Dermatology Times editorial advisor Dr. Elaine Siegfried talks with Jim Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania about the art and science of isotretinoin therapy. Dr. Leyden, aside from being a member of the famed Acne Mafia, was a really active participant in the drug development process for isotretinoin, a drug for which, the institutional memory about that process may be fading. The two discuss many of the important initial clinical observations and those that others have made over the years.


This paper, for the first time, presents a new technique to overcome the problems of realizing multiple band rejection notches in high-order miniaturized UWB filters employing the E-shape microstrip structure. The new technique employs double layer substrate where on the bottom layer the main filter is developed and on the top the circuit for band rejection notches is etched. These two filter circuits are capacitively coupled using overlapping microstrip lines. To demonstrate the technique and design process a fifth-order UWB bandpass filter is developed with two and four band rejection notches. The filter size is about 6.6 mm × 6.5 mm × 6.3 mm excluding the feeding ports.


The aim of this article is to describe a training programme intended to ensure the quality of standard Catalan in broadcast advertising. Initiated in 2007, the programme offered working or aspiring broadcasters training in the linguistic and oral performance skills necessary to carry out their job in fully proficient standard Catalan. Promotion, organization and instruction of the programme was shared between a local university and a public media corporation, and in the three years that it was offered a total of 83 students were certified by the programme. It served to significantly increase the pool of broadcasters with full professional proficiency in standard Catalan and laid the foundations for the development of a professional sector characterized by its use of high-quality specialized and standardized language. It can thus be seen as forming part of the extension of language knowledge and use phase in the process of standardizing a minority language.


This article deals with the DFG Viewer for Interoperability, a free and open source web-based viewer for digitised books, and assesses its relevance for interoperability in Germany. First the specific situation in Germany is described, including the important role of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation). The article then moves on to the overall concept of the viewer and its technical background. It introduces the data formats and standards used, it briefly illustrates how the viewer works and includes a few examples.


Surgical management of a renal vein thrombus during radical nephrectomy can be challenging under laparoscopic conditions. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the setting of a renal vein tumor thrombus has been described using various GIA stapling, Statinsky clamping, or hand-assist techniques to milk back the renal vein thrombus.1 These techniques for milking the tumor thrombus have potential limitations, such as the challenge of placing a wide GIA stapler between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and thrombus while avoiding a positive margin at the staple line, the potential for injury to the renal vein when a Statinsky clamp is used to milk the thrombus, or the need for a hand port.

We present that case of a 63-year-old woman with an 11-cm left renal mass in a horseshoe kidney and a renal vein tumor thrombus that extended to the IVC (Fig. 1) that was managed using robotic assistance for radical heminephrectomy and renal vein thrombectomy. We describe a novel Hem-o-Lok clip technique for management of a renal vein thrombus during radical nephrectomy with a minimally invasive approach.

FIG. 1.

Preoperative abdominal MRI that demonstrates an 11-cm upper pole mass (dashed arrow) in the left moiety of a horseshoe kidney with a left renal vein thrombus (straight arrow) extending to the confluence of the inferior vena cava.

Technique
Our technique of patient positioning, trocar placement, and robot docking for robotic transabdominal kidney surgery has been described previously.2 Using robot assistance, the bowel was mobilized to expose the aorta and IVC. The renal isthmus and renal artery were dissected using robot assistance and transected using laparoscopic staplers. The renal vein and IVC were carefully dissected, and a laparoscopic ultrasound probe was used to identify the thrombus in the renal vein.

An extra-large Hem-o-Lok clip was partially closed around the renal vein proximal to the tumor thrombus and was used to retract the thrombus toward the kidney (Fig. 2A). The clip was then applied, creating a space in the renal vein between the clip and the IVC, which was confirmed to be free of tumor thrombus by intraoperative ultrasonography. Additional Hem-o-Lok clips were applied on the renal vein at the junction with the IVC. The renal vein was incised circumferentially between clips, with visual confirmation of absence of thrombus at the resected margin (Fig. 2B), and the kidney was removed using a specimen retrieval bag.

FIG. 2.

Intraoperative view that shows use of extra-large Weck clips to retract the renal vein thrombus (A) and to exclude a portion of the thrombus-free renal vein for resection (B).

Operative time was 190 minutes, and blood loss was 450 mL. No complications occurred, and discharge was on postoperative day 2. Histologic evaluation confirmed clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade 3 with negative surgical margins, pT3bN0Mx (Fig. 3).

FIG. 3.

Intact extracted heminephrectomy specimen with intraluminal renal vein thrombus exposed after removal of Hem-o-Lok clip (arrows). Venous resection margins were negative for cancer.

Discussion
Desai and associates1 and other groups have described laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the setting of a renal vein tumor thrombus using various stapling or clamping techniques. Bhayani and colleagues3 described laparoscopic heminephrectomy in a horseshoe kidney for renal-cell carcinoma. We report the first case of robot-assisted heminephrectomy for kidney cancer in a horseshoe kidney with a renal vein thrombus. The decision was made to use robot assistance in the event that a cavotomy with intracorporeal suture repair of the IVC was needed. Although IVC reconstruction did not prove to be necessary, we did identify a novel technique for retraction and exclusion of a renal vein thrombus using extra-large Hem-o-Lok clips.

Early ligation of the renal artery may decrease venous pressure and retract the thrombus slightly to enable placement of an extra-large Hem-o-Lok clip across the renal vein, which can be used to milk the thrombus away from the IVC. A potential advantage of using Hem-o-Lok clips is that they may be easier to place between the IVC and thrombus than a wider endovascular stapling device, and it avoids the possibility of thrombus being incorporated into the staple line. The Hem-o-Lok clip can be partially closed around the renal vein with a controlled amount of pressure to facilitate milking of the thrombus without undue force that could cause trauma to the renal vein. Our technique also allows for confirmation of absence of tumor thrombus at the surgical margin, both by intraoperative ultrasonography and by direct visualization as the renal vein is incised.

We recognize that some renal veins could potentially be too wide for safe use of the Hem-o-Lok clip, although the extra-large clip should accommodate most situations. Our technique of using Hemo-o-Lok clips to control the tumor thrombus avoided the need for a cavotomy and IVC reconstruction in this patient. This technique can be used with either a robotic or laparoscopic approach.

Robot-assisted radical nephrectomy is feasible in the setting of a horseshoe kidney and/or a renal vein tumor thrombus. Hemo-o-Lok clips can be used to retract and entrap the renal vein thrombus, facilitating successful tumor resection. Experience with minimally invasive radical nephrectomy is recommended before attempting management of a renal vein thrombus using this technique.


The Hopf algebraic structure, i.e., comultiplication, coinverse and counit, is presented for a two-parameter deformed boson oscillator algebra. This result shows that the two-parameter deformed boson oscillator algebra is a Hopf algebra which is neither commutative nor cocommutative.


A great deal of attention is currently focused on multi-sensor track fusion (TF), for it can not only achieve improved performance and provide more inferences, but also reduce the computational complexity and the bandwidth of transmission. This paper makes use of Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) algorithm to track the multi-target for each sensor in cluttered environment. And one of the most important aspects of multi-sensor track fusion is track-to-track-association (TTTA). To solve the problem, an approach of double-threshold tracks association is presented. It uses the track weighted fusion approach to fuse each track from sensors. Compared to a single sensor's performance, Simulation results show that the proposed approach achieves considerable performance improvement for multisensor-multitarget tracking in cluttered environment.


We previously reported that monocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-treated endothelial cells increased expression of tissue factor and CD36 on monocytes. Using immunological cross-linking to mimic receptor engagement by natural ligands, we now show that CD15 (Lewis X), a monocyte counter-receptor for endothelial selectins may participate in this response. We used cytokine production as a readout for monocyte activation and found that CD15 cross-linking induced TNF-alpha release from peripheral blood monocytes and cells from the monocytic cell line MM6. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed an increase in steady-state TNF-alpha mRNA after 3 to 4 hours of cross-linking. CD15 cross-linking also concomitantly increased interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA, while no apparent change was observed in the levels of beta-actin mRNA, indicating specificity. To examine transcriptional regulation of cytokine genes by CD15 engagement, a CAT plasmid reporter construct containing IL-1 beta promoter/enhancer sequences was introduced into MM6. Subsequent cross-linking of CD15 increased CAT activity. CD15 engagement by monoclonal antibody also attenuated IL-1 beta transcript degradation, demonstrating that signaling via CD15 also had posttranscriptional effects. Nuclear extracts of anti-CD15 cross-linked cells demonstrated enhanced levels of the transcriptional factor activator protein-1, minimally changed nuclear factor-kappa B, and did not affect SV40 promoter specific protein-1. We conclude that engagement of CD15 on monocytes results in monocyte activation. In addition to its well-recognized adhesive role, CD15 may function as an important signaling molecule capable of initiating proinflammatory events in monocytes that come into contact with activated endothelium.


