Purpose:
To establish and compare protocols of alkaline cauterization for inducing corneal angiogenesis in murine models.

Methods:
Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4). The right eye cornea from each rat was cauterized using filter paper (3 mm), soaked in a solution of silver and potassium nitrates (3:1). Cauterization times were 10 (G1 and G4), or 20 seconds (G2 and G3). Cauterized corneas were washed with Ringer's lactate solution. The filter paper was either removed before washing (G1 and G2), or kept on the corneas (G3 and G4). Corneas were photographed at multiple time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 days after the procedure), and neovascularization parameters were assayed.

Results:
Neovascularization was observed in 66% of G1 corneas, and 100% of G2, G3, and G4 corneas. On day 15, G1 corneas showed smaller vascularized areas (12.63 ± 12.59%) compared to those in the G3 (41.95 ± 17.32%) and G4 (33 ± 11.74%) (P < 0.05) groups.

Conclusions:
The silver and potassium nitrate solution effectively induced corneal angiogenesis. The G2, G3, and G4 protocols showed excellent reproducibility, and induced vascularization in 100% of corneas.


Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the recent, most common ways of treating patients with urinary (renal and ureteric) stones through non-invasive destruction of stones. Many reports and studies have shown its safety and success. It offers the patient less pain, much less discomfort and less severe complications usually associated with open surgery procedures. This study does not aim to only establish a few facts about this method or treatment; it, also, strives to suggest a statistical model of predicting and planning treatment, which, in turn, saves a great deal of staff's and patient's time. A whole list of factors was studied against each other, and distributions of these factors were deducted. Especially, we have studied the relationships between patient age and number of sessions through the knowledge of the stone size and number of stones.


Objective measures to assess progression of Huntington's disease (HD) are desirable. The authors have previously found that patients with HD with higher Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) motor scores exhibited higher variability of isometric grip forces while grasping an object. Therefore, the authors assessed grip force variability during this task in 10 HD patients with a 3-year follow-up. Grip force variability increased in all patients at the follow-up. Thus, grip force variability during grasping might be an objective and quantitative measure to assess motor deficits associated with the progression of HD.


Background Influenza is an important public health issue, even amongst healthy adults. The influenza vaccine should be offered to elite athletes for reasons including; a reduction in immune response at certain times of training, travel, close contacts amongst athletes and the consequences of contracting influenza. Athlete uptake of the influenza vaccine can depend on the attitudes of coaches, fellow athletes and support staff. Influenza vaccine uptake rates amongst elite athletes is limited. International studies have documented a fear amongst elite athletes of the potential side effects of the influenza vaccine. Objective To determine the influenza vaccine uptake rates in elite athletes and their support staff along with their attitudes, fears, and barriers to receiving it. Design A cross sectional survey. Setting Ireland Institute of Sport. Elite athletes and support staff in athletics, boxing, cycling, rowing, swimming, judo, para athletics and others were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Patients (or Participants) Elite athletes & their support staff on the 2019 database of the Ireland Institute of Sport. Main outcome measurements Elite athlete influenza vaccine uptake rates, knowledge and attitudes to the influenza vaccine. Results From 193 athletes and staff invited, 86 (43 male, 43 female) participated of which 58 were athletes. 50 participants received the influenza vaccine during the 2018/2019 season, 36 did not. 46.5% completely agree that the influenza vaccine is safe. A significant number (39%) of athletes fear that the vaccine itself would make them unwell even though most (59%) are concerned about contracting the flu every year. 59.3% of participants would recommend the influenza vaccine to other athletes. Conclusions Less than half of elite athletes and staff believe the influenza vaccine is completely safe but the majority would recommend it to others. Addressing the barriers to receiving the influenza vaccine remains a key issue.


We propose a three-terminal spin-valve setup, to determine experimentally the spin-dependent shot noise, which carries information on the spin-relaxation processes. Based on a spin-dependent Boltzmann-Langevin approach, we show that the spin Fano factor, defined as the spin shot noise to the mean charge current, strongly depends on the spin-flip scattering rate in the normal wire. While in the parallel configuration the spin Fano factor always decreases below its unpolarized value with increasing spin injection, for the antiparallel case it varies nonmonotonically. We also show that in contrast to the charge current Fano factor, which varies appreciably only in the antiparallel case, the spin Fano factor allows for a more sensitive determination of the spin-flip scattering rate.


The hypothesis that population pressure causes increased warfare has been recently criticized on the empirical grounds. Both studies focusing on specific historical societies and analyses of cross-cultural data fail to find positive correlation between population density and incidence of warfare. In this paper we argue that such negative results do not falsify the population-warfare hypothesis. Population and warfare are dynamical variables, and if their interaction causes sustained oscillations, then we do not in general expect to find strong correlation between the two variables measured at the same time (that is, unlagged). We explore mathematically what the dynamical patterns of interaction between population and warfare (focusing on internal warfare) might be in both stateless and state societies. Next, we test the model predictions in several empirical case studies: early modern England, Han and Tang China, and the Roman Empire. Our empirical results support the population-warfare theory: we find that there is a tendency for population numbers and internal warfare intensity to oscillate with the same period but shifted in phase (with warfare peaks following population peaks). Furthermore, the rates of change of the two variables behave precisely as predicted by the theory: population rate of change is negatively affected by warfare intensity, while warfare rate of change is positively affected by population densityKey words: population, warfare, dynamics, nonlinear feedback loops, mathematical models.


The paper proposes and investigates a new type of nonlinear adaptive canceller of intersymbol interference (ISI) called `ACDEC'. The ACDEC uses an automatic equaliser including a decoder of an error-correcting code (AEDEC), to obtain more reliable preliminary decisions than those by the linear equaliser used in the linear adaptive canceller of Gersho and Lim. By using the modified structure and incorporating one more decoder, the tap values of both the canceller's delay line and the adaptive matched filter are correctively updated with reduced final decision errors in the same manner as AEDEC. The theoretical calculation of the error probability in the joint repetitive scheme of both cancelling ISI and decoding indicates that two repetitions, i.e. ACDEC, can provide considerable improvement in the error probability performance in the steady state without excessive complexity of implementation. Moreover, computer simulations show that an ACDEC achieves stable convergence and exhibits better adaptability in noisy and time-varient channels.


In spite of the many benefits accruable to organisations who engage in budgeting, performing arts establishments continue to treat same with levity. This work presents the two categories of performing arts establishments in Nigeria (government and privately owned) and outlines their budget practices. Terra Kulture is then presented as a case study of an outfit whose success and sustenance is attributable to good budgeting practices. The possible and estimated benefits from budgeting indicate why it pays to engage in effective budgeting. Key Words: Budgeting, Performing Arts Management, Organizations, Valuated Concerns).


Stem and progenitor cells have the capacity to balance self-renewal and differentiation. Hematopoietic myeloid progenitors replenish more than 25 billion terminally differentiated neutrophils every day under homeostatic conditions and can increase this output in response to stress or infection. At what point along the spectrum of maturation do progenitors lose capacity for self-renewal and become irreversibly committed to differentiation? Using a system of conditional myeloid development that can be toggled between self-renewal and differentiation, we interrogated determinants of this 'point of no return' in differentiation commitment. Irreversible commitment is due primarily to loss of open regulatory site access and disruption of a positive feedback transcription factor activation loop. Restoration of the transcription factor feedback loop extends the window of cell plasticity and alters the point of no return. These findings demonstrate how the chromatin state enforces and perpetuates cell fate and identifies potential avenues for manipulating cell identity. Highlights There exists a point of irreversible commitment in granulocytic differentiation Chromatin state dynamics establish the transition from self-renewal to differentiation commitment Reduced chromatin accessibility underlies an irreversible loss of regulatory site access Restoration of a transcription factor feedback loop alters the differentiation commitment point


We develop nonparametric Bayesian modelling approaches for Poisson processes, using weighted combinations of structured beta densities to represent the point process intensity function. For a regular spatial domain, such as the unit square, the model construction implies a BernsteinDirichlet prior for the Poisson process density, which supports general inference for point process functionals. The key contribution of the methodology is two classes of flexible and computationally efficient models for spatial Poisson process intensities over irregular domains. We address the choice or estimation of the number of beta basis densities, and develop methods for prior specification and posterior simulation for full inference about functionals of the point process. The methodology is illustrated with both synthetic and real data sets.


An ever-increasing appetite for electrical energy by industrial, commercial, and household consumers has resulted in a continuously growing demand for transmission capacity and improved reliability of elecricity supply. The reliability of a HV power plant must be maintained at a high level over its lifetime, typically 50 years. All newly manufactured components of electricity networks undergo various types of tests to ensure their reliability and longevity. The tests follow specifications set out in national and international standards. These tests could be described in general terms as: design-verification tests,; production-quality tests, and ; tests after installation. Of all systems in a HV plant, cable systems must satisfy possibly the widest range of test requirements. So in this article we use electrical testing of cable systems to show the origins of the main test specifications. Although we refer throughout the paper mainly to cables with extruded insulation and their accessories, most of the discussion can be generalized to other HV equipment such as power transformers or insulators. We limit our discussion to insulated cable systems built to transmit electrical power in bulk at the subtransmission and transmission voltage levels, i.e., those rated above 30 kV.


We disclose here a nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of bromopyridines with tertiary alkyl bromides for the synthesis of alkylated pyridines bearing an all-carbon quaternary center. This strategy features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and high functional group tolerance. The method reported here offers an alternative solution to the challenging task of forging sterically congested alkylpyridines, which we believe will significantly benefit the synthetic community and pharmaceutical industry.


