Correspondence should be sent to: ABSTRATCT Aims and objectives To evaluate the functional outcome of tibial plateau fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with buttress plating. Materials and methods 25 patients with tibial condyle fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation at the Government Medical College, Thrissur during year 2008-2010 were included in the study. Results Functional grading was done based on modified knee scoring system of Hohl & Luck (1956), modified by Dennis Bo Jensen and Claus Raud et al. In the final assessment, 68% of the patients had more than 120 extension, 16% had range of movement between 90 and 120 degrees and 12% had range of motion between 75 and 90 degrees. Instability was not observed widely. Only 4% had > 5 of instability. 4% were unable to walk more than 100 meters and all others were able to walk without much pain. Considering all parameters, the total pain score was assessed. 88% patients had no pain, 8% had mild pain and 4% had moderate pain. Functional results were excellent in 68%, good in 16%, fair in 12% and poor in 4%. Radiologically, 92% had excellent performance, 4 % each had good and poor performances respectively. Conclusion The overall analysis of this study showed that the functional results were much better with types I, II, III and IV fractures when compared to the complex fractures. Complication rates were also more with type V and VI fractures. Bi condylar fractures can be effectively treated by reduction and fixation with lateral locking plate Bone grafting after elevation of the depressed fracture is always advisable as it gives a good anatomical and functional outcome Post operative wound breakdown and infection is a major complication, especially in complex tibial fractures (Schatzker types IV, V and VI).


Complicated multimedia sensor networks pose several theoretic and technical challenges. These challenges center on cooperative work supported by sensor networks. This paper presents, with the aid of previous works on CSCW, a novel conception - sensor networks supported cooperative work (SNSCW). First, we classify the cooperative work supported by sensor networks into: cooperation between human and sensor nodes, and cooperation among sensor nodes. Then we depict the hierarchical collaboration by speech-action model and layered abstract model (activity-task-cooperation). Moreover, this paper proposes a multi-level C/S architecture for SNSCW system. Finally, we utilize a case $the fire monitoring of intelligent building - to show that our works are effective to cooperative work supported by sensor networks


Composite Event Recognition (CER) refers to the activity of detecting patterns in streams of continuously arriving "event" data over, possibly geographically, distributed sources. CER is key in Big Data applications that require the processing of such event streams to obtain timely insights and to implement reactive and proactive measures. Examples include the recognition of emerging stories and trends on the Social Web, traffic and transport incidents in smart cities, and epidemic spread. Numerous CER languages have been proposed in the literature. While these systems have a common goal, they differ in their data models, pattern languages and processing mechanisms, resulting in heterogeneous implementations with fundamentally different capabilities. Moreover, we lack a common understanding of the trade-offs between expressiveness and complexity, and a theory for comparing the fundamental capabilities of CER systems. As such, CER frameworks are difficult to understand, extend and generalise. It is unclear which of the proposed approaches better meets the requirements of a given application. Furthermore, the lack of foundations makes it hard to leverage established results – from automata theory, temporal logics, etc – thus hindering scientific and technological progress in CER. The objective of the seminar was to bring together researchers and practitioners working in Databases, Distributed Systems, Automata Theory, Logic and Stream Reasoning; disseminate the recent foundational results across these fields; establish new research collaborations among these fields; thereby start making progress towards formulating such foundations. Seminar February 9–14, 2020 – http://www.dagstuhl.de/20071 2012 ACM Subject Classification Computing methodologies → Knowledge representation and reasoning, Theory of computation, Information systems → Data management systems, Information systems → Data streaming


OBJECT
The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical presentation of the C2-C3 cervical herniation disc.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Uppermost cervical disc protrusion is an uncommon condition. The pattern of large central fragments of nucleus impinging on the highest cervical disc region is often poorly localized according to its clinical presentation.

METHODS
Eight patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for C2-C3 disc herniation participated in a detailed clinical and radiologic review to determine early detection and clarify potential hazards. Each patient's neurologic function was tested and recorded successively by a team of physicians and qualified physiotherapists.

RESULTS
Reviewing the symptomatology, most patients presented ascending radicular symptoms secondary to trivial trauma, characterized by suboccipital pain, loss of hand dexterity, and paresthesia over face and unilateral lateral arm. Six (75%) patients had remarkable improvement postoperatively in neurologic function, except for some residual sensory embarrassment in at least 6 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
Clinical neurologic examination provides a less precise anatomic basis, to point to a particular upper cervical disc protrusion. Nonspecific neck and shoulder pain, a variety of cervical radiculopathy, and myelopathy may present. However, this rare spondylotic pattern is usually characterized by impairment of motor and sensory function more in the upper extremities than lower extremities and mostly starting following trauma. Radiculopathy generally outweighs the cord sign. Cruciate paralysis associated with vague diffuse and patch regions of hypesthesia over perioral distribution may help to localize this upper cervical lesion. The present study demonstrates that early detection and adequate anterior decompression may provide excellent outcome.


A family of soft-switched, full-bridge (FB) pulse-width-modulated (PWM) converters that features zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) of all bridge switches over a wide range of input voltage and output load with minimal duty cycle loss and circulating current is described. The ZVS of the primary switches is achieved by employing two magnetic components whose volt-second products change in the opposite directions with a change of phase shift between the two bridge legs. One magnetic component is a transformer while the other magnetic component is either a coupled inductor or a single-winding inductor. The transformer is used to provide isolated output(s), whereas the inductor is used to store energy for ZVS.


CaZrO3 is a material for thermally sprayed ceramic coatings to which so far only a little attention was paid. This material has a high melting point, good thermal stability and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of steel. In this paper water stabilized plasma spraying (WSPR) and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) were used to prepare CaZrO3 coatings. The spraying feedstock was prepared from fine CaZrO3 powder by agglomeration (spray drying) and sintering. Powders with three different particle sizes (- 45 + 20 µm, - 63 + 45 µm and -90+63 µm) were used in the experiments. The coarse fractions were used for WSP spraying, while the fine one was sprayed with the APS process. Plasma sprayed materials were studied from the point of view of phase changes and influence of the powder size on structure of coatings. The changes of phase composition were studied by X-ray diffraction on coatings as well as on free flight particles. Formation of a cubic phase with a reduced content of CaO in comparison to CaZrO3 was observed. Its formation is probably connected with evaporation of CaO during spraying. This cubic phase is similar to the phase obtained by spraying of ZrO2+5%CaO. Plasma sprayed coatings were characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by density and porosity. Coefficients of thermal expansion of plasma sprayed layers from CaZrO3 were measured.


The study aims to examine the predictive ability of components operating cash
flow method to future cash flows. Based on the Farshadfar and Monem, is proposed
direct cash flow method components model to predict future operating cash flow and
predict control analysis for different industry type (industrial base and chemical, Other
industry, customer good).
Using secondary data processing for manufacture and regression-path analysis.
Indirect cash flow components method (cash received from customers, cash paid to
suppliers and employees, net interest paid, taxes paid, other cash flows from operations)
are collectively analyzed to prdictive operating cash flow.
The test results in the study show that cash received from customers, cash paid to
suppliers and employees, net interest paid, other cash flows from operations are
significaly effect to 1 year until 4 years future cash flow prediction. The taxes paid is
significaly effect to 1 year predict, and it's not significaly effect to 2 until 4 years
prediction. control analysis find that cash prediction is higher for customer good than the
other industry type. The positive cash flow better to predict future cash flow than
negative cash flow


Historically, there is evidence to suggest that communities in the developing world have used plant-based materials as one strategy for purifying drinking water. In this study, the coagulant properties of Opuntia spp., a species of cactus, are quantitatively evaluated for the first time. Opuntia spp. was evaluated for turbidity removal from synthetic water samples, and steps were made toward elucidating the underlying coagulation mechanism. In model turbid water using kaolin clay particles at pH 10, Opuntia spp. reduced turbidity by 98% for a range of initial turbidities. This is similar to the observed coagulation activities previously described for Moringa oleifera, a widely studied natural coagulant. Although it has been reported that Moringa oleifera predominantly operates through charge neutralization, comparison of zeta potential measurements and transmission electron microscopy images of flocs formed by Opuntia spp. suggest that these natural coagulants operate through different mechanisms. It is suggested that Opuntia spp. operates predominantly through a bridging coagulation mechanism. Once optimized, application of these readily available plants as a part of point-of-use water treatment technology may offer a practical, inexpensive, and appropriate solution for producing potable water in some developing communities.


A hierarchical platform-based design (Hi-PBD) method is put forward for SoC system design. This method divides SoC system design flow into three levels (i.e. system model level, virtual components level and real components level) to achieve separation of function from structure and separation of computation from communication. Hi-PBD defines two mapping processes (i.e. design planning and virtual-real synthesis) to go through all the three design levels. Hi-PBD supports reuse of both the three level design templates and the two mapping results, which increased reusing efficiency greatly. Besides, Hi-PBD boosts up design flexibility by means of supporting revision at all the three levels, and ensures the final design target satisfies performance requirements through a novel performance constraints transmission strategy. Experiments indicate Hi-PBD method improves SoC high level design efficiency by 30%-40%, and this method achieves platform template reuse ratio by 75%-90%.


SPARC 2021 Poster No. 28A term that covers problems and difficulties faced by people
in different areas of their lives (such as mental health, physical health,
addiction) under one umbrella is codependency. There is a lot of debate in the
academic, clinical and self-help literature in attempts made to define
codependency. The construct has been explained by different theorists in terms
of dysfunctional behaviours in intimate relationships in adulthood (especially
in relationships with an alcoholic partner), personality disorder,
addiction.

