Over the past decade information system security issues has been treated mainly from technology perspective. That model of information security management was reactive, mainly technologically driven and rarely aligned to business needs. This paper goes a step further and considers it from the governance view, mainly aligning it with the risk management activities and stressing the necessity for a holistic approach in which the executive management should be involved. The main objective of the paper is to stress the importance of implementing information system security governance model as a proactive and holistic approach which aligns security mechanisms, procedures and metrics with governance principles, business drivers and enterprise strategic objectives. Information system security governance model is constructed, explained and discussed. Approaches to for information system security assurance are analysed and the phases and processes of its regular reviews (audits) explained in further details. The standards and legislation activities that help in that sense are evaluated. The holistic model of governing information system security risks as business risks is explained and discussed. Key-Words: Information System Security Governance, IS Auditing, CobiT


Background

Postoperative adhesion (PA) following abdominal surgery may cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain, infertility, or even death. Knowledge of adhesion biology is limited, and preventive agents in clinical trials have failed to achieve efficacy.
Results

In the present study, we showed that neutrophils accumulate in the injured peritoneum at early stage of PA, and neutrophils within the ischemic buttons undergo cell death and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that contribute to PA. Neutrophil depletion reduces adhesion burden at 7 days after adhesion induction. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), an essential enzyme for NET formation, is increased in ischemic buttons. Degradation of NETs by DNase 1 and suppression of NET formation by pharmacologic inhibition of PAD4 alleviated adhesion burden, collogen deposition and fibrosis formation. Mechanistically, administration of DNase I and PAD inhibitor reduces STING-mediated inflammatory response. STING deficiency attenuates adhesion burden, collogen deposition, and α-SMA production in the adhesive tissues at 7 days after surgery.
Conclusions

Collectively, our findings reveal NETs/STING signaling as a therapeutic target to prevent PA.


This paper describes a femtosecond laser based on Yb:KYW with direct pumping by semiconductor injection lasers. The Yb:KYW laser crystal was pumped longitudinally by the radiation of two InGaAs semiconductor injection lasers that operate at a wavelength of 981nm. The spatial structure of the radiation of the semiconductor lasers was reshaped by the optical system in order to maximize their power concentration in the volume of the laser medium. Femtosecond pulses were generated in the self-synchronization regime of longitudinal modes by using a semiconductor saturable absorber. The mean power of the oscillator reached 150mW at λ≈1030nm when the pulse width was about 200fs. The product of the pulse width by the width of the emission spectrum was only a factor of 1.17 greater than the theoretical limit for the pulse shape described by the sech2 function. The master oscillator thus developed can be used as a self-contained source of femtosecond light pulses and as an initiating source for femtosecond laser amplifier systems.


Based on the social interactions of an email user, incoming email traffic can be divided into different categories such as, telemarketing, Opt-in family members and friends. Due to a lack of knowledge in the different categories, most of the existing spam filters are prone to high false positives and false negatives. Moreover, a majority of the spammers obfuscate their email content inorder to circumvent the content-based spam filters. However, they do not have access to all the fields in the email header. Our classification method is based on the path traversed by email (instead of content analysis) since we believe that spammers cannot forge all the fields in the email header. We based our classification on three kinds of analyses on the header: i) EndToEnd path analysis, which tries to establish the legitimacy of the path taken by an email and classifies them as either spam or non-spam; ii) Relay analysis, which verifies the trustworthiness of the relays participating in the relaying of emails; iii) Emails wantedness analysis, which measure the recipients wantedness of the senders emails. We use the IMAP message status flags such as, message has been read, deleted, answered, flagged, and draft as an implicit feed back from the user in Emails wantedness analysis. Finally we classify the incoming emails as i) socially close (such as, legitimate emails from family, and friends), ii) socially distinct emails from strangers, iii) spam emails (for example, emails from telemarketers, and spammers) and iv) opt-in emails. Based on the relation between spamminess of the path taken by spam emails and the unwantedness values of the spammers, we classify spammers as i) prospective spammers, ii) suspects, iii) recent spammers and iv) serial spammers. Overall, our method resulted in far less false positives compared to current filters like SpamAssassin. We achieved a precision of 98.65% which is better than the precisions achieved by SPF and DNSBL blacklists.


For more than five thousand years until about sixty years ago, the history of the horse was the history of man. Although the dog has been man's best animal friend, the horse has been much more a part of his civilization than any other of his domesticated animals. As a means of transport in commerce, agriculture, recreation, warfare, and sport, and even as food, the horse has been man's foremost ally. In medicine it has provided physiologists, pathologists, immunologists and others with an experimental animal of great value and potential. And even today when its traditional role in association with man has lapsed, the horse as a manufactory of biological products continues to serve. Anthony Dent, an authority on the history of the horse, provides here an anthology of readings on this subject, supported by a splendid array of excellent illustrations; there are 236 in all, with thirty-two in colour, but some do not relate to the adjacent text. It begins with a survey of 'The age of the horse', then, in chronological sequence from the Hittites to the early twentieth century, the history of man's association with the horse is told by citations from contemporary documents selected by Julian Hall, and each briefly introduced. Unfortunately, the full references to the extracts are not given, and this diminishes the usefulness of the book as a source of reference. Also, as so often happens in British and American anthologies, material readily available in English predominates and this leads to imbalanice. Nevertheless the book can be highly recommended as an authoritative text on the horse as both a zoological entity and a social necessity in human history. Mr. Dent, as well as presenting accepted fact, also deals with issues concerning the horse, both biological and historical, which have not yet been resolved; in this regard more could have been made of the significance of the introduction of the stirrup. His opinions on such problems add a stimulating element to an elegant and informative book. In April 1972 a symposium on Chinese medicine was held in Madison, Wisconsin, and this book contains expanded forms of the papers presented, each with a bibliography , in addition to a general bibliography. There is first an excellent historical background of traditional Chinese medicine and of traditional medicine in modern China. Then follows a section on acupuncture, and one on health care delivery in modern China. The …


Abstract Introduction Breast cancer is increasingly diagnosed in the early stages without regional nodal involvement. The aim of the present study was to determine the 5-year overall (OS) and breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) for patients with node-negative breast cancer treated at the University Medical Centre Maribor, and compare it with survival at the national level. Methods Medical records were searched for information on patients with lymph node-negative invasive breast cancer who received primary treatment at the University Medical Centre Maribor in the period 2000–2009. Information on all Slovenian node-negative breast cancer patients diagnosed in the same period was obtained from the Cancer Registry of Republic of Slovenia. Time trends in survival were assessed by comparing the periods 2000–2004 and 2005–2009. Results The 5-year OS and BCSS of patients treated in Maribor in the period 2000–2009 were 92.3% (95% CI, 90.5%– 94.1%) and 96.4% (95% CI, 95.2%–97.6%), respectively, and did not differ from the corresponding OS and BCSS for Slovenian patients. Although the improvement in OS for patients from Maribor diagnosed in the period 2005–2009 compared to 2000–2004 did not reach statistical significance (HR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.51–1.05; p=0.086), BCSS significantly improved over the same time periods (HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30–0.94; p=0.028). Conclusions Survival of node-negative breast cancer patients treated at the University Medical Centre Maribor is comparable to survival of corresponding patients at the national level. The rising number of long-term breast cancer survivors places additional importance on survivorship care.


Rare decay processes K+ → π+ νν̄ and KL → π0νν̄ are considered in the framework of three-site Higgsless model. The contributions of this new physics model to these two decay processes come from the new heavy gauge bosons and the correction terms for the couplings of the ordinary gauge bosons with fermions. Our numerical results show that the branching ratios of these two decay processes can be enhanced by 40% and 50% relative to those predicted by the standard model.


Numerical studies indicate that information can be gained about the layering even in the transition zone of the source, down to a considerable depth with a properly planned frequency sounding measuring system. As it has been demonstrated, the high resistivity basement can be revealed even with a source-receiver separation 2-times larger than its depth.Model studies demonstrate that the transformation of the measured field into the so-called effective resistivity — with the use of a set of homogeneous earth responses calculated for several different resistivity values — offers a useful tool in the controlled electric bipole source measurement. Effective resistivity frequency sounding curves in the transition zone also give information about layering, and make additional transformations useful in preliminary interpretation.Effective resistivity sounding curves of arbitrary configuration can be determined from any individual field amplitude and phase, or from quantities derived from them. Therefore they can be applied for single — either electric or magnetic — field component frequency sounding as well.


Beaches and Coasts provides an excellent overview of the regions of our planet where most of the world's population lives and that are most threatened by population growth, pollution, and climate change.

The book is divided into 21 chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of coastal regions and their importance to human population. There are six chapters that describe the various processes that shape and influence the variety of coastal regions throughout the world, including plate tectonics (Chapter 2), sea-level change (Chapter 4), weather systems (Chapter 5), waves and currents (Chapter 6), tides (Chapter 11), and erosion (Chapter 20). Although there are numerous books dealing with coasts, this is the first book that I have seen that has a chapter dedicated to how plate tectonics control the variety of coastal environments that we see throughout the world.