INTRODUCTION
Hyperinsulinemia is contributed by insulin resistance, hepatic insulin uptake, insulin secretion and rate of insulin degradation. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported to cause hyperinsulinemia.

AIM
Correlation of fasting insulin with post glucose load Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) insulin in young adults and their partitioning according to family history of type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this observational cross-sectional study, clinical evaluation and biochemical assays of insulin and diabetes related parameters, and secondary clinical influences on type 2 diabetes in volunteers were done for inclusion as participants (n=90) or their exclusion. Cut off levels of quantitative biochemical variables were fixed such that they included the effects of insulin resistance, but excluded other secondary clinical influences. Distribution was analysed by Shapiro-Wilk test; equality of variances by Levene's test; Log10 transformations for conversion of groups to Gaussian distribution and for equality of variances in the groups compared. When the groups compared had Gaussian distribution and there was equality of variance, parametric methods were used. Otherwise, non parametric methods were used.

RESULTS
Fasting insulin was correlating significantly with 30, 60 and 120 minute OGTT insulin showing that hyperinsulinemia in the fasting state was related to hyperinsulinemia in the post glucose load states. When fasting and post glucose load OGTT insulin were partitioned into those without and with family history of type 2 diabetes, maximum difference was seen in fasting insulin (p<0.001), followed by 120 (p=0.001) and 60 (p= 0.002) minute OGTT insulin. The 30 minute insulin could not be partitioned (p=0.574).

CONCLUSION
Fasting, 60 and 120 minute OGTT insulin can be partitioned according to family history of type 2 diabetes, demonstrating stratification and heterogeneity in the insulin sample. Of these, fasting insulin was better partitioned and could be used for baseline reference interval calculations.


Metastasis remains a significant challenge in treating cancer. MicroRNAs have emerged as important epigenetic regulators of various cellular processes during cancer development and progression. The goal of this study was to characterize signaling pathways for miRNA biomarkers that regulate breast cancer metastasis. Here we show that human breast tumor biomarker miR-30c regulates invasion by targeting the cytoskeleton network genes encoding Twinfilin 1 (TWF1) and Vimentin (VIM). Both VIM and TWF1 have been shown to regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Similar to TWF1, VIM also regulates F-actin formation, a key component of cellular transition to a more invasive mesenchymal phenotype. To further characterize the role of the TWF1 pathway in breast cancer, we found that IL-11 is an important target of TWF1 that regulates breast cancer cell invasion and STAT3 phosphorylation. This miR-30c VIM/TWF1-IL11-pSTAT3 pathway will expedite the development of targeting strategies to prevent and treat breast tumor progression. Citation Format: Jessica Bockhorn, Kathy Yee, Ya-Fang Chang, Aleix Prat, Dezheng Huo, Chika Nwachukwu, Rachel Dalton, Simo Huang, Kaitlin E. Swanson, Charles M. Perou, Olufunmilayo I. Olufunmilayo, Michael F. Clarke, Huiping Liu, Geoffrey Greene. MicroRNA-30c targets cytoskeleton genes involved in breast cancer cell invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5337. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5337


Indigenous groups across Canada continue to regain sovereignty over their traditional territories and this research focuses on their involvement in Manitoba's forest sector. A large proportion of First Nations communities in Manitoba are forest-based, and there is a revitalized opportunity and vigor for communities to build successful and sustainable forestry initiatives that could address their respective goals while building adaptive capacity towards climate change impacts. The focus of this research was to understand the barriers and opportunities Indigenous groups experience in respect to federal and provincial forest policy and how Indigenous-led forestry initiatives can enhance the adaptive capacity and climate change resilience in First Nation communities. The first research objective was to describe federal, provincial, and Indigenous policy measures impacting Indigenous-led forestry. This was achieved through a systematic policy scan and interviews with Indigenous forestry experts that uncovered various impactful measures, including enabling legislation and preventative legislation. The second objective was to identify policy provisions that could support or hinder Indigenous-led forestry. The results show that while Indigenous groups are often excluded from forest policies and policy making processes, the provincial and federal governments have increased efforts towards Indigenous inclusion in recent years. A notable example is the progressive timber harvesting agreement that was negotiated between the provincial government and Norway House Cree Nation in 2022. The third objective aimed to identify opportunities for policy learning about Indigenous-led forestry. Indigenous inclusion in policy making could lead to greater learning opportunities and this research demonstrates there are increased opportunities for policy learning to occur in Manitoba's forest sector. The final objective was to develop recommendations for improving the prospects for Indigenous-led forestry based on accrued evidence and consultation with First Nations communities. While recent strides have been made in Manitoba in advancing Indigenous participation in the forest sector, the wood supply surrounding many First Nations remains underutilized. Moving forward, the success of Indigenous-led forestry initiatives will hinge on increased collaboration with governments and industry, provincial reform of forestry legislation that does not explicitly address Indigenous rights and interests, and funding programs that could address the economic and logistical barriers associated with developing a local forestry initiative. Indigenous-led forestry initiatives that seek to advance the unique goals of individual First Nations remain limited in Manitoba, and this research hopes to help address this gap.


We review the dynamics of supercooled liquids approaching the liquid-glass transition, starting with the conventional generalized hydrodynamics formulation. Empirical models for the memory function are discussed, as are empirical models for the self-energy function for phonons in crystals. Two examples of microscopic analyses based on non-linear interactions are then described, the anharmonic lattice dynamics model for structural phase transitions, and Kawasaki's mode-mode-coupling approach for critical dynamics. We then review the mode-coupling theory of the liquid-glass transition, emphasizing its relation to generalized hydrodynamics with the memory function derived from a microscopic theory of non-linear interactions. We discuss the major predictions of this theory, particularly the asymptotic expansion results, which provide specific formulae for analysing experimental data.


Most of the teaching in secondary schools and colleges is given on a classical basis. That is, the teacher gives an explanation to a number of students orally. Many think, this form of classical teaching is the most appropriate form. Basically, with the classical form of teaching a teacher can teach a group with an unlimited number of students. Some students benefit from the online courses that provide opportunities for students. Students in schools that don't offer statistics classes may be able to learn statistics with virtual lessons. If students fail and are late on assignments during the day, they may be able to catch up at night. So, almost certainly, online classes sometimes benefit students. The results of the Mann Whitney test and the gain score indicate that classroom learning is more effective than online learning with the following values: (Z = -2.209, p = 0.028 l0.05). From the series of analyzes above, it can be concluded that of the two types of experiments tested, both classroom learning and online learning are effective. Furthermore, to see which learning technique is more effective between classroom learning and online learning, it is tested again and it turns out that the test results show that classroom learning techniques are more effective than online learning techniques for social education students.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the fever of unknown origin (FUO) in patients with interleukin-6 (IL-6)-producing pheochromocytoma.

METHODS
Patients with pheochromocytoma were enrolled from June 2014 to April 2017. Clinical characteristics were recorded including sex, age, 24-h urinary catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine), tumor size, axillary temperature (AT), white blood cells (WBC), and serum IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. IL-6 secretion by pheochromocytoma was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS
We identified 29 cases of pheochromocytoma (7 with high AT and 22 with normal AT). Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels were increased in the high AT group compared with the normal AT group (both P = .001). After pheochromocytoma resection, AT and IL-6 and hsCRP levels decreased significantly ( P<.001, P = .002 and P = .003, respectively). IHC revealed significantly higher IL-6 expression in the high AT group ( P = .002).

CONCLUSION
IL-6-producing pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of FUO.

ABBREVIATIONS
AT = axillary temperature; CT = computed tomography; FUO = fever of unknown origin; IHC = immunohistochemistry; IL-6 = interleukin-6; hsCRP = high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; WBC = white blood cells.


OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of bowel loops dilatation as a finding on radiographs in the development and mortality of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On abdominal radiographs of 53 patients for diagnostic suspicion of necrotizing enterocolitis, the major diameters of dilated bowel loops (AD) were measured, as well as the distance between the upper border of the first lumbar vertebra and the lower border of the second one (L1-L2), and the distance between the lateral borders of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) pedicles, and the subsequent association between AD/L1-L2, AD/L1. This measure was considered as a possible determining factor for potential complications, surgical intervention and mortality. RESULTS: The patients who needed surgical management and who had complications during progression and died of the disease had showed increased AD and AD/L1-L2 (p < 0.05). AD/L1 values and site of the most dilated bowel loop were not different in the groups with unfavorable progression. CONCLUSION: Bowel loop dilatation detected on initial supine abdominal radiographs suggests a worst prognosis in necrotizing enterocolitis. Furthermore, measurement of the most dilated bowel loop on these radiographs is a simple and reproducible method that adds diagnostic and prognostic information.