Research completed so far has tried to explain codependency
by looking at different theories which have the development of the 'self' at
their core. This research project aims to explore how people who have
experienced codependency view themselves, and feel about themselves. Adopting a
phenomenological approach, the current study looks at how this way of feeling
about themselves has impacted on different areas of their lives such as their
relationships, work, actions and behaviours. The current study also looks at
what coping mechanisms they have used to protect the way they see themselves,
and what kind of interventions supported them to change their view of self,
changes which led to them having a better life.

Using qualitative research, this study will employ
interviews to explore the thoughts and experiences of participants around their
construct of 'self' in more depth.

The
results of this research will be provided to the research community and other
stakeholders. Furthermore, this will help people experiencing codependency have
their voices heard.


Mobile commerce context has specific characteristics that affect technology adoption. This paper study the factors associated with the adoption of Mobile Commerce using a new perspective and a new methodology since Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) [1]. The design of this study has considered common limitations of previous relevant studies. TAM´s classical studies are based on subjective data from final user feedback. We suggest a new study �out of the box� based on information from interviews with industry providers: executives of an international mobile telecommunications company and an the president of an international content provider company. It is justified by two reasons: the privileged position of mobile industry managers in terms of knowledge about technology advances,
market information and global market response, and the fact that this industry providers´ knowledge has direct effects on user behaviour through marketing actions: Publicity, Price, Promotion and Product. As a result technology industry is guiding final user behaviour affecting to adoption. Cognitive maps add a qualitative perspective hardly found on technology adoption researches. This technique is used here to analyse the way managers construct their mental map about mobile adoption in order to compare it with TAM results. Cognitive maps technique make concepts appear freely from interviewed. Those concepts are connected trough arrows. It allows researchers to compare the built concepts from industry managers with TAM variables. The structured methodology insures internal validation and consistency.
The research questions we ask are: Which are the factors that affect MC adoption from the point of view of the industry providers? And are they coincident with the factors given by TAM literature?


Staurastrum sebaldi var. ornatum from the surface plankton of Sasumua Reservoir serving Nairobi in Kenya, Africa, showed remarkable variability in its symmetry and its many dichotypical specimens. The cause of this extensive variability is unknown.


The risk of flooding in coastal zones is expected to increase due to sea level rise and economic development. In larger bays, estuaries, and coastal waterways, storm surge barriers can be constructed to temporarily close off these systems during storm surges to provide coastal flood protection. Worldwide, 18 storm surge barriers have been constructed thus far, but they are increasingly being considered as a future solution for other coastal locations. This study provides a systematic overview of existing storm surge barriers. It analyzes information about the main functions of each barrier, the type of gates used, and the associated costs. It also shows that functional requirements determine the design and layout of the barrier. The main design challenges are discussed. The study results may be of use in future planning and preliminary storm surge barrier design


Global warming is a good topic to choose for an argumentative essay or a debate. There are many library and online resources to choose from. Web Pages devoted to Global Warming


This report describes a study conducted at the University of Wyoming to evaluate the various factors affecting the accuracy of Road Profilers measurements. Highway agencies across the U.S. use Road Profilers to measure roughness and rut-depth characteristics of pavements. These measurements are utilized by the Federal Highway Administration to assess the health of the national pavement network. Therefore, consistency in measurements among states is essential. This research was conducted to examine the different factors that affect consistency of roughness and rut-depth measurements. These factors included: errors caused by differences in equipment being used, human operators, and environmental conditions. In addition, the study involved comparing results from four commonly used rut-depth measurement techniques.


Although velocities of subducting slabs should be controlled primarily by their negative thermal buoyancies, their mineralogy can also have significant effects. We explore this by using thermo‐kinetic modeling to predict mineralogy and compare the resultant buoyant (driving) force to the opposing viscous drag. Phase transitions of (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 in subducting slabs depend on thermal structure in two ways. First, equilibrium phase boundaries should be deflected, causing local buoyancy anomalies whose sign depends upon that of the Clapeyron slope. As slabs first enter the transition zone, negative anomalies should accelerate them, but positive anomalies that arise when they fully penetrate the transition zone should slow them. Such effects may induce geologically abrupt changes in plate motions. Second, olivine that persists metastably in slabs will form regions of positive buoyancy which should reduce slab velocities. The coldest and fastest slabs should be slowed more greatly, thus narrowing the range of feasible subduction rates. Decreased descent rates, however, allow slabs to warm and metastable wedges to thermally erode. Such negative feedback mechanisms may serve to regulate subduction rates.


Cross sections for the neutron induced production of the long-lived radionuclides 10Be (from carbon), 26Al (from aluminium) and 36Cl (from potassium) were determined, and upper limits for the formation of 10Be from nitrogen and oxygen were estimated. Target samples were irradiated with 14.6±0.2 MeV neutrons in Debrecen, Hungary. After radiochemical separations and preparation of suitable samples at Köln, Germany, the above mentioned long-lived radionuclides were measured via ultrasensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in Zürich, Switzerland. Our cross section value for the 27Al(n,2n)26Al reaction is within the range of the reported AMS data. For the other two reactions, viz. 13C(n,α) 10Be and 39K(n,α)36Cl, our work describes the first results obtained via measurement of the product nuclides. The experimental results for all the three investigated reactions fall within the range of values obtained from semi-empirical systematics described in the literature.


Memristor, based on the principle of biological synapse, is recognized as one of the key devices in confronting the bottleneck of classical von Neumann computers. However, conventional memristors are difficult to continuously adjust the conduction and dutifully mimic the biosynapse function. Here, TiO2 films with self‐assembled Ag nanoclusters implemented by gradient Ag dopant are employed to achieve enhanced memristor performance. The memristors exhibit gradual both potentiating and depressing conduction under positive and negative pulse trains, which can fully emulate excitation and inhibition of biosynapse. Moreover, comprehensive biosynaptic functions and plasticity, including the transition from short‐term memory to long‐term memory, long‐term potentiation and depression, spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity, and paired‐pulse facilitation, are implemented with the fabricated memristors in this work. The applied pulses with a width of hundreds of nanoseconds timescale are beneficial to realize fast learning and computing. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy observations clearly demonstrate that Ag clusters redistribute to form Ag conductive filaments between Ag and Pt electrode under electrical field at ON‐state device. The experimental data confirm that the oxides doped with Ag clusters have the potential for mimicking biosynaptic behavior, which is essential for the further creation of artificial neural systems.


OBJECTIVE Myocellular ATP synthesis (fATP) associates with insulin sensitivity in first-degree relatives of subjects with type 2 diabetes. Short-term endurance training can modify their fATP and insulin sensitivity. This study examines the effects of moderate long-term exercise using endurance or resistance training in this cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A randomized, parallel-group trial tested 16 glucose-tolerant nonobese relatives (8 subjects in the endurance training group and 8 subjects in the resistance training group) before and after 26 weeks of endurance or resistance training. Exercise performance was assessed from power output and oxygen uptake (Vo2) during incremental tests and from maximal torque of knee flexors (MaxTflex) and extensors (MaxText) using isokinetic dynamometry. fATP and ectopic lipids were measured with 1H/31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS Endurance training increased power output and Vo2 by 44 and 30%, respectively (both P < 0.001), whereas resistance training increased MaxText and MaxTflex by 23 and 40%, respectively (both P < 0.001). Across all groups, insulin sensitivity (382 ± 90 vs. 389 ± 40 mL ⋅ min−1 ⋅ m−2) and ectopic lipid contents were comparable after exercise training. However, 8 of 16 relatives had 26% greater fATP, increasing from 9.5 ± 2.3 to 11.9 ± 2.4 μmol ⋅ mL−1 ⋅ m−1 (P < 0.05). Six of eight responders were carriers of the G/G single nucleotide polymorphism rs540467 of the NDUFB6 gene (P = 0.019), which encodes a subunit of mitochondrial complex I. CONCLUSIONS Moderate exercise training for 6 months does not necessarily improve insulin sensitivity but may increase ATP synthase flux. Genetic predisposition can modify the individual response of the ATP synthase flux independently of insulin sensitivity.


Interferons (IFN) are a family of proteins secreted by almost all cellular types. All IFNs have the capacity to induce an antiviral state. IFN are also intercellular mediators involved in the modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, in the activation of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. They display many immuno-modulating properties, and have anti-tumor effects. IFN play an essential role in the regulation of HLA expression. According to their antigenic and molecular properties, IFN are divided in two major classes : type I IFN : IFN-a, IFN-b, IFN-w and IFN-t, and type II IFN : IFN-g. As many cytokines and growth factors, the effect of IFN are initia- ted through their interaction with specific cell surface receptors. Type I IFN share a common receptor different from that of type II IFN. Binding of IFN to their specific receptors leads to the activation of associated tyrosine kinases of the Janus kinase family (Jak). The latent cytosolic transcription factors (STAT) are then phosphorylated, translocated to the cell nucleus where they bind to enhancer elements of inducible target genes.