Twelve chapters focus on the different coastal environments and processes occurring in these environments: beaches (Chapter 7), dunes (Chapter 9), barrier systems (Chapter 8), coastal lagoons (Chapter 10), tidal inlets (Chapter 12), intertidal flats (Chapter 13), coastal wetlands (Chapter 14), estuaries (Chapter 15), river deltas (Chapter 16), glaciated coasts (Chapter 17), rocky coasts (Chapter 18), and reefs (Chapter 19). One chapter (Chapter 2) deals with coastal materials and sediments. The last chapter (Chapter 21), as well as a significant portion of …


As clinical investigators of the percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) device, we read with interest "A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Percutaneous Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization in Patients With Nonrecanalizable Chronic Total Occlusions" (PMR-CTO trial) by Stone and colleagues (1). Based upon the lack of available follow-up data and objective evidence, we do not agree with their negative conclusions regarding this study or with their generalizations regarding different laser systems. There was approximately 50% available follow-up data for both primary study end points at six months: namely total exercise duration and angina improvement. The limited six-month follow-up data favors PMR-treated patients and may have achieved significance with complete follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Importantly, the review of major adverse events through six months supports the reasonable safety of the procedure. The discussion regarding laser technology, along with the conclusion of the need for further study of PMR, leaves the impression that the laser systems used in the various studies are similar and presumes that the difference in trial outcomes is explained by protocol design. Despite being HO:YAG systems, the lasers used in the various studies discussed are not similar regarding energy delivery and tissue interaction. The (DMR) laser system used in the DIRECT study transmitted a single energy pulse to the endocardial surface and did not advance into the endocardium to create a channel. The DMR system was designed for triggering an endogenous tissue response, not for channel formation (2). The CardioGenesis PMR laser systems fiberoptics deliver multiple energy pulses while penetrating into the myocardium to create deep, non-transmural channels. Based on the negative outcome for the DIRECT trial utilizing the DMR system, it is clear that fiberoptic penetration into the myocardium and significant channel formation, as with PMR, are essential to achieving clinical benefit. For PMR, the placebo question has been effectively addressed by the independently conducted, randomized, double blind, truesham BELIEF trial, which was performed to assess the potential of placebo as a principal mechanism for angina improvement with the CardioGenesis Axcis PMR system. The investigators concluded that the significant 12-month clinical benefit for PMRtreated patients, compared to sham control, was not attributable to placebo (3). During the BELIEF trial, patients, investigators, and assessors were blinded, and cardiac medications were held constant. In the PMR-CTO trial, physicians were not blinded, and patient blinding (i.e., heavy sedation, PMR simulation, eye coverage) may not have been consistently achieved. Whereas Stone and Colleagues challenge the lack of increased exercise tolerance or reduction in ischemia in BELIEF, the study was not designed or intended to show a change in those measures. Studies performed with the CardioGenesis PMR system, examining perfusion with position emission tomography (PET), have shown significant perfusion improvement (4,5). Three randomized, multi-center trials [PACIFIC (6), PMR010 (7), and the independent BELIEF] encompassing nearly 650 patients have been completed with the CardioGenesis PMR systems. All have consistently demonstrated a significant clinical benefit favoring the PMR-treated patients in all primary end points, with significantly improved functional capacity at 12 months. PMR is not DMR.


EnglishThe Budding tree of history: tender branches, grafts and buds around genealogical history. The present flourishing market of geanology leads historian to explore the roots of a success story, and to go back particulary,to genealogies in Modern Times, when ancestry was the foundation of social order. Whereas, twenty years ago, their attention was turned to scholary rules of genealogical art, to explain the making of credibility and authenticity, now, practical uses are considerer above all. Genealogical history tudy how family relationships and stories were visualized, used in judicial proceeding, sold and consumed. Between visual studies, juducial history and history of mass consumption, respond to an increasing request of clarity and intelligibility to a broader public, in addition to the scientific community EnglishThe


Introduction : Hibiscus sabdariffa has been used as an anti-inflammatory empirically, but have not been provened scientifically. Objectives : The aim of this study is to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract on white male Wistar rats. Methods : The steps in this study consist of the plant determination, phytochemical screening, macerated with ethanol 70%, testing of anti-inflammatory activity at 102, 205, and 410 mg extract per 200 g BW with sodium diclofenac as positive control in carrageenan-induced inflammatory rats, then data analyzed by ANOVA. Results : The phytochemical screening showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx contain saponins, flavonoids, quinones, and steroids. The maceration rendement was 28.57%. All three doses of the extract have anti-inflammatory activity with percentage of inflammatory inhibition were 22.03; 31.48 and 31.93% at 102, 205 and 410 mg, respectively. Conclusion : The Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract have anti-inflammatory activity.


In vitro binding of 3H-nimodipine to human brain membranes is demonstrated in this study. This binding was specific and saturable, and had an apparent affinity constant (KD) of 0.27 nM. The maximal number of binding sites for 3H-nimodipine was 5.8 pmoles/gm wet weight of human frontal cortex. The binding was shown to be dependent on calcium, with half-maximal stimulation obtained at 3 X 10(-5) M CaCl2. Other 1,4-dihyropyridine calcium antagonists were shown to be competitive antagonists of 3H-nimodipine binding. In contrast, the calcium antagonists, verapamil and diltiazem, had complex interactions with 3H-nimodipine binding. These results represent the first identification of 3H-calcium antagonist binding sites in human brain, and they confirm that various calcium antagonist drugs may differ with respect to both their potency and their molecular site of action.


In this study, the effect of carbon and silicon alloying elements with different weight per cent on mechanical properties and microstructural appearances in nodular cast iron alloys was investigated. The nodular cast iron ingot and scrap materials were charged into the induction furnace and when the temperature was risen to 1510 o C, the spheroidizing and inoculation processes were applied to molten metal. Having completed pouring of the molten metal into patterns by means of Furan method, the solidification was occurred in room temperature. Two groups of specimens were obtained containing 3.65 wt. % C, 2.30 wt. % Si and 3.25 wt. % C, 3.65 wt. % Si. The microstructure of specimens were investigated and uni-axial tensile test and the Charpy impact test were performed and their micro-hardness measurements were done in order to characterize the mechanical behaviours of nodular cast iron alloys having different alloying elements.


A previous study resulted in the discovery of a unique, undesignated strain of mice, referred to as SM (Super Mouse), whose progeny exhibited a resistance to dietary zinc deficiency when pups from the strain suckled dams fed a zinc-deficient diet. Examination of the zinc metabolism in these mice demonstrated in the study reported here that SM mice accumulated significantly more zinc during in utero development than do mice of other strains. Adult mice of the SM strain contained significantly more bone zinc than did mice of other strains. Adult SM mice excreted significantly less 65Zn than did mice of other strains when the mice were fed a zinc-deficient diet. These observations suggest that SM mice are able to resist periods of zinc-deficiency as a result of the development of highly efficient systems for storing and reabsorbing zinc.


Abstract Purpose Whether preconception elevated concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) compromises reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) remains unclear. This study therefore compared the reproductive outcomes in patients with TSH concentrations of < 2.5 mIU/L, 2.5–4.0 mIU/L, and 4.0–10.0 mIU/L undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated the medical records of all women with measured TSH concentrations who underwent IVF/ICSI between January 2011 and December 2012. The patients were divided into three groups: TSH < 2.5 mIU/L (group 1); THS ≥2.5 and < 4.0 mIU/L (group 2); and THS ≥4 mIU/L and < 10.0 mIU/L (group 3). Patients who were administered levothyroxine for treating hypothyroidism were excluded from the analysis. The primary endpoints were clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth and multiple pregnancy rates. Results During the study period, 787 women underwent IVF/ICSI. Sixty were excluded because their TSH concentrations were unavailable, and 77 were excluded due to their use of levothyroxine. The prevalence of patients presenting elevated concentrations of TSH was of 5.07% (using a TSH threshold of 4.0 mIU/L) and of 29.99% (using a TSH threshold of 2.5 mIU/L). Patient characteristics, type of COS, and response to COS did not differ among the three groups, and there were no differences in clinical pregnancy (24.4% versus 25.9% versus 24.2%, p = 0.93); miscarriage (17.1% versus 14.3% versus 12.5%, p = 0.93); live birth (20.2% versus 22.2% versus 21.2%, p = 0.86); and multiple pregnancy rates (27.0% versus 21.4% versus 25.0%, p = 0.90) respectively. Conclusion Response to COS, live birth, and miscarriage rates were not altered in women with elevated concentrations of TSH undergoing IVF/ICSI, regardless of using a TSH threshold of 2.5 mIU/L or 4.0 mIU/L. These findings reinforce the uncertainties related to the impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on reproductive outcomes in women undergoing COS for ARTs.


Objectives: Ticks are vectors of a number of pathogens, which cause diseases with fatal consequences, therefore it is essential to detect such pathogens from single tick. Molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are offering such possibilities. At present, cumbersome methods involving liquid nitrogen, cutting ticks with scalpels as well as pooled ticks are being used worldwide. Our goal is to develop a reliable and fast method to obtain nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) from the single tick shipped at room temperature to detect various pathogens.
Methods: We developed a mechanical crushing method with mini column nucleic acid isolation from a single tick shipped at room temperature with postal or currier service in a letter. PCR detection was done for Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus as examples.
Results: This method was used successfully for the isolation of nucleic acid from single tick and later used for PCR detection of B. burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus on 17 single tick samples as examples, but for last 18 years, this method was used on more than 250 ticks from Germany. Spectrometric values indicate the presence of sufficient yield of DNA and RNA (up to 900 µg/mL per tick) during the isolation.
Conclusions: This may be the first report about a number of one single tick cases, which were sent at room temperature in letters with postal services for isolation of the nucleic acid with mini column kit and used later on for PCR detection of various pathogens. This inexpensive and simple method may be used in any laboratory worldwide for monitoring the presence of tick-borne pathogens.


comments as 'Frequently, automated procedures can be shown to be more cost-effective' without producing any documentary evidence. Other than a mention of Shaw's 'Doctors' dilemma' there is scarcely a single reference to the evaluation literature. The third and fourth sections on 'Epidemiological technique and planned investigations' (91 pp.) and 'Social science techniques' (73 pp.) are outstanding. In fact, I cannot think of a short text in either of these fields which puts across the material so clearly and concisely. The fifth section on 'Field investigation of physical, chemical and biological hazards' is frankly disappointing. It suffers considerably, and visibly, from the lack ofany central control. This is the field of environmental and occupational health and requires a dedicated editor with an interest in these topics. The final section, 'Research and development of health promotion services' contains a rag bag of essays on health policy, on priorities and on strategies. Some would have sat better in earlier sections on methodology, others would have been better left out. It was surprising to read the final chapter by Alder on sexually transmitted diseases without a single mention of AIDS, a subject on which he is an international expert. Although the publication date is 1985, it does show the difficulties that multisubject and multiauthor editions have in keeping up to date. To return to Volume 3 as a whole. O.U.P. in their advertising refer to the Oxford Textbook of Public Health as a major new international textbook of public health for postgraduate students and all those concerned with the formation and execution of public health policy. That, it clearly is not. The book is designed for the cognoscenti, for the privileged few with access to university libraries, for the rich, for the North. Even in the developed world, to which it relates, at £120.00 a set or £35.00 for volume 3, it is beyond the reach of most individuals and will have to rely on the largesse of institutional budgets. In conclusion, and quoting directly from the revising editors 'It is not an easy task to follow in the footsteps ofsuch a renowned editor as Bill Hobson'. How right they were.