Notaries Public in England in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries. By C. R. Cheney. Pp. xii +206 +6 plates. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1972. £5. To students of English diplomatic or legal and ecclesiastical history, the notary public has always seemed a moderately exotic figure—exotic, since he was the local representative of an institution universal to western Christendom, but moderately, since we have long known that he played an important part in various areas of English ecclesiastical administration; and not only ecclesiastical, since some of the crucial documents on the Great Cause of the Scottish succession in the 1290s, for example, are notarial. The special difficulty is that any depth of penetration into the notary's activities and significance demands familiarity with a wide range of continental literature, especially on canon law and diplomatic and local ecclesiastical history, in languages almost beyond counting. Indeed, the patience, learning and judgement revealed in this book seem almost miraculous; and although the author gives full acknowledgement to earlier studies of the subject, it is clear that he has added a new dimension to English diplomatic, and illuminated a substantial number of historical problems in a new way. Readers of this JOURNAL will find special interest in the early chapters which show, with a novel precision, the relations between the appearance of the notaries in England in the mid-thirteenth century and the cosmopolitan nature of canon law, their wider usefulness and their extensive use in episcopal administration and the church courts in the fourteenth century. All who handle documents will find the chapter on diplomatic of consuming interest, especially the pages which reveal how the effort to combine precision and conciseness led the notaries to inadvertent distortion—pages which end with a dialogue between Professor Cheney and Professor Stones in which historical and diplomatic learning combine to illuminate the Great Cause. This is a technical and pioneer study, as the author modestly insists, which marks a clear path for understanding the work of the Notary Public in England for the first time; and it is a model of penetrating scholarship.


The global character of research and business related to the language-technology sector requires those producing applications of technology in this domain to comply with relevant regulation – pertaining to intellectual property, personality rights, and data protection – applicable in multiple jurisdictions. The paper reports on research aimed at evaluating and defining conditions for the compatibility of various legal frameworks for the use of voice and speech in development and dissemination of language-technology applications from the EU and the Russian data-protection regulation perspective. The research fills a gap that is of particular relevance, in that the compatibility of Russian data-protection law with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with regard to the field of language technology has not been explored extensively. The authors draw from prior research to examine the implications in greater depth, with two foci. The first part of the article addresses the legal nature of human voice and speech. In the second part of the paper, the conditions for the development of language technologies are analysed.


Objective To establish the correlation between tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) and the progression of pancreatic carcinoma(PC) after detecting the expression level of TFPI-2 in PC,and to evaluate the value of TFPI-2 as prognostic index in PC.Methods Expression levels of TFPI-2 in 10 normal and 25 cancerous/juxta-cancerous pancreas were testified with Western blot and RTPCR analyses respectively.Expression density of TFPI-2 in each group was analyzed with HPIAS image analyzer and compared with ANOVA.The correlation between the expression level of TFPI-2 and malignancy was tested with Spearman rank correlation.Disease-specific survival curves were calculated according to Kaplan Meier algorithm,and log rank test was used to compare survival curves.Then,Cox regression analysis was applied to determine the single contribution of each covariate on survival rate.Results The expression level of TFPI-2 decreased along with progression of PC with significant difference among groups (P <0.05),and there was a significantly negative correlation between TFPI-2 protein and progression (r= -ft 816,P <0.001).Among the 13 studied variables,such as the expression level of TFPI-2 protein, tumor stage,portal vein resection,lymph node metastasis,only lymph node metastasis was a predictor of outcome.However,when we analyzed the survival without considering lymph node metastasis,a stepwise Cox analysis showed that expression level of TFPI-2 protein and combined organ resection were significantly associated to survival.Conclusion The data showed that there was strongly correlation between the expression level of TFPI-2 and the progression and survival of PC,which suggested that TFPI-2 could be a newly prognostic factor and a novel approach for gene therapy for PC.


Advancing technology, coupled with the desire to explore space has resulted in increasingly longer manned space missions. Although the Long Duration Space Flights (LDSF) have provided a considerable amount of scientific research on human ability to function in extreme environments, findings indicate long duration missions take a toll on the individual, both physiologically and psychologically. These physiological and psychological issues manifest themselves in performance decrements; and could lead to serious errors endangering the mission, spacecraft and crew. The purpose of this paper is threefold: 1) to document existing knowledge of the effects of LDSF on performance, habitability, and workload, 2) to identify and assess potential tools designed to address these decrements, and 3) to propose an implementation plan to address these habitability, performance and workload issues.


The thermal conductivities of the LaPO4/Al2O3 composites that were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were determined. The results revealed that their thermal conductivities displayed nearly a slow decrease with increasing temperature from 25oC to 800oC, having the classic 1/T dependence. In addition, the conductivities of the composites decrease monotonously with increasing the LaPO4 content because of the lower thermal conductivity of LaPO4. The calculated conductivities of the composites using Maxwell equation match well the experimental values at both the end members of LaPO4 and Al2O3 being the continuous phase, but showing a little deviation at intermediate composition.


Six factors influence the result of an electric shock: type of circuit, voltage, resistance, current, current pathway, and duration of contact. Preventive measures will reduce the hazard, and resuscitation will save many victims, according to information summarized in this article, which is based on reports previously published.


Positive social relationships in humans are known to have health promoting effects while negative social relationships have detrimental effects. Features of the broader social network, including indirect connections, also impact health. However, complicating our ability to examine these features, human networks are diverse and difficult to fully quantify. Animal models where social networks can be fully characterized are useful in examining how structurally similar yet functionally different relationships can differentially relate to biomarkers of health. For example, in nonhuman primates, grooming serves two main functions, to maintain social bonds (family/friends networks) or gain access to resources/support (political networks). We examined whether an individual's position in these two network types was differentially related to biomarkers of inflammation and physiological stress in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Consistent with predictions, females with higher family/friends centrality had lower IL-6/TNF-α levels, while females with high political centrality showed elevated levels. Middle-ranking females with high political centrality showed elevated hair cortisol yet little to no benefit of family/friend centrality. These results indicate that while grooming interactions are structurally similar, they may be functionally distinct and therefore have very different, even opposite, effects on health. Affiliative interactions occurring within the context of an established relationship (i.e., family/friends) can provide opportunities for social buffering. In contrast, interactions among individuals without established relationships, even friendly interactions, may ultimately be physiologically costly. Ultimately, these results indicate that while social relationships may appear similar, the underlying functionality can have fundamentally diverse physiological outcomes.


Threshold energies and rates for hole-initiated impact ionization are calculated as functions of energy and direction in k-space. The calculations are based on anisotropic band structure and wavefunctions derived from four-band k.p theory with remote bands taken into account by perturbation theory. It is found that in InP the transitions initiated by carriers in the split-off band are dominant, while for In,.,,Gao,,,As transitions initiated by light and heavy holes are also important. Simple algebraic expressions depending on energy and one direction parameter have been developed to approximate the computed transition rates so that these may be used in further calculations or simulations of transport involving hot carriers.


We study the stability of a planar solid-melt boundary during directional solidification of a binary alloy when the solid is being periodically vibrated in the direction parallel to the boundary (or equivalently, under a far field uniform and oscillatory flow parallel to the planar boundary). The analysis is motivated by directional solidification experiments under the low level residual acceleration field characteristic of a microgravity environment, and possible effects on crystal growth in space. It is known that periodic modulation of the solid-melt interface under the conditions stated induces second order stationary streaming flows within a boundary layer adjacent to the interface, the thickness of which is the same as the wavelength of the modulation. We derive an effective solute transport equation by averaging over the fast time scale of the oscillatory flow, and obtain the resulting dispersion relation for a small disturbance of a planar interface. We find both regions of stationary and oscillatory instability. For small ratios of the viscous to solutal layer thicknesses, s, the flow generally destabilizes the planar interface. For s≃1, the flow stabilizes the stationary branch, but it can also excite an oscillatory instability. For large s, the effect of the flow is small.


Intergenerational practitioners responding to a 2018 national survey identified a need for evidence-informed evaluation tools to measure program impact. The Best Practices (BP) Checklist, a 14-item (yes/no) measure assessing the extent to which an intergenerational program session maintained effective intergenerational strategies, may help meet this need. Yet, researchers have not validated the measure. In this study, we begin the empirical validation process by completing an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the BP Checklist to offer insight into possible item reduction and an underlying latent factor structure. Using BP Checklist data from 132 intergenerational activities, we found a 13-item, 3-factor structure, reflecting dimensions of: (a) pairing intergenerational participants, (b) person-centered strategies (e.g., selecting activities reflecting participants' interests), and (c) staff knowledge of participants. Our study represents a foundational step toward optimizing intergenerational program evaluation, thereby enhancing programming quality.


Background and Purpose— Plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-1), a ≈50-kDa serine protease inhibitor, markedly reduces the extravascular toxicity of tissue-type plasminogen activator in experimental hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury of newborns. However, the current treatment with PAI-1 requires intracerebroventricle injection to cross the blood–brain barrier, which is an invasive procedure of limited clinical potential. Thus, we tested whether intranasal administration of PAI-1 can bypass blood–brain barrier and mitigate neonatal HI brain injury. Methods— Rat pups were subjected to HI, with or without lipopolysaccharide pre-exposure, followed by intranasal delivery of a stable-mutant form of PAI-1 (CPAI). Results— Immunoblotting showed that CPAI sequentially entered the olfactory bulbs and cerebral cortex after intranasal delivery and reduced ≈75% of brain atrophy in HI or lipopolysaccharide-sensitized HI injury. Mechanistically, CPAI attenuated HI-induced plasminogen activators and lipopolysaccharide/HI-induced nuclear factor-&kgr;B signaling, neuroinflammation, and blood–brain barrier permeability. Conclusions— Intranasal delivery of CPAI is an effective treatment of experimental HI brain injury of newborns. Clinical application of this experimental therapy merits further investigation.


