The laser machining is an unconventional technology. Compared with the conventional machining are mentionable: the high speed of machining, the high precision, the high energy and the low thermo influences of the area. The welding process is directly determined by the following parameters: pulse power, pulse duration and focus position. These three parameters have particular values for different type of alloys, different working speeds and different protective gases. The team made some researches regarding the influence of those parameters on the width, on the deep and on the surfaces quality of the seam welding. The results of these researches can be used for the simulation and the optimization of the machining. Using the simulation we can obtain better characteristics of the welding


Arachnoid granulation is often found incidentally in the dural sinuses and skull. It may also enlarge the dural sinus or inner table of the skull. We report a 46-year-old woman who presented with occipital headaches and arachnoid granulations in both transverse sinuses and torcular herophili. Neurological examination was normal. Fundoscopic examination, visual fields and acuity were normal. The headache resolved with medical treatment. No intervention for these lesions was planned. The patient was followed up with magnetic resonance imaging studies.


Supported nanoparticles make the reaction faster Several techniques now allow surface structures used as catalysts to be probed during exposure to reactive gases, as opposed to under vacuum conditions. Divins et al. used near-ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to compare the effect of reaction gases on unsupported palladium-rhodium nanoparticles versus ones on a reducible cerium oxide support. For the reaction of ethanol with steam to produce hydrogen, the supported nanoparticles were more reactive and less prone to reduction and surface rearrangement. Science, this issue p. 620 A cerium oxide support rendered palladium-rhodium nanoparticles more reactive and harder to reduce under reaction conditions. Catalysts used for heterogeneous processes are usually composed of metal nanoparticles dispersed over a high–surface-area support. In recent years, near-ambient pressure techniques have allowed catalyst characterization under operating conditions, overcoming the pressure gap effect. However, the use of model systems may not truly represent the changes that occur in real catalysts (the so-called material gap effect). Supports can play an important role in the catalytic process by providing new active sites and may strongly affect both the physical and chemical properties of metal nanoparticles. We used near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to show that the surface rearrangement of bimetallic (rhodium-palladium) nanoparticles under working conditions for ethanol steam reforming with real catalysts is strongly influenced by the presence of a reducible ceria support.


The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface roughness of two commercial composite resins submitted to erosive attack, to abrasive wear and to association of erosive and abrasive challenge. Standardized samples of G-ænial anterior (GC Company) and Essentia (GC Company) composite resins were randomly split in 6 groups. In group 1 the samples were maintained in artificial saliva until the evaluation of surface roughness. In group 2 the samples were submitted only to erosive attack, in group 3 only to abrasive challenge and in groups 4 ,5, and 6 the erosive attack was followed by abrasive challenge immediately (group 4), 30 minutes after the erosive attack (group 5) and one hour after the erosive attack (group 6). The specimens were evaluated using surface roughness measuring tester SJ-210 (Mitutoyo Corporation, Japan) and the mean surface roughness values (Ra, μm) of each specimen were registered. A significantly increase of both composite resins surface roughness was recorded after erosive attack and abrasive challenge. Toothbrushing 60 minutes after acidic contact determined no significant differences in surface roughness of composite resins.


Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells, which play a pivotal role in antigen-specific (Ag-specific) T cell immunity. Malignancies have the capacity to inactivate DCs and effector T cells or to evade circulating antitumor immunity by expressing immune inhibitory molecules and/or secreting immunosuppressive cytokines. For this reason, ex-vivo-generated DCs [1] or in-vivo-DC-targeting [2] has been studied intensively over the past decade or development as a potential therapeutic cancer vaccine. Understanding how DCs induce, regulate, and maintain T cell immunity is essential for the design of novel cancer vaccines with improved clinical efficacy. Once activated, antigen-pulsed DCs are geared toward the launching of Ag-specific immunity, leading to T cell proliferation and differentiation into effector T cells. DCs are also important in triggering humoral immunity partly due to their capacity to directly interact with B cells and to present unprocessed antigens. There are examples of DC-based tumor vaccines being used successfully in clinical practice. Sipuleucel-T, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved DC vaccine (Dendreon Corp.) has been found to be somewhat effective in the treatment of human prostate cancer [3]. As of 2014, 289 clinical studies of DC-based cancer vaccines are registered and under investigation (2014, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Among the 289 cases, 2 are in phase IV, 6 in phase III, 3 in phase II & III, 74 in phase II, 76 in phase I & II, 109 in phase I, and 3 in phase 0, underscoring the potential clinical significance of this therapy. In this editorial, we will discuss the evolution of DC-based cancer vaccine strategy, and future implications, with an emphasis on the efficacy and limitations of DC-based vaccine. Better understanding of DC biology and manipulation of activated DCs will allow DC scientists to produce the next generation of highly efficient cancer vaccines for cancer patients.


Introduction There is no published experience with the use of Meltdose Tacrolimus (M-TAC) in pediatric transplant population. Theoretically, this new drug should not only improve adherence to treatment, but it could also offer better pharmacokinetics than once-daily extended-release tacrolimus (ER-TAC) with less side effects. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective study of a single centre experience with the use of M-TAC in pediatric stable kidney transplant recipients who were selectively converted from other tacrolimus (TAC) formulae to M-TAC. Sixteen patients (44% boys, mean age at transplant 9.3∓5.6 years, mean time after transplant of 2.7 years) were switched from Advagraf(R) or Prograf(R) to M-TAC. The reasons for conversion were: improve TAC pharmacokinetics (56%), improve patient's adherence to treatment (25%) or reduce TAC adverse events (19%). The immunossupression regime prior to conversion was TAC and prednisone based-triple therapy in 81% of them and double therapy in 19%. Results Mean pre-conversion TAC dose was 7.03∓4.3 mg/day. Mean post-conversion TAC dose was 5.03∓2.9 mg/day, with a mean Conversion Factor of 0.73∓0.08. Mean pre-conversion TAC through blood level was 7.52∓2.75 ng/ml (range 4.4 - 12.7) and the post-conversion mean level was 7.81∓2.78 ng/ml (range 3.2 - 15.4) At a mean time of 15 months of follow-up after conversion 94% of the patients are still on M-TAC treatment. A new onset diabetes (NODAT) was diagnosed 3 months after conversion and it disappeared after the M-TAC withdrawal. No clinical acute rejection events have been diagnosed after the conversion in this population. No beneficial effect was observed in 3 patients who persist showing high variability on TAC through blood levels. Table. No title available. Conclusions The switch from other TAC formulae to Meltdose TAC using the recommended conversion factor of 0.7 can be safely done also in children. The through blood levels obtained after conversion are quite predictable and stable. The switch can be done without increasing the risk of rejection episodes.