Rapid innovation in the field of electronic technologies through the use of rare earth and specialty elements (RESE) has made the electronics industry one of the most rapidly evolving industries to date. However, innovations to harvest these same materials from complex waste streams have not kept pace, thus leading to an unsustainable material supply chain reliant on the mining of increasingly difficult-to-extract ores. Here, we aim to provide a strategy to mitigate these challenges, identifying the technical research and development needed to further sustainable electronics through Green Engineering and the vision of a "circular economy". This strategy includes (1) design devices for disassembly, (2) materials for substitution, (3) manufacturing processes that enable the use of recycled materials, (4) fabrication efficiency, (5) technology interventions to enable e-waste recovery, (6) methods to collect and separate e-waste components, (7) technologies to digest and recover RESE, and (8) technologies to ...


The degradation of water quality in Tunisia is mainly due to the overexploitation of groundwater, pollution and especially mismanagement in the different areas. Magnetic treatment methods can be used in the field of agriculture to alleviate salinity problems of irrigation. It is clear that the magnetic device influences the characteristics of limestone. On the other hand, there is variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of water which improves productivity and crop performance. The performance of irrigation by magnetized water is greater than irrigation by raw water. In this context, we examine the existence of the beneficial effects of the magnetic treatment of irrigation water on its quality and on the yield of the melon culture. As a result, a permanent magnet apparatus (Magneteau) installed on the irrigation line was used. The application of a magnetic field showed an influence on the water parameters, decreasing its electrical conductivity (EC) by 5.2% and increasing its pH by 5.6%. In addition, the effect of this magnetic device showed an increase in melon cultivation of 39%. Statistical analysis showed that our experimental results are very significant.


Context. X-ray observations provide a very good way to reveal the population of young stars in star forming regions avoiding the biases introduced when selecting samples based on infrared excess. Aims. The aim of this study was to find an explanation for the remarkable morphology of the central part of the S254–S258 star forming complex, where a dense embedded cluster of very young stellar objects (S255-IR) is sandwiched between the two H ii regions S255 and S257. This interesting configuration had led to different speculations such as dynamical ejection of the B-stars from the central cluster or triggered star formation in a cloud that was swept up in the collision zone between the two expanding H ii regions. The presence or absence, and the spatial distribution of low-mass stars associated with these B-stars can discriminate between the possible scenarios. Methods. We performed a deep Chandra X-ray observation of the S254–S258 region in order to efficiently discriminate young stars (with and without circumstellar matter) from the numerous older field stars in the area. Results. We detected 364 X-ray point sources in a 17 � × 17 � field (≈8× 8 pc). This X-ray catalog provides, for the first time, a complete sample of all young stars in the region down to ∼0.5 M� . A clustering analysis identifies three significant clusters: the central embedded cluster S255-IR and two smaller clusterings in S256 and S258. Sixty-four X-ray sources can be classified as members in one of these clusters. After accounting for X-ray background contaminants, this implies that about 250 X-ray sources constitute a widely scattered population of young stars, distributed over the full field-of-view of our X-ray image. This distributed young stellar population is considerably larger than the previously known number of non-clustered young stars selected by infrared excesses. Comparison of the X-ray luminosity function with that of the Orion Nebula Cluster suggests a total population of ∼2000 young stars in the observed part of the S254-S258 region. Conclusions. The observed number of ∼250 X-ray detected distributed young stars agrees well with the expectation for the low-mass population associated to the B-stars in S255 and S257 as predicted by an IMF extrapolation. These results are consistent with the scenario that these two B-stars represent an earlier stellar population and that their expanding H ii regions have swept up the central cloud and trigger star formation (i.e. the central embedded cluster S255-IR) therein.


In this paper, the Golden code for a 2/spl times/2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system is presented. This is a full-rate 2/spl times/2 linear dispersion algebraic space-time code with unprecedented performance based on the Golden number 1+/spl radic/5/2.


1. Sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase can be purified from contamination with the mitochondrial form of the enzyme by pH-gradient ion-exchange chromatography. The method is simple, reproducible and efficient. 2. The purified cytoplasmic enzyme retains about 2% of its original activity in the presence of a large excess of disulfiram. This suggests that the disulfiram-reactive thiol groups are not essential for covalent interaction with the aldehyde substrate during catalysis, as has sometimes been suggested. 3. Between 1.5 and 2.0 molecules of disulfiram per tetrameric enzyme molecule account for the observed loss of activity, suggesting that the enzyme may have only two functional active sites. 4. Experiments show that disulfiram-modified enzyme retains the ability to bind NAD+ and NADH.


Simple analytical models for the front and back gate threshold voltages and ideality factors with back gate control of lightly doped short channel fully depleted silicon-on-insulator ultrathin body and buried oxide thickness MOSFETs have been developed based on the minimum value of the front and back surface potentials. The threshold voltage and ideality factor models of the front and back gates have been verified with numerical simulations in terms of the device geometry parameters and the applied bias voltages, as well as with experimental results for devices with channel length down to 17 nm. Good agreement between the model, simulation, and experimental results were obtained by calibrating the minimum carrier charge density adequate to achieve the turn-on condition.


Abstract Upriver orange mangrove (Bruguiera sexangula) is a member of the most mangrove-rich taxon (Rhizophoraceae family) and is commonly distributed in the intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical latitudes. In this study, we employed the 10× Genomics linked-read technology to obtain a preliminary de novo assembly of the B. sexangula genome, which was further scaffolded to a pseudomolecule level using the Bruguiera parviflora genome as a reference. The final assembly of the B. sexangula genome contained 260 Mb with an N50 scaffold length of 11,020,310 bases. The assembly comprised 18 pseudomolecules (corresponding to the haploid chromosome number in B. sexangula), covering 204,645,832 bases or 78.6% of the 260-Mb assembly. We predicted a total of 23,978 protein-coding sequences, 17,598 of which were associated with gene ontology terms. Our gene prediction recovered 96.6% of the highly conserved orthologs based on the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis. The chromosome-level assembly presented in this work provides a valuable genetic resource to help strengthen our understanding of mangroves' physiological and morphological adaptations to the intertidal zones.


RH-5849 (1,2-dibenzoyl-1-tert-butylhydrazine), a novel insect growth regulator, also produces acute neurotoxic symptoms by selectively blocking the maintained voltage-dependent K+ current (IK) in nerve and muscle Salgado (1992). The effects of RH-5849 and an analog were examined on IK channels in internally-perfused crayfish giant axons. For bilaterally applied RH-5849, the concentration needed for 50% block (IC50) was 79 +/- 6 microM (mean +/- SEM, n = 3), with a Hill coefficient near 2. Block was independent of membrane potential, but dependent on time, with a speed proportional to concentration, suggesting an open channel block mechanism. In addition to their effects on IK, both diacylhydrazines were much weaker blockers of the voltage-dependent sodium current (INa). RH-5849 blocked IK from either side of the membrane, and was more potent when applied bilaterally. When RH-5849 was introduced inside the axon and internal perfusion was halted, IK increased within a few minutes to the control level, indicating that the compound diffused freely through the membrane and bound to a receptor within the plane of the membrane. The permeability coefficients measured in the stopped-flow experiments indicate that diacylhydrazines can diffuse readily throughout the body of a poisoned insect, consistent with the rapid onset of central nervous system symptoms following injection. The octanol:water partition coefficient of RH-5849 increased sharply from 145 to 258 at aqueous concentrations between 5 and 10 microM, suggesting that a new phase, possibly micellar, is formed in the octanol phase. This may be responsible for the anomalously high Hill coefficients for the channel blocking activity of the diacylhydrazines.


There has been an epidemic of inflammatory diseases that has paralleled the epidemic on iatrogenic immune stimulation with vaccines. Extensive evidence links vaccine induced immune over load with the epidemic of type 1 diabetes. More recent data indicates that obesity, type 2 diabetes and other components of metabolic syndrome are highly associated with immunization and may be manifestations of the negative feedback loop of the immune system reacting to the immune overload. The epidemic of diabetes/prediabetes appears to be accelerating at a time when the prevalence of obesity has stabilized, indicating that the negative feedback system of the immune system has been over whelmed. The theory of vaccine induced immune overload can explain the key observations that have confounded many competing hypothesis. The current paper reviews the evidence that vaccine induced immune overload explains the disconnect between the increase in prediabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver at a time when the obesity epidemic is waning in children.