This paper's objective is twofold. Firstly, it presents the case for services-related policies in the current European Union (EU). The services economy is frequently misunderstood, due to old and new myths that stem from the classic economic tradition. These myths obscure the role of the services economy in economic development. Nonetheless, the European services economy faces specific problems, such as lack of market integration, which amplifies arguments that justify policy actions toward services within a framework where market and systemic failures do apply. Secondly, this paper focuses on existing services-policies at the EU level, paying special attention to the internal market for services policies and to the complementary role of primarily non-regulatory policies. Within a comprehensive policy framework, each individual policy will have a higher impact, improved implementation and easier acceptance. Synergies among services-related policies should be promoted; the internal market policies, enterprise and industrial policies, competition policies and regional policies may take the lead in such a framework. Since the Lisbon Strategy, services have begun to gain recognition in EU policy agendas. This paper attempts to increase their visibility and to highlight their crucial role in European integration and in economic growth and social welfare.


Textbooks play a prominent role in the teaching and learning of chemistry. It is the major organiser and the intended curriculum teachers adapt for their instructional practices. Although chemistry is abstract in nature, the use of visuals or images in textbooks to depict chemical phenomena at different levels remains a meaningful approach to help facilitate students' understanding of chemistry. Therefore, this study analysed chemical representations in the chemistry components of the Physical Sciences textbooks for grade 12 learners in South Africa. Three textbooks were selected and analysed using the five criteria developed by Gkitzia, Salta and Tzougraki (2011). The findings revealed that the chemical representations in the textbooks were largely at the macroscopic and hybrid levels, with surface features that are ambiguous or explicit and representations that are unlinked to text. In addition, there were few sub-microscopic, multiple, and mixed representations in the textbooks. An interesting result is that a majority of the chemical representations had appropriate captions. The implications of these findings for textbook authors or publishers were discussed.


CREB, the cAMP response element binding protein, is a key transcriptional regulator of a large number of genes containing a CRE consensus sequence in their upstream regulatory regions. Mice with a hypomorphic allele of CREB that leads to a loss of the CREBalpha and delta isoforms and to an overexpression of the CREBbeta isoform are viable. Herein we report the generation of CREB null mice, which have all functional isoforms (CREBalpha, beta, and delta) inactivated. In contrast to the CREBalpha delta mice, CREB null mice are smaller than their littermates and die immediately after birth from respiratory distress. In brain, a strong reduction in the corpus callosum and the anterior commissures is observed. Furthermore, CREB null mice have an impaired fetal T cell development of the alpha beta lineage, which is not affected in CREBalpha delta mice on embryonic day 18.5. Overall thymic cellularity in CREB null mice is severely reduced affecting all developmental stages of the alpha beta T cell lineage. In contrast gamma delta T cell differentiation is normal in CREB mutant mice.


In the summer of 1858 I passed a month cruising in my yacht around the shores of Spitzbergen and its many outlying inlets (or "skerries," as we should call them in the Highlands), and, although I have but a very slight knowledge of geology, still I was very much struck by the singular geological aspect of the country. As I visited a part of Spitzbergen which has never before been seen by any one except the ignorant seal-fishers who frequent the coast, I have been induced to commit a few of my observations to writing, in hope that others better acquainted with the theories of glacial action and upheaval of land may be able to understand the changes which are being brought about in those regions by the above agencies. We first reached the shores of Spitzbergen, about 20 miles north of South Cape, and inside of what is known as Stour-fiord or Wybe Jan's Water, an immense sound of about 300 miles long, and varying from 6 to 60 miles broad. This Sound is improperly marked in the maps as a Gulf, whereas it is in reality a Sound, dividing Spitzbergen into two nearly equal halves; but the north end, being very narrow, is invariably almost choked with heavy ice, and, being consequently impassable, has given rise to that error: boats are known, however, to have actually passed through from the north coast into Stour-fiord. The first thirty or forty miles of coast along which we sailed consisted almost


New antibacterial drugs are urgently needed to combat the growing problem of multidrug resistant bacterial infections. Major advances in bacterial genomics have uncovered many unexploited targets, leading to the possibility of discovering new antibacterials with novel mechanisms that would circumvent resistance. Many of these targets are soluble enzymes that vary in their degrees of mechanistic complexity. Protein crystallography as well as solution based biophysical methods are playing an increasingly important role in selecting, characterizing and validating promising targets as well as identifying and optimizing lead compounds that inhibit their functions. Advances made in recent years in sensitivity, resolution and throughput of biophysical tools are allowing multiple approaches to screening for hits and rational design of leads based on a deeper understanding of structure-activity relationships. However, the path from a lead compound to a safe and efficacious antibacterial drug still remains challenging. Structural and biophysical approaches have had less of an impact on this later phase of discovery than on the lead generation phase.


Primarily developed for research needs in humanoid robotics, the HuMAnS toolbox (for Humanoid Motion Analysis and Simulation) also includes a biomechanical model of a complete human body, and proposes a set of versatile tools for the modeling, the capture, the analysis and the simulation of human and humanoid motion. This set of tools is organized as a homogenous framework built on top of the numerical facilities of Scilab, a free generic scientific package, so as to allow genericity and versatility of use, in the hope to enable a new dialogue between direct and inverse dynamics, motion capture and simulation, all of this in a rich scientific software environment. Noticeably, this toolbox is an open-source software, distributed under the GPL License.


This paper considers a probabilistic approach to modeling and control, where probabilities are conditional, based upon input-output data. For this approach, we answer the following questions. Are scalar measures of identification quality good predictors of probability of performance? And, does improving a scalar measure of robustness necessarily imply improving the probability of performance? It turns out that the answer to both of these questions is no. We analyze the underlying mechanisms for such phenomena and provide general propositions to predict their occurrence. A missile autopilot example is used throughout the paper to illustrate the results.


Loan Agreement (Consolidation Loan E) between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (with schedules and General Conditions Applicable to Loan and Guarantee Agreements for Fixed-Spread Loans dated 1 September 1999). Belgrade, 17 December 2001


Nickel–phosphorus alloys are electrolessly deposited onto Cu-base conductors to suppress formation of Cu–Sn compounds during soldering using Sn-base solders. However, a Ni–Sn compound is produced during soldering, and continuously grows during energization heating at solid-state temperatures. To examine influence of P on the growth behavior of the Ni–Sn compound during energization heating, the kinetics of the solid-state reactive diffusion between Sn and electroless Ni–P alloys was experimentally determined at 473 K in the present study. For the experiment, pure Cu sheets were electrolessly deposited with Ni–P alloys containing 4.6 at%, 18.5 at% and 20.4 at% of P, and then sandwiched between pure Sn plates. Such Sn/(Ni–P)/Cu/(Ni–P)/Sn diffusion couples were isothermally annealed at 473 K for various periods up to 1307 h. During annealing, a layer of Ni3Sn4 is formed along the Sn/(Ni–P) interface in the diffusion couple. The annealing time dependence of the mean thickness of the Ni3Sn4 layer is expressed by a parabolic relationship. The parabolic coefficient slightly increases with increasing P concentration in the Ni–P. Thus, P in the Ni–P lightly accelerates the growth of Ni3Sn4 at the interconnection between the Ni–P and the Sn-base solder. Using the experimentally determined values of the parabolic coefficient, the interdiffusion coefficient in Ni3Sn4 was analytically evaluated by a mathematical model. The acceleration effect of P on the growth of Ni3Sn4 is quantitatively explained by the dependence of the interdiffusion coefficient on the P concentration in the Ni–P. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MRA2008266]


Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly required not only of private sector companies, but also of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), whose main function is to provide services to society and not principally to obtain financial reward. The important role played by managers in implementing CSR has been demonstrated by prior research. The objective of this paper is to examine how managers of SOEs perceive the concept of CSR, the reasons for their involvement and how it is integrated into everyday business practices. In addition, we examine whether managers' attitudes towards CSR policies are influenced by their personal profiles and by the sector in which the SOEs work. We find that, although these managers are aware of the importance of the CSR principles underlying their activities and understand the meaning, scope and dimensions of CSR, there remains an evident need to enhance the application of CSR policies among the strategies of SOEs. The manager profile and the sector in which the SOEs work both have a strong influence on their behaviour regarding CSR issues.


Using an event-driven molecular dynamics simulation, we show that simple monodisperse granular beads confined in coupled columns may oscillate as a different type of granular clock. To trigger this oscillation, the system needs to be driven against gravity into a density-inverted state, with a high-density clustering phase supported from below by a gaslike low-density phase (Leidenfrost effect) in each column. Our analysis reveals that the density-inverted structure and the relaxation dynamics between the phases can amplify any small asymmetry between the columns, and lead to a giant oscillation. The oscillation occurs only for an intermediate range of the coupling strength, and the corresponding phase diagram can be universally described with a characteristic height of the density-inverted structure. A minimal two-phase model is proposed and a linear stability analysis shows that the triggering mechanism of the oscillation can be explained as a switchable two-parameter Andronov-Hopf bifurcation. Numerical solutions of the model also reproduce similar oscillatory dynamics to the simulation results.


Sixty-two epiphyses in forty-nine patients were stapled. Seven patients were subjected to stapling for knock-knee deformity and forty-two for limb-length discrepancy.

Limb-Length Discrepancy

The improvement in limb-length discrepancy was disappointing. Frequently in a two-year period, the two limbs grew at about the same rate. From a study of growth charts, it was determined that one cannot expect correction of a major discrepancy in limb lengths in a two-year period. This is especially true if only one epiphysis is stapled or if the patient is not growing rapidly during the time the staples are in place.