Although sporadic reports of absence of ganglion cells in Auerbach's plexus in the rectum of patients having Hirschsprung's disease began to appear as early as 1901, and although a detailed description of 11 such cases by Whitehouse and Kernohan in 1948 firmly established the association of the aganglionic terminal segment of the large bowel with megacolon, it remained for Swenson and his associates,7followed closely by Bodian, Stephens, and Ward, and by Hiatt,2,3to analyze the significance of this finding and to utilize the information clinically. They concluded that the disease could be explained by the assumption that the aganglionic distal part of the colon obstructs the passage of feces. Megacolon results from this chronic obstruction; the aganglionic portion does not become dilated. A colostomy made in the dilated portion of the colon functions normally; if such a colostomy is closed surgically, obstipation recurs. Studies of motility of


Book Review of The Will to Kill: Making Sense of Senseless MurderThe Will to Kill: Making Sense of Senseless Murder. Fourth Edition. (2012) James Fox, Jack Levin, and Kenna Quinet, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 288 Pages. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-137567-3There is a vast amount of textbooks associated with a number of critical aspects within the discipline of criminal justice. From a fundamental standpoint, a few of these publications offer a comprehensive look into the role of policing (Policing America: Challenges & Best Practices, 7th Edition; Peak, 2012 or Law Enforcement in the 21st Century; Grant & Terry, 2004), others examine various aspects related to law (Basic Criminal Law: The Constitution, Procedure, and Crimes, 3rd Edition; Davenport, 2012) and the significance of probation and parole (Probation and Parole: Theory and Practice, 11th Edition; Abadinsky, 2012).Within the arena of criminal justice textbooks, a number of books are related exclusively to the commission of certain offenses. This includes a wide range of crimes that may include computer crimes (Digital Crime, Digital Terrorism, 2nd Edition; Taylor, Fritsch, Liederbach, & Holt, 2011), white-collar crime (Trusted Criminals: White Collar Crime in Contemporary Society, 4th Edition; Friedrichs, 2010), and gangs (Youth Gangs in American Society, 3rd Edition; Sheldon, Tracy, & Brown, 2004). A few textbooks have explored the existence of certain criminal acts that may be considered a growing epidemic during the past few years. This includes, but is not limited to human trafficking (The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today; Bales & Soodalter, 2009) and identity theft(Economics of Identity Theft: Avoidance, Causes and Possible Cures; Camp, 2010). Finally, there is text that that is associated with a crime that is both universal and constant; the act of killing.In The Will to Kill: Making Sense of Senseless Murder, Fourth Edition, Fox, Levin, and Quinet explore the various circumstances associated with the act of homicide. This includes contextual factors associated with theories, trends, and legislative policies. In addition, they also examine the extent of homicide within a number of settings as well as the numerous responses enacted by the criminal justice system.Specifically, their text examines:* the fascination and legal aspects associated with homicide* various rationales associated with homicidal behavior* the characteristics of perpetrators and victims of homicide* the social dynamics of homicide within intimate and family relationships* the occurrence of homicide committed by youth* the rationale and prevention of homicide within school settings* the extent and motives of serial killers* the factors associated with homicide committed by medical practitioners* homicidal behavior within the context of mass murder* instances of homicide motivated by hate* the extreme instances of homicide through the acts of terrorism* homicidal occurrences within the context of cult activities* the apprehension of individuals accused of engaging in homicidal behavior* the perception of failure within the criminal justice system in relation to those accused of homicideIn chapter 1, titled "The Lure and the Law of Homicide," the authors present a number of reasons (i.e., individual, cultural, etc.) which attempt to explain the public's general fascination with homicide. This includes a growing trend within media towards the glorification of homicidal behavior (i.e., murderers, etc.). Various legal distinctions associated with homicide are discussed in detail, this includes the terms murder and manslaughter. Finally, the authors identify a number of factors related to the legal defenses associated with the act of homicide as well as the various factors (i.e., cultural, political, etc.) relevant with the practical use of homicide law. …


The formation and variations of the pterion and epipteric bones were examined in total of 614 Japanese skulls. The materials used consisted of 258 skulls of Japanese fetuses ranging from the fourth to the ninth month, 20 skulls of Japanese juveniles from the third month to 17 years of age, and 336 skulls of Japanese adults from 20 to 89 years of age. For the skulls examined the incidence of ossification in the fetal sphenoidal fontanelle was 3.6% on each side, whereas epipteric bones were observed in more than 10% of the juvenile and adult pteria. Great variation was seen in the form of the adult pterion. The most common form was a sphenoparietal contact in which the pteria were classified into usual (306 pteria), high (119), low (21), and narrow (32) types Another form of this type, a frontal process of the temporal bone without contact with frontal bone, was found in five pteria. The form of frontotemporal contact is classified into two types: One is with a frontal process of the temporal bone (17 pteria), and another is a K-shaped contact referred to as "stellate" (four). The two types were observable in adult skulls of all ages, although the fused pteria and fusing epipteric bones were most often seen in cases over 40 years of age. The results suggest that the pterion formation has two phases, the first occurring before the occlusion of sphenoidal fontanelle, and the second starting after 40 years of age.


Abstract 2372 Poster Board II-349 Chlorambucil is an effective and safe oral alkylating agent used for treatment of indolent lymphoproliferative disorders. While once considered a drug of choice for CLL, it has recently fallen out of favor, mostly due to clinical trials showing that fludarabine-based combinations have better disease-free, albeit not overall survival (OS). In these studies chlorambucil was administered once every 2-4 weeks. Results of some clinical trials suggest that continuous use of high doses of chlorambucil (≥ 10mg /day) is superior to intermittent administration. However, there are very few publications reporting outcomes of this type of treatment, especially outside of clinical trials. Here we summarize our experience with this approach in unselected patients with CLL. This was a retrospective study performed by chart-review of patients treated at our center. Patients were included in this analysis if they had CLL according to standard immunologic, morphologic and hematologic criteria, were in need of treatment and received chlorambucil at a daily dose of 10 mg or more for at least 4 weeks or until response or unacceptable toxicity as front-line treatment. Simultaneous administration of steroids but not other cytotoxic drugs was allowed. Use of low-dose chlorambucil maintenance (≤ 5 mg/day) after stopping high-dose chlorambucil was not considered treatment failure. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for creating survival curves and log-rank for comparisons of temporal variables. We identified 88 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 70 men and 18 women, who were at the time of treatment start 38-88 years old (median 64). Nineteen patients were in Binet stage A, 38 B and 31 C; 2 were in Rai stage 0, 27 stage 1, 38 stage 2, 6 stage 3 and 25 stage 4. Twenty-nine had a low and 59 high total-tumor-mass index (TTM). The dose of chlorambucil ranged form 10 to 20 mg daily (median 15) and duration of treatment 2 to 20 wks (median 5). Forty-seven patients (53%) also received low-dose chlorambucil maintenance. The treatment was well tolerated. Three patients (3%) had serious infections, 2 died; 5 (6%) had severe hematological toxicity, mostly thrombocytopenia. Nausea, very common with pulse-doses of chlorambucil, was absent or mild; only 1 patient had severe nausea. Sixty-nine patients (78%) responded. After a median follow-up of survivors of 58 months, 26 patients are still alive and 17 have not failed treatment. Median OS was 53 months, 95% confidence-interval (CI) 40-66 months, time to treatment failure (TTF) 20 months (95% CI 13-27) (Fig. 1) and progression-free survival 15 months (95% CI 8-22). Age had no influence on treatment outcome. OS of patients with favorable stages (Rai 0-2, Binet A&B) was 60 months and of those with unfavorable stages 44 months. TTF was 30 and 11 months in these groups respectively. Both of these differences barely failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.067 and 0.058). TTM of 9 or higher was the only statistically significant negative prognostic factor that we were able to identify. OS was 78 vs. 44 months (p=0.021) and TTF 46 vs. 15 months (p=0.027). In conclusion, our results suggest that continuous administration of relatively high doses of chlorambucil is superior to intermittent administration, resulting in better efficacy and lower toxicity. While our results are inferior to those generally reported with fludarabine-based front-line treatments, continuous high-dose chlorambucil is less toxic, cheaper, the duration of treatment is shorter and OS is not different. This makes continuous high-dose chlorambucil an interesting approach for elderly, time- or financially constrained patients or health-care systems. Also, the low-toxicity and short treatment duration make it an interesting platform for the addition of non-toxic targeted drugs, like rituximab. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


To accelerate material discovery, we develop a screening method for oxide-ion conductors that comprises combinatorial synthesis using chemical-solution deposition and high-throughput measurements using X-ray diffraction and conductivity. The present method allows us to form an arbitrary and uniform composition within an evaluation area at an arbitrary position in the library on a substrate. This screening method is applied to ABi2Zr x(Nb1- yTa y)1- xO9 bismuth-layered compounds, which are known to have relatively high oxide-ion conductivities but are yet to be examined thoroughly. By making systematic thin-film libraries for A = Sr or Ca, we aim to find the optimized composition. The total time required for synthesis, phase identification, and conductivity measurements is found to be significantly shorter than that with the conventional method, and the maximum oxide-ion conductivity of this compound in the libraries reaches 10-3 S/cm at 800 °C.


Johanna Kramer's new monograph insists upon the centrality of the Ascension in the religious and cultural life of Anglo-Saxon England. It focuses upon the ways in which complex abstract theology relating to the Ascension is communicated to lay and clerical audiences through art, liturgy, ritual, and various textual genres in Latin and the vernacular. Kramer emphasizes the skilful ways in which anonymous texts and images, as well as the works of well-known figures such as Bede and Ælfric, 'pursue their larger goal of teaching Ascension theology with complexity and theological rigour' (17).


The development objective of the Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project for Kenya is to improve management and increase value addition of priority fisheries and aquaculture, and to strengthen access to livelihoods for coastal communities in Kenya. Some of the negative impacts and mitigation measures include: a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) provides access to remedy, identify procedures to effectively address grievances arising from project implementation. Persons affected by the project must have an avenue where they can formally lodge their complaints and grievances and have them properly considered and addressed. The other level of the GRM is at the national level to address more complex grievances in a more formalized manner and utilize form al litigation. Also, at the national level is the Office of the Ombudsman who is able to take up issues directly related to the project.