Film experts and art historians studied German cinema in detail, however, movies based on "The Song of the Nibelungs" as well as on the German and Scandinavian heroic epic have not yet been investigated by means of modern interdisciplinary approaches. The author pays attention to Siegfried, one of the most important heroes of the German and Scandinavian epic, according to Fritz Lang's (1890 – 1976) and Uli Edel`s (1947) interpretations, divided by almost a century (1924 and 2004). The author analyzes various means of expression: visuality, scenery, actor's performance, credits/dialogues. As far as the Lang's movie is concerned, he concludes that one can interpret the figure of Sigfried on two levels of interpretation. The first is the visual one which includes the actor's performance and the work of support staff (e.g. dress makers, set dressers). It describes him as an extraordinary strong hero. The second one is the semantic level which is formed of credits and music. It creates a myth about Siegfried as the national hero. In Edel's movie, the dialogues between heroes and actor's performance are used as the main means of expression . In Lang's interpretation, Siegfried is described as the neo-romantic superhero, the person possessing a special force. Uli Edel's Siegfried obtains dialectic nature – he is the prince, the king, and he is also the commoner; courageous soldier, dragon slayer, and obedient vassal, servant; son of Christian parents, pagan's stepson. The author assumes that Fritz Lang and Uli Edel reacted to inquiries of the time. In the 1920s, Germany suffered a difficult period between the two World Wars, the German people were oppressed by military reparations. Powerful Siegfried, as the national hero and embodiment of the German people, was urged to remind Germans of their great heroic past, to return their self-confidence to them. In our era of globalization and multiculturalism, the idea of association, peaceful co-existence of various ideas and religions was embodied in Siegfried. Keywords: Fritz Lang, Uli Edel, Nibelungs, Siegfried, medieval epos, neomythology.


To feed dairy cattle in West African farms, livestock keepers usually combine the availability of natural resources, crops residues and other more or less locally available alternative feed resources. However, despite such strategies the herds nutritional requirements are rarely covered. Among the consequences of such often and unpredictable feeding unbalances are the low production level and calvings seasonality. Thus, this study was intended to design, in partnership with livestock keepers, an innovative forage system that has never been tested under the West African context. The proposed low-input intensive forage production technology, rely on establishing high-density Woody forage banks (WFB). The potentialities of WFB for sustainable forage production, as well as the establishment feasibility under real farm conditions and the effects on the dairy cows production performance was also evaluated. During 18 consecutive months, we monitored the agronomic performance of two widely recognized woody fodder species (one leguminous: leucaena, Leucaena leucocephala; and one non-leguminous: mulberry, Morus alba), planted at high-density (20000 plants/ha) for the first time in 3 different sites of western Burkina Faso for intensive forage production. Three WFB have been established in 2016 using the "step-by-step" co-design method (Vall et al., 2016). At the first standardization cut, 13 months after planting date (PD), the heights of leucaena and mulberry plants were respectively 183.4±20.4 cm and 153±5.3 cm and lower than reported results ranging from 200 to 300 cm (Wencomo et al., 2009; Martin et al., 2014). These performances were affected by soil quality, termite attacks, drought and agronomic practices such as mulching, shallower planting bed. The high forage yield per ha as well as the nutritional values (crude protein=28 and 19% for leucaena and mulberry, respectively) confirmed the potential interest of this forage technology for contribution to the farm forage authonomy in this region while improving animal performance. However, special attention must be deserved for adjusting agronomic practices to factors like soil properties, drought, termite attack and fires. The cumulative biomass production over 3 harvests (PD+13, PD+15 and PD+18 months) was 8.2±2.6 t DM/ha and 1.8±2.3 t DM/ha respectively for leucaena and mulberry versus 15 t DM/ha and 10-12 t DM/ha for leucaena and mulberry respectively reported (Gonzalez-Garcia et al., 2009; Martin et al., 2014). The economic feasibility indicated that production cost of 1 kg of forage has been estimated at 152 franc of the African financial community (FCFA), which could be more competitive if the forage bank is "self-made" (46 FCFA). These results demonstrated the potentialities and feasibility of establishing, with a low-input approach, high-density WFB under the harsh conditions of Burkina Faso, a potential alternative to enhance farms forage autonomy and dairy production for livestock keepers.


Health care providers are facing escalating growth within the number of geriatric patients as well as increased medical complexity and soaring health care costs. There is a movement in place refocusing efforts to provide new models of health care concentrated on treating individual complexities of the aging populations as a team. Research shows interprofessional collaboration improves patient outcomes, patient safety, and staff morale while decreasing hospital admissions, length of hospital stays, and staff turnover. The purpose of this article is to show research supporting the implementation and benefits of interprofessional collaborative practice use in geriatric health care settings.


