Formula Hybrid is a collegiate design competition sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The competition is a spin-off of the Formula SAE series and requires that students design, build and race an electric-internal combustion engine hybrid automobile. To assist the design process of Texas A&M's first Formula Hybrid entry, formal functionality-based conceptual design tools were applied to explore and select potential powertrain concepts. These tools included behavioral modeling along with a functionality-based sensitivity analysis. Two levels of model fidelity were used. The first (low) fidelity level was used to screen a large number of powertrain concepts. The second (high) fidelity level was used to select from a smaller but more refined set of concepts. Ultimately, four concepts were identified as suitable to use in a Formula Hybrid car. The results of this analysis were presented to the Texas A&M Formula Hybrid team. The team eventually selected a concept similar to one of the top four concepts in the study (the electric motor, battery capacity, IC engine and powertrain configuration were nearly identical as those used to parameterize the model in the analysis). Texas A&M's Formula Hybrid team went on to win the 2009 Formula Hybrid competition by scoring 980.9 points out of 1000 (the 2 nd place team scored 757.7 points). The results of the analysis done for the Texas A&M Formula Hybrid team are presented in this work along with the suggested powertrain concepts.


Valley, the energy extrema in the electronic band structure, is regarded as a new degree of freedom of electrons, in addition to charge and spin. Valleytronics focuses on the valley degree of freedom and has attracted considerable attention due to its potential applications in information storage. In this study, to use the binary valley polarization in a controllable and nonvolatile manner is still the core issue. We propose that the 2D CuInP2S6/MnPS3 system could be used to electrically tune the valley polarization. In these ferroelectric/antiferromagnetic heterostructures, the ferroelectric CuInP2S6 layer, which is originally in the paravalley state, turns into the ferrovalley state due to the magnetic proximity effect of the antiferromagnetic MnPS3 substrate. Interestingly, when the ferroelectric state of the CuInP2S6 layer is changed, the valley polarization of the system is significantly reversed, providing the possibilities to manipulate the valley degree of freedom via electrical means. On account of the above-mentioned findings, all electrical reading and writing memory devices based on such heterostructures are proposed to utilize the valley degree of freedom. Our findings open an appealing route toward the design of functional 2D materials for valleytronics.


In the case that the mean value of Poisson distribution is a function of an unknown parameter to estimate, the commonly adopted maximum likelihood estimate of the parameter based on a single measurement is generally biased. With the aid of moment expressions, an unbiased estimator is proposed for the Poisson distribution.


1. Under ordinary conditions the outer surface of coral polyps is covered with a thin, continuous layer of mucus, in which objects falling upon the polyp become embedded or entangled. 2. When first exuded the mucus is thin and watery, but later becomes more consistent. From time to time it is broken up into shreds and patches which are driven or wafted from the surface of the disc by the ordinary exhalent currents from the stomodaeum, along with any embedded foreign particles in it. 3. Nutritive substances and extractives placed upon the polyp increase the amount of mucus exuded, and also result iu an opening of the mouth and the institution of an inhalent stomodaeal current by reversing the dominant outward beat of the stomodtaeal cilia. 4. The mucus exuded as a result of nutritive stimuli is drawn down the stomodaeum by inhalent currents in the form of distinct streams, and carries with it whatever substances, nutritive or non-nutritive, are embedded or entangled in it. 5. Ingestion in coral polyps is thus purely mechanical, depending upon whatever substances are capable of producing an inward beat of the cilia, the opening of the mouth, and the exudation of mucus. Au inhalent current being established, objects are carried into the polypal cavity without regard to their nutritive value, and independently of any peristaltic motions on the part of the stomodasum. 6. In the ordinary activities of coral polyps inhalent currents may be occasionally instituted independently of any external stimuli, and these carry with them any inert objects resting upon the disc. 7. Mucus is of much importance in the protection of the polypal surface from foreign objects and in keeping it clean, and also in the entanglement and ingestion of prey and food substances.


Soft tissue injuries are prevalent after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. However, bony fractures, often referred to as bony Bankart injuries, are less common. The authors describe the case of a 16-year-old male who displayed a bony Bankart with a unique, everted presentation. The patient presented with left shoulder pain, restricted range of motion, and crepitus. Two weeks prior to physical examination, he sustained a traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation after a bicycle accident, which reduced spontaneously. Plain film imaging revealed a bony fragment off the anterior glenoid. Upon critical examination of magnetic resonance imaging axial cuts, the bony fragment was found to be flipped. Intraoperatively, this orientation was confirmed. The fragment was reduced and stabilized in an anatomic position using a double row technique with the capsule then advanced over the top of the fragment using three additional anchors. Imaging four months postoperatively revealed an anatomical reduction of the fragment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of bony fragment eversion following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Although the incidence of everted bony fragments following traumatic dislocation is unknown, such a situation presents unique challenges to the orthopedic surgeon. The authors discuss potential eversion mechanisms, fragment identification by imaging, surgical indications, and operative techniques.


Existing methods for learning from structured data are limited with respect to handling large or isolated substructures and also impose constraints on search depth and induced structure length. An ...


Handwritten Character Recognition is software used to identify the handwritten characters and receive and interpret intelligible handwritten input from sources such as manuscript documents. The recent past several years has seen the development of many systems which are able to simulate the human brain actions. Among the many, the neural networks and the artificial intelligence are the most two important paradigms used. In this paper we propose a new algorithm for recognition of handwritten texts based on the spline function and neural network is proposed. In this approach the converse order of the handwritten character structure task is used to recognize the character. The spline function and the steepest descent methods are applied on the optimal notes to interpolate and approximate character shape. The sampled data of the handwritten text are used to obtain these optimal notes. Each character model is constructed by training the sequence of optimal notes using the neural network. Lastly the unknown input character is compared by all characters models to get the similitude scores.


The purpose of this study was to measure the frequency of utilization of the Principles of Teaching and Learning (Newcomb, McCracken, Warmbrod, & Whittington, 2004) during college class sessions. Process-product research was implemented (Gage, 1972; Rosenshine & Furst, 1973) using the Principles of Teaching and Learning Assessment (PTLA) (Foster & Whittington, 2010). Frequency of use of the Principles of Teaching and Learning (PT&L) was measured in six-minute intervals (Webb, 1970) during class sessions. The PT&L most present during classes was: Directed learning is more effective than undirected learning. The PT&L least present during classes was: Transfer of learning is more likely to take place when what is to be transferred is a generalization, a general rule, or a formula. Recommendations included professional development for faculty regarding awareness of the existence of the PT&L, and examples of implementation of the PT&L into classroom learning environments. It was recommended that both incoming and established faculty participate in faculty development regarding PT&L. Further research should be conducted using process-product methodology to describe principles of teaching and learning that most influence student achievement. In addition, research should be conducted to describe quality and intensity of the presence of the PT&L during class sessions.


Screening of chicken cDNA libraries has identified four distinct forms of topoisomerase IIalpha and beta cDNAs. Two of these, designated topo IIalpha-1 and topo IIbeta-1, were previously deposited in the database. The other two, topo IIalpha-2 and topo IIbeta-2, are novel variants that appear to be conserved between chicken and human. Topo IIalpha-2 encodes a protein with an additional 35 amino acids inserted after K321 of the chicken topo IIalpha-1 protein sequence. Topo IIbeta-2 encodes a protein missing 86 amino acids following V27 in the topo IIbeta-1 protein sequence. We have also detected several alternatively spliced forms of human topo IIalpha. One of these, topo IIalpha-3, appears to correspond to chicken topo IIalpha-2. The other two are novel. The existence of these alternatively spliced forms in mature cytoplasmic RNA was confirmed by RT-PCR in several cell lines. Interestingly, these alternatively spliced forms carry sites for post-translational modification, suggesting that they may be subject to differential regulation from the canonical forms. These results suggest that cells express a more complex repertoire of topo II isoforms than previously thought, raising the possibility that different forms of topo II may fulfil specialized functions in chromosome dynamics.


Our project e-Science on Chemistry (eSOC) needs to build script editors for some chemistry script languages, such as Gaussian03, Mopac and Insight II. Dynamic Language ToolKit (DLTK) is an eclipse-based platform that can create editors for programming languages. The critical part of creating editor with DLTK is translating target programming language's AST into DLTK AST. This AST translation contains two main processes. One process is storing target AST nodes into corresponding DLTK AST nodes and the other process is transforming target AST nodes' communication into DLTK AST nodes' communication. We use ANTLR to implement the AST translation. In this paper, we give an implementation of translating Gaussian03 AST into DLTK AST. This implementation is helpful for realizing the AST translation for other chemistry script languages. In addition, the validity of the AST translation for Gaussian03 is proved in GaussianScriptEditor.


Substantial investment has been made into the once "neglected" tropical disease, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and into control programs that operate within a framework of mapping baseline disease distribution, measuring the effectiveness of applied interventions, establishing when to cease drug administration, and for posttreatment evaluations. However, critical to each of these stages is the determination of helminth infection. The limitations of traditional microscope-based fecal egg diagnostics have not provided quality assurance in the monitoring of parasite disease and suboptimal treatment regimes provide for the potential development of parasite resistance to anthelmintic drugs. Improved diagnostic and surveillance tools are required to protect therapeutic effectiveness and to maintain funder confidence. Such tools may be on the horizon with emergent technologies that offer potential for enhanced visualization and quality-assured quantitation of helminth eggs.