It is shown that the distortion generated in fm systems by small sinusoidal ripples on either group delay or amplitude characteristics can be evaluated in terms of the distortion due to a single echo. Using results already established for echo distortion, curves are plotted relating intermodulation distortion of a frequency-division-multiplex signal to the amplitude, periodicity, and location of the small sinusoidal ripple for a 600 channel system. These curves are of value in estimating permissible limits of variation of transmission characteristics over the significant rf band.


Background: Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a cause of increased burden on the healthcare system and factors associated with this disease merit understanding. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate and to describe the factors associated with recurrent CDI cases in New Haven County from 2015 to 2020. It also examined the trends in annual recurrent CDI cases across epidemiological classes. Methods: This study utilized data from a population-based surveillance program of the Healthcare-Associated Infectious Community Interface (HAIC) Program within the Connecticut Emerging Infectious Program (CT EIP) at Yale School of Public Health which served all residents of New Haven County. Annual incidence rates of CDI and recurrent CDI in aggregate and by epidemiological class were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine factors associated with recurrent CDI. Results: Among 7,023 CDI cases from 2015-2020, the incidence rate of CDI in 2015 and 2020 was 165.2 and 107.8 per 100,000 persons respectively (median=140.2/100,000 persons; IQR=25.6/100,000 persons). Overall, 12% of 4,301 CDI cases with complete chart reviews had recurrent CDI, which made up 13.6% of all HCFO-CDI, 14.1% of all CO-HCFA CDI, and 10.5% of all CA-CDI. Specifically, 18.1 and 16.9 per 100 persons in 2015 and 2020 respectively had recurrent CDI (median=11.3/100 persons; IQR=4.7/100 persons). There were a 37.3% and 2.3% increase in recurrent CDI among HCFO and CA cases respectively from 2019 to 2020. A significant proportion of those who had recurrent CDI were older (median age=70.0 years, IQR=23.0 years; median age of non-recurrent group=64.0 years, IQR=26.0 years, p<0.001), female (recurrent of 66.0% vs non-recurrent of 61.3% p<0.039), White race, non-Hispanic, and had healthcare-associated incident CDI. In the final multivariable model, there was a higher risk of recurrent CDI among individuals who had malignancies (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11-2.07), used nitrofurantoin (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.23-4.58), or were of White race. Also, cases with incident CDI in 2017 (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.73), 2018 (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.97), and 2019 (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30-0.84) had lower risk of recurrent CDI when compared with incident CDI cases in 2015. Conclusions: There was a lowered risk of recurrent CDI over time (from 2015-2019) which may reflect effective measures in management of CDI. The loss of this pattern in 2020 with an increase in HCFO recurrent cases may reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Older persons, White individuals, and those with malignancies are particularly vulnerable to recurrent CDI.


The development of existing extractive summarization models for long-form document summarization is hindered by two factors: 1) the computation of the summarization model will dramatically increase due to the sheer size of the input long document; 2) the discourse structural information in the long-form document has not been fully exploited. To address the two deficiencies, we propose HEROES, a novel extractive summarization model for summarizing long-form documents with rich discourse structural information. In particular, the HEROES model consists of two modules: 1) a content ranking module that ranks and selects salient sections and sentences to compose a short digest that empowers complex summarization models and serves as its input; 2) an extractive summarization module based on a heterogeneous graph with nodes from different discourse levels and elaborately designed edge connections to reflect the discourse hierarchy of the document and restrain the semantic drifts across section boundaries. Experimental results on benchmark datasets show that HEROES can achieve significantly better performance compared with various strong baselines.


Background: The importance of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services have been progressively growing in all general hospitals.Methods: Data were collected from medical records of patients treated by the CLP service, from 2014 to 2020, including clinical-demographic data, characteristics of hospitalization, reason for request, treatment plan, and clinical outcome. For these analyses, the chi-square test, z-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The level of significance was set at 5%.Results: A total of 2,742 consultation requests were evaluated by the psychiatry team. The number of requests made grew by 109.64% over the years. In 58.21% of cases, the patient was in the ward, and 33% were requested by Internal Medicine. There was a statistically significant difference (p <0.001) in the distribution of reasons for request according to patients' characterization variables.Conclusions: This study sought to analyze the functioning and growth of CLP in a tertiary Brazilian general hospital. The present findings reinforce the importance of this service and the need to implement and develop CLP in general hospitals.


It is important for management to realize that Research and Development (R&D) is one of
significant companies' activities that is expected to enhance companies' future value. The main
objective of this study is to examine and discuss the influence of companies' R&D on
companies' performance. The research sample is 12 mining listed companies in Indonesia Stock
Exchange (IDX) that reported Research & Development (R&D) expenditure during period 2006-
2010. A hypothesis was developed and tested use a multiple regression model. Research
variables used are Operating Profit Margin (as the dependent variable), R&D intensities (as the
independent variable), Debt Equity Ratio and Firm Size. The hypothesis tested into deferent time
measurements, which are examined with one-year, three-year, and five-year lags. The hypothesis
testing results shows that there is relationship between R&D and companies' performance. The
hypothesis testing with three-year lags shows that R&D affect the companies' profitability,
measured by operating profit margin after three-year lags R&D expensed. The findings from this
research imply that R&D expenses affect on company's profitability. R&D expenses do not have
immediate effect on profitability, there is a time lag after which the effects of R&D investment
examined with longer time lags than one year. This study been suggested that the effects of R&D
expenses on company profitability also examined with longer time lags than one or two years, in
order to better the causalities. Therefore, the management has to monitor and evaluate current
R&D and be able to design new R&D for the future.


RECENT criticism of the nutritional care of hospitalized patients may have irked physicians who feel that the medical profession receives enough criticism as it is. We know of a number of hospitals that have responded by reevaluating their own patient-monitoring practices to ensure that the episodes reported will not be repeated. Hopefully, the frank discussions of malnutrition in American hospitals will result in positive remedial action rather than negative reaction. The AMA Council on Foods and Nutrition strongly recommends the formation of hospital nutrition committees and petitioned the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals to support the recommendation. A splendid working model of a nutrition support service has been described by George L. Blackburn, MD. 1 The dramatic examples of iatrogenic malnutrition made challenging subject histories. In the case of the articles by C. E. Butterworth, MD, they also made embarrassing headlines. 2,3 We suspect that the examples cited were


Introduction: Previous studies have shown higher lumbar puncture (LP) success rates when using ultrasound guidance. This study aimed to compare the first-attempt success rate of ultrasound-guided LP with blind technique of needle insertion using the palpable spinal surface landmark in patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was performed at the emergency department of Ramathibodi Hospital, an academic tertiary university hospital, from August 2015 to July 2016. Results: 40 patients were enrolled (20 surface landmark-guided and 20 ultrasound-guided LPs). 52.5% of the patients were male with the mean age of 60.33 ± 4.24 years. The first-attempt success rate in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly higher than the landmark-guided LP group (80% vs. 35%, respectively), with risk difference (RD) of 45.00% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.72%, 72.28%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat of 45.00% and 2.22, respectively. The median procedural duration required to achieve successful LP in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly shorter than the surface landmark-guided LP group (5 [IQR: 3–18] minutes vs. 13.5 [IQR: 5-30] minutes, respectively). Traumatic puncture as a complication occurred less frequently in the ultrasound-guided LP group than the surface landmark-guided LP group with risk ratio (RR) = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.08, 1.46) and RD = -20.00% (95% CI: -44.00%, 4.00%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to harm of 20.00% and 5.00, respectively. However, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: Using ultrasound to help localize the insertion point before LP increased the first-attempt success rate and improved other LP outcomes in Thai patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy. It also shortened the procedural duration and reduced the incidence of traumatic tap.


Intact or denuded bovine corneas were incubated in the presence of 14lC GlcN and parts of the proteoglycan-glycoprotein complexes of the stroma were extracted by 0.15M NaCl and successively by 1.0M CaCl2. The specific activities of total GAG and KS were determined. In the presence of the epithelial layer the biosynthesis of total GAG and KS was found to be significant higher compared to denuded corneas when light influence was excluded during the incubation. The GAG and especially KS play a role in the regulation of the dehydratation of the corneal stroma. In the young myope dehydratation and flattening of corneas after contact lens wear is reported by several authors. It may be suggested that suppression of the activating effect of the epithelium on the KS biosynthesis in the central part of the cornea is involved in the changes of corneal curvature after prolonged wearing of hard contact lenses. Since visible light decreases the activating effect of the epithelium in our experiments it may be suggested that the wearing of dark coloured glasses my be contraindicated in the young myope who wears hard contact lenses.


A 26-year-old Japanese woman was admitted with a 1-month history of diarrhea, a high fever for a few days, and exacerbation of dyspnea. She was treated with an antifibrotic drug and long-term oxygen therapy for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome-related pulmonary fibrosis. New ground-glass attenuation appeared on chest computed tomography (CT), and a colon biopsy showed an inflammatory cell accumulation with a high titer of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Systemic inflammation related to MPO-ANCA titer elevation was suspected. Steroid pulse therapy and intravenous cyclophosphamide improved chest CT findings and diarrhea. Therefore, immunosuppressant treatment should be considered for systemic inflammation related to MPO-ANCA.