This thesis is based on a photographic collection of Indian painted photographs from the South Asian Photographic collection at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). There are fifty-four photographic objects created by various makers and photographers with dates ranging from the 1880's to the 1990's. For the most part the objects are examples of studio portraiture. Most of them are photographic images with applied colour, however, there are some examples of paintings in this group that were executed in the tradition of photographic studio portraiture, but have no evidence of a photosensitive material underneath. The paintings, as well as the painted photographs, employ different media, such as watercolour, gouache and oil paints. The objects I investigated and catalogued fall under three categories: prints made by contact printing, by enlargement, and finally paintings produced using a photograph as a model. Tinting of photographs was a well-known Western tradition in the nineteenth century, while the process that Indian artists developed was a synthesis of their long practiced tradition of miniature painting and the newly developed technology of photography. Finally this thesis unveils the means of production of Indian painted photographs, and tries to find the reason for Indian artists employing opaque medium in their colourings.


A vaguely ethnic, multigendered humanoid spectre morphs into an enormous coleopteran insect. Terror ensues, as a queered, Gothic body threatens the sanctity of London. Simultaneously, men debate Victorian politics; a New Woman emerges; gender fluidity, mind control, and unstable self-identity emerge as inescapable facets of reality. Threats of violence and miscegenation loom large. A train crashes, a fugitive escapes the wreckage unscathed, and the truth is lost. Given this articulation of Richard Marsh's enigmatic Gothic novel, The Beetle, published in 1897, it is unsurprising that Victorian readers were enamored of the melodrama of the text. A close reading, one that probes beyond the scandalous – and entertaining – surface materials, reveals transgressive queer rhetorics that promote alternative cultural figurations of gender and sexuality. Specifically, the spatial fluidity, I argue, facilitates the epideictic rhetoricity of the eponymous figure. To address the function of The Beetle, though, one must first articulate the spectacle of Victorian sensationalism, a phenomenon that reached a remarkable pitch in contemporary legislation on homosexuality, culminating in the trial, conviction, and decline of that towering public figure Oscar Wilde. Karl Beckson's London in the 1890s sketches the secret ideological circles that were concealed alongside the greater public consciousness of Victorian England. Specifically, homosexual proclivities and sentiments dominated this subset of artistic and discursive output, with Wilde contributing his own share of materials to the alternative intellectual movement. That such figures were forced to operate beneath the dominant current of mainstream culture is illuminated through a parsing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885. Though it was initially created "for the protection of women and girls, [through] the suppression of brothels and other purposes" (Beckson 1992, 191), a controversial addition to the legislation drew public attention to homosexual behaviors and alternative identities. Though the crime of "buggery," the legal term for sodomy, was illegal at this time, Section XI decreed that "any homosexual act between males, whether in public or in private, could lead to imprisonment" (1992, 191). Prior to the enactment of such legislation, buggery and other homosexual "crimes" were rarely prosecuted. Thus, it was not until the creation of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, with the language it introduced into the English vernacular, that homosexuality became part of the terrain of Victorian culture. It here becomes imperative to resituate the conversation within the marginalized experiences of the men who comprised this alternative intellectual, sexual, and religious lifestyle – "Uranians," as they styled themselves (on female homosexuality, see Castle 1995). Marriage in 19-century Victorian England was linked to property and ownership; homosexual romantic relationships, on the contrary, so the Uranians urged, fulfilled natural desires and allowed for the accommodation of a higher form of love.


Utilizing morphometry of electron micrographs of nerves of rat fixed with different schedules of fixation it was concluded that: irrespective of the fixative, fixation at low temperature is associated with markedly low densi-ties of microtubules (MT) of myelinated and of unmyelinated fibers; of the various fixatives tested 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer without 0.025 M CaCl2 was associated with the highest density of MT of myelinated fibers and the addition of 0.025 M CaCl2 to a 2% glutaraldehyde fixative solution is associated with abnormally low densities of MT in myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. An effect of temperature, fixative and added CaCl2 on neurofilaments density was not demonstrated. Using the criterion of density of MT and assuming that these studies on rat nerves can be applied to biopsied nerve of man, fixation of human nerves should be at room or body temperature, and the fixative solution should not contain 0.025 M CaCl2.


Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a fast method which is able to provide molecular mass information with high precision. In this contribution, we show that prenucleation clusters—species recently found to play a pivotal role in crystallisation processes—are detected in addition to monomers by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) for the whole range of DL-amino acids, while higher oligomers are simultaneously observed in ESI-MS spectra. This suggests ESI-MS is a fast method to identify systems, which form prenucleation clusters. The occurrence of these clusters as relevant precursors in non-classical nucleation scenarios thus appears to be a more common phenomenon than so far assumed.


Different aspects of reactive-diffusive runaway are discussed in this paper. It is shown that a wide range of reactive nonlinearities can be analysed in essentially the same way, leading to the conclusion that there appear to be only two distinct non-singular, self-similar or approximately self-similar forms of description for non-homogeneous blowup. These exactly self-similar and asymptotically self-similar descriptions have previously been recognized, but are examined here in some detail for many different types of nonlinearity using asymptotic and numerical techniques. It is confirmed that exactly self-similar descriptions only behave non-pathologically in fairly extreme, discrete cases that are very close to a reactive-diffusive (or steady-state) balance under three or more dimensions of symmetry. Quantitative identification of these cases indicates that they may be of dubious practical relevance. It is then shown that only one class of non-singular, asymptotically self-similar descriptions can be found using coordinate perturbation techniques. Resulting solutions are derived to a high asymptotic order and are found to reveal a fairly universal structure for symmetric blowup. A simple analysis reveals that non-symmetric blowup also fits in with this structure, at least to leading order.


A persuasive reassessment of the nature of the institution that was in the forefront of the American revolutionary struggle with Great Britain--the Continental Congress. Providing a completely new perspective on the history of the First and Second Continental Congresses before independence, the author argues that American expectations regarding the proper functions of a legitimate central government were formed under the British monarchy, and that these functions were primarily executive.Originally published in 1987.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.