We use administrative data from the largest sickness fund in Germany to analyze the relationship between the district density of general and medical practitioner and the quality of care provided to the frail elderly. The quality of care is studied considering prescriptions of potentially inappropriate drugs. We find evidence for a significant positive effect of the share of general and medical practitioners in the population on the provided outpatient health care services.


The adsorption of the herbicide dimepiperate S-(α;α-dimethylbenzyl)-1-piperidinecarbothioate on homoionic Fe3+-, Al3+-, Ca2+-, and Na+-montmorillonite was studied in aqueous medium. The adsorption is described well by the Freundlich equation. The adsorption capacity decreases in the order Fe3+ > Al3+ > Ca2+ > Na+ clay. The dimepiperate adsorption from chloroform solution was also investigated by analytical, spectroscopic, and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. IR results suggest that the adsorption involves the interaction of the thioester carbonyl group of dimepiperate possibly with the surrounding water of metal ions. On Al3+ and Fe3+ clays, this interaction leads to hydrolysis of the thioester bond and formation of the thiol and carbamic acid derivatives that yield α-methylstyrene and piperidine, respectively.


Study Design A retrospective study was undertaken to delineate the characteristics of non-traumatic sequestrated epidurally migrated cervical disc prolapse. Purpose To present first case series of eight such cases diagnosed preoperatively and to discuss their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and their management. Overview of Literature Non-traumatic spontaneous migration of the sequestrated disc fragment epidurally behind cervical vertebral body is rare. Only ten cases have been reported in literature. Methods Detailed clinico-radiological profiles of these 8 cases are presented. In six cases their clinical picture was suggestive of cervical myelopathy. MRI scan showed single level epidural migrated disc behind body of C4, C6, and C7 in six patients and two cases with multiple levels (C5-C6). In six cases, anterior corpectomy with excision of the disc was performed and the seventh patient underwent dorsal laminectomy. The eighth patient chose not to undergo surgery. Results T1 images of the MRI scan showed an isointense signal in all the 8 cases. T2 images revealed a varying intensity. In six cases who underwent anterior corpectomy, there was a rent in the posterior longitudinal ligament. Among those in two cases multiple disc fragments were seen. In the rest four cases, a single large fragment was observed. These patients improved after anterior corpectomy and disc excision. There was no improvement in the patient who had undergone dorsal laminectomy. The eighth patient who refused surgery progressively deteriorated. Conclusions We opine that MRI scan especially T1 images are useful in these cases. We prefer to treat these cases through anterior corpectomy with excision of the sequestrated disc which proved to result in excellent outcome.


By means of the transfer-matrix method, the effects of parameter modulation on the quality of near-field imaging in one-dimensional photonic crystal consisting of alternately left-handed material and right-handed material are investigated. Based on analyses of the recovery rate and phase shift, the results show that the imaging quality is not obviously affected by the minor changes of layer thickness. In addition, by modulating the material parameters of the left-handed material, it is found that for both the real part and the imaginary part, the system is more sensitive to the permeability than the permittivity for the TE wave. For the TM wave, it is reverse. These properties are very useful to fabricate left-handed material photonic crystals in practice.


In this essay we describe a number of the known and not so known experiences of the early anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) days, explaining why and how we reached consensus on the standard indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) techniques, the naming of the two principal C- and P-ANCA patterns, why we chose to use IIF as the standard technique, how the solid phase assays have developed and where we stand today, the use of ANCA for diagnosis and the importance of using several techniques for that purpose, how ANCA titres are related to disease activity and the clinical impact of this, and finally the implications of ANCA being a natural, polyclonal antibody response against various epitopes in relation to diagnostics and disease patterns.


The construction of multi-temporal data sets for the modelling and documentation of urban environments has gained a large interest in the last few years. The growing availability of remote sensing data and sophisticated software tools has enabled the construction of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with various spatial and temporal resolutions. For this research, multiple scanned airborne images of the inner city of Ghent (Belgium) were processed for the calculation of DEMs using a conventional digital photogrammetric workflow. The aerial images were acquired during four campaigns: 1965, 1977, 1987 and 1990. All resulting image-based DEMs were compared with a DEM acquired with Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) from 2009. This comparison allowed a model adjustment by minimizing the systematic shift between the data sets. In order to distinct built-up, destroyed or unchanged buildings over time, a threshold of 2.5 m was applied on the resulting vertically shifted points. Finally, a connected component analysis allowed the removal of outliers in the data. The resulting points were evaluated against a 2D digital cadastre map, which enabled a quantitative determination of difference in urban topography. The procedure to detect these changes, as well as the potentials and challenges of this technique, are discussed in this contribution.


Freshness of fish just after catching under various operating conditions by trawlers in the tropical waters was studied, taking opportunity of experimental trawlers by T/V Nagasaki-maru in the Andaman Sea in November 1981 and in the Gulf of Thailand in October 1982. The bottom water temperatures in the fishing grounds were about 28.5°C in both the seas.The mean K values of fish just after hauling up of the net were rather low; 5.6% for fish by one-hour of towing, 9.6% for fish by two-hours of towing, and 7.2% for fish by three-hours of towing. The mean K value for fish by one-hour of towing was significantly lower than those by two- and three-hours of towing, and this was also true for the same fish species caught in the same fishing ground. The distribution of K values was found to be exponential, the fish with K value of less than 10% accounting for 79.8% in one-hour of towing, 65.0% in two-hours of towing, and 80.0% in three-hours of towing.The mean K values of the fish caught in the Gulf of Thailand were significantly higher than those in the Andaman Sea. A higher occurrence of trash fish both in catch per hour and in percentage of total in the former area is considered to explain this partially.A negative correlation was found between the K values just after catching and the body weights of fishes, while between the K values and the increasing rates of K values we found a positive correlation.


Abstract Palmistry or Chiromancy is the art of reading lines on the palm of the hands. Today, many researchers believe that the lines on the palms of the hands can predict the individual's future. Computer programs are being designed which can automatically read the lines on the palm of the hand. One popular theory is that the length of the line of life will indicate lifespan. This theory was investigated in 1974 by Wilson and Mather who found no significant correlation between life expectancy and the length of the line of life. In 1990 Newrick and colleagues found a significant correlation as measured on 100 cadavers. These conflicting investigations are the only existing studies which have explored the relationship between palmistry and longevity. Since then no other study has validated nor disproven these claims. A total of 60 cadavers donated to The University of Adelaide were used in this study. Total hand length and the line of life length were measured on all cadavers. The age at and cause of death were also recorded. Linear regressions were used to establish any correlations between longevity and the length of the line of life. No significant correlations were found. There was also no significant difference between males and females or the right or left hands. As no significant correlations were found between longevity and the line of life all efforts at producing more reliable and automatic ways to read the lines are futile. This study puts to rest any debate surrounding the use of the line of life in palmistry as introduced by Newrick and colleagues.


Twelve patients whose ages ranged between 19 and 36 years, were studied. The gestational ages were between the 35th and the 39th week of pregnancy. The exercise performed was the one proposed by Kemp and Ellested. The analysis of the records comprised the electrocardiographic changes described by Dr. Chavez in his so called "syndrome of circulatory changes during pregnancy". Not all the characteristics were found in our cases, although this could be explained by the differences in the gestational age. The most common findings were the ST changes. In nine of our cases, they were more marked and appeared immediately after exercise and this makes us think that it could be due to the double load on the cardiac overload, that the exercise effects upon the cardiac muscle due to pregnancy. We could also advocate sympathetic and parasympathethic mechanisms, since in the final tracing this changes not only disappeared but were in some cases smoller than in the control. Regarding the cardiac rate it was found that it did not increase as shown in Robinson's Table. Nevertheless in eight cases, final tracings did not return to control levels and we could imply an "excess of heart rate" which is thought by Sheffield as a warning sign of coronary insufficiency. We will learn more about this after these same patients have had their-follow up studies when they are not pregnant. A larger series of cases is needed in the different trimesters of pregnancy as well as their reevaluation after the hormonal effects of pregnancy are over to ases the significance of this changes as well as their prognostic meaning during labor or as a warning sign of future coronary pathology.


This article attempts to analyse and investigate the implications of the approach to the applicability of Article XX GATT adopted in the recent China - Raw Materials. Using the decision on the non-availability of Article XX defences for violations of China's WTO-plus commitments on export duties as a backdrop, it scrutinizes the more general, 'systemic' approach to the applicability of Article XX exceptions developed by the WTO dispute settlement bodies, and sheds light on the implications of such approach with respect to the relationship between GATT 1994 and WTO obligations arising from different instruments of the WTO Agreement, such as new members' accession protocols. It also suggests that an exception to this general approach could be envisaged when the fundamental environmental goals protected under Article XX b) and g) are at stake.


Adaptive antenna arrays have been regarded as a key solution for increasing the spectral efficiency and improving the system performance in 3G and 4G mobile communication systems. Although the implementation of adaptive antennas is mainly investigated in the base transceiver station (BTS), it is interesting to evaluate their performance at the mobile level. The paper analyzes the results of propagation measurements, carried out at 1.9 GHz, in a code division multiple access (CDMA) system with a triangle planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) array, not only in signal transmission, but also in reception, with the aim of acquiring a suitable prototype that can be applied to adaptive antenna systems. Different wireless environments, such as suburban, indoor, and woodland are used, with line-of-sight (LOS) and nonline-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios. The analysis of results is based on attenuation prediction and comparisons with the received signal by a traditional monopole that is still much used in handsets.