The idea of this research revolves around the discussion of the evidence of those who say the legitimacy of joint money between spouses in the event of their marriage or separation through divorce or death as inferred to the prevailing custom in Malaysian society. The research concluded with several results, the most important of which are: The norms of custom in its fundamental sense are inconsistent with the custom of the Malay community and considering this as a corrupt custom that is not fit to be a legitimate evidence for the legitimacy of the money shared between the spouses. The researcher recommended that the money shared between the spouses be legitimate with a gift, company, or loan, with the application of the jurisprudential rulings pertaining to each transaction and the presentation of evidence proving the rights of each party in the case of a dispute before the court.


With unique features of low breakdown voltages, large and uniform discharge areas and high concentrations of chemically reactive species, radio-frequency, atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (rf APGD) plasma sources produced with bare-metallic electrodes have shown promising prospects in the field of materials processing. In this paper, the spatial distributions (i.e., the directly measured integrated axial distribution and the radial distribution by using the inverse Abel transform) of the emission intensities of the Ar I 696.5 nm line are studied for the argon rf APGD plasma jet under different operation conditions, including variations of the rf power input or the argon flow rate, the existence of the solid shielding cylinder or the substrate. The experimental results show that, with other parameters being unchanged, the emission intensities of the Ar I 696.5 nm line increase with increasing the rf power input or the argon flow rate; and the solid shielding cylinder has more significant influences on the characteristics of the plasma impinging jet by reducing the mass flow rate of the ambient air entrained into the plasma jet region than those for the cases without the existence of the substrate at the downstream of the plasma torch nozzle exit.


Neuropsychological evaluation may be of particular relevance in the detection of subtle cognitive impairments after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), including the subgroup of MTBI patients with a persistent postconcussion syndrome (PCS). Attention measures may be the most sensitive indicators of dysfunction associated with MTBI; however, previous studies have typically relied on the analysis of overall group differences, which may not reflect the diagnostic accuracy of attention measures when applied to individuals with MTBI. In the present study, subjects with persistent symptoms at least 3 months following a mild traumatic brain injury were compared with a sample of community living, normal control subjects in order to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of attention measures. Patients with PCS, screened with conservative inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a matched normal control group were administered six clinical tests of attention: Digit Span, Trail Making Test, Part A and Part B, Stroop Color-Word Test, Continuous Performance Test of Attention (CPTA), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Ruff 2 & 7 Selective Attention Test. Consistent with prior research, these measures exhibited a wide range of sensitivity and specificity to possible cognitive impairment among patients. Attention measures may be the most sensitive indicators of dysfunction associated with PCS. Measures with high specificity (e.g., Stroop Color, and 2 & 7 Processing Speed) were shown to have strong positive predictive value, while measures with high sensitivity (e.g., CPTA) demonstrated strong negative predictive value for diagnosing PCS. Examination of the Odds Ratios indicated that measures assessing processing speed had a reliable, positive association with PCS, while measures without a processing speed component did not. Implications for making informed clinical decisions are discussed.


The role of fluid inclusion studies in genetic discussion is examined on the example of barites from the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt. In the previous works, at least one of the barite generations has been interpreted as a result of crystallization from rising hydrothermal solutions. Detailed studies of fluid inclusions in all barites from the Bahariya Oasis prove that they have crystallized from solutions of meteoric origin. Three generations of fluid inclusions have been distinguished. Two of them are related to the barite crystallization and its progressive coalescence and recrystallization; these are predominantly liquid filled. The third generation is connected with infiltration of ascending solutions of meteoric origin; it includes both liquid and gas/liquid inclusions. On the basis of this study the possible mechanism responsible for the formation of gas/liquid inclusions under low temperature conditions is presented.


The loss of injected chemical(s) in the reservoir during injection due to the adsorption of the surfactant (and co-surfactants) unto the rock materials weighs heavily on the economics and environmental footprint of the process and remains a focus of research attention. It is necessary that the surfactant loss in the reservoir during injection is minimized to improve on the process economics and ensure its wider application. In this study the adsorption of cationic and anionic surfactants onto the common reservoir rock material and drilling mud weighing agent is investigated at various surfactant concentration and salinity. The effect of pH was also studied by formulating an alkaline-surfactant mixture using various concentration of NaOH. The indirect method of residual equilibrium surfactant concentration measurement was employed to obtain the adsorption isotherm of cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on kaolin, silica, alumina and ilmenite. Surfactant concentration was varied from 50-600 ppm and the conductivity of the equilibrated media at room temperature is measured at various brine concentration and pH. Both surfactants were found to adsorb strongly onto the rock materials while stabilization in the level of adsorption in the region above the CMC was observed as the monomer concentration falls due to micelles formation. At same level of salinity, it was found that cationic surfactant adsorbed more strongly on the rock materials that the anionic surfactant. The volume adsorbed was found to increase up to a maximum of 1.170 mg/g and 1.8249 mg/g for SDS and CTAB respectively on kaolin and ilmenite for instance, as the concentration was increased at constant salinity. The same trend was noted as the brine concentration was varied with adsorption increasing with salinity for anionic surfactant. As pH increases the volume adsorption for SDS decreases while the opposite was the case with the cationic surfactant, CTAB which increase with the alkalinity of the solution.


Mobile technology is a popular tool used to improve education efficiency. However, its impact on learners in risk assessment training is largely unknown. Projects are fraught with risks so individuals responsible for a project need to possess strong skills to handle the risky circumstances successfully.  Unfortunately, candidates for a bachelor's degree in technical fields in Russia have an insufficient risk competence. This study offers a five-unit program to solve this problem. The study involved 128 students recruited from the Noyabrsk Institute of Oil and Gas (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia). All participants were divided in three groups: two experimental and one control. During a semester, participants in the experimental group followed the proposed program in a mobile setting, while the control group was offered the standard curriculum. The results showed an improvement in the student outcomes: the test scores of the experimental groups were higher by 24.78% and 32.75% than that of the control group. Furthermore, mobile learners were found to perform better than classroom learners: their test score was higher by 3.5% to 8%.


Human action recognition is a quite hugely investigated area where most remarkable action recognition networks usually use large-scale coarse-grained action datasets of daily human actions as inputs to state the superiority of their networks. We intend to recognize our small-scale fine-grained Tai Chi action dataset using neural networks and propose a transfer-learning method using NTU RGB+D dataset to pre-train our network. More specifically, the proposed method first uses a large-scale NTU RGB+D dataset to pre-train the Transformer-based network for action recognition to extract common features among human motion. Then we freeze the network weights except for the fully connected (FC) layer and take our Tai Chi actions as inputs only to train the initialized FC weights. Experimental results show that our general model pipeline can reach a high accuracy of small-scale fine-grained Tai Chi action recognition with even few inputs and demonstrate that our method achieves the state-of-the-art performance compared with previous Tai Chi action recognition methods.


Introduction by Linda Longmire and Lisa Merrill Gender and the Word Masculinist Generic Language and the U.S. Woman's Rights Movement, 1850-1920 by Lou Ann Matossian The French Connection: Luce Irigaray and International Research on Language and Gender by Gail M. Schwab The Possessive, Gender, and Subjectivity by Katherine Stephenson Chinese Sexist Language, Behavior, and Cultural Attitudes by Kathleen G. Williamson and Huang Pang Gender and the Image Writing Lives and Telling Tales: Visions and Revisions by Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt Reading Our Selves in The Cannibal Galaxy by Patricia A. Brieschke Females and Feminism in New Yorker Cartoons by Phyllis R. Randall Basic Instinct: Does Hollywood Instinctively Marginalize Lesbians and Gays by Michael P. Kelley Gender, Power, and the Media Spectatorship and Complicity: Who Is the "Accused" in Popular Film's Depiction of Gender and Violence by Lisa Merrill Evolving Images of Women and Men: The Construction of Gender Roles on MTV by Patricia A. Sullivan Teaching Theoretical Perspectives in the Gender and Communication Classroom: From Biology to Hegemony in Coach by Lynn H. Turner Toward a Feminist Pedagogy: Using Television to Explore Gender and Communication Issues in the Classroom by Deborah Petersen-Perlman Power and Pedagogy The Grammar of Connected Teaching by Daniel J. Shea Voices Seldom Heard: A Descriptive Analysis of Female and Male Teachers' Positive Interactions with Young People by Richard West (Re)telling the Old Tales: The Emerging Voices of Women in English and Mathematics by Cheryl Forbes and Allen Emerson Lab Coats and Little Girls: The Science Experiences of Women Majoring in Biology and Education at a Private University by Janice Koch Power and Relation at Home and at Work Women and Friends in the Workplace: A Study of Coworker Relationships and the Communication within Them by Amy S. Korpi Case Management: Nurses and Physicians Confronting Gendered Organization by R. J. Kivatisky Communication Patterns and Decision Making: A Comparison of Third-Party Assessments and Couple Self-Reports by Deborah Ballard-Reisch, Mary Elton, and Daniel J. Weigel Power and Empowerment A Feminist Guide to Studying Self-Esteem in Communication by Victoria DeFrancisco and Angela Allison Enhancing Argumentativeness and Argumentative Behavior: The Influence of Gender and Training by Roberta L. Kosberg and Andrew S. Rancer Strategic Storytelling: Constructing Self through Narrative and Nautilus by Mary-Jeanette Smythe Women's Spirituality: Attitudes, Visions, and Health by Linda A. M. Perry Postmodern Possibilities: Gender, Power, and Moral Development by Linda Longmire and Timothy H. Smith Index


The ATM Forum has adopted rate-based congestion control for ABR (available bit rate) traffic. Much of the existing work evaluating ABR congestion control schemes has used some threshold value on buffer queue length to indicate congestion. On the other hand, many ER (explicit rate) algorithms calculate their 'fair-share' values based on utilization level, with the assumption that ER switches are able to measure the current utilization level of ABR traffic. If one would use the same mechanism -- measuring utilization level -- to indicate congestion, then the same switch could easily implement both binary and ER ABR control algorithms. Based on the above observations, in this paper we study the effect of using two different congestion indication methods: (1) buffer queue length (the most commonly used method); and (2) utilization level (the new method). We evaluate two binary ABR control schemes: EFCI (explicit forward congestion indication) and CI (congestion indication) using backward notification, using the two different congestion methods. We also evaluate and compare two ER algorithms: the ERICA (explicit rate indication for congestion avoidance) algorithm proposed by Jain and the CAPC-2 (congestion avoidance with proportional control - 2) algorithm proposed by Barnhart. Performance evaluation are carried out by computer simulation. We simulate two ABR switches connected by an OC-3 link, with each switch connecting five end-systems. The distance between the two switches are 20 km for LAN and 1,000 km for WAN, based on ATM forum specification. For each simulation run, we measure average queuing delay, maximum queue length, and network utilization. Traces of ACR (allowed cell rate) and buffer queue length are also examined. We found that using the new congestion method indication dramatically reduces the maximum queue length and average queuing delay, with a slight decrease in utilization. Both ER schemes show smooth buffer occupancy and attain high utilization.