The methodology of Economics discussed by the economists covers the topics of positive vs normative, inductive vs deductive, incorporation vs exclusion of values, perscription vs description, apriorism vs empriricism, etc. This article discusses in broad term the metodology of Islamic Economics and to show its differences from the methodology of conventional economics. It also discusses some of the methodological issues relating to Islamic economics such as Islamic economics as a positive and normative sciences and differences between Islamic economics and fiqh muamalah


BackgroungSelection of reference genes (RGs) for normalization of PCR-gene expression data includes two crucial steps: determination of the among-sample transcriptionally more stable genes and subsequent choosing of the most suitable genes as internal controls. Both steps can be carried-out through generally accepted strategies each having different strengths and weaknesses. The present study proposes to reinforce normalization of gene expression data by integrating and adding analytical revision at critical steps of those accepted procedures. Especially crucial is to counterbalance a higher representative number of RGs with a correspondent increase in their average transcriptional instability or a generalised co-expression trend among the samples. This methodological study used in vitro olive adventitious rooting as an experimental system, since the underlying morphogenetic process -wich is common to diverse species- is still not completely understood.ResultsFirstly, RG candidates were ranked according to transcriptional stability following a simple statistical method that reduces biasing effects of concomitant, systematic biological variations associated to experimental conditions, such as the variations caused by gene co-regulation. Those types of systematic co-variation are unconsidered by several popular ad hoc informatics programmes. To select the adequate genes among those already ranked, an algorithm of one of the ad hoc informatics programmes (GeNorm) was adapted to allow partial automatization of RG selection for any strategy of transcriptional-gene stability ordering. In order to delve into the resulting possible RG sets suitability for inter-assay comparisons and technical-error compensation, separate statistics were formulated. The achieved results were compared with those obtained by standard stability ranking methods. Finally, a double evaluation was performed to accurately contrast two choice RG sets. The whole strategy was applied to a panel considering several independent factors, but the suitability of the obtained putative RG sets was tested for cases restricted to fewer variables. H2B, OUB and ACT are valid for normalization in transcriptional studies on olive microshoot rooting when comparing treatments, time points and assays.ConclusionsThe set of genes identified as internal reference is now available for wider expression studies on any target gene in similar biological systems. The overall methodology aims to constitute a guide for general application.


: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a cooperative argumentation model on the listening and inquiry skills and argument level of pre-service science teachers (PSTs). A mixed method was used. The sample consisted of 54 preservice science teachers. Two experimental groups were studied and the study was conducted in the Special Issues in Biology course. Co-learning of the cooperative learning model was used in the experimental group (CLG, n=31). Argumentation and co-learning of the cooperative learning model were used in the other experimental group (CLAG, n=23). To collect data, the Listening Skills Scale (LSS), Inquiry Skills Scale (ISS), and written arguments were used. For analyzing the quantitative data the independent samples t test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied. To analyze the qualitative data content analysis was used. A significant difference was found in favor of the CLAG in terms of listening skills (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in inquiry skills. When the written arguments created by PSTs are examined in terms of inquiry types, they mostly used inquiry based on experimental data, inductive reasoning, inquiry based on values, and inquiry within the framework of an economics perspective. In addition, the levels of arguments formed by the PSTs developed throughout the process.


In this letter, we present a blind carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimator by exploiting the subspace-based technique for multicarrier-code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) systems. Relative high accuracy and low-complexity to the CFO estimation can be achieved by rooting a polynomial. Simulation results are provided for illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed blind polynomial rooting estimator.


This paper reports on the fabrication and application of microneedles for the electroporation of adherently growing cells and intracellular recording with focus on the influence on external factors on the cell behavior. Patch-on-chip methods such as patch-clamp have been applied mostly to individual cells in suspension. However, in the human body most of cells are adherently growing cells, which motivated the development of a new chip design. The chip contains an array of 64 microneedles occupying a total area of approximately 1 mm2. The microneedles are fabricated using dry etching of silicon, followed by an insulation, metallization and passivation. The passivation layer is opened at the tip of the needles in order to expose the metal for cell positioning via dielectrophoresis, cell electroporation, as well as intracellular recording. Various needles with diameters in the sub-micron range and heights below 10 mum have been fabricated. Heart muscle cells, fibroblasts, and primary neuronal cells of mice were grown on these microneedle arrays. To electrically access the intracellular space, the cells were electroporated with a voltage of plusmn2 V. Preliminary tests show that more than 80% of the cells could successfully be porated.


This study focuses on the technical efficiency analysis of Russian retail companies over the period 2011–2015. The main objective is to assess technical efficiency and to reveal factors that affect the efficiency and creditworthiness of this important sector of the Russian economy. Efficiency can be considered a basic measure of creditworthiness because it demonstrates management's ability to maximise its use of resources. Studying the results enables banks to consider creditworthiness and determine whether to provide retailers with funding for future development. The empirical analysis for this article was performed using Data Envelopment Analysis and Stochastic Frontier Analysis methods. Two differing methods can be used to evaluate technical efficiency. The first, SFA, presents a picture of the whole market and formulates general propositions on the creditworthiness of retail companies. The other method, DEA, looks at certain companies and their relative performance in comparison with their competitors. Banks can use a technical efficiency score to monitor the dynamics and potential of each company. In addition to examining tools for evaluating technical efficiency, the study also has practical implications for managers of retail companies in Russia.


This book examines the construction or re-construction of societal and governmental institutions that are essential to creating a rights-respecting society in places where a multilateral peacekeeping operation has brought an end to active hostilities. It includes background papers on UN missions in Guatemala, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina.


At present, the world is experiencing a climate change whose main feature is warming, which has become the crisis and challenges of the world. Low-carbon economy is the best pattern which reduces greenhouse gas emission and global warming. This paper analyzes the urgency of developing low-carbon economy in China, including the pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy security and resources and environment. On the basis of summarizing the theory and practice of low carbon economy, this paper discusses the development orientation with low-carbon development, the development way of energy-saving and pollution emission reduction and the development method using carbon neutral technology for low carbon economy, from the macro-level, meso-level and micro-level. Finally, this paper makes some measures for developing low-carbon economy in China.


In intact cells or in membranes prepared from intact cells that were preincubated with PGE1, subsequent PGI2-stimulation is attenuated. Preincubation of cells with PGI2 does not induce desensitization of PGI2-stimulated adenylate cyclase. These data suggest that HFF cells must be constantly exposed to a biologically active prostaglandin for desensitization to occur. The intrinsic chemical lability of PGI2 may be a biochemical protection mechanism against desensitization in cells that normally respond to PGI2.


Proceedings: AACR 107th Annual Meeting 2016; April 16-20, 2016; New Orleans, LA

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) constitute a group of rare tumors and represent less than 1% of all adult cancer. Trabectedin (trabectedin®) is a synthetic molecule derived from Caribean tunicate and is a potent antitumor agent approved for patients with advanced STS. Trabectedin binds to minor groove and interferes with the DNA repair pathway, cell cycle and interacts with transcription factors. PARP-1 and 2 are two proteins implicated in DNA repair; in response to DNA damage, PARP binds to sites of damage and catalyzes the poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation of target proteins and recruit proteins at the DNA break. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the antitumor activity of Trabectedin is potentiated by PARP inhibitor, Rucaparib, in preclinical model of liposarcoma dedifferentiated and leimyosarcoma cell lines and in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model.

Methods: The LPS cell lines (IB115, IB111), the LMS cells (IB136) and the PDX model have been established from human surgical specimens tumor in our laboratory, after obtaining written informed patient consent. Cells were exposed for 72h to an increasing concentration range of Trabectedin, Rucaparib or drugs in combination and viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI staining and cell cycle analysis was studied by DNA content by fluorescence-activated cells sorting, apoptosis and cycle cell results were analyzed using the Cell Quest Pro software (BD Biosciences, San Jose, USA). DNA strand breaks were evaluated by testing for the presence of intranuclear foci γH2ax after 48h of treatment with drugs alone or in combination by immunofluorescence and microscopy confocal analysis. Combination drugs analysis was also assessed in patient-derived xenograft mice model.

Results: As expected, sarcoma cells are very sensitive to Trabectedin (IC50 were comprised between 0.0007μM and 0.02μM), Rucaparib was less effective on proliferation with a median of IC50 at 12μM ± 5μM. The combination of Rucaparib and Trabectedin is highly synergistic, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and the accumulation of G2/M. By using the Chou-Talalay method for drug combination, we observed index combination ranging from 0.3 to 0.8. The drug combination also enhanced γH2AX intranuclear accumulation as a result of DNA damage induction. The effect of the drug combination was corroborated in vivo by using a STS patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models in which the tumors showed sustained regression.

Conclusion: The combination of Trabectedin and Rucaparib is highly synergistic in pre-clinical models of STS and is worth to investigate in the clinical setting.

Citation Format: Laroche-Clary Audrey, Chaire Vanessa, Karanian Marie, Italiano Antoine. The PARP inhibitor, Rucaparib enhance the sensitivity to Trabectedin in soft tissue sarcomas cell lines and in patient xenograft model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3002.


We propose an arbitrary waveform generator based on Fourier synthesis from left-handed (LH) transmission lines. Cascaded varactors and shunt inductors are used to construct the LH transmission line, which can be used as an efficient harmonic generator when driven with a large signal, and as a linear phase shifter when driven with a small signal. By controlling the amplitude and phase of each harmonic, and combining them together, we can generate pulses of arbitrary waveforms.


UNLABELLED
Emerging web-services technology allows interoperability between multiple distributed architectures. Here, we present REMORA, a web server implemented according to the BioMoby web-service specifications, providing life science researchers with an easy-to-use workflow generator and launcher, a repository of predefined workflows and a survey system.

CONTACT
firstname.lastname@example.com

AVAILABILITY
The REMORA web server is freely available at http://bioinfo.genopole-toulouse.prd.fr/remora, sources are available upon request from the authors.