It became apparent that some of the gain obtained by the stapling was later lost during a period of rapid growth. Enough time has not elapsed for this point to be made with certainty.

Partial extrusion of staples was fairly common. Perhaps the results would have been better if more of the partially extruded staples had been replaced. This means that the patient must undergo a second operation and finally a third operation when the staples are removed.

In sixteen patients (33 per cent.) epiphysiodesis was done after the staples had been removed because of residual major discrepancy.

Staples buried in bone were a common finding, especially when the staples had been placed subperiosteally. There were six cases of epiphyseal arrest, in five of which the staples had been placed subperiosteally. In three, however, linear growth continued normally in spite of this complication, after the staples had been removed. Nevertheless, buried staples are a hazard in patients in the younger age group.

Back-knee deformities as a postoperative complication were too common. These might be avoided by more careful attention to the placing of the staples in the posterior aspect of the tibial epiphysis.

In general, the limited data available indicates that linear growth continues normally or almost so, after staples have been removed, excluding, of course, cases of epiphyseal arrest.

Knock-Knee Deformity

The results in patients with knock-knee deformity were better. Most patients were improved. However, in two patients a significant back-knee deformity developed, but in both instances this was probably due to the preoperative condition.


This study is to evaluate the association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene val(158)met polymorphism and FM risk. We performed a meta-analysis of 8 case-control studies that included 589 FM cases and 527 case-free controls. We assessed the strength of the association, using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, this meta-analysis showed that the COMT gene val(158)met polymorphism was not associated with FM risk in all genetic models, i.e., allele (met vs. val: OR=1.46, 95% CI=0.80-2.66, P heterpgeneity<0.001), homozygous (met/met vs. val/val: OR=1.72, 95% CI=0.61-4.87, P heterpgeneity<0.001), heterozygous (val/met vs. val/val: OR=1.25, 95% CI=0.82-1.92, P heterpgeneity=0.050), recessive (met/met vs. val/val+val/met: OR=1.52, 95% CI=0.60-3.86, P heterpgeneity<0.001) and dominant model (met/met+val/met vs. val/val: OR=1.52, 95% CI=0.80-2.90, P heterpgeneity<0.001). Similarly, there were no significant associations in the subgroup analyses by ethnicity and HWE. No publication bias was found in the present study. This meta-analysis suggests that the COMT gene val(158)met polymorphism is not associated with FM risk. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.


A rational approximation method has been introduced to increase the convergence of the Taylor series, which is the fundamental basis for calculation of the second derivative of the gravity field or any field satisfying Laplace's equation. Six weight coefficient sets, three each using rational and Taylor series approximations for the same number of rings, have been developed. The frequency responses of the proposed weight coefficient sets establish the superiority of rational approximation over Taylor series approximation. The amplitude responses of all derived coefficient sets, along with those of some of the existing coefficient sets, are also presented.


This paper introduces the Middle Devonian trilobites of Gerolstein, found on the famous trilobite fields of Gees and at the Auberg hill in Gerolstein. The research history and local geology of both sites are briefly discussed and key publications for further studies are provided. Owing to the early start of trilobite related research in the early 19th century, many trilobite taxa of high taxonomic value are described from the region, which later on became name-givers for higher taxa, e.g., families and even orders. The beautiful landscape and nature of Gerolstein, together with its rich geological and fossil heritage have been a magnet for early geotourism that started already in the 19th century and continues today. Guided or independent hiking, following the many hiking trails in the area, including the famous "Eifelsteig", are the main attractions. Today, fossil collecting is not allowed in the area, but many fantastic fossil treasures including the famous Devonian trilobites and crinoids can be seen in the exhibitions of the Natural History Museum of Gerolstein. The museum has the task to preserve the geological and fossil heritage of the region. It provides guided tours through exhibitions and geological hikes in Gerolstein, and offers for children special geoeducational programs, tours and courses.


Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a non ischaemic heart muscle disease with left or biventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of other heart disease. DCM can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality due to complications like heart failure and arrhythmias. Intraoperative management of a patient with acute decompensated heart failure due to DCM is a challenge for anaesthesiologist. This case report is about a 58-year-old male patient, who was a known case of DCM with low left ventricular ejection fraction (10-15%), chronic kidney disease, chronic pancreatitis and hypertension. He came to the emergency department with acute decompensated heart failure and subacute intestinal obstruction. After initial stabilisation, he was scheduled to undergo emergency exploratory laparotomy for obstruction. Intraoperative management of the patient was done successfully by ensuring normovolemia, avoiding ventricular afterload, avoiding myocardial depression and providing adequate pain relief through multimodal analgesia. The article mentions various anaesthetic concerns, risks involved and preparations required in such a case.


Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to understand substance use patterns of alcohol, marijuana, and simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use among 2- and 4-year college students. Participants: Participants were 526 young adults aged 18–23 (n = 355 4-year students; n = 171 2-year students) recruited from February 2015 to January 2016 who were participating in a larger longitudinal study. Methods: Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify past-month classes of alcohol, marijuana, and SAM use. Results: Among both 2- and 4-year students, a four-class solution yielded the best-fitting model, with 2-year classes tending to include greater marijuana use and less alcohol use and 4-year classes tending to include heavy alcohol use. Demographic characteristics were largely similar across classes. Conclusions: Classes of alcohol, marijuana, and SAM use differed by education status. Screening and prevention efforts for 4-year students may need to be tailored for the needs of 2-year students.


This study is an action research work done to help the JHS one (1) pupils of Samproso M/A Basic School in Offinso South Municipal Assembly to identify place value of 4 - 5 digits in numerals. The study was undertaken in order to bring out the meaning of place value, the importance of teaching and learning materials (TLMs) in teaching and also the teaching and learning materials (TLMs) that could be used in teaching place value as a concept in mathematics. The study used an improvised abacus to help improve pupils' understanding of the concept of place value. Purposive as well as random sampling technique was selected and used as the study was limited to where the problem was identified and they all shared the same problem. In all, sixty-five (65) pupils comprising thirty-three (33) boys and thirty-two girls from the sample groups were used. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Pre-test, observation, interview questionnaire and post-test were the research instruments used to gather reliable data for the study. Pupils were also found to have developed favourable attitude towards mathematics. Recommendations were made with regards to teachers and pupils' attitude in the teaching of mathematics at the basic school level


The Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene flyschoidal deposits of the Sromowce and Jarmuta formations of the Pieniny Klippen Belt contain gravelstones composed of exotic pebbles of various lithology and age. Many pebbles are derived from the destroyed Early Cretaceous carbonate platform. They contain microfossils comparable with those of the Urgonian-type known from the peri-Medi- terranean Tethys. A rich assemblage of microfossils with characteristic: Archalveolina reicheli (de Castro), Palorbitolina lenticularis (Blumenbach), Mesorbitolina subconcava (Leymerie), Prae- orbitolina cormyi Schroeder, Pseudonummuloculina aurigerica Calvez and Simpliorbitolina manasi Ciry and Rat confirm the stratigraphical and paleoenvironmental connection of the microfossil assemblages with the classical Urgonian-type, shallow-water carbonate sedimentation. Single occurrences of planktonic foraminifera and tintinnids suggest sporadic contacts with the open sea environment and support the age designation based on benthic foraminifera.


Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that interleukin 3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, interferon-gamma and stem cell factor mRNA expression were higher in 15-deoxyspergualin-treated spleen cells than in control spleen cells. Increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA expression were observed in 15-deoxyspergualin-treated bone marrow cells. On the other hand, increased platelet counts in BALB/c-->C3H/He bone marrow chimeras were observed from days 20 to 33 in our previous work, when they were treated with 15-deoxyspergualin from days 14 to 25. In contrast, marked leukocytopenia and anemia were simultaneously observed, although a marked leukocytosis and a rapid recovery of anemia were observed on day 33 and thereafter. To analyze effects of 15-deoxyspergualin on hematopoiesis and the immune system, we examined mRNA expression in bone marrow and spleen cells from BALB/c-->C3H/He bone marrow chimeras treated with 15-deoxyspergualin from days 14 to 25. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, stem cell factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor mRNA expression were higher in 15-deoxyspergualin-treated chimeras than in control chimeras, indicating that these cytokines are responsible for an enhancement of hematopoiesis. It was conceivable that IL-6 supported thrombopoiesis in concert with other cytokines. On the contrary, increased IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, and IL-10 mRNA expression may play an immunosuppressive role in vivo.


Forests affect its visitors in many positive ways. It is the acknowledgement of this fact that has prompted an EU-LIFE sponsored project entitled "Urban forests for mankind". It aims to lure or welcome more citizens near urban forests to experience nature in its many forms.

In Sweden, three municipalities have decided to take the lead in this effort. Huddinge district, Haninge district, and the Royal Djurgarden Administration in conjunction with The National Board of Forestry in Malardalen are in the midst of this four year project (2001-2005). Their goals are to increase the visitor amount to their respective recreational area by implementing certain efforts such as guiding, enhanced websites, developed visitor services, and more.

The main purpose of my study is to quantify the amount of visitors to these three recreational areas. Thereby establishing a base of data results for future comparison. This study will reflect the extent of visitor usage before the different measures to increase visitor frequency have been applied by the three municipalities. Studies performed during and after the implications will therefore be able to compare their data with the data of this study.