In this paper we consider the problem of exact recovery of a fixed sparse vector with the measurement matrices sequentially arriving along with corresponding measurements. We propose an extension of the iterative hard thresholding (IHT) algorithm, termed as sequential IHT (SIHT) which breaks the total time horizon into several phases such that IHT is executed in each of these phases using a fixed measurement matrix obtained at the beginning of that phase. We consider a stochastic setting where the measurement matrices obtained at each phase are independent samples of a sub Gaussian random matrix. We prove that if a certain dynamic sample complexity that depends on the sizes of the measurement matrices at each phase, along with their duration and the number of phases, satisfy certain lower bound, the estimation error of SIHT over a fixed time horizon decays rapidly. Interestingly, this bound reveals that the probability of decay of estimation error is hardly affected even if very small number measurements are sporadically used in different phases. This theoretical observation is also corroborated using numerical experiments demonstrating that SIHT enjoys improved probability of recovery compared to offline IHT.


Sewage sludge uses as a low coast fertilizer to rectify deficit of elements such as zinc (Zn). A suitable extractant for estimation of bean-available Zn in calcareous soils amended with sewage sludge has not yet been introduced. The aim of this research was to assess several chemical extractants for the estimate of available Zn in sewage sludge-amended calcareous soils. For amended soils, 1% (w/w) of sewage sludge was added to 10 calcareous soils, and the soils (amended and un-amended) were incubated at field capacity for 30 days. At the end of incubation, soils were air-dried and available Zn was determined using 7 chemical extractants (DTPA-TEA, AB-DTPA, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 2, Mehlich 3, 0.1 N HCl and 0.01 M CaCl2). Zinc concentration in shoots, Zn uptake, and shoot dry weight of bean were determined in a pot experiment in amended and un-amended soils. The results show that Mehlich 3 and Mehlich 1 extractants extracted the highest and the lowest concentrations of Zn in both amended and un-amended soils, respectively. Furthermore, all three studied indices and Zn extracted by using different methods increased in amended soils. In addition, results indicated that significant correlations were found between extracted Zn using AB-DTPA, DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 3 and plant indices in un-amended soils. On the contrary, in sewage sludge-amended soils only the correlation between extracted Zn using DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 1 with Zn uptake and shoot dry weight and Mehlich 2 with Zn concentration was significant. The results of this study showed that DTPA-TEA could estimate bean-available Zn in the sewage sludge-amended and –un-amended calcareous soils.


The author notes the importance of certain economic instruments to stabilize the security situation in the territory, which was affected by crisis nonwar situations. Stresses the importance of revision and updating of economic measures by state and municipal offices. Identifies the obstacles in the process of the basic living needs ensuring of residents in the affected area. Suggests alternative solutions with regard for social and economic changes in the world, which significantly modify the content and quality in the field of crisis management.


The teenage brain is experiencing amazing transformations which set into motion unprecedented academic and emotional growth. As the brain is changing, technology works as a powerful influencer, sculpting and molding the mind. Computerbased instruction, in particular, is impacting the teenage brain as a motivator, tutor, and prolific source of information. Research synthesized from the fields of neuroscience, education, psychology, and technology inform and strengthen pedagogy for teaching secondary students.


The renal clearances of [14C]glycocholate, [14C]taurocholate and [3H]glycochenodeoxycholate-3-sulphate were determined in bile duct obstructed rats. Comparisons of the bile acid clearances with glomerular filtration rates (GFR) indicate that most of the filtered bile acids are reabsorbed. Inhibition studies with p-aminohippurate (PAH) and probenecid suggest that a proportion of the bile acids in urine is secreted. Attempts were made to increase the renal clearance of the bile acids by the administration of pharmacological agents. An infusion of sodium acetate (0.3 mol/l) increased the clearance of the radioactive bile acids and augmented the urinary excretion of endogenous 3 alpha-hydroxy bile acids and reduced their concentration in plasma.


ABSTRACT A distinctive coenobial palynomorph, Speculaforma gen. nov., and its two new species, S. delicata and S. elongata, are described from the Llandovery Grimsby Formation, Medina Group, from New York and are part of a more diverse palynomorph assemblage. Speculaforma delicata was also recovered from the Tuscarora Formation, West Virginia, and subsurface Hirnantian sediments in southern Saudi Arabia. Speculaforma is questionably assigned to the Hydrodictyaceae within the order Chlorococcales based on its geometrically regular coenobia. It is considered to be a freshwater or brackish-water alga. Occurring with this coenobium are two new acritarchs, Lunataforma parallela gen. et sp. nov. and Pertusidisca quadripora gen. et sp. nov. These acritarchs have been recovered from near-shore marine settings, in both North America and Saudi Arabia; but in North America Lunataforma was also recovered from sediments considered to represent an open marine environment.


This paper examined the adoption and impact of early maturing maize varieties on farmers' income in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Using random sampling techniques, 300 maize farmers were selected across 10 communities in the Local Government. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, adoption index, double difference method and Z-statistics to estimate impact of early maturing maize varieties on income of farmers. The study divided the respondents into 137 adopters and 163 non adopters. The major findings showed that  88% of respondents were male headed, average age of household head was 44 years, average household size was 11 persons, dependency ratio was 1.49, level of education was Islamic education, average years of schooling was 5 years and average years of farming was 25 years. About 65% of farmers had access to extension agent, only about 10% had access to credit and labor force was mostly family labor. Result from the study showed that out of 300 maize farmers sampled, 137 farming household adopted the varieties with a general adoption rate of 45.67%. The mean difference analysis of the impact on adoption of early maturing maize varieties on income status between adopters and non-adopters of early maturing maize varieties shows that there is a positive mean income of N 42,689. The result of the T-test showed that there was significant difference at 1% level of significance between adopters and non-adopters in relation to income level. Policy which provides adequately trained and equipped extension workers to disseminate improved agricultural technology has the potential to raise farmers' income.

 Key words: Adoption, impact, farmers, income.


The paper presents the analysis of nature of metal flow during extrusion of non-circular sections and determining the relationship between extrusion force and geometrical parameters of extrudate (the shape of the extrudate). Experimental procedure was curried out for the simplest cases of non-circular profiles (triangle, square, rectangular) of various geometrical parameters. The extrusion load and punch displacement have been registered during experimental work. By determining parameters of metal plastic flow (the depth of plastic zone L p and the dead zone angle a sm ) it has been shown the difference in nature of metal flow during extrusion product differing in non-circular sections. This differentiation results in the complex nature of flow consequential from change with circular section of the billet to non-circular section of extrudate. It has been shown that flow resistance can be different with regard to appearing configurations of deformation zones (the size and shape of plastic zone, dead and shear zones) and dependent from for example geometrical parameters of a die (shape and size of an die orifice).


Although class I myosins are known to play a wide range of roles, the physiological function of long-tailed class I myosins in vertebrates remains elusive. We demonstrated that one of these proteins, Myo1f, is expressed predominantly in the mammalian immune system. Cells from Myo1f-deficient mice exhibited abnormally increased adhesion and reduced motility, resulting from augmented exocytosis of β2 integrin–containing granules. Also, the cortical actin that co-localizes with Myo1f was reduced in Myo1f-deficient cells. In vivo, Myo1f-deficient mice showed increased susceptibility to infection by Listeria monocytogenes and an impaired neutrophil response. Thus, Myo1f directs immune cell motility and innate host defense against infection.


Rheumatoid spondylitis is a chronic progressive disease of unknown causation, involving the sacroiliac joints, the posterior intervertebral (apophyseal) joints, the costovertebral and costochondral junctions and the longitudinal spinal ligaments. This disease is characterized by pain and limited motion of the spine, spasm of the paravertebral muscles, frequent flexion deformity of the spine, limited chest expansion and systemic manifestations of fatigue, loss of weight and strength. Fortunately, proper treatment will relieve the majority of the patients. This treatment consists of roentgen therapy to the spine (which will benefit 90 per cent [plus or minus]), systemic therapy, physical therapy and measures to correct and maintain proper posture (such as spinal brace, postural exercises, bed rest and bed boards). This regimen will relieve pain and prevent deformity in most patients, so that if ankylosis occurs, the spine will be in a position of extension and the chest in full expansion. The few persons


1 Healthy volunteers received single doses of temazepam 30 mg in conventional gelatin capsules, suppositories or in solution. They experienced marked sedation and sleepiness. The onset of sleepiness was prompt after the administration of the solution; this latter showed the fastest absorption and gave the highest peak plasma levels. This observation led to the development of the soft gelatin capsule. 2 To assess bioavailability of the formulation, plasma levels of temazepam were determined in healthy volunteers after single oral administration of soft and hard capsules, and after seven consecutive night-time doses of the soft capsule. Absorption from the soft gelatin capsule was faster and produced earlier and higher peak plasma levels. There were no differences in relative availability. 3 The apparent half-life of temazepam after night-time administration was shorter than after morning administration, but no change was observed between the first and seventh night-time doses.


A microscopic derivation of the master equation for the Jaynes–Cummings model with cavity losses is given, taking into account the terms in the dissipator which vary with frequencies of the order of the vacuum Rabi frequency. Our approach allows us to single out physical contexts wherein the usual phenomenological dissipator turns out to be fully justified and constitutes an extension of our previous analysis (Scala et al 2007 Phys. Rev. A 75 013811), where a microscopic derivation was given in the framework of the rotating wave approximation.