Pancreatic β-cells form highly connected networks within pancreatic islets. Each cell shows upon stimulation an oscillatory depolarization of the membrane potential and subsequent changes in [Ca2+]c. These signals propagate through the islet. The extent to which this coordinated islet cell activity is determined by a subset of β-cells is currently under discussion. In order to determine factors that influence this propagation, we have chosen a new method to identify wave propagation. We used high-resolution microelectrode arrays (CMOS-MEA) to measure voltage changes in the membrane potential of islet cells within the intact mouse islet. For network analysis, the individual electrode traces were compared with each other to gain insight into connectivity. The node degree of an islet (treated with 10 mM glucose) appears to be higher in the middle, but on average it was 8±2 degrees. Furthermore, algorithms were established to track the wave propagation from electrode to electrode, i.e. approximately from cell to cell. Treatment of isolated islets from C57BL6 mice with increasing glucose concentrations revealed that 15 mM glucose significantly reduced the wave duration compared to 6, 8 and 10 mM glucose (6 mM glucose: 10±4 s, n=32, vs. 15 mM glucose 7±2 s, n=26, p=0.0007). Additionally, the wave velocity was increased with rising glucose concentrations (6 mM glucose: 72±33 µm/s, n=20, vs. 8 mM glucose 118±69 µm/s, n=25, p=0.009). However, when the islets were pre-incubated with glucolipotoxic medium (25 mM glucose, 100 µM palmitate) for 72 h to mimic pre-diabetic conditions the wave velocity (waves induced by 8 mM glucose) was reduced (control: 87±40 µm/s, n=19, vs. GLT 64±32 µm/s, n=25, p=0.04). The results show that propagating waves of membrane depolarization are likely an important aspect for a functioning islet. The established technique proves to be suitable for tracking signal propagation and opens a wide field for further studies on islet network signaling.

 A.K.Gresch: None. T.Deickert: None. J.D.Hüwel: None. J.Briggs: None. C.Beecks: None. R.K.Benninger: None. M.Düfer: None.

 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK102950R01, DK106412)


Abstract The consistency is awesome between over a dozen observations and the paradigm of radio lobes being immense sources of magnetic energy, flux, and relativistic electrons, – a magnetized universe. The greater the total energy of an astrophysical phenomenon, the more restricted are the possible explanations. Magnetic energy is the most challenging because its origin is still considered problematic. We suggest that it is evident that the universe is magnetized because of radio lobes, ultra relativistic electrons, Faraday rotation measures, the polarized emission of extra galactic radio structures, the x-rays from relativistic electrons Comptonized on the CMB, and possibly extra galactic cosmic rays. The implied energies are so large that only the formation of supermassive black hole, (SMBH) at the center of every galaxy is remotely energetic enough to supply this immense energy, ~(1/10) 108M⊙c2 per galaxy. Only a galaxy cluster of 1000 galaxies has comparable energy, but it is inversely, (to the number of galaxies), rare per galaxy. Yet this energy appears to be shared between magnetic fields and accelerated relativistic particles, both electrons and ions. Only a large-scale coherent dynamo generating poloidal flux within the accretion disk forming the massive black hole makes a reasonable starting point. The subsequent winding of this dynamo-derived magnetic flux by conducting, angular momentum-dominated accreting matter, (~1011 turns near the event horizon in 108 years) produces the immense, coherent magnetic jets or total flux of radio lobes and similarly in star formation. By extending this same physics to supernova-neutron star formation, we predict that similar differential winding of the flux that couples explosion ejecta and a newly formed, rapidly rotating neutron star will produce similar phenomena of a magnetic jet and lobes in the forming supernova nebula. In all cases the conversion of force-free magnetic energy into accelerated ions and electrons is a major challenge.


DNA computing is a novel method of computing proposed by L. M. Adleman [Science 266 (1994) 1021], in which the data is encoded in the sequences of oligonucleotides. Massively parallel reactions between oligonucleotides are expected to make it possible to solve huge problems. In this study, reliability of the ligation process employed in the DNA computing is tested by estimating the error rate at which wrong oligonucleotides are ligated. Ligation of wrong oligonucleotides would result in a wrong answer in the DNA computing. The dependence of the error rate on the number of mismatches between oligonucleotides and on the combination of bases is investigated.


Seamounts are unique deep sea environments and often regarded as diversity hot spots. The Karasik Seamount is
situated on the Gakkel Ridge, an active mid ocean ridge in the central Arctic Ocean (87◦N 61◦E), in a completely ice covered, oligotrophic region. During the German F/S Polarstern 101 expedition in autumn 2016, surface sediment samples were taken with a video equipped multiple corer at the seamount and in the surrounding. A Rose Bengal Ethanol mixture was added to the sediments. The Rose Bengal stained foraminifera were regarded as recently alive and were investigated.
The analyses showed that the surface of the Karasik Seamount is covered by large sponges, which are providing
a rather specific niche for the present foraminiferal species. The foraminifera live probably commensalistic on sponge needles, benefitting from being attached by getting access to the food suspended in the water current maintained by and circulating through the sponge. While Tolypammina vagans or Placopsilinella aurantiaca were commonly observed to grow along and around sponge needles, the test of epizoic species of the calcareous order Spirillinidae e.g. Patellina corrugata and an undescribed Spirillina test remained flat, a roll-up of the test around sponge spiculae was not observed. However, some Patellina corrugata specimens and the undescribed Spirillina species precipitated calcareous spines on the outer test margin. We assume that this morphological adaptation helps the foraminifera to anchor themselves inside the sponge matrix.


Background OA is a disease with articular cartilage degeneration, synovial and subchondral bone changes, meniscus and ligament pathologies. Bone marrow edema -like lesions (BMLs), with histologically represented bone damage, are predictors of cartilage loss (chondropathy) and pain in KOA. Objectives to assess the prevalence of different structural changes in knee OA. Methods All pts with available baseline (BL) MRI and X-ray were included. MRI was performed on 1,5T extremity system, including sagittal and axial proton density fat-suppressed and coronal STIR sequences. MRI and X-ray were read by 2 musculkoskeletal radiologists. Plain knee radiographs have been performed by Buckland -Wright. The joint was divided in 5 subregions. Cartilage morphology was scored from 0 (normal cartilage) to IV (uncover subchondral bone). Additionally there were assessed bone cysts, synovitis, meniscal damage, cruciate and collateral ligaments. Results 80 knee OA patients (1 knee per person, 5 regions per knee, 400 subregions) were included (women 90%; mean age 57,0; mean BMI - 27,7 kg/m2, K-L stage 0-6%; I-25%; II-43,75%; III-25% respectively). Healthy cartilage was noted in X-ray negative knee joints (KJ) in lateral femur and tibia condyles (60% of the whole surface), cartilage softness and edema were estimated in patella and medial femur compartments in 100%. Cartilage cracks and erosions (>50% of surface) were revealed, in patella, medial femur and tibia compartments in spite of X-ray stages. In the same subregions uncovered subchondral bone were seen in I (20%) and II (17%) K-L stages, and significantly more frequent in III stage (75%). Bone cysts were seen only at the III-d stage in the medial femur (41,25%) and tibia (36,25%) condyles; in patella - 13,75%. Bone marrow edema-like lesions was estimated only at the I-st X-ray stage in patella (12,5%), medial femur (18,75%) and tibial (16,25%) subregions under the most damaged cartilage. Synovitis was noted at all stages (0-III) in 60%. Meniscus and cruciated ligaments tears and lesions were found in 59% and 22,5% respectively at the III-d stage only. Conclusions Prevalent cartilage damage, incident BMIs in the same subregion are strongly correlated with early KOA. If cartilage damage were targeted in management of knee OA, it might prevent the development of knee OA, the other joint's structure damages. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.3606


COVID-19 has spread worldwide. However, SARS-CoV-2 serological markers, which usually important indicators of disease progression, remains to be studied. To determine serological patterns during infection and their corresponding influencing factors, we conducted a cohort study including 115 patients with COVID-19 from 41 hospitals. The study included measuring IgM, IgG, and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) in serum, conducting epidemiological survey of the subjects, and retrieving clinical indicators from electronic medical records. We found NAb had the highest seroconversion rate (79.61%), followed by IgG (60.42%), and IgM (26.56%). Seroconversion rate peaked 20–40 d post-infection with NAb reaching 100%. The Geometric mean of NAb ID50 is 201 (30 to 6271). The NAb titer was positively correlated with duration of infection (p = 0), IgM (p = 0.016), and IgG (p = 0). Compared with IgM or IgG, NAb has better diagnostic sensitivity and serological patterns are valuable for clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring.


This article investigates the normlessness and strain situation radicalizing impact on youth radicalization in Pashtun semi-tribal society. The major objective of the study to explore the Anomic and Strain Condition in Pashtun Society in the light of sociological theories and effects of anomic situation on youth radicalization in Pashtun society. For this study Pashtun, society was selected as a case study because Pashtun society has been passing from the transitional stage. Keeping in view the nature of the study the qualitative paradigms were adopted for data collection and analysis. Different themes were derived from the primary data. Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton theories are applied to analyse themes which focuses the anomic and strain conditions in Pashtun society. It is revealed that youth in Pashtun society faces the normlessness and strain situation. It is investigated that the rapid socio-cultural and technological change after the advent of globalization pushed youth to anomic and strain situation, which exposed youth to radicalization. It is revealed that the normlessness and strain situation indirectly set a stage for the youth radicalization in Pashtun society. For the affective counter-radicalization the sociological facts need to be investigated to curb the favourable socio-cultural environment of radicalization.


This article discusses the gas-dynamic processes of interfacial interactions occurring in the cooling block of generator gas by water injection, dispersed by centrifugal nozzle, designed to increase the level of environmental safety for waste disposal. The main purpose of this study is to develop mathematical models of gas and dispersed phase, as well as the mathematical description of interfacial interactions in cooling unit of generator gas. Using the classical theory of gas dynamics provides a mathematical relations describing the gas and dispersed phase. To solve the resulting system of equations is necessary to consider two-way communication by alternately solving the equations of dispersed and continuous phases as long as the decision of the two phases is not installed. The research results can be applied to design of cooling unit of generator gas as one of the elements of device for waste management in order to improve the region's environmental safety.