The second purpose of this study is to become familiar with the technique of the Radio Beam Counter 2000 and evaluate its validity and reliability in the field. The counter is an instrument for measuring visitor use (people, bicyclists, cars, horses, etc.) which up to the date of this study has rarely been used in scientific studies in Sweden.

The results of this study show the visitor frequency to three recreational forests located in the Stockholm region under a period stretching from the end of May to the beginning of October. Due to certain fallacies, the areas have not been able to be measured throughout the whole period. Studying the data reveals the popularity of the areas in terms of weekend versus weekday visitor use. The results also point to a higher visitor frequency during late afternoons and evenings.

After a period of over 4 months in the field, the study can conclude that the Radio Beam
Counter is a recommended instrument for measuring visitor usage of recreational areas. If the two-part instrument (sender and receiver) can be firmly placed and well-hidden from visitors, it measures and logs painlessly the visitor frequency day in and day out. It serves, however, best on single-file trails where hikers are less likely to be registered as one visitor by walking alongside each other.


The ever decreasing transistor size has made it possible to integrate multiple cores on a single die. On the downside, this has introduced reliability concerns as smaller transistors are more prone to both transient and permanent faults. However, the abundant extra processing resources of a multicore system can be exploited to provide fault tolerance by using redundant execution. We have designed a library for multicore processing, that can make a multithreaded user-level application fault tolerant by simple modifications to the code. It uses the abundant cores found in the system to perform redundant execution for error detection. Besides that, it also allows recovery through checkpoint/rollback. Our library is portable since it does not depend on any special hardware. Furthermore, the overhead (up to 46% for 4 threads), our library adds to the original application, is less than other existing approaches, such as Respec.


Rheology, defined as the science of the deformation and flow of matter, is a multidisciplinary scientific field, covering both fundamental and applied approaches [...]


Peacebuilding in contested societies is a cross-sectoral enterprise in which young people are primary stakeholders. Multilateral state-sponsored programmes and philanthropic agencies have resourced a vibrant youth sector delivering peacebuilding initiatives in Northern Ireland and the border counties. Despite billions in investment and a rich tapestry of transformative practice, a visionary peacebuilding strategy co-created with young people has remained elusive. As a result, youth sector peacebuilding in Northern Ireland is inhibited by an obstacle facing civil society peacebuilding across the globe – an ill-articulated vision resulting in pockets of disparate practice. Based on empirical research involving 43 youth work practitioners, this article offers a novel and rigorous methodological framework and sociological analysis to support researchers, policymakers and practitioners in contested societies to advance conceptualisations of peacebuilding. Freeden's framework of morphological analysis is operationalised through Q methodology leading to the identification of four distinctive orientations to peacebuilding. Bourdieu's concepts of capital and field are drawn upon to analyse the four perspectives, framed within a new sociopolitical model of youth sector peacebuilding. Tensions between harmonising versus politicising propensities are discussed as a substantial divergence variously incentivised or neglected by powerful actors within the field with significant implications for the trajectory of practice.


Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of both normal and pathological angiogenesis. It plays critical roles in physiological processes such as maintaining vascular stability and promoting skeletal muscle differentiation. Under pathological conditions such as cancer, VEGF serves as a principle proangiogenic factor to facilitate tumor angiogenesis. To date, although many trans-activating factors of VEGF have been well described, transcriptional repression of VEGF remains much less understood. We have previously reported the identification of a SCAN domain-containing C2H2 zinc finger protein, ZNF24, which functions to repress the transcription of VEGF via direct binding to the proximal VEGF promoter. In the current study, we have focused on mapping the ZNF24 binding site within the VEGF promoter and exploring its functions in vivo. Utilizing electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we have identified an 11bp fragment of the proximal VEGF promoter as the ZNF24 binding site and show that it is essential for ZNF24-mediated repression. In addition, this fragment can modulate VEGF transcription as a decoy for ZNF24 when introduced into human breast cancer cells. Using transgenic zebrafish as an in vivo model system, we have demonstrated that expression of human ZNF24 induces vascular defects similar to those induced by VEGF knockdown. Importantly, these defects can be rescued by overexpression of VEGF. Analysis of human breast cancer tissues has shown that ZNF24 protein levels are significantly decreased in malignant tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. Our data support the conclusion that ZNF24 represses VEGF transcription through direct binding to an 11bp fragment of the VEGF proximal promoter and that it may function as a negative regulator of tumor growth by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. (Supported by NIH P01 CA045548 and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5133. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5133


To set up port forwarding rules on network gateways, certain technical skills are requiredfrom end-users. These assumptions in the gateway software stack, can lead to an increasein support calls to network operators and resellers of customer premises equipment. Theuser interface itself is also an important part of the product and a complicated interfacewill contribute to a lessened user experience. Other issues with an overwhelming userinterface include the risk of faulty configuration by the user, potentially leaving the networkvulnerable to attacks.We present an enhancement of the current port forwarding configuration in the gatewaysoftware, with an extensible library of presets along with usability improvements. To helpusers with detecting available services, a wrapper for a network scanner is implemented, fordetecting devices and services on the local network. These parts combined relieves end-usersof looking up forwarding rules for ports and protocols to configure their gateway, basingtheir decisions on data collected by the network scanner or by using an applications nameinstead of looking up its ports. Another usability improvement is an internal DNS service,which enables access to the gateway interface through a human-memorable domain name,instead of using the LAN IP address.Using the Nmap utility for identifying services on the network, could be consideredharmful activity by network admins and intrusion detection systems. The preset libraryis extensible and generic enough to be included in the default software suite shipping withthe network equipment. Working within the unified configuration system of OpenWrt, thepreset design will add value and allow resellers to easily customize it to their services. Thisproposal could reduce support costs for the service operators and improve user experiencein configuring network gateways.


The luminescent responses of sea pens (Leioptilus gurneyi) have been studied by visual observation and photo-electric recording. Light is emitted by the polyps (autozooids and siphonozooids) when the animal is excited. Gentle mechanical stimulation and electrical stimulation (condenser shocks) evoke luminescent waves which pass over the rachis at a velocity of 26·4 cm/s (20·5°C). The first luminescent wave appears after 1 to 3 shocks, depending on the condition of the animal. Subsequently, waves arise at the rate of 1/shock, and increase progressively in intensity owing to neuroeffector facilitation. On recording from re-stricted loci (width 2 cm), the following data for temporal characteristics of flashes (from auto zooids) were obtained: latent period, 0·18s; total duration of flash, 1 to 1·2s; maximal intensity from first deflexion, 0·2 s; time to half-maximum, 0·1 s. Strong mechanical and prolonged electrical stimulation produce a refractory state in which the animal contracts and no longer produces luminescent waves. Slow progressive spread of luminescence can then be induced by maintained repetitive stimulation. This effect is ascribed to intemuncial facilitation overcoming fatigue in the nerve net. Certain lines of evidence indicate that light may temporarily inhibit luminescence, apparently by affecting the excitatory system. The results are related to observations made on the luminescent responses of other sea pens.


Eradication of pharmaceutical drugs from the global ecosystem has received remarkable attention due to the extensive horrible consequences on the human immunological system and the high rate of human deaths. The urgent need for drug eradication became the dominant priority for many research institutions worldwide due to the sharp increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the human body, which inhibits drug effectiveness and leads ultimately to death. Nanohybrid GO/O-CNTs was fabricated from graphene oxide (GO) cross-linked via calcium ions (Ca2+) with oxidized carbon nanotubes (O-CNTs) to eradicate the well-known ciprofloxacin antibiotic drug from aqueous solutions. The ciprofloxacin drug is medically prescribed in millions of medical prescriptions every year and typically exists in domestic and wastewaters. Characterization of the nanohybrid GO/O-CNTs was carried out through spectroscopic (Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)), thermal (Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG)), and microscopic (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) techniques. Optimum parameters for the drug eradication process from aqueous solutions were verified and selected as follows: contact time = 4 h, pH = 6.0, temperature = 290 K, %CaCl2 = 0.5%, GO/O-CNT ratio = 4:1, and adsorbent mass = 1.0 mg. The equilibrium data were fitted to different adsorption isotherms, and the Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit to our data. Dynamic studies demonstrated a pseudo-second-order removal process for the ciprofloxacin drug, and thermodynamic parameters confirmed exothermic drug adsorption (−27.07 kJ/mol) as well as a physisorption process. For the sake of fighting against the generated AMR, our working strategy demonstrated a removal efficiency of 99.2% of the ciprofloxacin drug and drug uptake as high as 512 mg/g.


OBJECTIVE Physical activity (PA) can improve cardiovascular risk in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies also indicate an HbA1c-lowering effect in patients with type 2 diabetes. Since reports in patients with type 1 diabetes are scarce, this analysis aimed to investigate whether there is an association between PA and glycemic control or cardiovascular risk in subjects with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 18,028 adults (≥18 to <80 years of age) from Germany and Austria with type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) database were included. Patients were stratified according to their self-reported frequency of PA (PA0, inactive; PA1, one to two times per week; PA2, more than two times per week). Multivariable regression models were applied for glycemic control, diabetes-related comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors. Data were adjusted for sex, age, and diabetes duration. P values for trend were given. SAS 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS An inverse association between PA and HbA1c, diabetic ketoacidosis, BMI, dyslipidemia (all P < 0.0001), and hypertension (P = 0.0150), as well as between PA and retinopathy or microalbuminuria (both P < 0.0001), was present. Severe hypoglycemia (assistance required) did not differ in PA groups (P = 0.8989), whereas severe hypoglycemia with coma was inversely associated with PA (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS PA seemed to be beneficial with respect to glycemic control, diabetes-related comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors without an increase of adverse events. Hence, our data underscore the recommendation for subjects with type 1 diabetes to perform regular PA.