Expression of endothelial and leukocyte cell adhesion molecules is a principal determinant of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment during inflammation. It has been demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of these molecules can attenuate PMN influx and subsequent tissue injury. We determined the temporal expression of alpha-granule membrane protein-40 (P-selectin), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (E-selectin), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) after coronary artery occlusion and up to 3 days of reperfusion. The expression of all of these cell adhesion molecules peaked around 24 h of reperfusion. We determined the extent to which these molecules contribute to PMN infiltration by utilizing mice deficient (-/-) in P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18. Each group underwent 30 min of in vivo, regional, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. PMN accumulation in the ischemic-reperfused (I/R) zone was assessed using histological techniques. Deficiencies of P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, or CD18 resulted in significant (P < 0.05) attenuation of PMN infiltration into the I/R myocardium (MI/R). In addition, P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18 -/- mice exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) smaller areas of necrosis after MI/R compared with wild-type mice. These data demonstrate that MI/R induces coronary vascular expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 in mice. Furthermore, genetic deficiency of P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, or CD18 attenuates PMN sequestration and myocardial injury after in vivo MI/R. We conclude that P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18 are involved in the pathogenesis of MI/R injury in mice.


The unique behavior of green fluorescent protein (GFP) on SDS-PAGE was applied to the detection of a single amino acid substitution in GFP-tagged polypeptides. This simple detection method using SDS/urea gels was designated GFP-display. The N-terminal 18 or 37 amino acids of K-Ras was used as a model GFP-tagged polypeptide. K-ras exon 1 was fused to a gfp cDNA at each end and expressed in Escherichia coli. Amino acid number 12 of K-Ras (wild type; Gly) was changed to Ser, Arg, Cys, Asp, Ala, or Val, and the mobility shift of the greenish fluorescent bands in the SDS/urea gel was analyzed. These mutants were easily detected by GFP-display; however, detection depended strongly on the urea concentration and electrophoresis temperature. Subsequently, GFP-display was applied to the 36 amino acids encoding human p53 exon 7. Amino acid number 248 (wild type; Arg) was changed to Gly, Trp, Gln, Pro, or Leu, and similar mobility shifts were observed. GFP-display could be coupled with an in vitro translation system. Fluorescent active GFP and GFP-Ras fusion proteins were synthesized within a few hours. GFP-display shows potential as a modern approach to gene mutation analysis at the protein level, and is a useful method for protein engineering studies.


The isolated small bowel from duodenojejunal junction to ileocecal junction with intact SMA and SMV was perfused with Krebs-Ringer solution intraluminally in rat. After all the branches from aorta and portal vein other than SMA and SMV were ligated, aorta and portal vein were cannulated and perfused with Krebs-Dextran solution. The isolated perfused bowel was transferred immediately to the chamber equipped with constant temperature and humidity. For the purpose of studying the direct toxicity to the bowel tissue, B4 endotoxin (Difco) was added to intravascular perfusate. Significant physiological and chemical changes listed below were observed as compared with those of the control group which was perfused with endotoxin free perfusate. Active transport of D-glucose was decreased. Net entry of water into the gut lumen was decreased. pH in intravascular fluid was significantly decreased. Lactic acid level in intravascular fluid was significantly high, which was well correlated with pH change. O2 consumption change was not marked, but CO2 accumulation in intravascular perfusate was significant. These were the results of the toxic effects of endotoxin on the rat bowel.


Kansei design methods are successful in the Japanese industry and academic worlds. Outside Japan, their level of development and recognition is nothing compared with the situation inside of Japan. One of the reasons is that there is currently no comprehensive description of Kansei and Kansei studies written for the international community. This paper intends to provide such description, to analyze involved cultural differences, and to describe how Kansei is involved in the Japanese design approaches. To do so, an overview of main descriptions of Kansei is realized and synthesized into a comprehensive and useful description. Thereafter, Kansei study objectives and methods are analyzed and their differences with that of western approach. Finally, the implication of Kansei in Japanese design is explained. This research intends to improve western understanding of Kansei, and to improve mutual understanding in both industrial and academic worlds between East and West.


The problem of recovering the values of harmonic functions of a certain class at a fixed point from their values at a prescribed collection of points is considered. Relations are obtained for determining best accuracy of recovery and for finding a unique linear method among best recoveries.Bibliography: 14 titles.


Cross-flow or vertical-axis turbines are flow energy conversion devices in which lift forces cause blades to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the flow. In marine currents, rivers, and some wind energy applications, cross-flow turbines are a promising alternative to more conventional axial-flow turbines. The performance implications of the choice of structure used to mount turbine blades to the central shaft are examined experimentally in a recirculating water flume. Turbine performance is found to be strongly dependent on the choice of the mounting structure. Power loss due to rotational drag on these structures is estimated experimentally by rotating the mounting structure without blades. Through a perturbation-theory approach, interactions between turbine blades and mounting structures are examined. Analytical models for the power loss due to mounting structure drag are introduced and shown to be consistent with experiments. To provide guidance for cross-flow turbine design, the models are re-formulated in terms of non-dimensional turbine geometric and operational parameters. Mounting blades solely at their mid-span is shown to decrease performance through multiple fluid effects. Using foil cross-section struts located at the turbine blade tips is found to result in the highest turbine performance.


Sources of lead in wine were inferred from systematic assay of grapes must and wine, during winemaking. Two Australian wineries were monitored during the 1994 vintage with respect to vinification of Riesling and Shiraz. Juice and wine samples were collected at several process stages from crushing through to bottling, and were analysed for their total lead concentration by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Selected samples were subsequently analysed for lead isotope ratio (fingerprinting method) to infer possible sources of lead in samples. Lead concentration in fermenting must was found to vary during vinification. In particular, lead concentration increased significantly in open-top vessels, in holding bins and during pressing. Juice and wine stored in concrete or waxed wood also had a significantly higher concentration of lead compared to juice or wine stored in stainless steel. Moreover, fining with bentonite or filtering with diatomaceous earth contributed further to final lead concentration, while fermentation, both primary and secondary, removed lead . Overall, wines processed via these different systems still contained only traces of lead, and generally less than 30 µg/L (30 micrograms per litre). These trace levels are of no concern to human health when such wines are consumed in moderation.


The results presented indicate that blocking curves of decreased slope are obtained with the Talmage test when the labelled antibody eluate contains a portion of antibody which is not represented in the unknown serum. The blocking curves of late antisera had steeper slopes than those of early antisera when tested against labelled antibody eluates prepared from late antisera. This situation was reversed when labelled eluates from early antisera were used in the Talmage test. The findings were interpreted to indicate that early antisera did not have a full complement of antibodies, directed against all surface antigens of the bacterial cell.


The long hiatus between Freud's seminal paper on countertransference in 1910 and the contributions of the 1950s on totalistic countertransference is analyzed in terms of historical factors and others intrinsic to psychoanalysis. Induced reactions in the psychoanalyst as transference in actuality is differentiated from classical countertransference and the growing literature on totalistic countertransference, as well as from transferences involving the usual displacement and projective mechanisms. Several cases are discussed to indicate the wide range of psychopathology in which induced reactions occur and their value in reconstruction. The reasons for the confusing use of the concept, countertransference, for a variety of psychological processes in the analyst are cited, and a new model of five categories centering around modes of communication are posited: empathic transitory identifications, preconscious associations and imagery, induced reactions to transferences, induced reactions as transference in actuality, and classical countertransference. The relationship of induced reactions to classical countertransference is discussed, as well as implications of induced reactions as transference in actuality for internalization theory, and implicitly for the psychology of the self. Finally, some clinical issues in the use of induced reactions are eluciated.


EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE HISTORY IN A POLITICAL FAUX PAS by CATHERINE ADELLE SHELDON (Under the Direction of Lynne M. Sallot) ABSTRACT A three by two factorial experiment was conducted to test the effects of crisis communication strategy (mortification, bolstering, and corrective action) and performance history (positive and negative) in conjunction with a politician's faux pas involving racial remarks. Benoit's image repair theory and Coombs' dependent measures provided the theoretical and methodological framework for the experiment. In evaluations of a politician's behavior following racial remarks, strategy and performance history had main effects for several dependent variables, but these effects were independent of one another. Contrary to previous research, performance history was not always a factor in achieving favorable evaluations, and sometimes the communication strategy of bolstering was as effective as mortification. Generally, the corrective action strategy was the least effective. Politicians' selection of effective crisis response strategies should be based on their specific situations.


Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, is typically initiated by inactivation of the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene resulting in constitutive activation of the hypoxia inducible factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α. VHL loss and HIF activation promote lipid accumulation that increases the sensitivity of ccRCC cells to ferroptosis. Here, we reveal Iron Sulfur Cluster Assembly 2 (ISCA2) as a novel molecular target whose inhibition decreases HIF-1/2α levels and induces ferroptosis specifically in VHL-deficient cells. ISCA2 is a component of the late mitochondrial Iron Sulfur Cluster (L-ISC) assembly complex and ISCA2 inhibition either pharmacologically or using siRNA triggers the iron starvation response, resulting in iron/metals overload and death via ferroptosis. ISCA2 inhibition also decreases HIF-2α protein levels by blocking iron-responsive element (IRE)-dependent translation, and at higher concentrations, also decreases HIF-1α translation through unknown mechanisms. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of ISCA2 using a novel, orally available ISCA2 inhibitor significantly reduced ccRCC xenograft growth in vivo, decreased HIF-α levels and increased lipid peroxidation, suggesting increased ferroptosis in vivo. Thus, the targeting of ISCA2 may be a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit HIF-1/2α and to induce ferroptosis in pVHL deficient cells.
 Citation Format: Mei Yee Koh. A novel strategy to trigger ferroptosis in kidney cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Kidney Cancer Research; 2023 Jun 24-27; Austin, Texas. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(16 Suppl):Abstract nr IA007.