Motivation: Salinity is an important concept to understand the environmental conditions and organisms that can be found in
water as well and depends on the solubility of salts in water. The effect of temperature and pressure on the solubility of salts (as
sodium chloride) in water and other solvents has been widely studied. However, there is scarce studies on the solubility of salts
in confined systems, and how the confinement affects to the solvation of salts. Zeolites are a group of crystalline porous solids
based on silica and they exhibit high surface area, high thermal stability, and high exchange capacity. Pure silica zeolites are
hydrophobic, but the presence of cations can change this nature making them suitable for a variety of applications such as drying
of refrigerants, removal of atmospheric pollutants, separation of air components, recovering radioactive ions from waste
solutions, catalysis of hydrocarbon reactions, and many others. In this work, we study the influence of the confinement of water
in two types of zeolite on the solubility of sodium chloride.
Methods: To study the influence that confinement of water in zeolites has on the dissociation of NaCl clusters, we carry out
molecular simulation using two techniques, Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo methods (MC). All simulations are
performed using the RASPA simulation code and the force fields and models used for water and the ions are taken from the
literature and previously validated. As initial step, we use MD to analyse the effect of temperature and system size on the
dissociation of salt. Then, the effect of confinement is analysed using MC simulations. For this purpose we calculated the
adsorption of water in two commercial zeolites (MFI and FAU) and after obtaining the adsorption capacity of water for these
structures, we study the dissociation of salt in the adsorbed water. We focus on the effect exerted by the number of cations on
the zeolites, the topology and the initial concentration of salt.
Results: Our results show that the size of the simulating box has an impact on the dissociation of ions, obtaining that the larger
the box, the better the dissociation. In the confined systems, we found that in the pure silica MFI zeolite (longitudinal channels
connected to zig-zag channels) dissociation is enhanced and the same occurs in the pure FAU zeolite (cages connected throw
windows). Nevertheless, for the FAU zeolite with aluminium atoms, the dissociation of ions is hampered when increasing the
number of Al substitutions. On the contrary, the presence of aluminium in the MFI does not alter the dissociation of ions.


This article continues the series of the works devoted to the study of the ethnic composition of the Buryat and Khamnigan departments of the 19 century. One of the self-government bodies of indigenous of the Transbaikal in the 19 century was the Urulginskaya Steppe Duma, the main population of which was the Tungus of the Manchu tribe, as they were characterized by the Russian administration. One of the boards of this Duma was the Olovskaya indigenous Council. The department is of particular interest in terms of the ethnic composition of its population and its origin. .The ethnic composition of the Urulga Steppe Duma revealed the extensive contacts of the Upper Amur – Shilka population with the vast area of the Transbaikal-Amur subregion, including the territories of Inner Asia, North Asia and Amur region. Different groups of horse and deer Tungus, on the one hand, and various groups of the Mongolian population, including the Khingan Mongols, Daurians and Buryats, on the other hand, took part in its formation. Also more ancient contacts of the Tungus with the Yukagirs were found. The composition of the Urulga Steppe Duma initially included five indigenous authorities. One of them was the Olovskaya indigenous Authority (Uprava). The Khitan, and subsequently Daurian population, which came into close contact with both the Tungus-Manchu tribes and the Bargy-Buryat groups of the population, created a special layer of the population – Khamnigan people. However, in Russian documents the entire population of the Urulga Steppe Duma, a part of which also was the Olovskaya indigenous Authority (Uprava) recorded as Tungus. The ethnic composition of the Olov Khamnigans shows that the population of the upper Amur – Shilka, has incorporated various ethnic elements not only from the Middle Ages, but also from antiquity. The article suggested the authors' vision of origin of ethnonyms of the population of authority and their development. A number of ethnonyms such as Duligar, Bayagir, Kylteger discovers the presence of the Tungusic and Mongolic strata in the face of Khamnigan-Mongols, Daurs, Buryats. The Mongolic stratum is also represented by the bearers of the ethnonym Üzön, which has analogies in eastern and central Mongolia, among the Selenga Buryats and among the Kipchak tribe, which is part of the Kazakhs of Middle Juz. A detailed map of the settlement of the Olov Khamnigans was compiled, based on the census tables.


The problems that exist in the school decline in student achievement ahead of class III, especially before approaching the national exam. If the learning achievement of third-grade students can be known earlier then the school can perform the actions necessary for students to achieve good learning achievement. This research uses two methods of data mining, Neural Network Model Multilayer Perceptron, and Decision Tree. For comparison, this study also uses t-statistic test, t-test and to compare precision/recall using Roc Curve. Neural Network Model Multilayer Perceptron Positive performance vector accuracy: 88.64% and Negative: 14.07%, precision (positive guidance class) positive 88.00% and negative 16.88%, recall (class: Ordinary guidance) positive 84.50%, and negative 21.73%. Decision Tree Positive performance vector accuracy: 84.82% and Negative: 15.24%, precision (positive guidance class) positive 86.55% and negative 18.52%, recall (class: ordinary guidance) positive 84.00% and negative 23.85% Experiments conducted in this study aims to prove that data mining can predict student achievement by finding the best data mining method between the multilayer perceptron neural network and Decision tree to be implemented into integrated information system between student motivation data, student learning interest, and intelligence emotional students.


Genetic diversity within and among three ostrich populations was investigated to corroborate whether these populations can be classified genetically as three different breeds. The DNA of South African Black (SAB, n = 30), Zimbabwean Blue (ZB, n = 32) and Kenyan Redneck (KR, n = 17) birds was assessed for genetic differences using 19 microsatellite loci. The number of alleles, as well as observed and expected heterozygosity of alleles, was determined. Genetic differentiation was measured using the F-statistic (FST) and Nei's genetic distance. Significant differences were observed among the three breeds. The SAB and ZB (FST = 0.10 and Nei = 0.49) were genetically more similar, whereas the genetic distance between the KR and ZB breeds was the greatest (FST= 0.13 and Nei = 0.61). The SAB strain exhibited the greatest observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.72) within its population while the ZB and the KR exhibited lower levels of heterozygosity (Ho = 0.68). Based on these results, it was suggested that crossbreeding between these breeds would lead to heterosis in commercial ostrich enterprises. Keywords: Breed, genetic differentiation, heterosis, heterozygosity