In today's organizations the concept of diversity management has won a steady position for the last 30 years and is becoming more and more important due to inevitable extension of human society diversity. The article provides certain aspects of multi-culturalism ideology, some approaches to managing cultural diversification within the frames of the current context of management. The authors studies subjects of diversity management, which is acute and needed for today's business-practice. They analyzed G. Hofsted cultural typology, ranged key types of world cultures according to R. D. Lewis and their principle characteristics. The research aims at two basic positions: on the one hand, diversity management can help organizations that are afraid of the phenomenon because of its assumed adverse consequences; on the other hand, it can help companies, which realize this concept now and use its advantages. In conclusion the authors write that efficient diversity management implies changes in consciousness, attitude, behavior, organizational practice, structure and culture, as well as in totality of rules, procedures and ethic of business, where every person from different layers of society could contribute to attainment of organization's goals and realize his/her own potential.


BackgroundA thinned anterolateral thigh flap is often necessary to achieve optimal skin resurfacing. In this article, we describe the techniques available for immediate flap thinning and the vascular complications that can follow trimming. Materials and MethodsA systematic literature review was performed to identify the different thinning techniques and any possible complications. Data were identified by performing a systematic search on Medline, Ovid, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Current Contents, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar. We cross-referenced the identified articles and conference abstracts in the English and French languages. ResultsThe study selection process was adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and 34 were articles compiled by using the study inclusion criteria. These articles were then reviewed for the author name(s), the publication year, the flap dimensions, the flap thickness (both before and after thinning), the perforator type, the type of flap transfer, the complications that followed the thinning, the thinning technique used, the amount of deep fascia preserved around the perforator, the number of cases in the study, the area of application, and the technique used for donor-site closure. We analyzed the possible vascular complications that stemmed from the flap area site selected, the flap thickness, the thinning technique used, and whether the deep fascia was spared. ConclusionsThe subfascial dissection of anterolateral thigh flaps revealed that the safest method for minimizing vascular complications accounted for a 3.1% probability for marginal necrosis, which can be managed conservatively. The overall breakdown of the vascular-related complications that followed flap thinning totals 13.4% and can be broken down as follows: partial flap loss of 4.1%, partial distal necrosis of 3.5%, marginal necrosis of 3.1%, and total flap loss of 2.5%.


The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a China-led plan that involves infrastructure and construction projects in more than 140 countries, out of which 65 countries account for 30% of the world's gross domestic product, 35% of the world's trade, 39% of the global land, 64% of the world's population, 54% of the world's CO2 emissions and 50% of the world's energy consumption (Du & Zhang, 2018, China Economic Review, 47, 189–205). The project announced in 2013 is often considered Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's dream. It quickly grew in sectoral and geographical complexity from the Arctic to deep oceans, to Latin American countries, Africa and even collaborations in maritime and outer space. Nine years into the making, the project suffered disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and lockdowns led to suspension and slowdown in the project. However, the Chinese leadership continues to remain optimistic regarding the BRI and is opting for digital, health and sustainability models to keep the initiative running. The article analyses the strategic and economic significance of the BRI from its inception to now. It focuses on the impact of the pandemic on the BRI and stakeholders' responses to the project, and looks into attempts by China to make it a success in the post-pandemic world.


Background Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous bone fragility disorder most commonly caused by mutations in the genes encoding type 1 procollagen. The prevalence of OI is 1:15,000 and is characterised by low trauma fractures of appendicular and axial skeleton. Children can present with long bone and spinal deformities. GOSH is one of four Highly Specialised Services for OI in England with a cohort of over 300 children; 106 patients are designated as Severe, Complex and Atypical (SCA) on criteria agreed across all centres. Children with Complex OI include those with a scoliosis of Cobb angle >45°and are reportable to NHS England. Methods To look at the numbers of children with Cobb angle >45° and those children who have had surgical intervention. Results Total number of children with SCA OI at GOSH: 106/327 (32.4%). 12/106 (11.3%) children had scoliosis with Cobb angle >30°; 5 (4.72%) had Cobb angle >45°. Since April 2011, 10 children have had spinal surgery: Age range at onset of scoliosis 0.25-12 years (mean 6.5). Age range at surgery 2-16 years (mean 11.3). Cobb angle prior to surgery 60 to 90° (mean 74). Surgery: posterior spinal fusion n=8; magnetic growth rods n=2. Outcomes: no metalwork complications n=8; revision surgeries n=2 both of whom had early onset scoliosis. All patients treated with bisphosphonates. All patients had multidisciplinary team assessment and discussion. There appeared to be three subtypes of curve progression: Early onset (<5 years), rapid progression. Non–ambulant type (5 to 12 years), gradual progression. Adolescent ambulant type (>10 years), variable progression. Conclusion Spinal surgery can be a successful intervention for children with OI, including those with severe bone fragility. Multidisciplinary assessment to inform decision-making around surgery is paramount. Our experience will facilitate the development of a standardised national spinal pathway for children with complex OI.


Quality in English language education provided by higher learning institutions is significant in today's rapid expansion of higher education and the growing demand worldwide of non-English speakers with sufficient proficiency in English language, Vietnam being no exception. Nevertheless, there is scarcity of literature regarding quality in the provision of English language modules/courses/programmes, particularly at university level. Quality initiatives and measures have been developed, applied, and transferred from context to context but without adequate investigation into the underlying quality notions and assumptions. The aim of this research was to explore not only the conceptualisations of quality but assumptions about purposes and impact of quality activities on English language classroom practices. Differing from the few predominantly survey-based studies in the field, a case study approach was applied to examine quality issues at national, institutional, and individual levels. The cases were one public and one private university in Vietnam, subcases including the Vice Chancellors, managers and staff in education management and quality practices, teachers, and students. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, and review of public policy and institutional documents, and analysed through a constant-comparative method. Outcomes-, objectives-, and accountability-oriented quality management at the national level promoted a compliance culture and accountable quality at the institutional level. Institutions responded to public policies by implementing outcomes-based education model and standards-based quality methods relevant to organisational culture, institutional structure, quality capacity, and other QA conditions of the institution. Thinking and actions at institutional and individual levels were influenced by messages from written policies concerning quality in tertiary-level English language education. Importance was attached to learners' attainment of institutionally pre-defined learning outcomes, and quality as threshold standards. Quality in learning outcomes did not lessen but was closely linked to quality in inputs and processes. Outcomes focus was presented in curriculum/syllabuses and materials reconstruction; teaching and learning arrangements, and test design and testing procedures. Standards orientation helped to assure immediate outcomes rather than continuous improvement in English language learning. Likewise, customer-focused/accountability-oriented quality measures had little connection with enhanced professionalism of English language teachers and did not always ensure contributing roles of the learners/employers in educational processes.


Using Sprague-Dawley rats and rat PC12 cells treated with sodium fluoride (NaF), we investigated the effects of SIK2-CRTC1 signaling on the neurobehavioral toxicity induced by fluoride. The in vivo results demonstrated that NaF treatment induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in juvenile rats, resulting in histological and ultrastructural abnormalities in the rat hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Moreover, NaF exposure induced neuronal loss and excessive apoptosis. We also found that NaF elevated the expression of SIK2 and reduced the expression of CRTC1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and VGF. The in vitro results showed that NaF suppressed cell viability, induced SIK2-CRTC1 signaling dysfunction, and caused excessive apoptosis in PC12 cells. Notably, targeted knockout of SIK2 with SIK2-siRNA or blocking of SIK2-CRTC1 signaling with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) (as well as venlafaxine) can reduce apoptosis and increase cell viability in vitro. These findings suggest that neuronal death resulting from abnormal SIK2-CRTC1 signaling contributes to neurobehavioral toxicity induced by fluoride.


The petroleum industry seeks to minimize exploration risk by employing the best possible expertise, methods and tools. Is it possible to quantify the success of this process of risk reduction? Due to inherent uncertainty in predicting geological reality and due to changing environments for hydrocarbon exploration, it is not enough simply to record the proportion of successful wells drilled; in various parts of the world it has been noted that pseudo-random drilling would apparently have been as successful as the actual drilling programme. How, then, should we judge the success of risk reduction? For many years the E&P industry has routinely used Monte Carlo modelling to generate a probability distribution for prospect reserves. One aspect of Monte Carlo modelling which has received insufficient attention, but which is essential for quantifying risk reduction, is the consistency and repeatability with which predictions can be made. Reducing the subjective element inherent in the specification of geological uncertainty allows better quantification of uncertainty in the prediction of reserves, in both exploration and appraisal. Building on work reported at the AAPG annual conventions in 1994 and 1995, the present paper incorporates analogue information with uncertainty modelling. Analogues provide a major step forward in the quantificationmore » of risk, but their significance is potentially greater still. The two principal contributors to uncertainty in field and prospect analysis are the hydrocarbon life-cycle and the geometry of the trap. These are usually treated separately. Combining them into a single model is a major contribution to the reduction risk. This work is based in part on a joint project with Oryx Energy UK Ltd., and thanks are due in particular to Richard Benmore and Mike Cooper.« less


After a brief introduction of what is the Dark Energy Survey (DES) project and which optical instrumentation will be used, the presentation will be mainly focused onto the optical production of the large lenses (up to 1m diameter) constituting the DES Camera (DECAM) located at the focal plane of the main observing telescope. Special emphasis will be made onto the optical manufacturing issues and interferometric testing solutions, including compensation of index inhomogeneities, which have been carried out by THALES SESO especially for the biggest entrance lens (very challenging CV/CX meniscus named C1). Through several examples of typical past realizations or future possible ones for different astronomical projects requiring 1m-class optics, the presentation will conclude by a brief over review of the corresponding existing "state of the art" at THALES SESO for these technologies.