The article looks at recent developments in attempts to reduce the difference between costs of cross-border payments within the EU and those of domestic payments. It recalls earlier steps in relation to the creation of SEPA, the Single Euro Payments Area, in particular in relation to retail payments. The analysis focuses on the recently adopted Payment Services Directive (PSD), concerning the classic operations of placing cash on, and withdrawing cash from, a payment account but also the three categories of payment instruments which it had been agreed SEPA should concentrate on, viz. credit transfers, payment cards, and direct debits. In this context, the article examines the group of providers included in the Directive's scope. It further deals with Transparency and information, the implementation of the Directive and the grace period allowed. Finally, it examines the Competition law aspects involved.


This investigation focuses on a class of rear suspension systems that contain both direct and intersecting structural paths from the tire contact patches to the vehicle body. The structural paths intersect through a dynamically active rear subframe structure. New experiments and computational models are developed and analyzed in this article to investigate the variability of structure-borne noise and vibration due to tire/road interactions in the lowerto mid-frequency regimes. Controlled operational experiments are conducted with a mass-production minivan on a chassis dynamometer equipped with rough road shells. Unlike prior literature, the controlled experiments are analyzed for run-run variations in the structure-borne noise up to 300 Hz in a single vehicle to evaluate the nature of excitations at the spindle as the key source of variation in the absence of significant manufacturing, assembly and instrumentation errors. Further, a deterministic modal expansion approach is used to examine these variations. Accordingly, an illustrative eleven-degree-of-freedom lumped parameter half vehicle model is developed and analytically utilized to demonstrate that left-right spindle excitation phasing dictates the participation of the subsystem vibrational modes in the system forced response. The findings are confirmed through the analysis of a reduced finite element model of the vehicle system with a high-fidelity, modally dense suspension model, where the left-right rolling excitation phasing at the spindle alone is found to affect the component dynamic vibration amplitudes up to ±30 dB depending upon the component location and frequency range. These results are in qualitative agreement with the type of variations observed in the experiments.


It is argued that information systems should be treated as any other input into the firm's production process and, as such, should be selected based on their contribution to the profit of the firm. It is argued that the present systems develop- ment life cycle (sdlc) heuristics lead to systems which are feasible and satisficing, but do not lead to a profit maximizing design. An alternative strategy- profit- maximizing systems development life cycle (pmax-sdlc)- is proposed which is based on the use of process models. These models have their origin in the economics literature and were developed to accurately characterize engineering production processes. Although pmax-sdlc is more complex than the current sdlc, several empirical conjectures are presented which would support the notion that the poten- tial benefits of redirecting management information systems (mis) research toward optimal systems design could be large.


Geo social networks are the new trend in the social networking now a day. With the advance in thesmart phone and internet technology they are achieving more popularity than before. These geo social networking sites make use of the location information of the users. So location privacy of the users is a very big concern. Withoutadequate privacy protection, however, these systems can be easily misused, e.g., to track users or target them for home invasion. So an added privacy must be provided in order to preserve the location of the users. In this paper we comparethe different location privacy settings that can be introduced in geo social applications and different methods that are now adopted to provide security to the users.


The clinical and bacteriological efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin given as oral doses of 500 to 1,500 mg (normally 750 mg) twice daily for treatment of Gram-negative bacillary osteomyelitis are reviewed. In 182 patients of whom a majority had Pseudomonas aeruginosa or mixtures of Ps. aeruginosa and other bacteria as the causative agents, clinical cure or improvement was achieved in 75%. Data from 85 patients with Ps. aeruginosa as the infecting pathogen could be analysed and showed that 20 strains persisted and that nine of them became resistant to ciprofloxacin during treatment. In patients with Staphylococcus aureus as a copathogen, that organism was eradicated during ciprofloxacin treatment in more than 90% of the cases. Despite very long treatment times (up to 476 days), the safety of ciprofloxacin seemed comparable to that reported with shorter treatment times and lower doses. However, it was noted that three patients developed photosensitization during treatment and that reversible renal failure related to ciprofloxacin occurred in one patient. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin offers a well tolerated and efficacious alternative to injectable antibiotics for the treatment of Gram-negative osteomyelitis.


Purpose: To evaluate systemic safety of ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically reviewed. Eligible studies were randomized trials on ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema with observation at least 6 months and ≥80% completion rate that reported systemic adverse events of cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, vascular death, and overall mortality. The numbers of adverse events were compared between patients treated with ranibizumab and those without. Furthermore, dose-dependent effect of ranibizumab was estimated for overall mortality through Poisson meta-regression. Results: Six trials with 2,459 patients were included. All trials had exclusion criteria on systemic vascular conditions for enrollment. Risk ratio for cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, vascular death, and overall mortality were 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.37–1.73; P = 0.57), 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.46–1.80; P = 0.78), 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.58–2.86; P = 0.53), and 1.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.78–4.73; P = 0.16), respectively. Poisson regression model showed a significant dose-dependent increase in overall mortality in the largest randomized trial using monthly ranibizumab (P = 0.04). However, the significance disappeared (P = 0.133) when pooled with other studies using ranibizumab on pro re nata basis. Conclusion: Ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema is considered safe when the patients are carefully selected based on systemic vascular conditions and it is used on pro re nata basis. Further evaluation is necessary on more intensive use or on high-risk patients.


Studies revealed that during the process of their reproduction some microorganisms produce substances inhibiting the development of the own populations. A method was developed to establish the phenomenon, distinguished by its simple application and dependable results. The phenomenon was noted with the species Staphylococcus, L. monocytogenes, Salmonealla, and E. coli, and was lacking in P. multocida, Brucella, Ery. rhusiopathiae, Bac. anthracis, and Bac. subtilis. It was found that the agent capable of producing an autoinhibitory effect in Staphylococcus epidermidis had no protein character. The term microbial autoinhibition is suggested to denote a phenomenon in which the own populations of a given strain of one and the same species of microorganisms are inhibited in their development by an agent produced by the strain itself.


In this narrative essay, I explore some fundamental assumptions in my understanding of environmental education. Questions are raised concerning the nature of perception, experience, and the interplay between the world and ourselves. The narrative is based on a recent trip down the Coppermine River in the Barrenlands of Canada's Arctic. The discussion is built around metaphors of burgeoning life, the discovery of copper, the different meanings of the word "mine," and the challenges these pose to our perception. I reflect on the implications of my experience for the teaching/learning process. The hope is that this paper opens a space for discussion within the field, asks some questions, and offers some answers to questions that we did not know we were asking. Resume


Social media tools can be used as a primary method of public communication during emergency events. However as the tools are interactive (i.e. information flows both ways and allows for responsiveness) this approach needs to be managed carefully. Social media sites are used to keep the public informed and help reduce possible anxiety. It is therefore important that students learn how to use these communication tools effectively, safely and legally and to examine incidents where they have been used poorly and well. Most popular existing social media sites own all content posted on their sites. This can create problems if they are to be used in teaching, particularly for teaching using simulations. A new social media site, called EmSpace, was developed to teach students involved in emergency management and public health protection to use social media tools effectively. This platform is described for others involved in teaching and learning to develop their own interactive online teaching and learning tool.


Cloud computing provides scalability and elasticity mechanisms on resource level and has become the preferred operational model for many applications. These, in turn, are based on distributed architectures trusting that this leads to scalability and elasticity and hence, good performance. Many applications rely on one or multiple database management systems (DBMS) as storage backends in order to manage their persistent state. Hence, the selection of a DBMS for a specific use case is crucial for performance and other non-functional properties. Yet, the choice is cumbersome due to the large number of available systems and the many impact factors ranging from the size of virtual resources, the type of the DBMS, and its architecture and scaling factor. In this paper, we summarise our experiences with performance evaluation for cloud-hosted DBMS in order to find well-suited configurations for specific use cases. We demonstrate that the overall performance of a distributed DBMS depends on three major domains (workload, cloud environment, and DBMS) with various parameters for each dimension.


Since the Dutch railway system is already used at maximum capacity and financial and spatial constraints make large investments in infrastructure im-possible, the railway infrastructure manager ProRail has opted for a focus on pro-cess innovations to transform the system into a more robust one capable of ac-commodating the needed frequency increases. This paper therefore focusses on these process innovations and using both a complex adaptive system perspective as well as a sociotechnical perspective presents the uncertainties decision makers within the involved parties must face. Using the principles stemming from re-search on transition management we assessed how different decision support tools such as computer simulations, gaming simulations and live-tests contribute to lowering uncertainty. While computer simulations offer regime-inclined players an arena to test out new solutions, gaming-simulations and live-test through their openness allow for the concerted planning of transformations


We introduce a class of Laurent polynomials, called maximally mutable Laurent polynomials (MMLPs), which we believe correspond under mirror symmetry to Fano varieties. A subclass of these, called rigid, are expected to correspond to Fano varieties with terminal locally toric singularities. We prove that there are exactly 10 mutation classes of rigid MMLPs in two variables; under mirror symmetry these correspond one-to-one with the 10 deformation classes of smooth del Pezzo surfaces. Furthermore, we give a computer-assisted classification of rigid MMLPs in three variables with reflexive Newton polytope; under mirror symmetry these correspond one-to-one with the 98 deformation classes of three-dimensional Fano manifolds with very ample anti-canonical bundle. We compare our proposal to previous approaches to constructing mirrors to Fano varieties, and explain why mirror symmetry in higher dimensions necessarily involves varieties with terminal singularities. Every known mirror to a Fano manifold, of any dimension, is a rigid MMLP.