The powerful technical progress in the West in studying and developing deposits of unconventional hydrocarbons has a great influence on increasing the efficiency of conventional oil and gas deposits. Based on the foundation of modern oil science, it is necessary to calculate reserves and carry out design taking into account geological, off-balance and recoverable reserves. The necessity is substantiated of an innovative approach for the whole chain of hydrocarbon fields exploration and development, the new ideology of construction of geological and hydrodynamic models, the transition to a new level of calculation of development indicators and the oil recovery factor. Particular attention is paid to the improvement of development systems based on various categories of horizontal and multi-hole wells and the application of various fracturing technologies in hard-torecover oil reserves and tight reservoirs, the selection of new technologies, and pilot commercial development in the field.


some thirty Pakistani families in Bristol is focussed on the processes which inhibit assimilation. How is it, she asks, that given the geographical contiguity of the British people, the Pakistanis cling to so many of their old ways and fail to adopt the life-styles and values which surround them? The result . is a fascinating study showing how ethnic boundaries are maintained, how certain areas of life are insulated from modification and how children are brought up in Britain in a Pakistani domestic setting. Much of the thinking about immigration from the new Commonwealth to Britain (and


This study aimed to find out the relationship and influence of competency, commitment, and work motivation on regional finance management in Department of Planning and Finance in Musirawas Regency Office. This study was carried out on 40 employees in Department of Planning and Finance in Musirawas Regency Office. Data were collected by survey method through distributing questionnaires and then processed by SPSS 24 program. This study used ex post facto descriptive analysis. Based on the results, the three variables namely competency, commitment and motivation had a significant and positive influence on performance in the Department of Planning and Finance in Musirawas Regency Office partially and simultaneously. This shows that employees placed in regional financial management are required to have competency, knowledge, skills and understanding in the field of financial accounting.


In an 1828 letter to his partner, Louis Daguerre wrote, "I am burning with desire to see your experiments from nature." In this book, Geoffrey Batchen analyzes the desire to photograph as it emerged within the philosophical and scientific milieus that preceeded the actual invention of photography. Recent accounts of photography's identity tend to divide between the postmodern view that all identity is determined by context and a formalist effort to define the fundamental characteristics of photography as a medium. Batchen critiques both approaches by way of a detailed discussion of photography's conception in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. In this refiguring of the traditional story of photography's origins, Batchen examines the output of the various nominees for "first photographer," then incorporates this information into a mode of historical criticism informed by the work of Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida. The result is a way of thinking about photography that accords with the medium's conceptual, political, and historical complexity.


Mitochondria are considered as the power‐generating units of the cell due to their key role in energy metabolism and cell signaling. However, mitochondrial components could be found in the extracellular space, as fragments or encapsulated in vesicles. In addition, this intact organelle has been recently reported to be released by platelets exclusively in specific conditions. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, that blood preparation with resting platelets, contains whole functional mitochondria in normal physiological state. Likewise, we show, that normal and tumor cultured cells are able to secrete their mitochondria. Using serial centrifugation or filtration followed by polymerase chain reaction‐based methods, and Whole Genome Sequencing, we detect extracellular full‐length mitochondrial DNA in particles over 0.22 µm holding specific mitochondrial membrane proteins. We identify these particles as intact cell‐free mitochondria using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Oxygen consumption analysis revealed that these mitochondria are respiratory competent. In view of previously described mitochondrial potential in intercellular transfer, this discovery could greatly widen the scope of cell‐cell communication biology. Further steps should be developed to investigate the potential role of mitochondria as a signaling organelle outside the cell and to determine whether these circulating units could be relevant for early detection and prognosis of various diseases.


A 3-month teacher education program is proposed to enable teachers to teach more effectively and develop constantly by familiarizing them with social demand,informing them of modern language learning and teaching theories and training their ability in pedagogical reasoning and decision making.The knowledge base,rationale and overall implementation of the whole program are elaborated respectively.


The rapid detection of organic matter in soil is of great interest in agriculture, but the commonly used techniques require laboratory operation. Therefore, the development of a technique that allows rapid detection of soil organic matter in the field is of great interest. In this work, we propose an electrochemical-based approach for the detection of organic matter in soil particles. Since soil particles immobilized directly on the electrode surface can fall off during testing, we introduced graphene to coat the soil particles. The encapsulated soil particles can be stably immobilized on the electrode surface. We have investigated the electrochemical behavior of soil particles. The results show a correspondence between the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of soil particles and the organic matter content in them. We collected soil samples from three sites and constructed an electrochemical modeling, testing framework with stability based on multiple calibrations and random division of the prediction set. We used the equal interval partial least squares (EC-PLS) method for potential optimization to establish the equivalent model set. A joint model for the electrochemical analysis of organic matter in three locations of soil samples was developed for the commonality study.


The thermoregulation of lizards depends highly on the environment they inhabit. Thermoregulation is crucial for physiological processes and affects therefore the life history of the lizard. High al ...


Abstract
Social media provides researchers with easy access to rich, real-time data that offers insight into both public opinion and the role of social media in public life. However, to date, good practice in analyzing social media has been led by what is technically possible and commercially viable. This chapter seeks to reverse that trend and is the result of a year-long study 'Wisdom of the Crowd' by Ipsos MORI, Demos, the University of Sussex and CASM Consulting to examine the ethical landscape surrounding aggregated social media research. Based on a review of the legal and market research regulatory landscape in the UK and a program of primary research with experts, members of the public and social media users, this chapter provides a series of constructive and practical recommendations on how to improve ethical standards in this field. Drawing on the context of public ethics, the recommendations provide advice to researchers, regulators, and social media organizations on how they can help to restore trust in social media research and better safeguard social media users.


