deepest bore in Britain. The cores have been examined, and the bore-journal checked, by Mr D. Tait of the Geological Survey. The first material to be passed through was glacial sand and gravel overlying a layer of boulder clay. At a depth of 8 fms. solid rock was met with. From that point down to 110 fms. the bore pierced a series of massive sandstones, some of which were gritty or even pebbly in texture, separated by faky layers and beds of fireclay, the whole having the typical character of the Millstone Grit as developed in Scotland. The Glenboig fireclay position is absent, but at 112 fms. a thin encrinital limestone was met with, which is regarded as the equivalent of the Roman Cement of the Glenboig district and the Curdly Ironstone. Twenty fms. below this level is a limestone 8 ft. in thickness, winch is correlated with the Levenseat Limestone, and marks the top of the Carboniferous Limestone Series. Another thin limestone was found 10 fms. below the


Introduction: Nail involvement is an often-overlooked clinical symptom of Psoriasis. It causes psychologic stress, pain, impairment of manual dexterity and a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life.
Objective: The present study was conducted to study the prevalence of nail changes in psoriasis patients, assessment of the severity of nail involvement using NAPSI score and to correlate the relationship between NAPSI and BSA in those patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study, conducted in Dermatology department in a tertiary care hospital between January 2016-August 2017. A total of 100 psoriasis patients were included in the study. The severity of nail involvement was assessed with NAPSI. Cutaneous disease severity was assessed with BSA. Data were coded and analyzed.
Results: Most common nail change in our study was Nail pitting (83.1%), followed by onycholysis (73.8%), subungual hyperkeratosis (23.1%), Longitudinal ridges (23.1%) and Beau's lines (21.5%). We observed that BSA showed a positive and statistically significant correlation with NAPSI, demonstrating worsening of nail involvement with increased severity of skin disease.
Conclusion: Nail psoriasis seems to be an ignored feature of the disease and further research must focus on the effect of psoriasis treatment on the nails. This study is the first to compare NAPSI in correlation with body surface area (BSA), leading to lesser inter observer variability in assessing the severity of skin and nail involvement when compared with PASI.

Keywords: Body surface area, Nail area psoriasis severity index, Nail psoriasis, Psoriasis vulgaris, Pitting.


A fast and simple algorithm for determining optimal grasps of a planar multifingered robotic hand is presented. Using a representation for the stiffness of a planar grasp system, the authors derive conditions for static equilibrium, task-oriented grasping, and stability. An optimization model for determining optimal grasps of a planar multifingered hand is established using a quality measure which includes the effect of the external disturbing forces and moments. A constrained gradient descent technique is used to compute the optimal grasps. An example demonstrates the applicability and effectiveness of the theory. >


Contents of selenium (Se) were determined in human skeletal remains of prehistoric populations by in situ trapping of Se hydride by ET AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation). Dr Korunova worked out a method of determination of Se in preparation. The method of determination of Se was verified by means of radioactive indicator 75Se incorporated in the tissues of laboratory animals. Detection limit of the method was 23 pg Se.

Se is another element suitable for dietary reconstruction in past populations as it relates to the consumption of meat in a similar way to zinc. Through the analysis of Se, we were able to distinguish between Eneolithic archaeological cultures (Corded Ware ceramic, Bell Beaker culture) and Bronze Age cultures (Protounětice, Starounětice, Unětice cultures).

Significant differences were found in the levels of Se in the bones of individuals derived from the Bell Beaker and Uneětice Cultures, to the 95% confidence interval. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Opinions differ whether tail loss in lizards is mainly caused by predators or by intra-specific fighting. Recently this dilemma was investigated through a comparison of lizard tail loss rates between mainland populations in Greece and those on nearby islands harboring fewer predators. The higher tail loss rate on the islands was interpreted as due to the predation-free denser lizard populations having more intra-specific fighting (Itescu et al. 2017, Journal of Animal Ecology 86: 66–74). However, that analysis failed to exclude an alternative hypothesis which I propose and support with well documented circumstantial evidence: The lizards analyzed were Hemidactylus turcicus and Mediodactylus kotschyi (Gekkonidae), both relatively long-lived. On the predator-poor islands they could live longer due to the few predators and thus accumulate the low rate of tail loss. Moreover, both on the mainland and on the islands the tail loss rates are higher in M. kotschyi than in H. turcicus , although life spans are of similar order of magnitude, possibly longer in H. turcicus . But the latter is active at night whereas M. kotschyi is active also in daytime, exposed to more predators during more time. Thus also this inter-specific difference accords with the alternative hypothesis. The two processes are not mutually exclusive and both should be taken into account as potentially responsible for the rate of tail loss in lizards.