Amplitude damping changes entangled pure states into usually less-entangled mixed states. We show, however, that even local amplitude damping of one or two qubits can result in mixed states more entangled than pure states if one compares the relative entropy of entanglement (REE) for a given degree of the Bell--Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality violation (referred to as nonlocality). By applying Monte Carlo simulations, we find the maximally entangled mixed states and show that they are likely to be optimal by checking the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, which generalize the method of Lagrange multipliers for this nonlinear optimization problem. We show that the REE for mixed states can exceed that of pure states if the nonlocality is in the range (0,0.82) and the maximal difference between these REEs is 0.4. A former comparison [Phys. Rev. A 78, 052308 (2008)] of the REE for a given negativity showed analogous property but the corresponding maximal difference in the REEs is one order smaller (i.e., 0.039) and the negativity range is (0,0.53) only. For appropriate comparison, we normalized the nonlocality measure to be equal to the standard entanglement measures, including the negativity, for arbitrary two-qubit pure states. We also analyze the influence of the phase-damping channel on the entanglement of the initially pure states. We show that the minimum of the REE for a given nonlocality can be achieved by this channel, contrary to the amplitude-damping channel.


The maturation of Internet of Things (IoT) combined with proliferation of smart devices has disrupted the payment industry. Most enterprises across various industries have recognized a need for the convergence of online payments, mobile payments and point of sale payments in retail locations. The revolution of payment systems creates opportunities and new way in how consumer making a payment in the future. For example, an autonomous payment system could allow consumers to pay for gas, food or parking without leaving their connected car or automates the process of in-store payments. However, security is a big obstacle in this payment revolution. From the consumer ' s perspective, all autonomous payment systems should be secure and transparent. Some of the concerns are related to issues such as which device is making a payment, who are the parties involved, and how to authorize the payment. Hence, user authentication is one of the core requirements to answer those concerns. In this paper, we will explore the user authentication challenge for autonomous payment in IoT environment and propose an enhanced user authentication solution that utilizes user biometrics as an authentication factor.


Phasor measure unit (PMU) deployment for wide area monitoring systems (WAMS) results in large amount's of data being generated every second across the PMU network, the intermediate data concentrator's and the central monitoring center. This large amount of data evacuation provides practical bottlenecks with the prevalent network architecture and communication schemes. This paper looks at this problem; by studying the underlying reason's for communication bottlenecks and proposes an enhanced architecture to address this issue.


BACKGROUND
Muscle imbalance has long been recognized as one of the possible pathogeneses for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PIEZO2, the susceptibility gene of AIS, has been identified to play an important role in neuromuscular activities.

OBJECTIVE
This study aims to compare the mRNA expression of PIEZO2 between concave and convex paraspinal muscles of AIS patients and to identify the relationship between the ratio of PIEZO2 expression and curve magnitude.

METHODS
Twenty female AIS patients (right thoracic curve) who underwent spinal correction surgery were divided into moderate (n= 12) and severe (⩾ 70 degrees) curve groups (n= 8). The morphology of the paraspinal muscles was assessed with spinal MRI. Multifidus specimens were collected during surgical operations from the concave and convex sides of the apical region, and mRNA expression of the PIEZO2 gene was compared between sides. The localization of PIEZO2 protein expression was confirmed with the markers PAX7 and PAX3, and the percentage of PIEZO2+ cells was also investigated.

RESULTS
In the moderate curve group, fatty infiltration in the deep paraspinal muscle was significantly higher on the concave side than on the convex side. There were no differences in deep muscle area, superficial muscle area, or fatty infiltration of superficial paraspinal muscle. The mRNA expression of PIEZO2 was significantly increased on the concave side, and the asymmetric expression predominantly occurred in moderate curves rather than severe ones. PIEZO2 was expressed on satellite cells instead of fibers of the muscle spindle. The percent of PIEZO2+PAX7+ cells in myofibers was significantly higher on the concave side in the moderate curve group, but not in the severe curve group.

CONCLUSIONS
Asymmetric morphological changes occur in the deep paraspinal muscles of AIS. The PIEZO2 is asymmetrically expressed in the multifidus muscle and is preferentially expressed in satellite cells.


Synopsis In this paper, a dissipative particle dynamics sDPDd based approach for modeling suspensions is examined. A series of tests is applied comparing simulation results to well established theoretical predictions. The model recovers the dilute limit intrinsic viscosity prediction of Einstein and provides reasonable estimates of the Huggins coefficient for semidilute suspensions. At higher volume fractions, it was necessary to explicitly include lubrication forces into the algorithm as the usual DPD interactions are too weak to prevent overlaps of the rigid bodies and account for other related effects due to lubrication forces. Results were then compared with previous studies of dense hard sphere suspensions using the Stokesian dynamics method and experimental data. Comparison of relative viscosity values determined from strain controlled shearing versus stress controlled shearing simulations are also given. The flow of spheroidal objects is studied. The rotation of a single spheroid under shear is consistent with the predictions of Jeffery. Simulations of sheared spheroids at higher volume fractions produce an apparent nematic phase. An example is given of the application of DPD to model flow in another geometry, gravitational driven flow between parallel cylinders, which is of practical interest. © 2005 The Society of Rheology,


Face recognition is one of the most important research fields of the last
two decades. This is due to the actual use of this technology in automatic detection
and monitoring systems. Face attribute and features recognition from images is
still a challenge. In this paper, face image recognition is proposed upon local face
image rather than focusing on the whole image recognition by applying preprocessing
techniques and Viola-Jones method. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method is used in order to extract the needed features. Experiments show satisfied and more accurate results achieved by the proposed system comparing to the existing systems.


In large-scale grid platforms, providing fault-tolerance for users is always a challenging task because of the uncertainty of network resources. In this paper, we present an intelligent agent based meta- scheduler, which is aiming at improving the fault- tolerance of grid systems when running user's application. The proposed meta-scheduler is designed as an extendable framework, which allows plugging in multiple scheduling policies for deal with different scenarios. The agent-based scheduling framework enables grid systems to deploy their local schedulers in a flexible manner. Extensive experiments are conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed meta-scheduler, and the results show that it is effective to provide enhanced dependability for grid users, especially when the system is across multi- organization.


Abstract:  There is evidence that certain connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Although it has been claimed that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carries an increased risk of breast cancer, review of the available literature suggests that this is not the case, or, any increase is very small. Women with SLE do not need to be under close surveillance for breast cancer. In patients suffering from both SLE and breast cancer, radiotherapy has been regarded as relatively contraindicated because of fears concerning early and late complications. This view is not supported by the available literature and the majority of such cases can be treated by standard breast‐conserving therapy, including breast irradiation.


Investigations were undertaken to monitor the health status of farm labourers engaged in field sprays of MIPC 50 WP (Hexamicin, Mipcin), a carbamate insecticide on cotton crop, as per the protocol approved by the Central Insecticide Board The insecticide sprays (0.1%) were undertaken for six hr on three consecutive days on 1.2 hectares of cotton crop per day, using Aspee napsak sprayers. The spray personnel (mixers, loaders and sprayers) with protective clothing did not reveal any alteration in clinical, hematological and blood bio-chemical profile during exposure and post exposure periods. The spray personnel without protective clothing showed only a marginal reduction in their blood cholinesterase activity during the exposure period.


BACKGROUND
Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor occurring at various sites as either a primary or secondary event. Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is an unusual tumor, counting for 1 in 1700-2,000 primary malignant tumors of this organ. An increasing number of secondary angiosarcomas involving skin and breast.

CASE
Angiosarcoma arose 6 years after breast-conserving therapy for invasive carcinoma in a 69-year-old woman. Fine needle aspiration of several small, reddish, intradermal nodules over the treated area revealed malignant cells with an endothelial immunophenotype in the cel block, yielding the diagnosis of angiosarcoma, subsequently confired in a mastectomy speciman.

CONCLUSION
Fine needle aspiration, supported by ancillary techniques, such as cell block and immunohistochemistry, allows the cytologic diagnosis of an angiosarcoma and differentiates it from a carcinoma recurrence.


OBJECTIVE
Depression may be a precursor to substance use disorder in some youngsters, and substance abuse might complicate the subsequent course of depression. This study examined whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity and stressful life experiences are related to the development of substance use disorder in depressed and nondepressed adolescents, and whether substance use disorder predicts a worsening course of depression.

METHOD
Urinary-free cortisol was measured for 3 nights in 151 adolescents with no prior history of substance use disorder (55 depressed, 48 at high risk for depression, and 48 normal subjects). Information was obtained on recent stressful life experiences. The participants were followed for up to 5 years to assess the onset of substance use disorder, course of depression, and stressful experiences. The relationships among depression, cortisol as a measure of HPA activity, stressful experiences, and substance use disorder were examined.

RESULTS
Elevated cortisol was associated with onset of substance use disorder. Stressful life experiences moderated this relationship. Cortisol and stress accounted for the effects of a history or risk of depression on the development of substance use disorder. Substance use disorder was associated with higher frequency of subsequent depressive episodes.

CONCLUSIONS
Higher cortisol prior to the onset of substance use disorder may indicate vulnerability to substance use disorder. Stressful experiences increase the risk for substance use disorder in such vulnerable youth. The high prevalence of substance use disorders in depressed individuals may be explained, in part, by high levels of stress and increased HPA activity.