The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary, which is composed of three types of cells: oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells. Ovarian follicle development and the subsequent ovulation process are coordinated by highly complex interplay between endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals, which coordinate steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Follicle development is regulated mainly by three organs, the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and gonad, which make up the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Steroid hormones and their receptors play pivotal roles in follicle development and participate in a series of classical signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize and compare the role of classical signaling pathways, such as the WNT, insulin, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways, in ovarian follicle development and the underlying regulatory mechanism. We have also found that these four signaling pathways all interact with FOXO3, a transcription factor that is widely known to be under control of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and has been implicated as a major signaling pathway in the regulation of dormancy and initial follicular activation in the ovary. Although some of these interactions with FOXO3 have not been verified in ovarian follicle cells, there is a high possibility that FOXO3 plays a core role in follicular development and is regulated by classical signaling pathways. In this review, we present these signaling pathways from a comprehensive perspective to obtain a better understanding of the follicular development process.


Despite recent improvements in treatment modalities, pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal tumor with mortality rate increasing every year. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are now used in pancreatic cancer as a breakthrough in targeted therapy. This study focused on whether PARP inhibitors (PARPis) can affect programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in pancreatic cancer and whether immune checkpoint inhibitors of PD-L1/programmed death 1 (PD-1) can enhance the anti-tumor effects of PARPis. Here we found that PARPi, pamiparib, up-regulated PD-L1 expression on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, pamiparib induced PD-L1 expression via JAK2/STAT3 pathway, at least partially, in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, pamiparib attenuated tumor growth; while co-administration of pamiparib with PD-L1 blockers significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy in vivo compared with monotherapy. Combination therapy resulted in an altered tumor immune microenvironment with a significant increase in windiness of CD8+ T cells, suggesting a potential role of CD8+ T cells in the combination therapy. Together, this study provides evidence for the clinical application of PARPis with anti-PD-L1/PD-1 drugs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.


A prospective observational study of asymptomatic women from three different general practices was set up to establish the incidence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The study group comprised 287 women recalled to their general practitioner's surgery for routine cervical smears. The prevalence of an abnormal vaginal flora was about the same in women attending the 3 practices. Nearly 14% of women had abnormal vaginal flora and about 9% had BV on Gram stain examination of vaginal secretions. This was 2-3 times more common than findings consistent with vaginal candidiasis (3.8%). Significant numbers of women with BV had received antifungal therapy suggesting a misdiagnosis. Because of its potential complications, women should be offered screening for BV in a well-women setting and, if found, should be treated if symptomatic or at risk of adverse obstetric or gynaecological sequelae.


Safe navigation for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) is a challenging task, and generally highly dependent on effective collaboration between multiple sub-systems in environments with various levels of uncertainty. This paper presents a novel methodology combining risk-based optimal control and path following with autonomous machinery management (AMM) for MASS navigation and supervisory risk control. Specifically, a risk-aware particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme utilizes "time-to-grounding" predictions based on weather data and electronic navigational charts (ENC) to simultaneously control both the ship's motion as well as the machinery system operation (MSO) mode during transit. The proposed autonomous navigation system (ANS) is comprised of an online receding horizon control that uses a PSO approach from previous works, which produces a dynamic risk-aware path with respect to grounding obstacles from a pre-planned MASS path, subsequently given as the input to a line-of-sight guidance controller for path following. Moreover, the MSO mode of the AMM system is simultaneously selected and assigned to explicit segments along the risk-aware path throughout the receding horizon, which effectively introduces into the optimization scheme an additional safety layer as well as another dimension for risk or resource minimization. The performance of the resulting ANS is demonstrated and verified through simulations of a challenging scenario and human assessment of the generated paths. The results show that the optimized paths are more efficient and in line with how human navigators would maneuver a ship close to nearby grounding obstacles, compared to the optimized paths of selected previous works.


The object of this study is to clarify the degree of organic metamorphism in the Late Triassic coal-bearing Chungnam Coalfield using vitrinite reflectance and crystallininity by the X-ray diffraction analysis as rank parameters, and to discuss geological background of coalification. R_(max) values range from 4.55% to 6.48%, which indicate the coals belong to anthracite to meta-anthracite stage in rank of ASTM classification. X-ray diffraction shows very distinct peak from 25.51 to 25.58 2θ, which indicates an average molecular repeat distance of approximately 3.49Å in the Ovals. Integral breadth of the coals ranges from 6.06 to 5.98. Bireflectance varied from 1.79 to 3.35. Above mentioned characteristic features are inferred as a manifestation of higher temperature and pressure organic metamorphism. R_(max) begin to decrease at R_(max) 5.5% and this pattern is in striking contrast to that of the European coals. Bireflectance values tend to increase with increasing of R_(max) values. The increasing modes of the R_(max) and crystallininity do not always correspond each other with progressing of metamorphism. In each unit of formations, coals of the Amisan Formation are the most advanced in coalification and degree of crystallinity. Anthracitization was took placed post-Daebo Orogeny and was caused by the thermal effects of the intrusion of the Jurassic Daebo Granite. Judging from the fossil plants and paleomagnetic data, it is inferred that formation of coal deposits was formed in the subtropical climate and the Korean Peninsula was paleogeographically situated near horse-latitudes of lower latitudes than present geographic position in Late Triassic time.


This study aimed to determine the relationship between chronic diseases and nutrition in the older adults in a nursing home. In 2014 and 2019, we investigated older people aged 60 years and over living in a nursing home in Izmir and who agreed to participate and could perform self-care. A 26-item questionnaire that focuses on sociodemographic, socioeconomic and chronic disease characteristics, and the Turkish version of Mini Nutritional Assessment Test-Short Form were applied using the face-to-face method. In 2014, 68.9% of the older had no malnutrition risk, 23% had malnutrition risk, and 8.1% had malnutrition. The women had a higher malnutrition risk and actual malnutrition than men (P<0.05). Malnutrition was most common in 75-84 years of age. In 2019, 41.6% of the older had malnutrition risk, whereas 7.8% had actual malnutrition. No difference was found between malnutrition and malnutrition risk, between women and men and between age and sex (P>0.05). At both times, malnutrition risk increased in those with chronic disease (P<0.05). At least one chronic disease (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) was found in 67.6% of the older. Meanwhile, 70.1% had been previously hospitalized for some reason. Malnutrition risk increases with old age. An adequate and well-balanced diet is important for protecting health and increasing longevity and quality of life in old age. Older people and nursing home employees need to be trained on the relationship and risks of chronic disease and malnutrition.


Background: Primary pancreas neoplasms are rare, representing less than 0.5% of all veterinary tumors. They are highly aggressive, and most of the patients have unspecifc clinical signs until diagnosis. Although the treatment of choice is surgical resection, only 15 to 20% of the patients may undergo surgery and be cured. Survival is variable after diagnosis,ranging from 4 to 10 months. Prognosis is poor due to the aggressiveness and advanced stage of the disease at the moment of diagnosis, and the weak response to all existing treatments. The objective of this study was to report a case of exocrine pancreatic carcinoma in a dog with hypoglycemia.Case: The present study describes a clinical case of exocrine pancreatic carcinoma in the Clínica Escola de Veterinária (CEVET) at UNICENTRO-PR. The patient was taken to the CEVET and the main complaint of the owner was a volume increase in the ventral thoracic region. During the physical examination, it was observed that this increased volume was a mammary tumor in the third gland of the right side of the body. The animal showed no other symptoms and the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic cancer was only possible because glucose levels in routine examination were below the normal reference value for the species (47 mg/dL). After the glycemic curve was determined, it was observed that glucose levels were below reference values, even after feeding (at 8 am and 7 pm). Suspicion of a metastasis of mammary tumor in the pancreas, or even a pancreatic tumor, was then raised. Blood insulin was performed and a 42.3 µUI/mL increase was observed. Insulin reference values range from 5 to 20 µUI/mL. Based on these results, and after the owner signed an informed consent form, exploratory celiotomy was carried out in order to assess pancreatic changes and, if possible, to excise any nodule that was found. However, instead of a single nodule, as expected, diffuse lesions with several whitish micronodules that showed frm consistency were observed. As it was not possible to excise all the nodules, the option was to carry out pancreas biopsy and mastectomy.Discussion: The absence of characteristic clinical signs or radiological changes suggestive of a tumor in this clinical case is supported by data in the literature as, most of the times, conclusive diagnosis is carried by histopathological analysis of the structure resected in the surgery. The pancreas is made up of ductal, acinar, and endocrine/neuroendocrine cells supported by conjunctive and endothelial tissue and lymphocytes. Malignant neoplasms may originate from any of these types of cells.However, the literature describes that most human and animal patients with pancreatic tumors present late and unspecifc clinical signs, whereas in this report the animal did not show any clinical signs. The treatment of choice is surgical resection, and total or partial pancreatectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy have been used in humans and dogs. Because of that, support therapy is highly important for improved quality of life. In this case, the presence of hypoglycemia, different from most reports, which describe hyperglycemia, led to further laboratory analysis. The presence of hyperinsulinemia and, later on, the fndings of the pancreas biopsy, led to the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic cancer. It was concluded that this typeof tumor needs to be further analyzed and studied in dogs, as case reports such as this one are not common in veterinary.Keywords: neoplasia, celiotomy, hyperinsulinemia.


Dry tribological behaviors of commercial pure (Cp) titanium and Cp titanium diffusion coated with equiatomic NiTi intermetallic layer were studied and compared at room temperature. Wear tests were performed by a pin on disk tribometer using 52100 steel pins, under various normal loads of 10, 20, and 40 N. worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope, equipped with EDS analyzer. The wear rates of the coated materials were lower than those of the Cp titanium at all loads. This was mainly attributed to the higher hardness of the NiTi intermetallic layer compared to that of the untreated titanium. Furthermore, under an applying load of 10 N, a tribological layer was formed which could protect the surface from severe wear. The results also demonstrated a lower coefficient of friction in the treated specimens compared to those of the Cp materials.