Alcoholism causes deleterious effects such as physiological and neuronal alterations leading to the cognitive and other behavioral impairments. Mitochondrial and synaptosomal deteriorations in the brain of alcoholic persons exhibited metabolic, biochemical changes and other related risk factors, which mainly affect the brain function. This study aimed to assess the effect of chronic alcohol-induced mitochondrial and synaptosomal oxidative damage along with behavioral impairment in adult zebrafish. Zebrafish of control group received the system water and normal diet ad libitum (group I); the other groups were treated with 0.20% alcohol (group II) and 0.40% alcohol (group III) directly in fish tank for 22 days. The result revealed significant increase in lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and significant decline in the activity of catalase and Na+/K+ ATPase compared to control. Furthermore, the alcohol-treated zebrafish also showed significant behavioral alterations. Collectively, this regulatory mechanism demonstrates the effect of long-term alcohol consumption in the zebrafish. Our results indicate that this recreational drug "alcohol" is harmful to brain mitochondria and synaptosomes, which are the main organelles, and play an important role in memory, learning, cognitive function, and ATP formation in the brain, which may represent a significant public health concern.


Background. Selection of empiric antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) has become more challenging because of the increasing rates of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) infections. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted to determine antibiotic resistance patterns, risk factors, and appropriate empiric antibiotic selection for MDRE UTIs. Adult patients seen in the Emergency Department (ED) with Enterobacteriaceae UTIs during 2008-2009 were identified from review of microbiology records. MDRE were defined as organisms resistant to at least 3 categories of antibiotics. Results. There were 431 eligible patients; 83 (19%) had MDRE UTIs. Resistance rates for individual antibiotics among MDRE UTIs were significantly greater than non-MDRE UTIs: levofloxacin, 72% versus 14%; TMP-SMX, 77% versus 12%; amoxicillin-clavulanate, 35% versus 4%; nitrofurantoin, 21% versus 12%, and ceftriaxone, 20% versus 0%. All Enterobacteriaceae isolates were susceptible to ertapenem (MIC ≤ 2 mg/L). Independent risk factors for MDRE UTI were prior fluoroquinolone use within 3 months (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.64; P = 0.001), healthcare-associated risks (aOR 2.32; P = 0.009), and obstructive uropathy (aOR 2.22; P = 0.04). Conclusion. Our study suggests that once-daily intravenous or intramuscular ertapenem may be appropriate for outpatient treatment of ED patients with MDRE UTI.


Ongoing accretion of low-metallicity gas onto the disk is a natural prediction of semi-analytical Galactic chemical evolution models. This star formation fuel ameliorates the overproduction of metal-poor G- and K-dwarfs in the solar neighbourhood which otherwise plague so-called ``closed-box'' models of Galaxy evolution. Do High-Velocity Clouds (HVCs) represent the source of this necessary fuel? We know that HVCs provide an important clue as to the processes governing galaxy formation and evolution - what is less clear is whether their role lies more closely aligned with cosmology (as relics of the Local Group's formation) or star formation (as tidal debris from nearby disrupted dwarfs, or the waste byproducts of disk supernova-driven winds). I provide a summary of recent speculations as to the origins of HVCs, and highlight several future projects which will lead to a deeper understanding of the role they play in galaxy evolution.


We used an in situ closed-loop vascular perfusion of rat small intestine to see whether intact glutathione (GSH) was transported from the lumen into the mesenteric circulation. Results using [3H] GSH showed radiolabel appearance in the perfusate, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed that the transported radiolabeled species was intact GSH. Transepithelial transport was Na+ dependent, where Na+-free solutions on the luminal side inhibited transport but in the vasculature stimulated transport. Transport was inhibited by the GSH analogues ophthalmic acid and gamma-glutamylglutamate when added to the lumen. Probenecid caused inhibition only when added on the vascular side, suggesting that the transport systems on the two poles of the cells may be different. In vivo studies with GSH administration via stomach gavage caused marked increases in plasma GSH concentrations. These results establish that transepithelial transport of intact GSH occurs in rat small intestine. This process may allow dietary or biliary derived GSH to be utilized by various cell types that can take up intact GSH from the plasma. Moreover, the results show that oral administration of GSH may be therapeutically useful.


The Penetrator with Enhanced Lateral Effect (PELE) is a type of explosive-free projectile that undergoes radial fragmentation upon an impact with a target plate. This type of projectile is composed of a brittle cylindrical shell (the jacket) filled in its core with a material characterized with a large Poisson's ratio. Upon an impact with a target, the axial compression causes the filling to expand in the radial direction. However, due to the brittleness of the jacket material, very little radial deformation can occur which creates a radial stress between the two materials and a hoop stress in the jacket. Fragmentation of the jacket occurs if the hoop stress exceeds the material's ultimate stress. The PELE fragmentation dynamics is explored via Finite-Element Method (FEM) simulations using the Autodyn explicit dynamics hydrocode. The numerical results are compared with an analytical model based on wave interactions, as well as with the experimental investigation of Paulus and Schirm (1996). The comparison is based on the mechanical stress in the filling and the qualitative fragmentation of the jacket.


Agreement statistics play an important role in the evaluation of coding schemes for discourse and dialogue. Unfortunately there is a lack of understanding regarding appropriate agreement measures and how their results should be interpreted. In this article we describe the role of agreement measures and argue that only chance-corrected measures that assume a common distribution of labels for all coders are suitable for measuring agreement in reliability studies. We then provide recommendations for how reliability should be inferred from the results of agreement statistics.


For one and the same domain several alternative concept maps may exist, originating from different world views or purposes. Some of these concept maps may be valid, however not all of them. Thus, strategies for empirically and objectively validating concept maps in the respective context are necessary. We outline two methodological approaches for empirically validating concept maps, one for giving evidence of content validity and one for application validity. One procedure is to validate a given concept map with concept maps systematically generated by others. As a second method we suggest to observe the behaviour and the performance in a relevant situational context as a validation criterion. In this scope, a method for predicting persons' problem solving behaviour by using a given concept map is outlined. In general, the purpose and ultimate use of a given concept map has to be taken into consideration for choosing a validation procedure and interpreting its results.


A general rate-distortion (RD) model for block-based video coding is proposed in this study. Based on this model, an innovative coding characteristic called texture-complexity (TC), which is defined as a function of discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient distribution and distortion-quantisation (DQ) relationship as well as variance of residual block, is presented for rate control. Moreover, an adaptive linear TC forward-prediction model is established to estimate the characteristic of incoming image block, and a head bits prediction model as well as an optimal bits allocation method are also proposed to best allocate available bits. Experimental results show that the H.264 encoder (JM15.1), using the proposed rate control algorithm, achieves an objective quality improvement up to 0.434 dB, produces flatter bit-rate/PSNR curve and meets closer target bits budget than outcomes of JM15.1 rate control method (JVT-W042).


Background The control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections currently relies on the large-scale administration of single-dose oral albendazole or mebendazole. However, these treatment regimens have limited efficacy against hookworm and Trichuris trichiura in terms of cure rates (CR), whereas fecal egg reduction rates (ERR) are generally high for all common STH species. We compared the efficacy of single-dose versus triple-dose treatment against hookworm and other STHs in a community-based randomized controlled trial in the People's Republic of China. Methodology/Principal findings The hookworm CR and fecal ERR were assessed in 314 individuals aged ≥5 years who submitted two stool samples before and 3–4 weeks after administration of single-dose oral albendazole (400 mg) or mebendazole (500 mg) or triple-dose albendazole (3×400 mg over 3 consecutive days) or mebendazole (3×500 mg over 3 consecutive days). Efficacy against T. trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Taenia spp. was also assessed. Albendazole cured significantly more hookworm infections than mebendazole in both treatment regimens (single dose: respective CRs 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55–81%) and 29% (95% CI: 20–45%); triple dose: respective CRs 92% (95% CI: 81–98%) and 54% (95% CI: 46–71%)). ERRs followed the same pattern (single dose: 97% versus 84%; triple dose: 99.7% versus 96%). Triple-dose regimens outperformed single doses against T. trichiura; three doses of mebendazole – the most efficacious treatment tested – cured 71% (95% CI: 57–82%). Both single and triple doses of either drug were highly efficacious against A. lumbricoides (CR: 93–97%; ERR: all >99.9%). Triple dose regimens cured all Taenia spp. infections, whereas single dose applications cured only half of them. Conclusions/Significance Single-dose oral albendazole is more efficacious against hookworm than mebendazole. To achieve high CRs against both hookworm and T. trichiura, triple-dose regimens are warranted. Trial Registration www.controlled-trials.com ISRCTN47375023


This paper considers the recent proliferation of Belfast's Quarters' as part of global trends towards the theming of city space, and as a response to the particular situation of Belfast at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It focuses on the Gaeltacht Quarter, a site that exemplifies the difficulty of applying the internationally popular model of cultural difference as a resource for the production of tourist revenue to the context of contested cities. The quartering' of Belfast is represented as a response to post-industrial and post-conflict predicaments this city shares with many others. I consider how the urban context is sometimes exploited, as in exhortations to investors and tourists to contribute to Belfast's transformation from a city of two halves' to a city of seven quarters', and sometimes obscured, as in the recent re-invention of the Quarters as remnants of the city's distant past.