The regeneration and maintenance of large-scale station environments is planned for high functionality with integrated urban functions. Such highly functional space is required to safely and comfortably accommodate extremely dense crowds. It is more strongly required than before to objectively evaluate the design of a space in terms of crowd control. The purpose of this study is to visualize the place and the degree of local congestion in order to allow an intuitive grasp based on the analysis of crowd behavior.


The effect of breaking-wave-generated turbulence on the mean circulation, turbulence, and bottom stress in the surf zone is poorly understood. A one-dimensional vertical coupled turbulence (k–) and mean-flow model is developed that incorporates the effect of wave breaking with a time-dependent surface turbulence flux and uses existing (published) model closures. No model parameters are tuned to optimize model–data agreement. The model qualitatively reproduces the mean dissipation and production during the most energetic breaking-wave conditions in 4.5-m water depth off of a sandy beach and slightly underpredicts the mean alongshore current. By modeling a cross-shore transect case example from the Duck94 field experiment, the observed surf-zone dissipation depth scaling and the observed mean alongshore current (although slightly underpredicted) are generally reproduced. Wave breaking significantly reduces the modeled vertical shear, suggesting that surf-zone bottom stress cannot be estimated by fitting a logarithmic current profile to alongshore current observations. Model-inferred drag coefficients follow parameterizations (Manning– Strickler) that depend on the bed roughness and inversely on the water depth, although the inverse depth dependence is likely a proxy for some other effect such as wave breaking. Variations in the bed roughness and the percentage of breaking-wave energy entering the water column have a comparable effect on the mean alongshore current and drag coefficient. However, covarying the wave height, forcing, and dissipation and bed roughness separately results in an alongshore current (drag coefficient) only weakly (strongly) dependent on the bed roughness because of the competing effects of increased turbulence, wave forcing, and orbital wave velocities.


Clinical learning is best given serious attention and good preparation. Such attention and preparation is needed because clinical learning provides opportunities for students to work with clients and learn real problems. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach that focuses on the learning experience of Nursing Students of Universitas Advent Indonesia. The selection of this phenomenological approach is used because the method focuses on perceived experiences. Data analysis using phenomenological procedures according to Colaizzi. Researchers found thirteen themes of experience, namely the experience of students in undergoing Clinical Practice Learning at RSA, Detailed explanation of experiences when following clinical practice, feelings during practice at RSA,  positive aspects felt, problems or obstacles that arise, Causes of problems that occur, Efforts made to overcome these problems, Relationships with fellow students during practice in Clinic. The experience of learning through practice in clinics and hospitals is very important for nurses. Practice supported by good theories will produce nurses who are critical, dexterous, and have a sincere heart to serve patients everywhere. With the experience of martial arts also students will gain the skills needed to treat patients


In a global era of growing consumer economies, retailers rely extensively on the exploitation of consumers' personal and behavioural information, in order to successfully execute and sustain their business models and strategic objectives. The gathering and mining of consumers' personal and behavioural information represent tremendous potential in the application of relationship marketing tactics, towards consumer intimacy, and ultimately towards competitive advantage. However, in their quest to understand consumers better, retailers need to be acutely aware of consumers' views regarding the gathering and use of their personal and behavioural information, in order to derive the associated benefits whilst mitigating the risk of alienating consumers. To this end, the main objective of this research assignment was to understand the thoughts and feelings of a selected sample of retail consumers, regarding the use of their personal and behavioural information in relationship marketing tactics. The research aim was achieved through a qualitative exploration of the thoughts and feelings of thirty millennial retail consumers who shared their individual views in written format and small group interviews. Cognitive mapping was used as the central technique for the coding and interpretation of written and interview data, depicting the central themes of consumer rationale, as well as the causal relationships of the concepts, which influenced their sentiment and decisions. The insights produced by the cognitive mappings were triangulated using additional techniques of sentiment analysis and word frequency analysis. The combination of research techniques produced robust overarching insights of universal value, coupled with insights of specific subtleties alluding to consumer groups with differentiated engagement needs. Universal insights included strong negative sentiment whenever consumer participants considered the possibility that retailers with whom they engage on the basis of their personal information could potentially share such personal information with third-party entities outside of their explicit or implicit relationship with a particular trusted retailer. Similarly, the personally intrusive nature of telemarketing as an engagement and communication channel was met with universal disdain at every mention thereof, clearly eliminating it as a viable channel for any retailer who would seek to build and sustain trusted consumer relationships. The sample of participants revealed four broad groups of millennial consumers, each with different preferences of engagement with retailers. The majority of the participants across two groups recognised a conditional and transactional basis for exchanging varying degrees of personal information for a variety of derived benefits. A small group of participants indicated a clear preference towards avoiding engagement on a personal basis and sharing of personal information Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za


The inhibition of the production of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in guinea-pig lung homogenates, incubated in the presence of 50 microM arachidonic acid and 1.4 mM adrenaline, has been exploited as a simple and reliable assay to test in vitro non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIA). The inhibitory potencies of a series of reference NSAIA, which correlated fairly well with in vivo anti-inflammatory activity as determined by carrageenin oedema, are herewith reported. The specificity of the assay was also evaluated by testing up to forty miscellaneous drugs: none of these significantly reduced the MDA production.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase (PAS) hydrolyses sulfate and, promiscuously, phosphate monoesters. Enzyme-catalyzed sulfate transfer is crucial to a wide variety of biological processes, but detailed studies of the mechanistic contributions to its catalysis are lacking. We present an investigation based on linear free energy relationships (LFERs) and kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) of PAS and active site mutants that suggest a key role for leaving group (LG) stabilization. In LFERs wild type PAS has a much less negative Br0nsted coefficient (βleaving groupobs-Enz = −0.33) than the uncatalyzed reaction (βleavingroupobs = −1.81). This situation is diminished when cationic active site groups are exchanged for alanine. The considerable degree of bond breaking during the TS is evidenced by an 18Obridge KIE of 1.0088. LFER and KIE data for several active site mutants point to leaving group stabilization by active-site lysine K375, in cooperation with histidine H211. 15N KIEs combined with an increased sensitivity to leaving group ability of the sulfatase activity in neat D2O (Δβleaving groupH-D = +0.06) suggest that the mechanism for S-Obridge bond fission shifts, with decreasing leaving group ability, from charge compensation via Lewis acid interactions towards direct proton donation. 18Ononbridge KIEs indicate that the TS for PAS-catalyzed sulfate monoester hydrolysis has a significantly more associative character compared to the uncatalyzed reaction, while PAS-catalyzed phosphate monoester hydrolysis does not show this shift. This difference in enzyme-catalyzed TSs appears to be the major factor favoring specificity toward sulfate over phosphate in this promiscuous hydrolase, since other features are either too similar (uncatalyzed TS) or inherently favor phosphate (charge).


This paper gives a necessary and sufficient condition for a matrix in SL(2, Z) to be conjugateto its inverse. This condition reduces the determination of the conjugation to solving some indeterminate equation of second degree. It yields an algorithm to determine this conjugation in finite steps based on the elementary number theory.


The West has generally understood Tibetan Buddhism through a composite process of cultural transfers and filters. Christianity, Esoteric currents, Psychology and Art have contributed to transfer meanings that do not belong to this religious tradition, thereby creating perceptions that misrepresent it.
This study investigates the causes, nature and extent of these western misconceptions of Tibetan Buddhism, and demonstrates how this affects its perception from a global socio-religious standpoint.


A problem with the mercury shutter of a 60Co teletherapy unit which resulted in a 15% reduction in output is described. A blockage in the air line going to the lower part of the shutter tank was causing some mercury to be trapped in that corner of the tank. The solution to the problem without the removal of the source is outlined.


ABSTRACT We investigated the fish fauna response to different environmental conditions of urban (three) and rural (seven) streams through biomass/abundance curves and W index of environmental stress. Negative values of W indicate some level of stress, while positive values suggest environments with lower stress. Dissolved oxygen, marginal erosion (both left and right margins), mesohabitat diversity, and percentage of canopy cover were measured to characterize the 10 streams analysed around Maringá city, Southern Brazil. Fish were sampled by electrofishing, then identified and weighed. Results showed negative values of W to the urban streams and positive to the rural. Urban streams showed a tendency to have assemblages of fish with lower biomass and greater abundance (r-strategists).