New operating systems, such as the Capsicum capability system, allow a programmer to write an application that satisfies strong security properties by invoking security-specific system calls at a few key points in the program. However, rewriting an application to invoke such system calls correctly is an error-prone process: even the Capsicum developers have reported difficulties in rewriting programs to correctly invoke system calls. This paper describes capweave, a tool that takes as input (i) an LLVM program, and (ii) a declarative policy of the possibly-changing capabilities that a program must hold during its execution, and rewrites the program to use Capsicum system calls to enforce the policy. Our experiments demonstrate that capweave can be applied to rewrite security-critical UNIX utilities to satisfy practical security policies. capweave itself works quickly, and the runtime overhead incurred in the programs that capweave produces is generally low for practical workloads.


The pollen morphology of 40 Convolvulus L. taxa was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Of these, fourteen, including eight endemic to Iran, were studied in detail for the first time. Pollen was evaluated mainly for the following diagnostic characteristics: polar axis, equatorial axis, P/E ratio, pollen shape, colpi length, colpi width, type of tectum architecture, perforation diameter and number of perforations per unit area. Pollen is radially symmetrical, isopolar and tricolpate. The largest pollen belongs to C. armenus Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss. and C. persicus L, while C. leptocladus Boiss. has the smallest pollen. Pollen shape is polymorphic. However most species have subprolate and prolate-spheroidal pollen. The tectum is perforate (the most common), microreticulate or reticulate. Supratectal elements are present as granules more or less irregularly scattered over the whole surface. In the present study, pollen morphological characters were compared with previous results. C. persicus and C. leiocalycinus Boiss. have distinct pollen compared with other species from Iran. Although pollen characters alone are insufficient to reconstruct the taxonomic relationships within Convolvulus, palynological data can provide some useful information for species-level revisions.


This study is concerned with studying the performance of SiO2–water nanofluid flow through a three-dimensional straight mini-channel with different values of aspect ratio (AR) of (0.5, 1.0, and 1.6) and a fixed hydraulic diameter under a uniform heat flux. The governing equations are developed and solved numerically using the finite volume method for a single-phase flow with standard Kappa-Epsilon (ҡ–ɛ) turbulence model via a user-defined function (UDF) over the Reynolds number (Re) range of (10,000–35,000). Numerical results indicated that the average Nusselt number ratio increases as the Reynolds number and volume concentration of the nanoparticles increase for all values of the channel aspect ratio. The results indicated that the maximum enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient (benefit) achieved is 94.69% at AR = 0.5, along with the lowest increase of pressure drop (penalty) of 13.1%. The highest performance evaluation criterion (PEC) of 1.64 is found at AR = 0.5, Re = 35,000, and 5% concentration.


The anaemia of MDS is multifactorial with intramedullary ineffective erythropoiesis resulting from an imbalance between erythroid proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in favour of initial hypercellularity with high cell death through to a lower cellularity, lower death state with the eventual evolution of the leukaemic clone in many patients. The fundamental molecular abnormality(ies) in MDS, which produce the milieu for the heterogeneous molecular insults described (e.g., oncogene mutations) remains elusive. Many questions such as why MDS red cells are macrocytic and what are the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms of ineffective erythropoiesis remain unanswered but future study of the erythroid lineage should provide molecular clues to the earliest abnormalities in the pathogenesis of MDS.


This registry‐based study evaluated the contribution of center characteristics to kidney transplant outcomes in adult first kidney transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand between 2004 and 2014. Primary outcomes were mortality and graft failure, and secondary outcomes were transplant complications. Overall, 6970 transplants from 17 centers were included. For deceased donor transplants, 5‐year patient and graft survival rates varied considerably (81.0–93.9% and 72.2–88.3%, respectively). Variations in mortality and graft failure were partially reduced after adjustment for patient characteristics (1% and 20% reductions) and more markedly reduced after adjustment for center characteristics (41% and 55% reductions). For living donor transplants, 5‐year patient and graft survival rates varied (89.7–100% and 79.2–96.9%, respectively). Centers with high average total ischemic times (>14 h) were associated with higher mortality for both deceased (adjusted hazard ratio [(AHR] 2.24, 95% CI 1.21–4.13) and living donor transplants (AHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.02–3.04). Small center size (<35 new kidney transplants/year) was associated with a lower hazard of mortality for living donor kidney transplants (AHR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28–0.81). No center characteristic was associated with graft failure. The appreciable variations in deceased donor kidney transplant recipient and graft survival outcomes across centers were attributable to center effects.


Beta-delayed proton studies of the T /sub z/ = -3/2, A = 4n+1 series were undertaken to obtain high resolution low background spectra of /sup 29/S and to extend the series into the fp shell with the observation of /sup 53/Ni, /sup 57/Zn, and /sup 61/Ge. Development of a pulsed-beam system in which large detection geometries were obtained was crucial in characterizing the latter nuclei due to low production cross sections (50 to 90 nb) for the /sup 40/Ca(heavy ion, 3n) reactions. Spectroscopic studies of the beta-delayed proton decay of /sup 29/S have yielded branching ratios and log ft values for 21 proton unbound levels in /sup 29/P. Comparisons of excitation energies of these levels and ..beta..-decay transition rates feeding them are made to recent shell model predictions. Indications of possible isospin mixing with the lowest T = 3/2 state in /sup 29/P or the presence of a collective Gamow-Teller transition as predicted by the gross theory of ..beta..-decay are indicated by enhanced transition rates to T = 1/2 states located within 300 keV of the isobaric analog state. Comparing the ft values for ..beta../sup +/-decay of /sup 29/S to the mirror ..beta../sup -/-decay of /sup 29/Al resulted in (ft)/supmore » +//(ft)/sup -/ = 1.04+-0.07, indicating good mirror symmetry. Exploiting the unique signature of delayed proton emission, the decays of several nuclei in the unknown neutron-deficient region of the fp shell were characterized.The following precursors and delayed proton groups were observed. /sup 53/Ni - Ep(c.m.) = 1.94+-.05 MeV, T1/2 = 45+-15 ms; /sup 57/Zn - Ep(c.m.) = 1.95+-.05, 2.58+-.05, and 4.65+-.05 MeV, T1/2 = 40+-10 ms; /sup 61/Ge - Ep(c.m.) = 3.15+-.07 MeV, T1/2 = 40+-15 ms. All of these proton groups (except the 2.58 MeV group of /sup 57/Zn) are attributed to the decay of the lowest T = 3/2 state in the emitter which is populated by a stron superallowed ..beta..-decay branch (approx.50%) from the precursor. 127 references.« less


Abstract. A new hygroscopic tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) has been constructed at Lund University within the frameworks of the EU FP6 Infrastructure Project EUSAAR ( http://www.eusaar.org/ ). The aim of this coordinated H-TDMA development is to design and evaluate a new generation of H-TDMAs that are capable of conducting long term measurements of the hygroscopic growth and state of mixing of sub-micrometer atmospheric aerosol particles at the EUSAAR aerosol super-sites across Europe. The H-TDMA constructed for this project has been validated with respect to hygroscopic growth factor, stability of relative humidity (RH), temperature stability and its ability to operate unattended for longer periods of time. When measuring growth factors of ammonium sulphate, the new H-TDMA system was found to measure within a growth factor deviation of ±0.05 compared to previously recorded data by Tang et al. (1994). The long term RH of the system has been found stable at 90.0% with a standard deviation of ±0.23% and an average temperature variability of the second DMA less than ±0.1 K. Daily automated ammonium sulphate measurements have validated the ambient measurements. The instrument is operated at the EMEP/EUSAAR background station Vavihill in the southern part of Sweden.


A novel training algorithm called geometric AdaBoost learning, which integrates the local-appearance models with the explicit shape model is proposed. The proposed algorithm employs a two-stage AdaBoost learning algorithm. The first-stage learning is performed to learn the local texture model within local image patches and to produce a confidence map. Based on the confidence values, the high-discriminative local patches are selected, and then the global context models between them are trained in the later stage using AdaBoost learning. The proposed algorithm is applied to wheelchair navigation, and the results demonstrate that it outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms with improvements of 23.3 and 49% in terms of accuracy and speed.


A 27.88 three-pole 1.8% bandwidth silicon micro-machined filter with 50 dB rejection is presented. On a single resonator, a quality factor of 602 has been measured and the filter exhibits 2.9 dB of insertion losses. A 30.04 GHz two-pole silicon micro-machined filter with a simple planar integration is also proposed. The excitation is made from the top of the shielding substrate of a membrane supported micro-machined filter. Packaging and inter-connection are included in the design. The whole filter exhibits 1.8 dB of insertion losses. Such filter can be easily integrated by flip-chip technology.


The object of the sociology of law has to date been defined too narrowly. Positive law as conceived by jurists, that is law related to the State in one way or another through the legislator, the courts or the law itself, has generally been recognized as the object of the sociology of law. Sociology of law has therefore remained too much within the legal ideology that dominates not only the legal profession but the overall culture of modern Western societies. It is suggested that the notion of "legal order" should furnish the appropriate object for the sociology of law, provided it is defined broadly enough to cover all the legal orders existing in a given society. This first requires a definition of law not only in terms of norms, rules and principles, but as a living institution that includes all agents and/'or organizations that contribute to produce, interpret and apply the law. And secondly, it requires considering State legal order as just one of all the legal orders that co-exist in a society. It should be sociology's task to identify the numerous non-State legal orders and to analyse the complex set of interrelationships among them and with the State legal order. This broadened pluralistic line of thought follows the leads provided long ago by Max Weber and Santi Romano, which have not to date been paid all the attention they deserve.