In the paper titled "Assessment of the relationship between reflux and body mass index with different regression models" Pourhoseingholi et al (1), report the results of a population based cross sectional case controlled study (1). The study investigates the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and reflux symptoms. The authors report that they found no correlation between BMI and reflux symptoms using 3 different statistical tools. On initial reflection this study appears to be contradicting the widely accepted belief that reflux is more prevalent in people with high BMI (2).

Western population are aging and facing a relentless increase in the prevalence of obesity. Population studies from the United States suggest 15% of adults aged between 20 and 75 years are obese. Furthermore the incidence of obesity increased at an amazing 5 % per year between the early 1992 and 2005. It is anticipated that by 2020, as a result of increased food intake and reduced physical activity, approximately 40% of adults will be obese. Coinciding with this temporal increase in obesity there has been an increase in the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and oesophageal cancer (3). It is only natural that investigators would wonder if the increasing prevalence of obesity is contributing to the increasing prevalence of these two conditions.

The pathophysiology of GORD has been extensively studies. Any condition that compromises integrity of the lower oesophageal sphincter will predispose to the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus and the development of GORD. GORD is associated with the presence of a hiatus hernia, increased frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and a weak lower oesophageal sphincter basal tone. GORD can be diagnosed by questionnaires, endoscopy and oesophageal manometry and pH studies. Oesophageal manometry and pH studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased exposure of the oesophagus to gastric acid reflux (4). Studies have also shown that obese patients have an increased frequency of transient lower oesophageal relaxations and a weaker lower oesophageal sphincter compared to non-obese individuals. It thus seems very plausible that obesity predisposes to GORD. These clinical studies have been supported by epidemiological studies. These have confirmed an association between obesity and GORD in a white population, with a progressive increase in the proportion of subjects reporting GORD symptoms as BMI increased (5).

GORD symptoms are associated with the presence of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA). The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has been progressively increasing in Western populations. Studies have investigated obesity as a risk factor for both BO and OA. Studies have suggested that obesity predisposes to both BO and OA in North American populations but the results of similar studies investigating adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia have been conflicting (3).

Before we consider the conclusions from this study, we must first look at the differences between this study and many of the studies that have previously been reported from Western populations. The study used a survey in the general population - subjects were not recruited from hospital clinics. The population surveyed was also young. Lastly we know that obesity is less prevalent in Iranian populations than in many Western populations.

We may conclude that in a young population, with a low prevalence of obesity, as reported in this study, obesity is not a major risk factor for reflux symptoms. Had the authors surveyed an older population, with reflux symptoms and predisposing factors, such as a hiatus hernia, there findings may well have been different.

The reader can conclude that there are many risk factors for GORD and that as populations become 'Westernised' that the aetiology of GORD in their aging society will change.

In 10 years time we may predict that the Iranian population will be older and, perhaps, suffering from the Western obesity epidemic. It will then be interesting to compare the results of this study, current studies in Western populations and Iranian studies performed in an older society.


The use of dopamine replacement therapies (DRT) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to the development of dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) and impulse control disorders (ICD), behavioral disturbances characterized by compulsive DRT self-medication and development of impulsive behaviors. However, the mechanisms behind these disturbances are poorly understood. In animal models of PD, the assessment of the rewarding properties of levodopa (LD), one of the most common drugs used in PD, has produced conflicting results, and its ability to promote increased impulsivity is still understudied. Moreover, it is unclear whether acute and chronic LD therapy differently affects reward and impulsivity. In this study we aimed at assessing, in an animal model of PD with bilateral mesostriatal and mesocorticolimbic degeneration, the behavioral effects of LD therapy regarding reward and impulsivity. Animals with either sham or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced bilateral lesions in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were exposed to acute and chronic LD treatment. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to evaluate the rewarding effects of LD, whereas impulsive behavior was measured with the variable delay-to-signal (VDS) task. Correlation analyses between behavioral measurements of reward or impulsivity and lesion extent in SNc/VTA were performed to pinpoint possible anatomical links of LD-induced behavioral changes. We show that LD, particularly when administered chronically, caused the development of impulsive-like behaviors in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals in the VDS. However, neither acute or chronic LD administration had rewarding effects in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals in the CPP. Our results show that in a bilateral rat model of PD, LD leads to the development of impulsive behaviors, strengthening the association between DRT and DDS/ICD in PD.


The importance of the physiological role of nutrient elements in plant behavior concerning higher and more stable yield, using the durum wheat variety P1252 as model plant, was examined under hydroponic conditions. To investigate the effects of Mg deficiency, the element was eliminated from the media solutions. Results showed that Mg elimination decreased the chlorophyll content. Lack of Mg only affected guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly. The SOD/APX+GPX+CAT ratio as an index of assessing the balance between H2O2-producing and H2O2-scavenging enzymes increased leading to the accumulation of H2O2 in cell. The elevation of SOD/APX+GPX+CAT ratio and H2O2 accumulation indicates the occurrence of oxidative stress in leave cells under Mg deficiency. Lack of magnesium (Mg) resulted in considerable increase in other oxidative stress indices, cell death and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The reason is the occurrence of Haber-Weiz reaction in absence of Mg and production of hydroxyl radical, a very dangerous radical, leading to increasing damage of cell biomolecules and their apoptosis.


In the present investigation, an experimental design of hybrid structures based on advanced pore morphology (APM) Al foam spheroid elements is studied. The energy absorption capacities of three configurations is assessed for both quasi-static and dynamic compressive loads. To this end experimental tests were performed by means of a universal testing machine using a 100 kN load cell (accuracy of 0.1%) and a drop weigh tower in a range of impactor masses varying from 2.2 to 23.12 Kg. The three types of samples explored are the following: foam spheroid elements, sandwich panel filled with a single-layer of APM and thin-wall Al hollow structure filled with free-bonded APM. The compressive testing assessment of hybrid structures based on APM Al foam spheroid elements showed excellent improvements on energy absorption capacity against to Al foam conventional structures. This capacity is led by both the bonding agent and friction effects. The foaming agent applied in this study, white marble, is presented as a functional and low-cost alternative to titanium hydride.


In this work the possibility to characterize mechanical components combining thermoelastic measurement technique (TSA) and digital image correlation (DIC) is studied. The combination of these two different methodologies allows to analyze thermo-mechanical characteristics of materials such as plastic and rubber, which are difficult to study with the only thermoelastic methodology. The digital image correlation allows to determinate the first invariant of deformation ε1, using a differential thermocamera. Lack of adiabatic conditions, essential for methodology use, makes analysis not simple. Digital image correlation allows to obtain the same information by correlating digital images acquired during static or dynamic deformationof an object, but with limitations linked to acquisition system. An accurate analysis is dedicated to the study of first invariant of deformation related to Young's module variation, performed by load cycles with variable amplitude and displacement. Comparative analysis between the two measurement methodologies has been performed on rubber samples loaded by dynamic compression.


Hydrogen gas storage place has been increasing daily because of its consumption. Hydrogen gas is a dream fuel of the future with many social, economic and environmental benefits to its credit. However, many hydrogen storage tanks exploded accidentally and significantly lost the economy, infrastructure, and living beings. In this study, a protection wall under a worst-case scenario explosion of a hydrogen gas tank was analyzed with commercial software LS-DYNA. TNT equivalent method was used to calculate the weight of TNT for Hydrogen. Reinforced concrete and composite protection wall under TNT explosion was analyzed with a different distance of TNT. The initial dimension of the reinforced concrete protection wall was taken from the Korea gas safety code book (KGS FP217) and studied the various condition. H-beam was used to make the composite protection wall. Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) simulation from LS-DYNA and ConWep pressure had a good agreement. Used of the composite structure had a minimum displacement than a normal reinforced concrete protection wall. During the worst-case scenario explosion of a hydrogen gas 300 kg storage tank, the minimum distance between the hydrogen gas tank storage and protection wall should be 3.6 m.


Migraine is the commonest form among the so-called primary headaches and the description of its clinical picture is lost in the mists of time. On the contrary, headaches of organic origin have only recently received a proper nosological individuation thanks to the modern technological progress achieved in the field of medicine. The migraine crisis, both with and without aura, is so typical in its clinical features that it does not require subtle instrumental methodologies to be diagnosed. In most cases a careful anamnesis provides all the elements necessary to formulate a precise diagnosis: the positive family history, the time and mode of onset of crises, the nature of head pain, the chronological stages are quite constant whatever the trigger factor may be. Some other considerations add further evidence to the primitivity of migraine. First of all, migraine can be relieved by quite structurally different drugs with different mechanisms of action. In addition, no significant relationship has ever been found between migraine and other pathologies.