Abstract The environmental degradation of SiC/BN/SiC CMCs under low temperature water exposure is still an unexplored field. This work shows how the effect of low temperature humid environments can be detrimental for turbostratic BN interphases, leading to a drop in mechanical properties. Furthermore, initial low-temperature humid environments can induce a faster degradation during subsequent thermal exposure. In order to understand how low temperature water exposure affects the CMC and how these changes affect the material response to subsequent exposures, intermediate temperature (800 °C) exposures have been studied before and after the low temperature humidity tests. The main challenge of this work consists of understanding how different constituents of the CMC structure (e.g. fibres and interphases) are degrading and consequently affecting the overall bulk mechanical performance and failure modes of the material. For this, linking the change in morphology and chemistry of the interphases with the micromechanical properties each constituent has been crucial.


Abstract Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) usually presents with upper gastrointestinal bleed in the first decade of life. Symptomatic portal hypertensive biliopathy is seen in a minority of patients with EHPVO. With use of endoscopic intervention, biliary drainage is maintained in these patients. Various procedural complications have been linked while performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and stenting; however, these are managed conservatively. Here, we are highlighting a case of EHPVO with symptomatic portal biliopathy in which the patient bled from paracholedochal collateral after biliary stenting and was managed successfully with a multidisciplinary approach.


Recently, several wheel for freight car in running had experienced the wheel failure due to fatigue crack, overheat braking and other factors. Severe heating of the wheel during tread braking was believed to be a contributing factor of derailment. It is necessary to evaluate the residual stress in wheel tread. In the present paper, the residual stress of wheel using x-ray diffraction system is investigated. the result shows that the residual stress of wheel is depend on the running distance and wear rate of wheel.


The aim of this work was to test a program for psychomotor development based on Luria´s concept of three functional brain units or blocks and the necessity of stimulation of the first functional unit in early childhood. Stimulation of subcortical systems associated with psychomotor and cognitive regulation may help to set thebasis for positive functioning of the cerebral cortex in the coming years. Vestibular exercises and proprioceptive stimulation were used. All exercises included significant communicative activity as described by Vigotsky and Lisina, which provide positive direct emotional contact between adult and child. Thirty-six babies with neurological risk were included in the study, along with their parents. After 300 days in the stimulation program, all the children presented positive functional development. We conclude that positive effects of these programs for correction and psychological development may be achieved during the first year of life.
Keywords: neurological risk, emotional contact, joint activity, vestibular stimulation


Crop yield is affected by various soil and environmental parameters and can vary significantly. Therefore, a crop yield estimation model which can predict pre-harvest yield is required for food security. The study is conducted on tea forms operating under National Tea Research Institute, Pakistan. The data is recorded on monthly basis for ten years period. The parameters collected are minimum and maximum temperature, humidity, rainfall, PH level of the soil, usage of pesticide and labor expertise. The design of model incorporated all of these parameters and identified the parameters which are most crucial for yield predictions. Feature transformation is performed to obtain better performing model. The designed model is based on an ensemble of neural networks and provided an R-squared of 0.9461 and RMSE of 0.1204 indicating the usability of the proposed model in yield forecasting based on surface and environmental parameters.


Sagittal and frontal plane knee kinematics have been linked to anterior cruciate ligament injury risk during several jumping and landing tasks. The purpose of this study was to compare the knee joint kinematics of the dominant and non-dominant leg during two types of stop jump. Eleven recreationally active participants performed a stop jump from an anteroposterior approach and from a mediolateral approach. The study found significant differences in knee flexion for both limbs, and significant between-limb differences in knee flexion for the mediolateral approach and knee varus/valgus for the anteroposterior approach (p<0.05). These findings indicate that both types of stop jump may pose a risk of injury, but particularly during the anteroposterior approach for both limbs, and the mediolateral approach for the non-dominant limb only.


We discuss the ultimate limit of performance of semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and its dependence on temperature. It is known that in high quality semiconductor materials it is, in principle, possible to reach wall plug efficiencies exceeding unity, which allows electroluminescent cooling in addition of very high efficiency light emission. Our simulation results suggest a few fairly simple measures that may further improve the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of LEDs toward the electroluminescent cooling limit. These include reducing the current density, modifying the LED structure by making thicker active regions and barrier layers, and doping of the active material. Our calculations also indicate that, contrary to the present understanding, operating LEDs at relatively high temperatures of 400–600 K may, in fact, improve the performance.


The aim of this article is to review the general property of the famous traditional Korean paper, "rice straw paper"(Bast-Fiber mixed with straw pulp), and to compare the paper qualities varying with the composition ratio of straw pulp, in order to revive the traditional paper in modem Korea. The experiment was carried out by making first the two different mixture papers, i. e., one is the paper of 50% bast fiber mixed with 50% straw pulp, and the other is the paper of 75% bast fiber with 25% oats straw pulp, and finally the 100% bast fiber paper was made for the purpose of comparison. The qualitative properties of these three kinds of paper with the different mixing ratio of the straw pulp were evaluated, and the findings of the experiment can be summarized as follow: 1. As to the quality aspects of the paper strength like tensile strength, breaking length, elongation, and tear strength, the test proved the 100% bast fiber paper as best, and the 50% mixed paper as the next good one. 2. In aspect of the printing adaptability such as density, opacity, brightness, whiteness, lab colors, air permeability, and roughness, the 50% mixed paper proved to be the best, due to the short cells in the straw pulp. 3. As to the air permeability, the larger ratio of straw pulp was found to be the lesser, and 75% bast fiber with 25% straw pulp mixture paper and the 100% bast fiber one were found 1/5 degree efficient. 4. In terms of the water absorption degree, 100% bast fiber paper was the fastest, but in case of mixture paper, 50% mixed one was a little faster up to the point of 1cm, while the two kinds of mixed ones appear to be almost similar to each other beyond the point. 5. The straw pulp mixed paper, especially the 50% mixed one was evaluated as the highest by the calligraphers who had experienced using the papers in terms of movement and feeling of the caligraphy and painting. In addition, although the 25% mixed paper is judged to be good for book printing because of the strength, the 50% mixed paper can be thought to be more desirable for painting and calligraphy. In conclusion, we will be able to make the quality paper with durability, by mixing the straw pulp with the bast fiber in proper ratio, following the tradition of Korean paper making.