Iron is one of the trace elements required by human body, and its deficiency can lead to abnormal bone metabolism. In this study, the effect of iron ions on the properties of tricalcium silicate bone cement (Fe/C3Ss) was investigated. It effectively solved the problems of high pH value and low biological activity of calcium silicate bone cement. The mechanical properties, in vitro mineralization ability and biocompatibility of the materials were systematically characterized. The results indicate that tricalcium silicate bone cement containing 5 mol% iron displayed good self-setting ability, mechanical properties and biodegradation performance in vitro. Compared with pure calcium silicate bone cement (C3Ss), Fe/C3Ss showed lower pH value (8.80) and higher porosity (45%), which was suitable for subsequent cell growth. Immersion test in vitro also confirmed its good ability to induce hydroxyapatite formation. Furthermore, cell culture experiments performed with Fe/C3Ss ion extracts clearly stated that the material had excellent cell proliferation abilities compared to C3Ss and low toxicity. The findings reveal that iron-doped tricalcium silicate bone cement is a promising bioactive material in bone repair applications.


Accurate segmentation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patterns from computed tomography (CT) images is an essential prerequisite to treatment and follow-up. However, it is highly time-consuming for radiologists to pixel-by-pixel segment ILD patterns from CT scans with hundreds of slices. Consequently, it is hard to obtain large amounts of well-annotated data, which poses a huge challenge for data-driven deep learning-based methods. To alleviate this problem, we propose an end-to-end semi-supervised learning framework for the segmentation of ILD patterns (ESSegILD) from CT images via self-training with selective re-training. The proposed ESSegILD model is trained using a large CT dataset with slice-wise sparse annotations, i.e., only labeling a few slices in each CT volume with ILD patterns. Specifically, we adopt a popular semi-supervised framework, i.e., Mean-Teacher, that consists of a teacher model and a student model and uses consistency regularization to encourage consistent outputs from the two models under different perturbations. Furthermore, we propose introducing the latest self-training technique with a selective re-training strategy to select reliable pseudo-labels generated by the teacher model, which are used to expand training samples to promote the student model during iterative training. By leveraging consistency regularization and self-training with selective re-training, our proposed ESSegILD can effectively utilize unlabeled data from a partially annotated dataset to progressively improve the segmentation performance. Experiments are conducted on a dataset of 67 pneumonia patients with incomplete annotations containing over 11,000 CT images with eight different lung patterns of ILDs, with the results indicating that our proposed method is superior to the state-of-the-art methods.


In this paper, we introduce an embedding model, named CapsE, exploring a capsule network to model relationship triples (subject, relation, object). Our CapsE represents each triple as a 3-column matrix where each column vector represents the embedding of an element in the triple. This 3-column matrix is then fed to a convolution layer where multiple filters are operated to generate different feature maps. These feature maps are reconstructed into corresponding capsules which are then routed to another capsule to produce a continuous vector. The length of this vector is used to measure the plausibility score of the triple. Our proposed CapsE obtains better performance than previous state-of-the-art embedding models for knowledge graph completion on two benchmark datasets WN18RR and FB15k-237, and outperforms strong search personalization baselines on SEARCH17.


Structural change – aspects and measurements The main goal of the article is to present the concept of structural change and possible ways to measure it. For the purposes of this paper, structural change refers to changes in a commodity structure. The article underlines the problem of choosing the right indicators which may be used for an analysis of the structure of the economy and its changes. The indicators may be classified into one of three categories: indicators characterizing the structure of the economy, comparing economic structures (or, in other words, measuring the similarity of two or more structures) and measuring the speed of structural changes. The other problems which are mentioned in the paper are choosing the right system of prices and data classification which give a base for statistical analysis of the structural changes.


We discuss two theoretical motivations of precision measurements of oscillation parameters. One is the guidance for flavour model building with flavour symmetries, and the other is the connection with the origin of matter-antimatter asymmetry. We also present our recent progress in these aspects, a new approach of flavour model building based on cross coupling in the flavon potential and a novel mechanism of leptogenesis via phase transition.


Summary: The distribution of pressure points in 16 patients with paraplegia, nine with ulcers, and six who were ulcer free were compared with the distribution in 15 normal individuals using an instrument capable of simultaneously measuring multiple pressure points under the buttocks and thighs. The nine patients with ischial and sacral decubiti showed redistribution of their sitting pressures posteriorly, asymmetrical loading of the ischiae. and higher than normal pressures under the sacrococcy, geum. These abnormal pressures were associated with unbalanced scoliosis, pelvic obliquity, and the loss of( physiological lordosis following a spinal fusion. We defined four criteria of risk for decubitus ulceration


A trapped-atom interferometer was demonstrated using gaseous Bose-Einstein condensates coherently split by deforming an optical single-well potential into a double-well potential. The relative phase between the two condensates was determined from the spatial phase of the matter wave interference pattern formed upon releasing the condensates from the separated potential wells. Coherent phase evolution was observed for condensates held separated by 13 microm for up to 5 ms and was controlled by applying ac Stark shift potentials to either of the two separated condensates.


Morcela de Arroz (MA) is a ready-to-eat blood and rice cooked sausage produced with pork, blood, rice, and seasonings, stuffed in natural casing and cooked above 90 °C/30 min. It is commercialized whole, not packed, with a restricted shelf life (1 wk/0 to 5 °C). The objective of this work was to establish sliced MA shelf life considering both the behavior of L. monocytogenes through a microbiological challenge test (MCT) and the consumer acceptability of MA stored: vacuum packed (VP), modified atmosphere packed (MAP: 80% CO2/20% N2 ), and aerobic packed (AP). The MCT was conducted inoculating ±3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes cell suspension on the MA slices. Packaged samples were stored at 3 ± 1 °C and 7 ± 1 °C until 20 d. At 3 ± 1 °C, L. monocytogenes behavior was not affected by packaging or storage time. At 7 ± 1 °C, the pathogen increased nearly 1 log CFU/g in the first 4 d. L. monocytogenes populations in AP were higher (P < 0.05) than in MAP. The pathogen may grow to hazardous levels in the 1st days if a temperature abuse occurs. Considering the acceptability by the consumers, the shelf life of MA stored at 3 ± 1 °C was 4.4 d for AP, 8.1 d for VP, and 10.4 d for MAP. The sensory shelf life established based on sensory spoilage is shorter than the shelf life to maintain the population of L. monocytogenes in safe levels.


The available information about the technology of the preparation of polyorganosilasesquioxanes, their structure, and properties is described systematically, surveyed, and compared with that on inorganic oxide dielectrics. The possibilities and advantages of their application as dielectric materials in semiconductor electronics are examined; analysis of the experimental literature data has led to the conclusion that the method of preparation has a decisive influence on the mechanism of the formation of oligomer molecules their conversion into polymers, and their interaction with various supports. The bibliography includes 281 references.


With 150 original recipes, menu plans, and dieting tips, you'll get a comprehensive tour of the Mediterranean diet! By combining nutrient-rich vegetables, healthful olive oils, and plenty of exercise, this lifestyle can help you shed pounds and prevent myriad diseases. Here, you'll learn how to adopt heart-healthy habits and create recipes like: * Chicken Tagine with Whole-Wheat Couscous* White Bean and Tomato Pizza* Grilled Fennel Shrimp* Pancetta with Peaches* Hazelnut Ricotta Cake By learning the science behind better eating and how to utilize the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, you will eat your way to better health--and feel like a Greek god or goddess in the process!


AbstractFat grafting is increasingly popular and is becoming a common practice in plastic surgery for postmastectomy breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast augmentation; however, concerns over the oncologic safety remains a controversial and hot topic among scientists and surgeons. Basic science and laboratory research repeatedly show a potentially dangerous effect of adipose-derived stem cells on breast cancer cells; however, clinical research, although limited, continually fails to show an increase in breast cancer recurrence after breast fat grafting, with the exception of 1 small study on a subset patient population with intraepithelial neoplasm of the breast. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent conflicting basic science and clinical data to better understand the safety of breast fat grafting from an oncological perspective.


In the paper the mathematical model of optimization tasks of the bank activity financial indicators is built with the purpose of increase of their values to «standard» and with the purpose increase of concrete bank rating in general rating at comparison with banks-competitors. The tasks are set as the classic tasks of the nonlinear programming with nonlinear functionals and possible nonlinear constraints.


Alexandert the "life of L a Wit is a warfare upon earth." Few better examples could be found to illustrate Pope's semiautobiographical remark than the life of John Wolcot (1738-1819), who started his professional life as a physician, had a brief inglorious fling at being a clergyman, returned to the practice of medicine, and finally abandoned it for the life of a satirist. He wrote under the pseudonym of Peter Pindar, and his satires on art, literature, and politics dominated English satire from 1782, much as James Gillray's caricatures were preeminent during the same period. The true goal of satire, according to Dryden, is "the amendment of Vices by correction," or as Defoe phrased it, "The end of satyr is reformation." Satire, or at least social protest, was not new to English poetry; literary historians can trace its presence back before Chaucer, but it remained for Donne, Marston, and Hall


We report all-optical clock recovery from 10 GBaud NRZ shaped lightwave signals in QPSK and 16QAM formats through injection mode-locking of an Erbium-doped fiber laser. Since these optical NRZ phase modulated coherent signals lack in the strength of the clock-tones, a pre-processing stage for the enhancement of these clock-tones based on a nonlinear semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is employed. Optical clock recovery is demonstrated experimentally for both modulation formats, along with wavelength tunability of the scheme over the entire C-band. Resilience of the clock recovery process to input OSNR conditions is also demonstrated. The RMS timing jitter of the recovered clock is measured to be $\leq 2$ ps. We also report the performance analysis of the scheme for coherent modulation formats with respect to the dispersion-induced degradation in practical links through simulations and experiments.