The judge-rapporteur shall summon the parties to the oral hearing which shall take place before the panel on the date(s) set under Rules 28 and/or 41(c) and 104(h). If no date(s) have been set the judge-rapporteur shall set a date for the oral hearing. At least two months' notice shall be given, unless the parties agree to a shorter time period.


Author(s): Kim, Donggyu | Advisor(s): Asanovic, Krste; Bachrach, Jonathan | Abstract: This thesis presents fast and accurate RTL simulation methodologies for performance, power, and energy evaluation as well as verification and debugging using FPGAs in the hardware/software co-design flow.Cycle-level microarchitectural software simulation is the bottleneck of the hardware/software co-design cycle due to its slow speed and the difficulty of simulator validation. While simulation sampling can ameliorate some of these challenges, we show that it is often insufficient for rigorous design evaluations. To circumvent the limitations of software-based simulation and sampling, this thesis presents MIDAS v1.0, which automatically generates the FPGA-accelerated RTL simulator as an instance of FAME1 from any RTL. These simulators are not only up to three orders-of-magnitude faster than existing microarchitectural software simulators, but also truly cycle-accurate, as the same RTL is used to build the silicon implementation.The increasing complexity of modern hardware design makes verification challenging, and verification often dominates design costs. While formal verification and unit-level tests can improve the confidence in some blocks or some aspects of a design, dynamic verification using simulators or emulators with real-world applications is usually the only plausible strategy for system-level RTL verification. Therefore, this thesis presents DESSERT, an effective simulation-based RTL verification methodology using FPGAs. The target RTL design is automatically transformed and instrumented to allow deterministic simulation on the FPGA with initialization and state snapshot capture. Assert statements, which are present in RTL for error checking in software simulation, are automatically synthesized for quick error checking on the FPGA, while print statements in the RTL design are also automatically transformed to generate logs from the FPGA for more exhaustive error checking. To rapidly provide waveforms for debugging, two parallel simulations are run spaced apart in simulation time to support capture and replay of state snapshots immediately before an error.Energy efficiency is the primary metric for all computing systems, requiring designers to evaluate energy efficiency quickly and accurately throughout the design process. Prior abstract energy models are only accurate for designs closely matching the template for which the model was constructed and validated. Any energy model must be calibrated to a ground truth, usually a real physical system or a gate-level energy simulation. Validation of energy models is difficult because only a few design points will ever be fabricated as real systems and real systems typically lack adequate energy instrumentation, and gate-level simulation of proposed designs is extremely slow.For fast and accurate power and energy evaluation of RTL, this thesis first presents Strober, a sample-based energy simulation methodology. Strober uses an FPGA to simultaneously simulate the performance of an RTL design and to collect samples containing exact RTL state snapshots. Each snapshot is then replayed in RTL/gate-level simulation, resulting in a workload-specific average power estimate with its confidence interval. For arbitrary RTL and workloads, Strober guarantees orders-of-magnitude speedup over commercial CAD tools and gives average energy estimates guaranteed to be within very small errors with high confidence.Runtime power modeling is also necessary for dynamic power/thermal optimizations. This thesis finally presents Simmani, an activity-based runtime power modeling methodology which automatically identifies key signals for the runtime power dissipation of any RTL design. The toggle pattern matrix, in which each signal is represented as a high-dimensional point, is constructed from the VCD dumps of a small training set. By clustering signals showing similar toggle patterns, an optimal number of signals are automatically selected, and then the design-specific but workload-independent activity-based power model is trained with regression against power traces obtained from industry-standard CAD tools. Simmani also automatically instruments the target design with activity counters to collect activity statistics from FPGA-based simulation, enabling runtime power analysis of real-world workloads at speed.


Purpose: To evaluate the existing studies on Anti-fungal prophylaxis and how it may help in controlling the post-Covid pandemic of Invasive Fungal Infection like mucormycosis.
Material & Method: Studies related to fungal infections and their treatment (prophylactic, empirical, surgical, adjunctive therapy); mainly prophylaxis.
Conclusion: The need for anti-fungal prophylaxis is very important in high-risk patients. Studies done on anti-fungal prophylaxis have given satisfactory results. Due to prolonged stay in the hospital, & use of steroids, weak immunity, patients are suffering from a post-covid pandemic of fungal infections like Mucormycosis and the use of anti-fungal prophylaxis should help in reducing infection and control the pandemic situation.


Renal diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. They can affect children in various ways: they vary from completely treatable without long-lasting consequences to severe disorders such as chronic kidney disease. The causes of renal disease may differ from one country to another. Understanding the spectrum and identifying the contributing factors of renal diseases in a specific country promote early diagnosis, facilitate treatment, and prevent complications such as renal failure and end-stage kidney disease. This study was conducted to establish the spectrum and contributing factors to renal diseases among Jordanian children receiving health care in a tertiary hospital in Amman, Jordan (Prince Hamza Hospital). A convenience sample of 129 children diagnosed with renal diseases, treated and followed in our nephrology clinic, were interviewed during 2015 to 2017. A kidney-disease patient questionnaire was used to interview the children or their caregivers. The study revealed that the most common renal disease among the participants was urinary tract infection (UTI, 35.7%), followed by congenital diseases (34.1%), then chronic renal failure (CRF, 11.6%). There were several contributing factors of renal disease among the studied children, such as malnutrition, poverty, high rate of consanguinity, delayed diagnosis, and geographical location.


third and nineteenth day from the beginning of the symptoms, the first one being normal and the second one showing an increase in protein (0-95 g/l) with 11 cells and negative titres to brucella, syphilis, toxoplasma, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, and a negative anticryptococcal antigen determination. The patient's clinical pattern began to improve two weeks after admission; she was discharged a week later. Follow up a month later revealed only a generalised areflexia and a slight dysmetria on the heel-knee test. Electrophysiological studies (table) were carried out on the sixth and eighteenth day, which revealed absent sensory potentials. Motor NCS showed less abnormality than that of sensory nerves. There was delay in the distal motor latency in all the nerves tested and there was also reduction in motor amplitude in both median nerves, with a 25-3% drop in peak-to-peak amplitude between wrist and elbow, and a 39-2% drop in amplitude between wrist and axilla in the first right median nerve conduction study. Neither temporal dispersion nor motor conduction block in the remaining nerves was noted. EMG studies were normal. A third electrophysiological study performed a month after her discharge showed the recovery of the sensory nerve action potentials in the lower and upper extremities, although the amplitude and sensory conduction velocity of the nerves studied were lower than the normal values. The motor NCS, however, were similar to previous values. The EMG study of the right anterior tibialis and right first dorsal interosseous muscles showed compatible changes with minimum denervation. Until recently the Guillain-Barre syndrome was an entity whose nosological characterisation relied upon a purely descriptive base, with relatively widely accepted diagnostic criteria,' Among these, the presence of muscular weakness is the most noticeable, indicating the main affectation of the motor roots. However, a purely sensory clinical variant of this illness is also believed to be possible and the following features are necessary for it to be accepted:2 rapid onset, distribution widespread and symmetrical, complete or near recovery, high CSF protein content, with few or no cells, and an electrophysiological study compatible with a demyelinative process in the peripheral nervous system. There is still a certain controversy as to whether this clinical variant occurs. In a recent review of 42 patients with acute sensory neuropathy, the authors concluded that this condition is not part of the spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies;' nevertheless, it is noticeable that only 2 of the 42 patients had complete remission of symptoms and that the course of their disease was very protracted-from six to nine months. A case of acute polyneuropathy has been published in which the sensory disorders were also prominent and very similar to those of our patient.4 The necropsy carried out after the patient's death from pulmonary embolism revealed inflammatory infiltration with segmental demyelination in the peripheral nerves, posterior roots and spinal ganglia, with a marked preservation of the anterior roots. These findings, except for the preservation of the motor roots, are identical to those which are described in the GuillainBarre syndrome.' Our patient had an acute sensory neuropathy after a presumed viral illness and vaccination with a monophasic course and nearly complete recovery-both clinical and electrophysiological-in a short time; CSF protein content was high with a mild pleocytosis. The evidence suggests that this was probably an acute sensory inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. FRANCEISC MIRALLES JORDI MONTERO RAMON RENE JUAN A MARTINEZ MATOS Department of Neurology, Hospital Princeps d'Espanya Ciutat Sanitaria de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain


Although vaccinating seems self-evident, the immunization coverage in the Netherlands is decreasing. This decrease is often attributed to a lack of knowledge amongst the public. We argue, however, that it is rather a lack of trust that drives this reduction in uptake. In this article we discuss the role that trust, or rather a lack thereof, plays in vaccination refusal. We underpin our argument with a recent exploration of the way in which vaccination programmes are framed in newspaper articles and on internet forums. We show the importance of rumours and shared experiences (i.e. social influencing) in parents' decision-making process when they consider whether or not to vaccinate their child. To conclude, we argue for the development of positive influence strategies to counteract negative influences from outside the medical profession.