Bi-functional effect, elevated mass transport and increased durability have been combined within one catalyst for electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction. It has niobium (Nb) doped titanium dioxides (TiO2) nanosized half-sphere shell (HSS) as the substrate material deposited with small amount of Pt nanoparticles. These specially designed HSS nanostructure has significantly increased surface areas which are suitable for Pt nanoparticles to be deposited onto them to form the catalyst denoted as Pt/Nb-TiO2 HSS. It exhibits a remarkably high methanol oxidation activity of 0.21 V vs. RHE which is 0.05 V lower than HiSPEC10000 PtRu/C catalyst, due to the substrate's strong metal support interactions effect, bi-functional effect and the special structure. These HSS nanostructures have also increased the methanol diffusion and mass transport within the anode to give a maximum power output of 0.0931 W of cathode polarization in miniature direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). It also acts as protection shells, which minimises the dissolution of Pt metal nanoparticles to prevent its diffusion through the membrane.


Introduction/Background Unselected population-based BRCA-testing enables application of genomics on a population-scale to maximise primary-prevention for breast-&-ovarian cancer. We present factors affecting uptake and long-term follow-up results of the GCaPPS-trial comparing population-based and Family-History (FH)/Clinical-criteria based BRCA-testing. Methodology Design: Randomised-Controlled-Trial (ISRCTN73338115) GCaPPS, with two-arms: (a)Population-Screening (PS); (b)FH/Clinical-criteria based testing. Setting: North-London Ashkenazi-Jewish(AJ) population. Population-based RCT (1:1). Participants recruited through self-referral, from North-London AJ-population. Inclusion-criteria: AJ women/men >18years. Exclusion-criteria: prior BRCA-testing or first-degree-relatives of BRCA-carriers. Interventions: Pre-test counselling for BRCA-testing through recruitment-clinics (clusters). Genetic-testing for Jewish BRCA founder-mutations: 185delAG(c.68_69delAG), 5382insC(c.5266dupC) and 6174delT(c.5946delT), for (a)all participants in PS-arm; (b)those fulfilling FH/clinical-criteria in FH-arm. Validated questionnaires (HADS/MICRA/HAI/SF12) analysed psychological well-being/quality-of-life outcomes at baseline, 1-year, 2-years and 3-years follow-up. Linear mixed-models and appropriate contrast-tests analysed the impact of BRCA-testing on psychological and quality-of-life outcomes over 3-years. Socio-demographic/family-history/knowledge/psychological well-being data along-with benefits/risks/cultural-influences (18-item-questionnaire measuring 'attitude') were collected. Logistic-regression models evaluated factors affecting uptake/interest/intention-to undergo BRCA-testing. Results 1034 (women=691/men=343) participants randomized to PS (n=530) or FH (n=504) arms. There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety(p=0.046) and total anxiety-&-depression scores(p=0.0.012) in the PS-arm compared to FH-arm over 3years. No significant difference was observed between FH/PS arms for depression, health-anxiety, distress, uncertainty, quality-of-life or experience scores associated with BRCA-testing. 18/30(60%) BRCA-carriers identified did not fulfil BRCA-testing clinical-criteria. The total BRCA-prevalence= 2.9%(CI:1.97%,4.12%) (BRCA1=1.55%(CI:0.89%,2.5%); BRCA2=1.35%(CI:0.74%,2.26%)). The BRCA-testing uptake was 88%. Being married/cohabiting had four-fold higher-odds for BRCA-testing uptake(p=0.009). Reduced uncertainty/reassurance were the most important factors affecting decision-making. Increased importance/concern towards risks/limitations (confidentiality/insurance/emotional-impact/inability to prevent cancer/marriage-ability/ethnic-focus/stigmatization) were significantly associated with lower-odds of undergoing BRCA-testing, discriminating between acceptors and decliners. Conclusion Population-based AJ BRCA-testing has high acceptability, doesn't adversely affect long-term psychological well-being or quality-of-life, decreases anxiety and could identify up-to 150% additional BRCA-carriers. Pre-test counselling increases awareness of disadvantages/limitations of BRCA-testing, influencing final cost-benefit perception and decision-making on undergoing testing. Disclosure IJ and UM have a financial interest in Abcodia, Ltd., a company formed to develop academic and commercial development of biomarkers for screening and risk prediction. IJ is a member of the board of Abcodia Ltd, a Director of Women's Health Specialists Ltd and received consultancy from Beckton Dickinson. RM declares research funding from The Eve Appeal and Cancer Research UK into population testing and from Barts & the London Charity and Rose Trees Trust outside this work, an honorarium for grant review from Israel National Institute for Health Policy Research and honorarium for advisory board membership from Astrazeneca/MSD. RM is supported by an NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) Fellowship for population testing. The other authors declare no conflict of interest.


The problem of building optimally coordinated bidding strategies for competitive suppliers in energy and spinning reserve markets is addressed. It is assumed that each supplier bids a linear energy supply function and a linear spinning reserve supply function into the energy and spinning reserve markets, respectively, and the two markets are dispatched separately to minimize customer payments. Each supplier chooses the coefficients in the linear energy and spinning reserve supply functions to maximize total benefits, subject to expectations about how rival suppliers will bid. A stochastic optimization model is first developed to describe this problem and a genetic algorithm based method is then presented to solve it. A numerical example is utilized to illustrate the essential features of the method.