Abstract Personal attitudes toward alcohol consumption are reliable predictors of alcohol use and related problems, with emerging work suggesting that one's favorable attitude toward limited drinking (i.e., at levels below the threshold for heavy episodic drinking) is a buffer against alcohol use and binge drinking. However, little work has examined the specific mechanism(s) through which one's personal attitude toward limited drinking is associated with alcohol use and related problems. One such mechanism may be an individual's self-efficacy to limit their alcohol use. The current study aimed to evaluate whether self-efficacy to limit one's alcohol use mediates the association between one's personal attitude toward limited drinking and actual alcohol use and related problems over time. Participants were mandated students (n = 568; 28% female) who violated campus alcohol policy and received a brief motivational intervention. Mediation models were used to test (a) self-efficacy to limit one's alcohol use as a traditional mediator of the attitudes—drinking quantity association and (b) self-efficacy and drinking quantity as serial mediators of the attitudes—alcohol-problems link. Favorable attitudes toward limiting drinking at baseline were positively associated with self-efficacy to limit drinking at 1 month, which was associated with a reduction in drinking quantity at 3 months; this, in turn, was associated with a reduction in alcohol-related problems at 5 months. These findings provide a rationale for incorporating attitudes and self-efficacy in the development and refinement of intervention strategies.


An interconnector is an asset that gives the owner the option to transmit electricity between two locations. In financial terms, the value of an interconnector is the same as a strip of real options written on the spread between power prices in two markets. We model the spread based on a seasonal trend, mean-reverting Gaussian process, and mean-reverting jump process and express the value of these real options in closed-form. The valuation tool is applied to five pairs of European neighboring markets to value a hypothetical one-year lease of the interconnector using different assumptions about the seasonal component of the spread, and different liquidity caps which proxy for the depth of the interconnected power markets. We derive no-arbitrage lower bounds for the value of the interconnector in terms of electricity futures contract and find that, depending on the depth of the market, the jumps in the spread can account for between 1% and 40% of the total value of the interconnector. The two markets where an interconnector would be most (resp. least) valuable are Germany and The Netherlands (resp. France and Germany). Finally, we provide rules of thumb to interpret the different interconnector values.


Pancreatic cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up S. Cascinu, M. Falconi, V. Valentini & S. Jelic On behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Working Group* Department of Medical Oncology, Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona; Department of Surgery and Gastroenterology, University of Verona, Verona; Department of Radiotherapy, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Internal Medicine Service, Institute of Oncology and Radiology, Belgrade, Serbia


Metals such as Cu, Al, Ni, Ta, and stainless steels, despite their softness and ductility, are considered difficult to machine. This is due to large cutting forces and corresponding formation of a very thick chip during cutting, and hence, these metals are referred to as "gummy." Their poor machinability of these materials arises because of an unsteady and highly redundant mode of plastic deformation referred to as sinuous flow. The prevailing plastic deformation mode during machining can be overcome by the application of certain coatings and chemical media on the undeformed free surface of the workpiece ahead of the cutting process. Using in situ imaging and concurrent force measurements, we present two different mechanochemical routes through which these media can improve machinability. The first route, which requires chemicals that adhere to the metal surface, such as glues and inks, improves cutting by inducing a change in the local plastic deformation mode—from sinuous flow to one characterized by periodic fracture or segmented flow. The second route, which requires chemicals that can react with the workpiece to form a low-friction layer, changes the sinuous flow mode to a smooth, laminar one. Both routes decrease cutting forces by more than 50% with order of magnitude improvement in surface texture as characterized by measured roughness and defect density. The results suggest a broad range of opportunities for improving the performance of machining processes for many difficult-to-cut gummy metals.


PERMANENCE IN AN AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED by CHELSEA RENE SMITH (Under the Direction of Alan P. Covich and Paul V. McCormick) ABSTRACT Climate shifts coupled with increasing water demand will likely decrease base flows and increase the prevalence of intermittent streams. Understanding how assemblages respond to such alterations is crucial in determining flow-ecology relationships. This study examined the affect of reduced flows during a recent drought on invertebrate assemblages across a gradient of flow permanence following an extended period of flow as well as the recovery interval of an intermittent stream following a recent drying event. Distinct assemblages were found across the gradient, with those streams that dried during the drought containing less insect and EPT richness as well as less insect relative abundance. Comparison before and after a recent drying event showed that assemblages recovered quickly (within 100 days) through a pattern from resistant to sensitive taxa. The reaches that dried maintained a similar richness to those that remained wet; however overall abundance was reduced.


Physical and economic access to food ensures an active and healthy life. For attaining food security, access to adequate and nutritious food is required. Access to productive resources, such as land is regarded crucial for attaining food security, through increasing access to sufficient food. In Bangladesh, food insecurity remains a reality for millions, including farmers and landless labourers. Due to increasing population, unjust market intervention, poor governance, medium and small farmers are losing their productive land and becoming landless gradually. Moreover, climate induced hazards, such as recurring floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion are also contributing to the increasing landlessness. The current study has been taken to explore the link between landlessness and food security in rural Bangladesh. The study reveals that even though 75 percent food production comes from the rural areas, however due to landlessness and some associated factors, the small and marginal farmers in the rural areas are still deprived from their access to food. Landlessness of the farmers leads to their insufficient purchasing power to buy adequate nutritious food for their families. The farmers are faced with food insecurity, which has impacts on the livelihood of the farmers in various dimensions. Finally the study reveals the view of the small and marginal landless farmers on substantive actions necessary to achieve their food security.


Purpose There has been limited report investigating whether painful bone metastases from gastrointestinal (GI) cancers produce similar response rates to palliative radiation therapy (RT) when compared to bone metastases from other primary cancer sites. The present study evaluated the response rates of symptomatic bone metastases from GI cancers following palliative outpatient RT in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP). Methods and Materials Sixty-nine patients with bone metastases from GI primaries who received palliative RT in the RRRP clinic from 1999-2006 were identified. Thirty-one of these patients were extracted from an RRRP database that employed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) from 1999-2003. The remaining 38 patients were evaluated from an RRRP database that employed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) from 2003-2006. Eligibility criteria for encryption in the aforementioned RRRP databases and collected patient demographic information (age, gender, primary cancer site, and Karnofsky Performance Status) were identical. Response rates for this cohort of metastatic GI patients were then compared to 479 patients receiving palliative RT for bone metastases from other primary cancer sites. Pain scores, employing the ESAS and BPI, as well as analgesic consumption were collected at baseline and by telephone follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after RT for all patients. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR) and overall response (CR+PR) were evaluated according to International Consensus Endpoints. Results Assessment of the 69 patients with metastatic GI cancers revealed CR, PR, and CR+PR rates of 18%, 42%, and 61% at 4 weeks, 22%, 35%, and 57% at 8 weeks and 50%, 21%, and 71% at 12 weeks, respectively, for evaluable patients. The 479 evaluable patients with metastatic cancer from other primary cancer sites had CR, PR, and CR+PR rates of 25%, 27%, and 51% at 4 weeks, 26%, 22%, and 48% at 8 weeks, and 22%, 29%, and 51% at 12 weeks, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in RT response rates for bone metastases from GI cancers versus the other primary cancer sites. Conclusion Bone metastases from GI cancers demonstrate similar response rates following palliative RT when compared to other primary cancer sites. Patients with symptomatic bone metastases from GI malignancies should be referred for palliative radiotherapy as readily as patients with osseous metastases from other primary cancer sites. Keywords Bone metastases, gastrointestinal cancers, palliative radiotherapy, response.


We report TERS imaging of individual 50 nm, biotin-labeled gold nanoparticles bound to a streptavidin-derivatized glass slide. Individual gold nanoparticles detected by a nanoparticle TERS tip generate Raman enhancements in both the biotin and streptavidin signals. These results indicate that nanoparticles are capable of investigating nanoscale spatial and chemical environments with non-resonant Raman enhancements.


Bartter syndrome, a group of disorders that encompasses multiple genetic defects with similar clinical presentation, has been divided into six different genotypes, according to different genetic defects, and into three main clinical variants (or phenotypes). Classic laboratory findings in all variants include hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis with excessive excretion of chloride and potassium. Classic Bartter syndrome, neonatal Bartter syndrome, and Gitelman syndrome are the three main clinical variants. Classic Bartter syndrome and neonatal Bartter syndrome have defects in genes that affect transport channels in the ascending loop of Henle, where as in Gitleman syndrome the defect occurs in the transport channels of the distal convoluted tubule. Classic Bartter syndrome and neonatal Bartter syndrome have similar presenting symptoms, potential outcomes, and treatment, but different ages at presentation. Gitelman syndrome, a more benign condition than the other clinical variants, has the classic hallmark finding of hypomagnesemia and low to normal excretion of calcium. This differentiates it from the classic and neonatal variants of the disease. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, Bartter syndrome has a good prognosis. But failure to identify it can lead to tubulointerstitial nephritis and renal failure. We present a case of a 6-month-old boy with Bartter syndrome who presented with poor weight gain and an abdominal mass.