Suppression of estrogen synthesis using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is highly effective in the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Third generation AIs are superior to adjuvant tamoxifen resulting in improved disease-free survival and a lower incidence of side effects. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of long-term estrogen deprivation or exhaustive endocrine therapy is the development of drug resistance. We and others have shown that acquisition of resistance to long term estrogen deprivation or to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in breast cancer cells is accompanied by an increase in malignant cell behavior. The Jordan Laboratory has developed in vitro and in vivo models of endocrine-resistant breast cancer that mimic pathobiology observed in anti-hormone refractory breast tumors. MCF-7:5C and MCF-7:2A are two ER+ human breast cancer cell lines derived from long term estrogen deprivation of hormone-dependent MCF-7 cells. MCF-7:TAM2 and MCF-7:RAL2 are also ER+ derivatives of MCF-7 that are resistant to tamoxifen and raloxifene, respectively. These models of resistance share several phenotypic and molecular characteristics, which differ dramatically from the isogenic parental line. Differences include robust growth in estrogen-deprived medium, mesenchymal morphology, and increased invasiveness and motility in vitro. They also exhibit elevated AKT activity, loss of E-cadherin, and additional molecular markers consistent with malignant progression. We have conducted an array-based genomic study to elucidate molecular mechanisms associated with development of endocrine resistance in each model. We observed a high degree of genomic evolution in all endocrine-resistant models. Several regions of common genomic aberration were observed in the MCF-7:5C and MCF-7:2A cells that indicate significant deregulation of glycolysis and glucose metabolism, a metabolic process known to be driven by activated AKT. Gene ontology analysis of genes differentially expressed by both MCF-7:5C and MCF-7:2A also highlighted deregulated AKT signaling and cell cycle control in these cells. Interestingly, amplification of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene, which encodes estrogen receptor alpha, was observed in MCF-7:5C and MCF-7:2A models but not in the SERM-resistant models supporting diversity underlying mechanisms of endocrine resistance depending on therapies used. This study indicates that biological drivers of endocrine resistance can be identified using integrated genomic and bioinformatic approaches. We are currently prioritizing the likely molecular drivers of endocrine-resistant disease using high throughput RNAi technology. Grant support: Department of Defense Breast Program under award number BC050277 Center of Excellence (V.C. Jordan). Views and opinions of and endorsements by the author(s) do not reflect those of the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-12.


With the introduction of automatic milking (AM) systems, some increases in total bacterial count (TBC) and of free fatty acids (FFA) in milk were observed. Contamination of milk, resulting in elevated TBC, originates from four main sources: inside of the udder, outside of the udder, the milking machine and bulk tank. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of teat cleaning devices and to study the effect on milk quality of two and three system cleanings per day. AM systems have special teat cleaning devices. The efficacy of these teat cleaning devices was studied by contaminating the teats first, followed by swabbing the teats before and after teat cleaning. Per brand of AM system on two farms were taken. The effect of system cleaning frequency was studied on 13 farms by performing two or three system cleanings per day. Milk quality was determined on bulk tank samples. All teat cleaning systems showed positive effects. Differences were found between brands of AM systems. The level of housing hygiene influenced the level of teat contamination. Three system cleanings per day resulted in a significant lower TBC (10.000 vs. 13.000 cfu/ml), number of coliforms, thermodurics and psychrotrophs compared with two system cleanings per day. In both cases the levels found for TBC were far within the penalty limits.


The aims of this study were: to identify the plant species used for medicinal purposes by the community at Ipameri (Goias State); to investigate the preferences with respect to the production and marketing of these plants; and to diagnose the gender profile and the age and wage ranges of users. Thus, structured interviews were conducted with 200 families in the city and plants were collected for their correct identification. The material was herborized, identified and deposited in the Herbarium of "Universidade Estadual de Goias" (HUEG). Of the 200 families interviewed, 75 said they did not make use of plants for medicinal purposes (37.5%), while 125 said they do use them (62.5%). The latter group reported the 35 most used species: "hortela-rasteira" (Mentha x villosa L.), "boldo-sete-dores" (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews.), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.), "quebra-pedra" (Phyllanthus niruri L.), chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), guaco (Mikania glomerata Spreng.), mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides L.), clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.), wormwood (Artemisia canphorata Vill.), balm (Eysenhardtia platycarpa Mich.), broom (Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), aloe (Aloe vera L.) and mallow (Althaea officinalis L.). All consumer families (100%) stated to prefer plants grown organically, to select the plants based on their good appearance (68% families) and to eat them in natura (unprocessed, 100%). The use of medicinal plants in Ipameri is independent of gender (54% womem and 46% men) and extends to several age and socioeconomic ranges, configuring thus a good consumer market.


. Vehicle technicians in checking the condition of the car's engine mounting do it manually, namely, through sight and hearing. This kind of manual method often makes an error in diagnosing engine mounting damage, because each individual has a different level of hearing and vision sensitivity. This research aims to make it easier for technicians to check the feasibility level of engine mounting with accurate data. This tool is based on IoT technology, where the reading of graphs from sensors in analyzing engine mounting damage using a website display and a 20 x 4 LCD. For its data storage with MySQL Database. In its working principle, it uses the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm method, in order to distinguish between engine mounting that is still good and damaged. Graph readings based on normal and abnormal range data from the data retrieval of the engine mounting of the new unit car. The vibration sensor used is the ADXL345 and also several other sensors such as the temperature sensor (MLX90614) and the sound sensor (KY-037). It uses the Arduino UNO R3 microcontroller and the Esp8266 NodeMCU as a data sender to the server. Tests were carried out on cars in idling conditions of 1000-1300 rpm. From the results of the study produced standard feasibility for vibrations from 3 axes (x = 1.60 ; y = 1.60 ; z = 1.90), temperature = 30 °C, Sound = 71 dB.


One of the defining features of eighteenth-century France was a pervasive anxiety over the possible collapse of the hierarchical and corporate social order. Contemporaries feared that open commerce would abolish the traditional system of corps, and luxury would confuse the symbols that represented an individual's état. In reaction to Turgot's "Six Edicts" (1776) and against the celebration of le doux commerce, moralists, political economists, philosophers, and petitioners from Parisian guilds articulated a corporeal critique of economic modernity. They argued that a society driven by commerce and competition would be detrimental not only to the corps politique but, more importantly, to the corps unique of each French subject.


The purpose of this study was to develop film-forming emulsions (FFE) facilitating long-term treatment of chronic pruritus with capsaicinoids. To this end, oil-in-water emulsions, which comprise dispersions of sustained-release polymers, were examined. Such emulsions form a film when applied to the skin and encapsulate the oily drug solution in a dry polymeric matrix. Permeation of the antipruritic drug nonivamide (NVA) is controlled by the matrix. Permeation rates of NVA from FFE and its concentration in the skin are equivalent to those achieved with a conventional semisolid formulation, but can be maintained for a longer period of time. FFE may therefore improve the treatment of chronic pruritus with capsaicinoids by enhancing patient compliance by means of a sustained-release regimen.


Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the capacity of governments -and political and health systems- to handle exceptional situations, where communication plays a fundamental role This demands the deployment of coordinated, coherent, assertive, and efficient communication processes Objective: The purpose of this article is to characterize the press conferences of the Ministry of Health of Mexico during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, for being the main communication space to deal with the crisis Methodology: The 28 conferences corresponding to the second phase of the pandemic were analyzed through content analysis in the FileMaker program, version 18 Results: The analysis shows that in addition to technical information, information on government crisis management occupies a privileged place within the conference Conclusion: This official communication space took into account the structural elements of vulnerability that intervene in the spread of the pandemic, which is closely related to the call to individual and collective responsibility made by the State


A young woman affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) was examined by magnetic resonance (MRI) during a relapse. Three months later the patient died from acute pulmonary embolism. An imaging and quantitative MRI study was performed on the formalin-fixed brain. Finally, the left hemisphere was examined by light microscopy after histological and immunocytochemical staining. While fixation significantly reduced T1 and T2 relaxation times, MRI signal and image contrast of the fixed brain were satisfactory. Lesion distribution was very similar in corresponding MRI slices and histological sections. The post mortem MRI scan and pathological study detected several new lesions, as expected from the patient's clinical course. Thus, it was possible to evaluate the age of lesions by comparing the MRI scans. In this study, signal intensity of MS lesions varied according to their histological features, i.e. to their age.


The ej^mination- of 418 -stomachs of Uranoscopus scaber in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters showed that the feeding intensity had a maximum value during April (85%). Analysis of food contents revealed that this species is mostly carnivorous fish, that feeds on a broad food items including pisces, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, annelids, algae and higher plants. Spicara smarts and S, flexuosa (Family: Centracanthidae) were the main fish prey in the diet of stargazers. The test of seasonal diversity index of food items exhibited high value during spring (H5 = 1.43) than in other seasons, due to wide diversity of food. Regarding the feeding diversity according to size groups, it was found to be high for fishes of large size groups of more than 20.0 cm (H* = 1.41). The test of food overlap according to seasons showed significant overlapping among all seasons with exception between autumn and winter. Significant overlapping was found between all size groups ( 20 cm).


Abnormal signal transmission in central serotonergic pathways is supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine and major depression. We report on a patient, who was treated during an episode of depression with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline and developed frequent migraine attacks under this therapeutical regime. Single migraine attacks were treated successfully with triptanes. Although SSRIs may be beneficial for migraine prophylaxis at long term administration, this case suggests that acute administration of SSRIs in migraineurs may include the risk of worsening migraine.