A series of robust cyclodextrin (CD) monoliths, cyclic molecule aerogels, were synthesized via supercritical drying of organogels formed by in situ catalyst-free cross-linking of CDs with soft and rigid isocyanates. The CD aerogels exhibit outstanding mechanical properties with high Young's modulus up to 166 MPa, and can be compressed up to 70% without any observable cracking, which is a significant achievement because CDs or CD polymers are normally powders and have extreme difficulty forming a mechanically strong monolith. Moreover, the aerogels have high BET surface areas (237 m2 g−1) and, unlike other aerogels, possess hierarchically porous structures including nano-cavities, micropores and mesopores for inclusion of organic molecules and polymers. Thus the CD aerogels are capable of removing various organic micropollutants from water, such as dyes, monomers and even polymeric surfactants.


We study the stability mechanism of the swirling flow in a finite pipe. We first revisited the Rayleigh's linear stability theory, and build up the nonlinear theory in the framework of Hamiltonian system. We then consider the Lamb-Oseen vortex in a finite pipe with fixed flowrate condition at the boundaries. By using recently developed perturbation method of the linear operators, we analyzed the global stability equation and found the disturbance flow fields. We then conducted a study of the kinetic energy transfer mechanism between the disturbance and the base flow by using the Reynolds-Orr equation. We found that the energy transfer takes place actively at the boundaries as well as inside the flow. This is contrast to the solid body rotation flow. We further investigated Lamb-Oseen vortex in a slightly divergent pipe and showed that the internal flow has a leading role in the energy transfer mechanism. This study clarifies the relation of the Rayleigh stability and the global stability found by Wang and Rusak, and provide a basic understanding of the stability mechanism of swirling flows in a finite pipe. ∗University of Auckland, Department of mathematics, 38 Princes Street, Auckland, New Zealand


The overall pattern of the mesoderm in the embryonic axis of the cranial region of mouse embryos was examined with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). A segmental organization was observed first in the paraxial mesodermal wings and midline axis of embryos at the late primitive streak stage. Each segmental unit consists of a somitomere in the paraxial region on each side of an enclosed stretch of midline notochord. Somitomeres appear initially as circular domains of radially arranged cells that swirl about the core center of the unit and are quite similar morphologically to those described recently in chick embryos [12]. Lying in tandem sequence, the segments comprise the chordamesoderm that underlies the neural plate. As additional pairs of somitomeres are added from the primitive streak at the caudal end of the axis, those established in the cranial region remain contiguous and undergo morphogenesis that is coordinate with neurulation. We divide the development of the cranial axis into five phases and associate somitomeres in the mesoderm with neuromeric segmentation in the neural plate. It was found that the first pair of somitomeres comes to underlie the prosencephalon, the second and third pairs underlie the mesencephalon, while the fifth, sixth, and seventh pairs of somitomeres underlie neuromeres of the metencephalon. The eighth pair of somitomeres are the first to separate themselves from the first seven and from the first pair of somites visible at the light microscope level. This study suggests that the cranial axis of the mouse embryo is initially organized into segments like the rest of the body and that subsequent cranial morphology is a consequence of differential development of these segments.


This essay is an analysis on the absence of female consciousness of "The Merchant's Tale" in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales by using one of Irigaray's feminist arguments. First, the essay begins with a brief summary on the recent feminist criticisms, and sets up its own argument against Priscilla Martin's opinion. Then starting from an imagery pointed out by Martin, the main part of the argument is divided into two parts. In the first part, the author points out that as a woman, May's female consciousness is outside the representation of this tale, as can be indicated by two aspects. In the second part,the essay makes it clear that the tale is intended to reveal the three parts of male consciousness and their inner mechanics rather than the awakening of May's female consciousness.


Kakade, Kearns, and Ortiz (KKO) introduce a graph-theoretic generalization of the classic Arrow--Debreu (AD) exchange economy. Despite its appeal as a networked version of AD, we argue that the KKO model is too local, in the sense that goods cannot travel more than one hop through the network. We introduce an alternative model in which agents may purchase goods on credit in order to resell them. In contrast to KKO, our model allows for long-range trade, and yields equilibria in more settings than KKO, including sparse endowments. Our model smoothly interpolates between the KKO and AD equilibrium concepts: we recover KKO when the resale capacity is zero, and recover AD when it is sufficiently large. We give general equilibrium existence results, and an auction-based algorithm to compute approximate equilibria when agent utilities satisfy the weak gross-substitutes property.