We isolated the virus-specific RNA species from Uukuniemi virus-infected chicken embryo cells and fractionated them by sucrose gradient centrifugation. In addition to three RNA species cosedimenting with the three viral RNA segments L (29S), M (23S), and S (17S), a fourth major RNA species, sedimenting at about 12S (S2), was found early in the infection. Annealing experiments indicated that the cytoplasmic L and M RNA species consisted of both plus and minus strands, with the plus strands in slight excess. Most of the S1 RNA was of negative polarity, whereas S2 was of positive polarity. The S2 RNA specifically annealed to the virion S RNA segment, indicating that it is transcribed from this segment. In vitro translation of the individual RNA species in micrococcal nuclease-treated cell-free reticulocyte extracts showed that an mRNA cosedimenting with the virion M RNA directed the synthesis of a virus-specific 110,000-dalton polypeptide (p110). This polypeptide could be immunoprecipitated with antiserum prepared against purified virions. When translation was carried out in the presence of dog pancreas microsomes, p110 was absent. Instead, an immunoprecipitable polypeptide band, with a molecular weight of about 70,000 and migrating between the virion surface glycoproteins G1 and G2, was observed. It is thus likely that the glycoproteins are synthesized as a precursor (p110), which during translation is cleaved roughly in the middle to yield G1 and G2. The 12S RNA species directed the synthesis of the nucleocapsid protein and a novel polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of about 30,000. The latter was not precipitated with antivirion serum and was absent from lysates programmed with the corresponding RNA fraction from a mock-infected extract. Since, in addition, it was not found in purified virions and was present in the cytoplasm of infected cells but not in uninfected cells, it probably represents a nonstructural polypeptide.


The unprecedented global spread of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses within the past ten years and their extreme lethality to poultry and humans has underscored their potential to cause an influenza pandemic. Combating the threat of an impending H5N1 influenza pandemic will require a combination of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies. The emergence of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 emphasised the unpredictable nature of a pandemic influenza. Undoubtedly, vaccines offer the most viable means to combat a pandemic threat. Current egg-based influenza vaccine manufacturing strategies are unlikely to be able to cater to the huge, rapid global demand because of the anticipated scarcity of embryonated eggs in an avian influenza pandemic and other factors associated with the vaccine production process. Therefore, alternative, egg-independent vaccine manufacturing strategies should be evaluated to supplement the traditional egg-derived influenza vaccine manufacturing. Furthermore, evaluation of dose-sparing strategies that offer protection with a reduced antigen dose will be critical for pandemic influenza preparedness. Development of new antiviral therapeutics and other, nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies will further supplement pandemic preparedness. This review highlights the current status of egg-dependent and egg-independent strategies against an avian influenza pandemic.


The classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci are the most polymorphic loci in the human genome, with hundreds of new alleles reported yearly. HLA polymorphisms in exons 2 and 3 of class I loci and in exon 2 of class II loci distinguish the peptide binding regions of HLA proteins. Current HLA typing methodologies focus on identifying variant positions in these exons, and most do not detect allelic variation in other exons or non-coding regions of HLA genes. Because of the limitations in detecting polymorphic variants and the pace of new allele discovery, commonly used HLA typing methodologies cannot unambiguously identify all known HLA alleles or genotypes. Consequently, many HLA genotyping results are ambiguous in that both alleles of each HLA locus for a given subject may have multiple possible identities, and each subject may have multiple possible genotypes. Here, we describe an approach to allelic and genotypic ambiguity resolution that uses published HLA allele frequencies in 10 world regions to determine the most likely diploid alleles and genotype for each subject in an HLA typing study. This method has been implemented in an online tool at www.ImmPort.org, and is freely available for use by the immunology community. This ambiguity reduction tool will allow investigators studying autoimmune disease, adverse drug reactions, transplantation outcome and other HLA associated conditions to more accurately determine the contribution of specific HLA alleles to disease.


Hydrogen cyanamide (HC) is an important tool for growers of low-chill fruit crops in subtropical production regions. This chemical can help plants break dormancy to enhance the emergence of leaves shortly after bloom and fruit set. Leaf emergence is important for the production of sugars, structural carbohydrates and volatile flavor components in low-chill fruit that often have a compressed fruit developmental period. The objective of this preliminary study was to observe the application of two rates of hydrogen cyanamide (HC; Dormex®) on 'UFSun' and 'UFOne' peach varieties. Two rates were applied (2% or 3%; v/v + surfactant) in 'UFSun' while only 3% was applied in 'UFOne'. Controls were included in which no chemical was applied. HC was effective at increasing lateral budbreak in both peach varieties, and there was no difference between the 2% and 3% rate in 'UFSun'. Terminal budbreak was not affected in 'UFSun'; however application of HC did increase terminal budbreak in 'UFOne'. Neither variety exhibited phytotoxicity symptoms at either rate when applied three to four weeks before anticipated budbreak. This preliminary study has shown that when applied before bud swell, HC can improve terminal and lateral budbreak in low-chill peaches. However, timing of the application can do severe damage to flower and leaf buds and must be considered to avoid crop loss.


Ion beam space charge compensation occurs by cumulating in the beam potential well charges having opposite polarity, usually generated by collisional processes. In this paper we investigate the case of a H(-) ion beam drift, in a bi-dimensional approximation of the NIO1 (Negative Ion Optimization phase 1) negative ion source. H(-) beam ion transport and plasma formation are studied via particle-in-cell simulations. Differential cross sections are sampled to determine the velocity distribution of secondary particles generated by ionization of the residual gas (electrons and slow H2 (+) ions) or by stripping of the beam ions (electrons, H, and H(+)). The simulations include three beamlets of a horizontal section, so that multibeamlet space charge and secondary particle diffusion between separate generation regions are considered, and include a repeller grid biased at various potentials. Results show that after the beam space charge is effectively screened by the secondary plasma in about 3 μs (in agreement with theoretical expectations), a plasma grows across the beamlets with a characteristic time three times longer, and a slight overcompensation of the electric potential is verified as expected in the case of negative ions.


Because of the interdependence between resident population (e.g. as customers or manpower) and economic activities (e.g. shops or services), firm location decisions play an important role in comprehensive land use models. However, due to a lack of data at the micro level permit-ting the estimation of discrete choice models, there is only little research on this topic. In this paper, data from the commercial registers of three Swiss cantons, St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden, have been analysed. This dataset provides information on more than 50,000 companies during 1991 to 2006. Various variables such as local taxes, governmental business friendliness, and accessibilities have been tested in a Nested Logit (NL) model. The results show that distance, local taxes, and cantonal business development have a strong influence on firm location choice. Furthermore, significant differences between sectors can be identified. For instance, residents with graduate degrees have a significant and high impact on service industries.


The Community Mortgage Program (CMP) is a financing scheme that enables organized residents of slums to borrow for land purchase and housing development. It is considered to be the most innovative and responsive government housing program in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the CMP has a number of weaknesses that have not been given much attention in the years of program implementation. These issues pertain to program targeting, service delivery, and organization. This study aims to review the current processes and overall performance of the CMP including its variants—the localized CMP and the High Density Housing Program. It also provides recommendations on how the identified problems can be addressed.


The use of the SO{sub 2} allowance system as defined by Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments offers utilities greater compliance flexibility than EPA technology standards, State Implementation Plan (SEP) performance standards, or EPA bubble/offset strategies. Traditional methods at best offered the utility the ability to trade emissions between different units at a particular plant. The SO{sub 2} emissions trading system advocated under Title IV will allow a utility to trade emissions across its utility system, and/or trade emissions between utilities to take advantage of interfirm control cost differences. The use of transferable emission allowances offers utilities greater flexibility in the choice of how to control emissions: the choices include fuel switching, flue gas scrubbing, environmental dispatch, repowering, and even the choice not to control emissions [as long as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements are met]. The added flexibility allows utilities to choose the least cost manner of compliance with Title IV requirements. It is hoped (intended) that pollution control cost-minimization by individual utilities will in turn reduce the cost of controlling SO{sub 2} for the electric utility industry in aggregate. In addition, through the use of NO{sub x}more » emission averaging, the utility would average NO{sub x} emissions from different point sources in order to comply with the prescribed emission standard.« less


Production of yarn made of high purity carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is essential to novel macro-scale applications in the making of bulletproof vests, electrically conductive wire, antennas and mechanical actuators. In this study, which serves as a preliminary investigation towards optimization and scaling-up of production of high purity yarn using direct spinning of CNT bundles in a swirled floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition (SFCCVD), yarn was produced through direct spinning of CNT bundles. CNT bundles were synthesized in the SFCCVD reactor using acetylene as the carbon source and ferrocene as the catalyst. Effect of feed flow rate and reaction temperature on the production was investigated. Morphology, degree of defect and electrical conductivity of the as-produced yarn were checked using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and four-probe method, respectively. CNT yarn was successfully obtained at a reactor temperature of and at acetylene flow rate of 135 ml min−1. SEM micrographs of the fibrous structure show high degree of alignment parallel to the fibre direction with good consistency. Results from the four-probe method test show a typical linear ohmic behaviour indicating that the samples are electrically conductive. Higher reactor temperature favours the production of CNT yarn with a higher electrical conductivity and less crystalline defects.


Owing to reduction of sturgeon stocks in various water bodies, artificial propagation has become significantly important for stock restoration and appropriate broodstock selection is vital in this process. Selection of suitable broodstocks may influence the quality and quantity of obtained eggs and larva. The present study aimed to examine correlation between some morphometric and reproductive parameters to find suitable brood fish for artificial reproduction in Russian sturgeon, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii . Forty fish free of any external disease symptom and abnormality were selected for the study. Following biometric measurements including weight, total length, abdominal girth, PV (distance between pectoral and pelvic fins), LX (distance between anal and caudal fins), polarization index (PI), gonadosomatic index, absolute fecundity, and fertilization rate, correlations between these morphometric and biological characteristics with emphasis on breeding were calculated. There was higher correlation between weight-absolute fecundity and length-PV in fish responded to artificial breeding, while correlation between age-PV, length-PV and weight-abdominal girth were higher in those fish not responded to artificial breeding. The results suggests that it is quite possible to select suitable Russian sturgeon spawners for artificial propagation based on combination of body weight, LX, PV, age, abdominal girth and total length, however the most useful criteria for the selection seems to be precise measurement of the polarization index.