Author(s): Vierra, Samuel Zachary | Advisor(s): Le Guin, Elisabeth C; Krouse, Ian | Abstract: The following research is an investigation of the baroque guitar stringing used by Spanish composer Gaspar Sanz and many of his Italian contemporaries. In contrast to previous scholarship centered on baroque guitar stringing, this paper attempts to clarify the problems inherently associated with ambiguous terminology, incorrect stringing designations, and the currently accepted baroque stringing options. The confusion and disagreement amongst modern scholars about what Sanz wrote regarding the subject of stringing has severely hindered subsequent related scholarship. As a result, it was absolutely necessary for the following research to include a historical background on Sanz, as well as his commentary on this subject, which has been translated, cautiously dissected, and explained. Additionally, this paper offers a direct challenge to the specious claim of many notable scholars that Sanz used the totally re-entrant stringing for the creation of his compositions. It was my sole intention to make this the most exhaustive research supporting the employment of upper octaves to date. This research also contains my newly proposed baroque guitar stringing options. Comparative transcriptions of original tablature from several composers including Sanz, Corbetta, Colista, Kapsperger, Granata, and Murcia have been included in order to add visual clarification of the results produced by different re-entrant stringings. Several other related issues are discussed including an examination of the original definitions of gut string names, the guitar's close development and association with the lute and chitarrone, and a closer look at the 17th century usage of the term "unison." Also proposed is a new right-hand technique whereby the guitar is approached as a nine (or ten) -string instrument. As part of the conclusion, I have also offered my personal instrumental set-up, showing both my current guitar's string spacing at the nut and bridge, along with the string type and diameters that I consider a suitable compromise for performance on a modern baroque guitar replica.


New tung oil (TO)-based, unsaturated, co-ester (Co-UE) macromonomers bearing steric hindrance were synthesized by modifying a TO-based maleate (TOPERMA) monomer with an anhydride structure with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methallyl alcohol (MAA), respectively. The obtained Co-UE monomers (TOPERMA-HEMA and TOPERMA-MAA) were then characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For comparison, hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA)-modified TOPERMA (TOPERMA-HEA) was also synthesized and characterized. Subsequently, the obtained Co-UEs were thermally cured with styrene, and the ultimate properties of the resulting materials were studied. It was found that by introducing the structure of steric hindrance into the TO-based Co-UE monomer, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the resulting materials were improved. Furthermore, by reducing the length of the flexible chain in the Co-UE monomer, the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resultant materials were also improved. The TOPERMA-MAA resin gave the best performance in these TO-based Co-UE resins, which showed a tensile strength of 32.2 MPa, Young's modulus of 2.38 GPa, and Tg of 130.3 °C. The developed ecofriendly materials show promise in structural plastic applications.


Comparative studies of mutarotase [aldose 1-epimerase, EC 184.108.40.206] from the kidney, liver and small intestine of rats were performed placing in the focus on the study of multiple forms. The findings obtained are as follows. Mutarotases from the kidney and liver of adult rats were both separated into four forms (types I-IV) by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, whereas only two forms (types I and II) were detected in the small intestine. Liver mutarotase type I was further separated into types I1 and I2 by column chromatography on hydroxylapatite. Types I and II from the kidney and type II from the liver were purified to homogeneity as judged by isoelectric focusing on thin layer polyacrylamide gel. Of various physicochemical properties, only the Km for alpha-D-xylose and the isoelectric point were different among the multiple forms. Liver mutarotase was immunohistochemically localized in the nuclei of parenchymal cells and small intestine enzyme in the nuclei of mucosal cells, indicating similarity with the localization of kidney enzyme (in the nuclei of epithelial cells of renal tubules and glomeruli) which was reported in our previous paper [Experientia (1979) 35, 1094-1097]. The kidney mutarotase level increased gradually after birth and reached a maximum near adult level within 20 days. This developmental pattern was essentially the same as that in the liver but clearly different from that in the small intestine, in which the mutarotase activity of suckling rats was several times higher than that of adult rats. Distribution patterns of multiple forms (types I-IV) of the enzyme in the kidney and liver of 10-day-old rats were similar to those in respective tissues of adult rats. On the other hand, the small intestine of 10-day-old rats contained four forms (types I-IV), whereas there were only two forms (types I and II) in adult rats.


There is an ever-increasing demand for attaining full color digital images. Color is an inevitable property in recognizing certain objects in an image. The growth in color imaging technology has led to the emergence of different color management techniques. These techniques require color models so that images produced in one medium and viewed in a certain background may be reproduced in a second medium and viewed under a different condition. This paper presents a method for determining color pixel intensity in an image using RGB color model. The model helps us understand the distribution of colors within an image. This is important in image processing techniques where color representation is the major problem that has remained unresolved for decades. The algorithm first extracts color pixels from a bitmap image; the luminance value is then computed to get the brightness of the image. The third step splits RGB color into color plane, if the color plane is equal to or greater than three, color image is extracted else a grayscale tone is extracted. The algorithm proposed in this paper is suitable for all kinds of image enhancement techniques.


Software routers based on off-the-shelf hardware and open-source operating systems are gaining more and more momentum. The reasons are manifold: first, personal computer (PC) hardware is broadly available at low cost; second, large-scale production and the huge market spur the manufacturers to closely track the improvements made available by Moore's Law; third, open-source software leaves the freedom to study the source code, learn from it, modify it to improve the performance, and tailor its operation to one's own needs. In this paper we focus only on the data plane performance and compare the default Linux IP stack with the Click modular IP stack in terms of the forwarding throughput. The results are surprising and show that a high-end PC is easily able to fit into the multi-Gigabit-per-second routing segment, for a price much lower than commercial routers.


This paper presents an efficient and systematic modeling and simulation methodology for complex power distribution networks to meet the higher demands of the effective design and analysis of such structures. A locally three-dimensional model is used to model correctly the field behavior at irregular discontinuities such as splits, holes, vias, and pins in the power-ground plane structure. Systematic equivalent circuit synthesis is used to make the model compatible with SPICE and thus facilitate the connection of the model to circuit components external to it. These systematic procedures are demonstrated by means of numerical results that demonstrate the sort of geometric complexity that can be accommodated by the proposed modeling methodology.


Geothermal resources are often exploited by multiple independent operators with potentially conflicting objectives. As a result, exploration licences are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, doublet deployment could be based on a regional masterplan that aims to optimise heat recovery, which is common-practise in the hydrocarbon industry. This study compares the impact of geothermal well deployment following those two different approaches on (1) recovery efficiency, (2) Net Present Value and (3) its CO2 footprint. We conduct heat transfer simulations of exploitation of the Lower Cretaceous Sandstones in the West Netherlands Basin. This Hot Sedimentary Aquifer is the main target for ongoing geothermal exploitation in the Netherlands. In the simulations, doublet wells were deployed following the 'first-come, first-served' doublet deployment, which is based on the location of two currently active doublets. In addition, simulations are conducted in which doublets are deployed with a hypothetical, regional coordinated, optimised 'masterplan' approach. Results of this study indicate that there is significant scope to optimise doublet density and recovery efficiency of geothermal heat when doublets are deployed in a regionally coordinated 'masterplan'. This is because with a 'first come, first served' approach, doublet placement and design mainly aims to meet targets of individual operators and remaining space might be too small for new operators leaving much of the resource untapped. Optimisation of doublet deployment and licensing is required to make geothermal a more significant player in a future low-carbon energy mix. Firstly, this would require new tailor-made geothermal subsidy schemes that promote deployment optimisation over the 'first come, first served' deployment. Secondly, it requires tailor-made legislations that accommodate for increased interference between operators that is inevitable with denser doublet deployment. Finally we show that geothermal exploitation has a very low carbon footprint, highlighting its value to meet low-carbon energy targets. This study could assist in the development of realistic geothermal exploitation targets and the development of required financial and legislative support schemes to promote more efficient use of the enormous amounts of geothermal heat.


Abstract : An atomistic model for the effect of carbon (C) doping on the structural reorganization of boron suboxide (B6O) was developed from first principles density functional theory. The results indicate that it is energetically preferable for a single C atom to substitute into an oxygen (O) site rather than a B site. The lattice parameters and cell volume increase to relieve the residual stress created by the C substitution. Interstitial substitutions are not favorable for single atom substitutions. However, when 2 C atoms replace 2 neighboring O atoms within the B6O unit cell, it becomes energetically favorable to dope an interstitial O, B, or C atom along the C-C chain. If the interstitial dopant is either B or C, a local boron carbide (B4C)-like structure with either a C-B-C or C-C-C chain is created within the B6O unit cell, which could serve as an intermediate phase in the transformation of B6O into B4C. By promoting the formation of a local B4C-like structure, it may be possible to improve the mechanical stability and elastic properties of B6O.


To investigate the effect of tension on the contractive force of muscle and nerve conduction velocity of the repaired nerve, this study was designed. Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The left gastrocnemius muscles of the rats were dissected with the neurovascular pedicles intact; the tibial nerves were cut and immediately repaired by epineurial suture. Then the Achilles tendons were isolated and treated accordingly; the Achilles tendon was lengthened by 0.5 cm in lengthened group, shortened by 0.5 cm in shortened group and left alone in normal (control) group. In the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks after operation, the isometric twitch contractive force of both the right and the left gastrocnemius muscles and the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the tibial nerve were measured. The shortened group showed greater isometric twitch contractive strength of the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles than those in the normal and lengthened groups in all the postoperative periods. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in the shortened group showed greater than other groups. A proper high tension of the muscle can increase the contraction of the muscle and may improve the nerve conduction velocity of the repaired nerve.


We observed a combination of nephronophthisis, tapetoretinal degeneration, vermian agenesis and encephalopathy in three first cousins. Juvenile nephronophthisis, the main inherited renal disease of childhood, is occasionally associated with a genetically linked disease involving the eyes and/or bone and/or liver and/or nervous system. We have assembled approximately one hundred cases of complex nephronophthisis. We discuss the various associations, among which the Senior syndrome (nephronophthisis + tapetoretinal degeneration) is the most frequent. The familial combination seen in our patients has apparently not been previously reported and seems to represent a new expression of the disease.