In recent years, we have seen an increasing interest in immersive mobile multimedia applications and services. Advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and related head-mounted displays (HMDs) support different levels of computer-generated virtual worlds. These worlds include mobile virtual reality (VR), mobile augmented reality (VR), and mobile mixed reality (MR) which are jointly captured under the term mobile extended reality (XR). In addition, the development of fifth generation (5G) mobile networks aims at catering for ultra-reliable low-latency communications such as mobile XR and the tactile Internet. In this context, 5G mobile networks are essential enablers to carry mobile XR beyond video gaming to the general consumer and industry markets. In this keynote lecture, the fundamentals of interconnected immersive mobile multimedia are reviewed, and opportunities, challenges, and enablers are discussed. An overview of immersive mobile multimedia from mobile video to mobile 360-degree video, mobile VR, mobile AR, mobile MR, and mobile XR is provided. Major components of interconnected immersive mobile multimedia will be discussed and application opportunities in different vertical industries are pointed out. Furthermore, challenges associated with the delivery of immersive mobile XR applications are shown through service integrity parameters. Several enablers for interconnected immersive mobile multimedia applications are highlighted including standardization activities.


Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral deviation of the spine. Over 10 degrees of lateral curvature in the anteroposterior plane is already regarded as abnormal and scoliosis by the American Scoliosis Research Society. Scoliosis can be congenital, developmental, or degenerative. However, over 65% of the scoliosis cases were idiopathic. Scoliosis generally develops in the thoracic spine and/or the thoracolumbar area of the spine. One of the factors of scoliosis is the skeletal muscle around the aforementioned area of the spine. If the muscle strength between the left and right paraspinal muscles is imbalanced, internal pressure will develop and cause scoliosis. Though the risk of curve progression is the highest during puberty, adolescents with mild scoliosis (Cobb's angle between 10 and 19) are generally closely monitored. With the increasing mobile phone usage among adolescents, it is very likely that adolescents with mild scoliosis develop poor posture during their prolonged screen time. This may affect the skeletal muscle development in the spine, causing an imbalance between the left and right paraspinal muscles, further accelerating the curve progression of scoliosis. To slow down or prevent the curve progression, biofeedback posture training has been developed by our research team. Early adolescents sat in front of a computer screen with animated videos as biofeedback to monitor their muscle activities of the paraspinal muscles. They underwent 30 sessions of biofeedback posture training, each session consisting of 3 minutes baseline assessment and 5 trials of 5-minute posture training.Currently, 18 adolescents with mild scoliosis have completed our training. 13 out 18 of them have their spine curve progressed less than 5 Cobb's angle. In addition, 6 of them even reduced their spine curve by more than 5 Cobb's angle.


In the design and manufacturing process of electric packaging, solder joint are generated with a variety of methods to provide both mechanical and electrical connection for applications such as flip chip, wafer level packaging, fine pitch ball grid array (BGA), and chip scale packaging (CSP). Solder joint shape prediction method has been incorporated as a design tool to enhance the reliability of the wafer level packaging. Wafer level chip-scale-packaging (WLCSP) is expected to be widely used in static-dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) for its higher electrical performance and lower manufacturing costs. However, reliability of solder joints for large chip size such as 6mm /spl times/ 6mm without underfill assembly is still in question. In conventional WLCSP, the dimension of each solder ball and each solder pad is the same. The maximum thermally induced stress/strain would occur on the die-side surface of the solder joint that are located farthest away the chip center. In this research, a hybrid method combined analytical algorithm and energy-based method is applied to predict standoff heights and geometry profiles of solder balls. A hybrid-pad-shape (HPS) system is also proposed to design solder ball layout and to enhance the reliability of solder joints. The HPS system contains two kinds of solder volume and pad diameters as well as their relative location during reflow process. Next, a commercial finite element code ANSYS is applied to simulate the stress/strain behavior of the solder balls in WLCSP under temperature cycling conditions. In addition, a nonlinear and parametric finite element analysis is conducted to investigate the reliability issues that result from several design parameters including solder joint layout, solder volume, pad diameter, die/substrate thickness, and thickness/material properties of stress buffer layer (SBL). The results reveal that as the WLCSP contains larger solder balls located at corner area underneath the chip, the maximum equivalent plastic strain of the solder joints would be evidently reduced and the solder joint reliability under thermal loading would be highly enhanced. On the other hand, thinner die and thicker SBL are also good for the reliability of the WLCSP. Furthermore, the findings presented in this research can be used as a design guideline for area array interconnections such as CSP, flip chip packaging, super CSP and fine pitch BGA.


Objective: The renal function plays a leading role in long-term control of arterial blood pressure (BP). The goal of the study was to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to hypertension and the pathways contributing to the differences in renal functioning in hypertensive ISIAH and normotensive WAG rats. Design and Method: The RNA-Seq approach was used for comparative transcriptional profiling of renal cortex in 3-month old male rats with inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension (ISIAH/Icgn) and normotensive Wistar Albino Glaxo (WAG/GSto-Icgn) rats. The differential expression of several genes was validated by real-time PCR. Results: The analysis revealed 716 genes differentially expressed in renal cortex of ISIAH and WAG rats, 42 of them were associated with arterial hypertension and regulation of BP. Six of these genes are known as genes related to renal hypertension. Sixty of the detected DEGs are referred to in Rat Genome Database as associated with renal diseases, including renal fibrosis, renal insufficiency, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and nephrosclerosis. The functional annotation of DEGs suggested the existence of the hormone dependent interstrain differences in renal cortex function. Multiple DEGs were associated with blood circulation, and with the response to stress (including oxidative stress, hypoxia, fluid shear stress), its regulation and several other processes (Figure). Metabolic pathways significantly enriched with DEGs were related to immune system function, to steroid hormone biosynthesis, tryptophan, glutathione, nitrogen, and drug metabolism. Two DEGs associated with hypertension (Ephx2, Glp1r) and showing the highest differences in expression in ISIAH and WAG renal cortex were considered as candidates for further studies. Conclusions: The results of the study provide a basis for identification of potential biomarkers of stress-sensitive hypertension and for further investigation of the mechanisms that affect renal cortex functioning and hypertension development.


This paper presents an enhanced version of the Resource Conflict Graph (RCG) approach for railway rescheduling that considers the reduction of tractive energy consumption in the rescheduling process. The objectives and constraints considered in freight train rescheduling are different from those related to passenger trains. For example, there is generally more flexibility in freight train scheduling regarding routes and departure/arrival times. On the other hand, freight trains have frequent unplanned stops for overtaking and acceleration phases use significant energy, especially for long freight trains. Therefore, energy consumption is recognized as an important cost factor in freight train operations and it is commonly used to help plan schedules. Energy consumption can be reduced by choosing energy efficient paths (less traffic, less gradient) and driving with speed profiles that improve route regularity (i.e., that avoid unplanned stops and minimize acceleration phases). The paper describes the proposed rescheduling approach and then applies it in a numerical example evaluated using the test track of the Railway Operations Lab located in the facilities of the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems (IVT) at ETH Zurich.


Subglottic stenosis occurs as a complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation secondary to inflammation with development of scar tissue and subsequent fibrosis. Collagen I and III levels increase during the healing process. Steroids alter the inflammatory response, decreasing recruitment of macrophages and fibroblasts. β-Aminopropionitrile (βAPN) inhibits the development of collagen cross-linking. A mechanism that would minimize hypertrophic scarring was sought. Eighteen dogs were anesthetized, had tracheostomies performed, and later had cautery of the mucosa and inner layer of the cricoid cartilage. Of 18 survivors, 6 animals were used as controls, 6 animals received oral Decadron, 2 mg/d, and 6 animals received oral βAPN, 40 mg/d. There were 9 early deaths — 5 in the steroid group. Animals were painlessly sacrificed, and the specimens were sectioned at the cricoid cartilage level and were stained immunohistochemically for antibodies to collagen types I to VI. Analysis of the area of scar and the intensity of stain was performed with Mocha image analysis software. Collagen III increased in control animals to 14.38 ± 1.85 (intensity stain index), but this reaction was reduced by βAPN (5.77 ± 1.78, p <.01). Steroids had no significant effect on formation of any type of collagen. Lathyrogens (βAPN) may offer a pharmacologic tool to reduce scar tissue.


Orthogonal harmonic multisine excitations were utilized in a wind tunnel test and in simulation of the SemiSpan Supersonic Transport model to assess aeroservoelastic characteristics. Fundamental issues associated with analyzing sinusoidal signals were examined, including spectral leakage, excitation truncation, and uncertainties on frequency response functions and mean-square coherence. Simulation allowed for evaluation of these issues relative to a truth model, while wind tunnel data introduced real-world implementation issues.


Bone marrow human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are known to survive in serum-free media, when most normal somatic cells do not survive. We found that the endogenously-activated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway is involved in this cellular behavior. Under this culture condition, phosphorylated Smad1 (PSmad1), the transducer of this signal, is localized in the hMSC nuclei. In addition, inhibition of this pathway with noggin, a BMP antagonist, elicits a caspase-dependent hMSC's death in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, exogenously added BMP4 alleviates the noggin effect, restoring cell survival, and suggesting that BMP signal is essential for hMSC survival under serum deprivation conditions. Altogether these findings demonstrate for the first time an endogenous survival pathway of hMSCs driven by a BMP signal. Such a survival mechanism might be involved in the maintenance of the hMSC population within their bone marrow niche.