This paper presents a new highly sensitive technique for interface characterization in VLSI MOSFET's. The technique appears to be very promising for future generations of devices as its sensitivity increases with decreasing device dimensions. Our results show that it can detect trap densities as low as a few 109 eV-1 cm-2. Moreover, this sensitivity can be further enhanced by operating at liquid nitrogen temperature.


This study introduces a new theoretical concept, "false readiness" (FR), to fill a lacuna in theories of conflict resolution (CR). Existing theories focus mostly on successful cases and opening phases and suggest conditions and variables to determine whether a conflict is "ripe" or "ready" for resolution. The prevailing assumption is that if disputants decide to enter negotiations, they must have "crossed the Rubicon" and wish to reach agreement. This is not always the case in protracted conflicts where parties enter negotiations for reasons other than reaching peace. Existing CR theories do not adequately address this phenomenon. Negotiation theories do explore dishonest intentions but describe them as side effects, short lived and tactical. They also offer too many overlapping and confusing concepts that for the purposes of this study had to be clarified, categorized, and modified. The main goal of this work is not to create an entirely new theory, but rather to add a new theoretical layer to the readiness theory of CR that would be capable of investigating failures to resolve protracted conflicts. The layer is based on the integration of the readiness theory with concepts from negotiation theory that explore conditions where parties negotiate without intention to achieve agreement. FR addresses dubious intentions as strategic and long run that can span multiple stages in CR processes, not only the opening one.


This book addresses the chemistry of the second and third row d-block metals, assuming a knowledge of the chemistry of the first row metals. Chapter 1 looks at the metals and summarizes occurrence, physical properties and uses. Chapter 2 considers periodic trends in properties. Chapter 3 considers aqueous solution chemistry, species present (with comparisons of the first row metal ions) and redox properties. Chapter 4 surveys structure: the range of coordination numbers shown by second and third row metals is often a topic for discussion in University courses. Chapter 5 looks at electronic spectra and magnetic properties, making comparisons with the first row the main objective of the chapter. Detailed mathematical treatments are not given. Chapter 6 considers metal-metal bonding, and the classes of compound that contain triple and quadruple bonds; the role of bridging ligands is introduced. Chapter 7 looks at selected clusters with a pi donar ligands (e.g. metal halo species) in which metal-metal bonding is important. Chapter 8 introduces the area of polyoxometallates, closing with a short discussion of the wide range of applications. The book contains many references to encourage wider reading by the student; in addition to textbooks of relevance, the author has included many recent literature citations, and a section called "Metals in Action" which gives citations which show the heavier metals at work in, for example, catalytic converters and molecular wires.


High manganese-aluminum steel have obtained great attention because of their excellent strength, ductility and formability. However, a high manganese content can increase the solubility of nitrogen significantly and result in the formation of the AlN inclusions during the process of steelmaking. Therefore, a better understanding and control of nitrogen content and AlN inclusions in Fe–Mn–Al melts is essential for the process of steelmaking. In this work, the nitrogen solubility in Fe–Mn–Al melts ([%Mn]<20, [%Al]<2) was measured at 1 873 K under the nitrogen partial pressure range of 0.1 atm to 0.4 atm. It was concluded from the experimental results that nitrogen solubility decreased with the increase of aluminum content, but increased with the increase of manganese content. Moreover, AlN inclusions were found in the samples with the aluminum content of 1.3 mass% and 1.4 mass% under the nitrogen partial pressure of 0.4 atm. It was also confirmed that the interaction parameters of thermodynamic model for Fe–Mn–Al–N system determined by Paek et al. were effective over a wide range of aluminum content and nitrogen partial pressure.


A study was conductedduring 2018-2019 (Approximately one year) at College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthanto access the heat ambience associated alterations in water-deficit markers in sheep from western Rajasthan. Appraisal of environmental elements was carried out on the basis of recording of heat load index during intervening, dry-hot, humid-hot and cold Environmental Periods from Sri Ganganagar and Churu districts of Rajasthan. The mean values among EPs varied significantly (p≤0.05) for minimum, maximum and average Temperature Humidity Index (THI). During humid-hot EP, the % variation in the values of plasma bicarbonate, urine bicarbonate, Fractional Excretion of Bicarbonate ions (FEBicarb), plasma anion gap and urine anion gap were found to be maximum (+32.73%, +112.78%, +168.75%,-45.74% and +23.17, respectively. On the basis of study it was concluded that the humid hot was the most effective season among all ambiences. The female sheep were affected more than male sheep. Along with that it was also observed that 15–19 age group was affected the most among all 4 age groups. Among all ambiences, humid hot environmental condition becomes very significant for unorganized farm animals. In study of stress caused by hot environment bicarbonate ions appeared to be the most perceivable analyte representing fluid, electrolyte and acid-base status. It could also be concluded that environmental stress, disturbs the ionic balance so the nutritional and management remedies are required for better health and production of sheep under at unorganised farms.


Ocular tissues have the capacity to metabolize arachidonate to prostaglandins and related materials, such as hydroxy arachidonate derivatives (HETEs) which are potent mediators of the inflammatory response. Reactive oxygen species are also present during the inflammatory response, resulting in an altered oxidative environment within the eye. This study was designed to evaluate the possible impact of the oxidant hydrogen peroxide and anti-oxidants, ascorbic acid and glutathione, upon arachidonate metabolism. It was found that hydrogen peroxide was observed to potently inhibit arachidonate metabolism in the cornea, but not in the iris-ciliary body. This might be related to a more efficient detoxification of hydrogen peroxide by iris-ciliary body. Ascorbate appeared to have a general stimulatory influence upon arachidonate metabolism in the iris-ciliary body. In the cornea, ascorbate selectively reduced metabolism to HETE while enhancing the products generated by the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. In both cornea and iris-ciliary body reduced glutathione suppressed conversion of arachidonate to its active metabolites. These observations indicate that arachidonate metabolism in ocular tissues is sensitive to the oxidative environment.


A quantum algorithm for solving the classical NP-complete problem — the Hamilton circuit is presented. The algorithm employs the quantum SAT and the quantum search algorithms. The algorithm is square-root faster than classical algorithm, and becomes exponentially faster than classical algorithm if nonlinear quantum mechanical computer is used.


A novel method of ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was developed for the quantitative analysis of 18 major bioactive components from Huangqi decoction (HQD). HQD is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used to treat consumptive and chronic liver diseases. Chromatographic separation was performed on a reverse-phase C18 column for 30 min at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. The optimum mobile phase for the gradient elution was 0.05% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. All of the analytes showed good linearity over the tested concentration ranges (r2 > 0.9972). The recoveries of the three concentration levels ranged from 91.14% to 106.21% with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.69%. Intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 4.73% and 4.97%, respectively. Moreover, this method was successfully used to determine the content of HQD extracts in three different batches. Hence, this method could be used for the multi-component quality control of HQD.


The rapid northward drift of the Indian plate during Deccan volcanism assumes a gradual shallowing of paleomagnetic inclinations in subsequent lava flow formations. A comparison of palaeomagnetic data produced during the last six decades reveals an inclination anomaly during Chron C29r (66.398–65.688 Ma) along with brief clockwise-counter-clockwise rotations during and after the main phase Deccan eruption. This interval temporally coincides with i) an accelerated Indian ocean spreading rates, ii) brief incursion of an inland 'seaway' and iii) a major drop in the sea level at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula. Furthermore, the restoration of tilt later during C29n agrees with the withdrawal of the inland seaway and the development of a regional southward dip of the Deccan lava flow formations. Here, we produce an evolutionary model to postulate the interaction of the Réunion plume with the Indian lithospheric plate with coincident geological evidences demanding further exploration.


Purpose:Dasatinib has limited single-agent activity in unselected patients with metastatic breast cancer. Several gene signatures predictive ofdasatinib response in vitrohavebeen reported. Thepurpose of this threearm, phase II study was to prospectively assess the utility of three previously published gene signatures to select patients with clinical benefit from dasatinib. Experimental Design: Patients with metastatic breast cancer underwent biopsy for gene expression profiling in an academic CLIA laboratory; those who were positive for any one of three predictive gene signatures (dasatinib sensitivity signature, SRC pathway activity signature, and dasatinib target index) received dasatinib 100 mg orally daily. The three marker-defined cohorts were analyzed separately, using early stopping rules for futility. Results: Ninety-seven patients were enrolled, 93 underwent biopsy, and 80% of the biopsies were sufficient for molecular testing. Thirty patients were positive for at least one signature and received treatment. Only 1 patient experienced clinical benefit and had stable disease over 300 days. All three arms were closed early for futility. There was one serious biopsy-related adverse event (hematoma and pain following a liver biopsy). There were no unexpected toxicities from dasatinib. Conclusion: None of the three predictive gene signatures, although supported by preclinical evidence, defined tumors clinically sensitive to dasatinib as a single agent. Clin Cancer Res; 1–7. 2014 AACR.