The studies are devoted to the development of the technology of multilayer incorporation of nanocrystals (NCs) of semiconductor chromium and iron disilicides with a layer density no less than 2x1010 cm-2, the establishment of the growth mechanism of heterostructures with two types of NCs, the determination of their crystalline quality and optical properties, as well as the creation and study of rectification and photoelectric properties of p-i-n diodes based on them. Morphologically smooth heterostructures with 6 embedded layers of CrSi2 nanocrystals and two types of embedded nanocrystals (with 4 layers of CrSi2 NCs and 2 layers of β-FeSi2 NCs) for optical studies and built-in silicon p-i-n diodes were grown for the first time. The possibility of optical identification of interband transitions in embedded nanocrystals in the photon energy range of 1.2 - 2.5 eV was determined from the reflection spectra and the strongest peaks in reflection from the integrated nanocrystals were determined: 2.0 eV for CrSi2 NCs and 1.75 eV for β-FeSi2 NCs. The created p-i-n diodes have a contact potential difference of 0.95 V, regardless of the type of embedded NCs. At 80 K, an absorption band (0.7 - 1.1 eV) was detected in the diodes, which was associated with carrier photo generation in the embedded CrSi2 and β-FeSi2 NCs. From the spectra of the photoresponse at 80 K, the band gap widths in the NCs were determined: 0.50 eV in CrSi2 and 0.70 eV in the superposition of the CrSi2 and β-FeSi2 NCs.


BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological evolution of the total knee revision arthroplasty with cemented stems in patients over 75 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed in all the subjects who underwent revision of total knee arthroplasty with cemented stems between 2008 and 2014 in our center. Twenty-seven individuals over 75 years met the inclusion criteria. We assessed the Knee Society Score and range of motion for clinical outcome. We evaluated the implant stability with radiographs through radiolucent lines according to the modified radiological scale of the Knee Society; we registered the complications and prosthetic survival.

RESULTS
With an average age of our participants of 82.6 ± 4.4 years and a follow-up of 43 ± 14.4 months, we did not find any mechanical failure of the components. The functional average score was 115 ± 32 in the total KSS, of which 77 ± 17.5 points were in the KSS knee and 42 ± 24 in the KSS function. The average range of motion was 98º ± 17. Radiologically, 18 patients presented radiolucent lines, but only three needed follow-up using the modified Knee Society radiographic scoring system.

CONCLUSIONS
The results revealed that cemented stems are a good method for fixation in the revision of total knee arthroplasty in people over 75 years. We observed acceptable medium-term clinical results with a low risk of radiological failure, despite the high number of radiolucencies.


This status report offers an assessment of progress made in image-based remote sensing in relation to the information needs of precision crop management (PCM). The assessment includes discussion of (1) image geometric, radiometric, and atmospheric correction, (2) retrieval of crop and soil information from image data, and (3) transformation of such information into management advice that could be implemented with PCM technology. The report is presented through examples of case studies conducted on Arizona farms by scientists with the USDA Agricultural Research Service.


This research presents the design and implementation of a precision agriculture system using sensor networks as the basis in precision agriculture for farmers tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) in Colombia with the aim of transferring knowledge and mitigating the effects of the soil and climate change on of tomato crops. Finally we found the optimal ranges to improve productivity and avoid losses due to uncontrolled agroclimatic variables such as relative temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture and luminosity. Also, this paper aim a IoT architecture for the respective storage and traceability of tomato crops in the cloud.


This paper analyzes optimal incentive contracts for information acquisition and revelation. A decision maker faces the problem to design a contract that provides an expert with incentives to acquire and reveal information. We show that it is in general not optimal to reward the expert if his recommendation is confirmed. The common observation that experts are paid when their recommendation is confirmed can be explained by incomplete information about the expert's cost to increase the precision of his information. We extend the model to analyze contracting with multiple experts, the timing of expertise, and the provision of incentives when the realized state is not verifiable


Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) from the pure rotational Raman lines of N(2) gas is employed to measure the instantaneous (10-nsec) rotational temperature of the gas at room temperature and below. An entire rotational CARS spectrum is generated by a single laser pulse using a broad-bandwidth dye laser and is recorded on an optical multichannel analyzer. A best-fit temperature is obtained for individual experimental spectra by comparison with calculated spectra. Good agreement between CARS temperatures and thermocouple temperatures is observed.


Background: Head and neck cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the aerodigestive tract often recur following therapy because of incomplete excision or the appearance of second primary or second field cancers. This makes the cost‐effective prevention of second tumors an important priority. Recent evidence suggests that natural dietary products, such as omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), contained in oily fish, have antitumorigenic activities, Therefore, PUFAs might be successful chemopreventive compounds and adjuvant agents for effective treatment when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. In the present study, we tested the potential of omega‐3 PUFAs to act as selective chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against oral and epidermal SCCs. Materials and Methods: We investigated the effect of the long chain omega‐3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the malignant keratinocyte cell lines SCC‐13 (epidermal), SCC‐25 (oral) and the pre‐malignant immortal line SVFHK and also on the normal keratinocyte lines, NHEK‐131 and HEK‐127. Cell viability, upon treatment with PUFAs, was determined by the MTT assay. The Annexin‐V/ DAPI flow cytometric assay was carried out to assess apoptosis. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the cleavage of caspases and the cell signaling pathways involved. Results: Treatment with increasing concentrations of omega‐3 PUFAs (0.5–5 µM) caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of growth after only 4 days, as determined by the MTT assay. Under the same conditions, these natural products seemed to have little or no effect on the normal epidermal keratinocytes, at doses that killed the malignant cells. The cell death was confirmed by the Annexin‐V/DAPI apoptosis assay. The assay determined that the malignant cell lines were undergoing an apoptotic death after treatment with PUFAs for 48 h, showing an increase in the Annexin‐V positive /DAPI negative cell population. Western blot analysis confirmed that the PUFAs cause apoptosis via cleavage of caspase 3. The involvement of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis was also demonstrated through cleavage of caspase 9 and 8, respectively. Moreover, Western blot analysis indicated that the treatment of oral SCC‐25 with PUFAs resulted in the upregulation of phospho‐ERK1/2. The increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation is noticed already during the first few hours of treatment and continues to increase for 24 hours. The role of ERK1/2 activation in the apoptosis process and the involvement of other signaling pathways are under investigation. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the omega‐3 PUFAs DHA and EPA display a significant antitumor effect against SCC keratinocytes at concentrations that do not eliminate normal cells, giving them a great potential as future therapeutic and prophylactic tools against HNSCC. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):B152.


A 43-year-old woman was referred to an oculoplastic surgeon for the evaluation of 2 small pigmented lesions in the tarsal conjunctiva. She underwent a biopsy of the lesions, both of which were found to be consistent with metastatic melanoma. Follow-up with the patient revealed that she had been hospitalized for balance issues and headaches. An MRI of her brain revealed a hemorrhagic mass and several smaller foci suspicious for metastatic lesions. A thorough workup included an evaluation for bloody vaginal discharge. Biopsy of a pigmented portion of the vaginal mucosa lesion revealed BRAF-positive melanoma. This was determined to be the primary site of her malignant metastatic melanoma, which caused her death within 6 months of presentation.


Introduction. Obesity among young people has increased dramatically worldwide, and the prevalence continues to increase. Studies performed in both adults and children have confirmed that abnormalities of cardiac function and autonomic nervous system are present in those with obesity and might explain at least in part the increased mortality seen in those with obesity. Materials and methods. The present study explores hemodynamic, autonomic and cardiovascular function in a cohort of well-characterized young men with obesity and compared these measures to those from a cohort of men of comparable age without obesity. Subjects underwent examination using Task Force® Monitor non-invasive assessment of the cardiovascular functions. Results. The obesity group had a significantly higher resting heart rate (74.3 ± 11.8 vs. 56.0 ± 8.9 n/min, p < 0.0001), systolic (128.1 ± 9.4 vs. 114.3 ± 7.0 mm Hg, p < 0.0001) and diastolic (85.1 ± 8.2 vs. 70.7 ± 6.2 mm Hg, p < 0.0001) blood pressure compared to the age- and sex-matched, non-obesity group. This was coupled with significantly reduced stroke volume (81.3 ± 22.7 vs. 112.8 ± 20.3 ml, p < 0.0001), cardiac output (5.9 ± 1.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.4 l/min; p < 0.0001) thoracic fluid content (28.5 ± 3.3 vs. 36.0 ± 3.3 1/Ohm, p < 0.0001) and contractility parameters, index of contractility (31.7 ± 12.9 vs. 68.8 ± 16.1 1000/s, p < 0.0001) and Heather index (0.1 ± 0.0 vs. 0.3 ± 0.0 1/s2, p < 0.0001). Discussion. Our results confirm that obesity is associated with sub-clinical and cardiovascular abnormalities that can be identified using non-invasive measures. The differences identified in those with obesity were in young and healthy individuals. It will be important to determine whether these findings can be used to predict future clinical abnormalities.


Coordinated responses to environmental stimuli within the keratinocyte:melanocyte niche are poorly understood. Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a keratinocyte-specific desmosomal cell-cell adhesion protein with emerging signaling roles, is reduced by ultraviolet light radiation. Loss-of-function Dsg1 mutations elevate keratinocyte cytokines in Severe dermatitis, multiple Allergies, and Metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome. We asked whether Dsg1 regulates keratinocyte:melanocyte paracrine communication to induce the tanning response. Dsg1-silenced keratinocytes increased Pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA and cytokine secretion. Melanocytes treated with conditioned media from Dsg1-silenced keratinocytes exhibited increased Mitf and Trp1 mRNA, melanin secretion, and dendrite length. Inhibiting the melanocyte pigment-associated melanocortin 1 receptor reduced pigment secretion in response to Dsg1-deficient conditioned media. Melanocytes incorporated into Dsg1-deficient human skin equivalents relocalized suprabasally, reminiscent of early melanoma pagetoid behavior. Dsg1 decreased in keratinocytes surrounding dysplastic nevi and early melanoma, but not benign nevi. We posit Dsg1 controls keratinocyte:melanocyte communication through paracrine signaling, which goes awry upon Dsg1 loss in melanoma development.