Corruption is endemic social problem in Nigerian society; it is particularly objectionable in Nigeria Police Force. This study x-ray prevalence and consequences of corruption in Nigeria Police Force. It predominantly utilized secondary data. This study has identified that, in Nigeria, the police force has become an epitome of all multi corrupt and fraudulent schemes which constitute a stumbling block to the effective administration of justice and efficient maintenance of law and order in Nigeria and have soiled the image of the force. Thus, the study recommends fundamental restructuring, reorganization, total war against police graft to re-invent a new image for the police and professionalization through further training and re-education in the force which would hopefully launch the Nigerian Police Force on the positive side of history.


Amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (ADMPC) coated on a kind of small particle silica gel was prepared. On this ADMPC chiral stationary phase (CSP), the direct enantiomeric separation of six novel chiral transition metal tetrahedral clusters has firstly been achieved using n-hexane as the mobile phase containing various alcohols as modifiers. The effect of mobile phase modifiers and the structural variation of the solutes on their retention factors (k') and resolutions (Rs) were investigated. The result suggests that not only the structure and concentration of alcohol in mobile phase, but also the structural differences in racemates can have a pronounced effect on enantiomeric separation. ADMPC-CSP is a suitable CSP for the optical resolution of chiral tetrahedral cluster by HPLC.


The asymmetric unit of the title 1:1 co-crystal, C10H8N2S2·C10H10O6, comprises two half-molecules, the bis(4-pyridyl) disulfide having twofold rotational symmetry and the 2,2′-[(p-phenylenebis(oxy)]diacetic acid having crystallographic inversion symmetry. In the disulfide molecule, the dihedral angle between the two pyridine rings is 86.8 (1)°, while the carboxyl groups of the substituted quinone lie essentially in the plane of the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 5.3 (1)°]. In the crystal, the components are linked via intermolecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds into zigzag chains which extend along c and are interlinked through C—H⋯π associations.


The compound [MnBr(CO)5] reacted with [10]aneS3 (1,4,7-trithiacyclodecane) in dmf solution to yield fac-[Mn(CO)3([10]aneS3)]Br. The compounds fac-[Mn(CO)3(L)]CF3SO3 (L = MeS(CH2)2S(CH2)2SMe, MeSe(CH2)3Se(CH2)3SeMe, MeC(CH2SMe)3, MeC(CH2SeMe)3, MeC(CH2TeMe)3, MeC(CH2TePh)3, MeC(CH2PPh2)3 MeC(CH2AsMe2)3 or Ph2P(CH2)2PPh(CH2)2PPh2) were readily obtained by treatment of fac-[Mn(CO)3(Me2CO)3]CF3SO3 with L at room temperature in Me2CO solution. Similar reactions using three molar equivalents of PPh2H, PCy2H or PPhH2 (L) yielded fac-[Mn(CO)3(L)3]CF3SO3 as pale yellow solids. The compounds have been characterised by analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C-{1H}, 31P-{1H}, 55Mn, 77Se-{1H} and 125Te-{1H}), mass spectrometry and by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies on seven examples. The compounds all adopt a distorted octahedral arrangement with C3v local symmetry at MnI, and three mutually fac carbonyl ligands. The δ(55Mn) linewidths are very dependent upon subtle changes in the electric field gradient and for some of the phosphine complexes quartet coupling to 31P is clearly resolved giving 1JMnPca. 200 Hz. The spectroscopic data are discussed in terms of the relative bonding properties of the Group 15 or 16 donor ligands within the manganese(I) cation.


Mortality rates have sharply decreased in Africa during the past 2 decades. Such phenomenon has been accompanied by an increase in birth rates due not only to decreased mortality, but to the disappearance of infertility causes, to urbanization, which eliminates many sexual taboos, and to increased monogamy, which produces more chidlren than poligamy. The ideal family size desired has also decreased since, in a modern society, children are no longer seen as income producing but as income consuming agents. The use of contraception in Africa is secondary to 2 conditions, i.e. information and motivation. If information is easily obtained through the mass media, motivation depends not only on individual psychological factors, but on global social factors, the most important of which is economic development; without increased incomes there will be no widespread acceptance of contraception, since increased income involves almost automatically a change in values, from traditional ones, to modern ones. Improvement in the educational level of the population would hasten the process.