A pulsed Townsend swarm technique has been used to study electron-ionization and electron-attachment processes in methane over the density-normalized electrical field strength, , in the range 1.2-30 fV (120-3000 Td). The time-resolved ionic avalanches were obtained under conditions such that the occurrence of electron-attachment processes was detected unambiguously. The analysis of these avalanche pulses resulted in values of the effective ionization coefficients and positive-ion mobilities over the above range. To the best of our knowledge, no values of positive-ion mobilities had been published before for Td. The electron-attachment effects were observed up to Td.


Cultural differences affect everything from international relations to the trivial encounters of daily life. Tensions between the U.S. and Japan, strife between African-Americans and Koreans, the difficulty urban youth encounter in adapting to a white-collar professional culture--all can be traced, directly or indirectly, to cultural and psychological barriers. The Culture and Psychology Reader gathers a wide range of contributors to present a comprehensive guide to the myriad issues at the nexus of culture and psychology. What role have culture, race, and ethnicity assumed--or, rather, been allocated--in American psychology? How do traditionally marginalized groups, such as African-Americans, poor women, lesbians and gays, and bicultural people, perceive themselves and what can this tell us about the interplay between culture and psychology? Beginning with definitions and an overview, the book examines such issues as development, adaption, the acquisition of culture, the self in a cultural context, and diagnostic assessment and treatment acknowledging the risk of cultural bias. Contributors to this volume include: Clifford Geertz, Richard Shweder, John Ogbu, Laura Brown, Michelle Fine and Adrienne Asch, Cherrie Moraga, June Jordan, Arturo Madrid, Howard Gardner, and Arthur Kleinman.


Two papers, one appearing on
 page 684
 of this issue and another in the 24 July issue of
 Nature, are clarifying how babies learn language. It appears that "parentese," the singsong type of exaggerated speech parents tend to use when speaking to their babies, helps them learn the key features of vowel sounds, although they don9t always use the distinctions they learn right away. Instead, they save them until they are needed.


The decomposition of chromium nitrate anion, Cr(NO3)4(-), was investigated by tandem mass spectrometry. The major fragments correspond to sequential elimination of NO2(•) via O(•-) abstraction from each nitrate ligand to yield CrOn(NO3)(4-n)(-), n = 1-4, products. The metal is oxidized upon the first three O(•-) abstraction reactions to yield the fully oxidized Cr(VI), closed-shell, CrO3(NO3)(-) fragment. A CrO4(-) fragment was detected, but the metal is not further oxidized upon the fourth O(•-) abstraction. Experiment and theory indicate the first three O(•-) abstraction reactions are low energy processes, but the formation of CrO4(-) is considerably higher in energy. Theoretical studies show the 3d electrons in chromium are removed by O(•-) for CrOn(NO3)(4-n)(-), n = 1-3, to yield oxo, O(2-) ligands, but the electron density is replaced by donation from π bonds involving the oxygen lone pairs. Theory predicts a decrease in metal charge for each O(•-) abstraction, opposite the trend expected for oxidation, due to π electron donation from the oxygen atoms.


BACKGROUND: The most common and lethal consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The persistent inflammation present in CKD increases hepcidin levels. Iron accumulates in the arterial wall in atherosclerosis. Hepcidin-25 was thought to accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaques by blocking iron release from macrophages. Therefore, we sought to determine the relationship between hepcidin-25 and asymptomatic atherosclerosis in non-dialysis CKD patients. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the relationship between hepcidin-25 and subclinical atherosclerosis in non-dialysis CKD patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional SETTINGS: Outpatient clinic for urology and nephrology at a university hospital SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants above the age of 18 years included a group of healthy controls and a group of CKD patients who were not routinely maintained on hemodialysis. The latter group was further divided according to eGFR into CKD-3, CKD-4 and CKD-5 subgroups. We excluded patients with comorbidities, patients with chronic liver disease, and other conditions or habits. CBC, kidney function tests, and serum levels of hepcidin-25 (SH-25), TNF-α, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were assessed. To measure carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and determine presence of plaques, carotid ultrasonography was performed. The near or far walls of common carotid artery, bulb, and internal carotid artery were used to measure CIMT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SH-25 association and indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis. SAMPLE SIZE: 128 participants, the control group (n=25) and the non-hemodialysis CKD patients (n=103) RESULTS: The CKD patients had significantly higher serum levels of markers of inflammation including IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP (P<.001 for each) compared to the controls. There was a significantly higher level of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<.001 for each) and a lower level of HDL-C (P<.001) in the CDK patients compared to controls. SH-25 was considerably higher in all CKD subgroups, especially with progression of CKD. CIMT was increased in CKD patients especially CKD-4 and CKD-5 subgroups when compared to healthy participants (P<.001 for each). In the patient group, CIMT showed a positive correlation with SH-25, (r=.65 and P<.001), IL-6 (r=.65, P<.001), TNF-α (r=.71, P<.001), and hs-CRP (r=.52, P<.001). The ROC curve study showed that SH-25 (AUC=.86, P<.001), IL-6 (AUC=.83, P<.001), hs-CRP (AUC=.72, P<.001), TNF-α (AUC=.82, P<.001) were strong predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in the CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS: SH-25 and CIMT had a positive relationship in CKD patients. The ROC curve showed that SH-25 is a reliable predictor of carotid atherosclerosis. Therefore, we suggest that SH-25 is a vital biomarker of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. LIMITATIONS: Single-center


The percentage of people suffering from dementia has been rising constantly in recent decades. The fact that no effective treatments have been developed to date places particular value on prevention strategies and non-pharmacological interventions. With this in mind, the present study seeks to investigate the effects of dance on cognitive decline in older adults, and its use as a non-pharmacological strategy in efforts to combat dementia. A review of the relevant literature led to the consideration of peer-reviewed papers published between 2007 and 2020, selected on the basis of their research design, target population, intervention programmes, and assessment tools. The findings indicate that dance has a beneficial effect on cognitive function and mobility, reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms, and improves quality of life for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. In summary, there are clear indications that dance constitutes a highly promising alternative approach for the non-pharmacological treatment of dementia.


Abstract In this paper, hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite, was clad on the Ti-6Al-4V substrate by Nd-YAG laser technology, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction were utilised to compare the differences of microstructures, chemical compositions and the compounds in the coating layer and transition layer of samples. The results show that CaTiO3, TiO2, Al2O3 and Ca2P2O7 are compounds in the coating layer of hydroxyapatite cladding sample, and CaTiO3 is the main phase which appears a dendrite-like structure feature. Besides, the dendrite-like CaTiO3 phase, few compounds of TiO2, Al2O3 and the granular residual FA were found that dispersed between interdendritic areas in the coating layer of fluorapatite cladding sample. Compared with these hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite cladding samples, the distribution feature of elements Ca, P, Ti in the coating layer and transition layer is similar, but relatively higher amount of Ca, P and lower Ca/P ratio were found in the coating layer of fluorapatite cladding sample.


Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of primary malignant bone tumor and common between the ages of 10 to 25. Based on preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy, the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients has improved. However, 30% of osteosarcoma patients who become refractory to chemotherapy still die from tumor or metastasis. We previously reported that telomerase-specific, replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus (Telomelysin, OBP-301), efficiently killed human bone and soft tissue sarcoma cells but not normal human somatic cells. Recently, third-generation bisphosphonates, zoledronic acid (ZOL), is widely used to inhibit bone destruction in metastatic bone tumor through induction of apoptosis in osteoclast cells in the clinical settings. Moreover, ZOL has been shown to induce the antitumor effect synergistically in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in human sarcoma cells. In this study, we investigated the combined antitumor effect of ZOL and OBP-301 in human osteosarcoma cells. Three human osteosarcoma cell lines, HOS, SaOS-2, U2OS, were used. We used XTT assay to examine the antitumor effect of ZOL and OBP-301 individually and combinatory on days 2, 3, 5 after treatment. ZOL was treated at concentration of 0 to 10μM, and OBP-301 was infected at multiplicity of infections (MOI) of 0 to 50 plaque forming units (PFU)/cell. Synergy between ZOL and OBP-301 was analyzed with the CalcuSyn software (BioSoft). XTT assay showed that treatment of ZOL or OBP-301 decreased the cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Combination treatment of ZOL and OBP-301 showed synergy and additive effects. After calculation of the half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ZOL and dose (ID50) of OBP-301 for each cell, cells were treated with ZOL and OBP-301 for 3 days at concentration of IC50 and ID50, respectively. Whole cell lysates were subjected to western blot analysis for the cleaved PARP (C-PARP) and PARP, LC3, p62 and β-actin. Western blot analysis revealed that ZOL induced apoptosis, which was confirmed by increasing of C- PARP, and OBP-301 induced not only apoptosis but also autophagy, which is confirmed by conversion of LC3- I to LC3- II and p62 down-regulation. Combination treatment showed increasing of these effects synergistically or additively in each cell. These results suggest that combination treatment of ZOL and OBP-301 is a promising antitumor strategy for patients with osteosarcomas. We are now planning to investigate the antitumor and bone-protective effects of combination treatment in an orthotopic xenograft tumor model using 3D-CT imaging system. Citation Format: Yasuaki Yamakawa, Joe Hasei, Hiroshi Tazawa, Shuhei Osaki, Tsuyoshi Sasaki, Toshiyuki Kunisada, Aki Yoshida, Yasuo Urata, Toshifumi Ozaki, Toshiyoshi Fujiwara. Combined effect of zoledronic acid and telomerase-specific oncolytic virotherapy for human osteosarcoma cells. [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 3320. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3320