Direct methods of solution for solving nonlinear Volterra integral and integro-differential equations are inherently serial and therefore have not received much attention for use on a parallel computer. It is possible, however, to make significant gains in speedup by employing some novel approaches to existing methods. It can be observed that when approximating the integral term, all approximations up to and including the kth step in the interval can be evaluated at the same time. The resulting algorithm is described here and several numerical examples illustrate the results. With the four-processor multicomputer utilized, speedups of 3 to 4 were realized.


The M-th power nondecision-aided (NDA) feedforward (FF) carrier synchronizer proposed by Viterbi and Viterbi (1983), operating on an M-PSK modulated signal, provides rapid preambleless phase synchronization; therefore it is very suitable for burst-type transmission systems (e.g. TDMA satellite communication systems). For short bursts, only one phase estimate per burst is needed and cycle slips cannot occur. For long bursts, multiple phase estimates per burst are made to enable the synchronizer to track phase variations through the burst. Additional postprocessing of these NDA FF phase estimates is then needed to eliminate equivocation. Unfortunately, the postprocessing also makes cycle slipping possible because it introduces feedback. The cycle slipping behaviour of the NDA FF carrier synchronizer using narrowband postfiltering is analysed using Fokker-Planck techniques. The authors describe the operation of the NDA FF synchronizer and present the postprocessing structure. An approximate expression for the mean time between slips is derived and evaluated. The results are verified by computer simulations and discussed. >


The finite time extinction phenomenon (the solution reaches an equilibrium after a finite time) is peculiar to certain nonlinear problems whose solutions exhibit an asymptotic behavior entirely different from the typical behavior of solutions associated to linear problems. The main goal of this work is twofold. Firstly, we extend some of the results known in the literature to the case in which the ordinary time derivative is considered jointly with a fractional time differentiation. Secondly, we consider the limit case when only the fractional derivative remains. The latter is the most extraordinary case, since we prove that the finite time extinction phenomenon still appears, even with a non-smooth profile near the extinction time. Some concrete examples of quasi-linear partial differential operators are proposed. Our results can also be applied in the framework of suitable nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equations.


A country may have invested significantly in essential health facilities in order to supply goods and services related to reproductive health, but still see the demand for prenatal health care influenced by equally important economic and social factors. The aim of the present study was to identify the economic and social factors that would determine the probability of a pregnant woman choosing one type of prenatal health care over another and to specifically measure the effects of the variables of living standards on seeking this care. The study used a multinomial logit model to analyze data collected during the 2006 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS-3) survey. From the main results, the following observations could be made: (i) pregnant women without formal education went for prenatal consultations less frequently than those with formal education; (ii) the higher the wealth index was for the household in which the pregnant woman lived, the more likely that she would seek prenatal care from trained medical staff; (iii) the pregnant woman's level of formal education, her age, the size of the household she lived in, the household's wealth index, the number of children below five years living in the household, the cost of prenatal consultations at public health facilities, and the quality of care these offered, were all found to have a statistically significant effect on the pregnant woman's choice to seek prenatal care from a modern health facility or not. RP 264 prelims.indd 5 22/10/2013 12:06:30 A CompArAtive AnAlysis of the DeterminAnts of seeking prenAtAl heAlth CAre 1


Angelica gigas, Astragalus membranaceus and Ligusticum chuanxiong have been grown for a long time in Korea as medicinal crops with underground parts. Its harvesting method has been depended entirely on manual labor. Therefore, harvesting involved much work. This study was to determine an effective mechanized harvesting method for underground parts of some medicinal crops by several machines. Labor time was decreased by 61 percent in Angelica gigas and by 70 percent in Astragalus membranaceus by the use of poclain harvester, however, in Ligusticum chuanxiong was decreased 68 percent by multi - root harvester compared with conventional system (manual harvest). The poclain harvester was suitable for harvesting in Angelica gigas and Astragalus membranaceus plots, but multi - root harvester was not satisfactory. Multi - root harvester appeared to be appropriate harvester for Ligusticum chuanxing.


There is no general agreement on which terms to use to report abnormalities on imaging studies in patients with kidney infection. The Society of Uroradiology recommends a simplified nomenclature that is based on the traditional and widely understood term acute pyelonephritis. To provide a framework for the simplified terminology, the authors review the relevant pathophysiology with its imaging correlates and offer a historic perspective on the terminology issues.


Trastuzumab(Tmab)is a humanized monoclonalantibody that binds to the human epidermalgrowth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It is clinically used for HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers; however, the use of Tmab is restricted to tumors expressing high levels of HER2(accounting for only 20%of tumors), and Tmab cannot be used for tumors resistant to Tmab. Although novel HER2-targeted agents have been developed to treat Tmab-resistant tumors, none of these have shown clinical efficacy in gastric cancer patients. Recent developments in nanotechnology have had a significant impact on the field of medicine. Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs), which show characteristics such as in vivo stability and ease of surface functionalization, have been developed as therapeutic and contrast agents for medical applications. Previous studies show that AuNPs exert cytotoxic effects through autophagy and apoptosis; therefore, AuNPs in combination with tumor-targeting antibodies are attractive therapeutic agents. In this study, we developed HER2-targeted AuNPs(Tmab-AuNPs)and showed that they had a potent antitumor effect on Tmab-resistant cell lines. In addition, Tmab-AuNPs were effective against HER2-negative gastric cancer cell lines when HER2 was artificially overexpressed. Thus, our results indicate that Tmab-AuNPs may overcome the shortcomings of Tmab-based therapy.


The main national features of the enterprises of the agricultural sector were determined and strategic objectives of the agricultural sector of Ukrainian economy in order to ensure food security of the country were formed in the paper. The place of the state in forming the system of laws and regulations on the land market was defined. The level of financial support of the agricultural sector was characterized and it was found that most agrarian formations of various organizational-legal forms run a deficit of financial resources. The author proposes one of the sources of financial resources, in particular through share certificates. Issue of share certificates allows, on the one hand, to provide farm enterprises with financial resources, on the other, to mobilize local and regional securities markets, which in turn will have a positive impact on the situation in the countryside and domestic securities market. It was proposed to include share certificates in listing of local-regional securities markets.


Background There is a high prevalence of depression in patients with rheumatic disorders. Especially, in rheumatoid arthritis, it is one of the most prevalent co-morbidities with 16% to 38%. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is one of the known risk factors for depressive disorders. On the other hand, a VD deficiency has often been detected in rheumatic diseases. A possible correlation between these two co-morbidities has not been investigated so far in patients with early arthritis (EA). Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the association between VD deficiency and depression and/or anxiety disorders in patients who have presented themselves for the first time in the EA clinic. Methods Patients with a suspected EA (at least one swollen joint without previous trauma or joint infection with a symptom duration of 6 weeks to 12 months) received a screening date within five work days. The VD status (25-hydroxy-VD3) was obtained during the first EA clinic consultation. In addition, each patient completed questionnaires on the disease history, as well as evaluated self-assessment questionnaires including the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The hereby-obtained results of disease activity, VD-status and HADS-scores were investigated. In the observation period from June 2012 to March 2015, 75 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of completed results and questionnaires as well as a disease duration of less than 12 months. Results The mean age of this EA cohort was 51.7±16.9 years (♀ 65.3%, mean disease duration: 4.0±3.0 months). The prevalence of VD deficiency (<75 nmol/l) was 73.3%. 48.0% of EA patients showed a positive global distress score (≥13). The mean HADS global distress score in VD sufficient patients was 10.2±8.6 vs 13.3±6.9 in deficient patients. The observed difference was not statistically significant. There was neither an association between gender, age and VD status nor was there any difference in the laboratory parameters (e.g. C-reactive protein, rheumatic factor, anti citrullinated peptide, hemoglobine) or assessment of functional status (e.g. HAQ, disease activity score by 28 joints). Conclusions The prevalence of VD deficiency is higher in EA patients with 73% than in the general German population (vs. 60%). The prevalence of positive distress with 50% is also higher. Interestingly, no association of deficient VD levels and positive distress in the HADS was detected in our examined EA cohort. This might be explained by the early stage of disease, but further studies are necessary to evaluate this new insight. References Dougados, M., et al., Prevalence of comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis and evaluation of their monitoring: results of an international, cross-sectional study (COMORA). Ann Rheum Dis, 2014. 73(1): p. 62–8. Linseisen J, Bechthold A, Bischoff-Ferrari HA et al. Vitamin D und Prävention ausgewählter chronischer Krankheiten – Stellungnahme. In: V. DGfEe, ed. Bonn 2011. Merlino LA, Curtis J, Mikuls TR, Cerhan JR, Criswell LA, Saag KG, et al. Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Iowa Women's Health Study. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50(1):72–7. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Abstrnd - This paper presents a method of automatic recognition of weld defects based on fuzzy neural network (FNN). The weld image is preprocessed to extract defect features, according to which 8 characteristic parameters are selected, and the FNN model used for defects recognition is set up. Here inputted samples of the FNN model are fuzzified using n function. And weld defects of different types are processed using a threelayer neural network and BP learning algorithm. Using forty-two training samples and seven testing samples for examination, the results show that this model can recognize weld defects with better effects. This research indicates that F" has excellent performance for the defect recognition in weId image.