Performance of a six-channel (delay) three-antenna element coherent optically driven phased-array antenna which transports true-time delays from the controller to the antenna site over 4.4 km of single-mode fiber (SMF) are presented. We demonstrate accurate true-time delay and beam steering from 0.8-1.5 GHz. Wide bandwidth intermediate frequency (IF) filters are used to minimize the phase-to-intensity noise, resulting in a single-channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and dynamic range of 49 (dB-MHz) and 94 (dB-Hz)/sup 2/3/, respectively. Additionally, using up-conversion at the antenna site, true-time delays at frequencies up to 18.3 GHz are demonstrated.


This paper reports on a corpus-based sociolinguistic study of terms of address with a special focus on kinship terms found in The Corpus of Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Cantonese (http://hkcc.eduhk.hk/) which has a size of about one million Chinese character tokens. The corpus data was collected by transcribing the speech dialogues of 80 black-and-white movies produced in Hong Kong between 1940 and 1970. The kinship terms extracted from the corpus can tell us about the family structure and marital life of Hong Kong six decades ago.


Postcard of a composite image of four homes. They are all two-story structures but vary in architectural details, number of windows, construction materials, and landscape elements. The two on top look to be more suburban in setting, while the two on the bottom appear to be located in a rural environment. There is no addressee on the back of the postcard, but four names have been written on it, corresponding to each quadrant of the postcard, and read as follows from left to right, top to bottom: "P. J. Petersen, Askel (perhaps Axel) Hermansen, Hans Andersen, H. D. Madsen".


The hydrodynamic evolution of the common-envelope (CE) phase of a low-mass binary composed of a 1.05 M☉ red giant and a 0.6 M☉ companion has been followed for five orbits of the system using a high-resolution method in three spatial dimensions. During the rapid inspiral phase, the interaction of the companion with the red giant's extended atmosphere causes about 25% of the CE to be ejected from the system, with mass continuing to be lost at the end of the simulation at a rate ∼2 M☉ yr−1. In the process the resulting loss of angular momentum and energy reduces the orbital separation by a factor of seven. After this inspiral phase the eccentricity of the orbit rapidly decreases with time. The gravitational drag dominates hydrodynamic drag at all times in the evolution, and the commonly used Bondi–Hoyle–Lyttleton prescription for estimating the accretion rate onto the companion significantly overestimates the true rate. On scales comparable to the orbital separation, the gas flow in the orbital plane in the vicinity of the two cores is subsonic with the gas nearly corotating with the red giant core and circulating about the red giant companion. On larger scales, 90% of the outflow is contained within 30° of the orbital plane, and the spiral shocks in this material leave an imprint on the density and velocity structure. Of the energy released by the inspiral of the cores, only about 25% goes toward ejection of the envelope.


While reliability stays the most critical requirement for power generation in the Oil & Gas sector, energy effectiveness is becoming an increasingly important topic. Gas turbines are efficient and flexible tools both in electrical and mechanical drive applications as they cope with the multiple energy demand profiles of this sector. Aeroderivative gas turbines boast fast response and fast O&M procedures which fits with the exploitation of hydrocarbon fields. Heavy duty machines are robust and very popular in refinery utilities or as large mechanical drivers. However, it is sometimes desirable to boost GT performances: operators of the Oil & Gas sector may need to increase power output or wish to improve efficiency, especially during part load operation where the latter is degraded. While a number of commercial hardware, service and software products cover these needs, the operators may want to keep their own control on their production tools. To that end resorting to simple thermodynamic considerations enables rule-of-thumb evaluations of the impact of cycle changes on GT performances but this possibility is often unexploited.
 This joint paper is intended to provide the energy community, especially the engineers of the Oil & Gas sector, with some basic methods for the estimation/anticipation of gas turbine performance changes.


Current developments make job seekers increasingly difficult so that there are many unemployed in various regions, especially in big cities like Surabaya. The existence of unemployment that causes poverty occurs because the ratio between the number of jobs needed and the total number of graduates each year is not balanced. But all of that can actually be minimized by opening new businesses or entrepreneurshipVarious innovations can be applied to various forms of business interactions. E-Commerce (Electronic Commerce) is one of the rapidly growing technologies for buying and selling goods and services through electronic networks such as the internet. E-commerce is a way of shopping online that is often used in our lives. Many people benefit from the ease of doing business through the internet. Therefore, we lecturers of Stkip Pgri West Sumatra took the initiative to carry out PKM activities as a form of a lecturer's responsibility in implementing the Tridarma of Higher Education, one of which was to serve the community in the form of transferring, transforming, and applying knowledge from within the campus to the community with the theme "Training on the Utilization of E-Commerce in an Effort of Tools to Grow Entrepreneurial Interest in Students of SMK Negeri 10 Padang"


The contemporary Arctic Ocean differs markedly from midlatitude, ice-free, and relatively warm oceans in the context of density-compensating temperature and salinity variations. These variations are invaluable tracers in the midlatitudes, revealing essential fundamental physical processes of the oceans, on scales from millimeters to thousands of kilometers. However, in the cold Arctic Ocean, temperature variations have little effect on density, and a measure ofdensity-compensating variations intemperature and salinity(i.e., spiciness) isnot appropriate. In general, temperature is simply a passive tracer, which implies that most of the heat transported in the Arctic Ocean relies entirely on the ocean dynamics determined by the salinityfield. Itis shown, however, that as the ArcticOcean warms up, temperature will take on a new role in setting dynamical balances. Under continued warming, there exists the possibility for a regime shift in the mechanisms by which heat is transported in the Arctic Ocean. This may result in a cap on the storage of deep-ocean heat, having profound implications for future predictions of Arctic sea ice.


Heavy metal accumulation in crops and soils from wastewater irrigation poses a significant threat to the human health. A study was carried out to investigate the removal potential of heavy metals (HM) by native plant species, namely Cannabis sativa L., Chenopodium album L., Datura stramonium L., Sonchus asper L., Amaranthus viridus L., Oenothera rosea (LHer), Xanthium stramonium L., Polygonum macalosa L., Nasturtium officinale L. and Conyza canadensis L. growing at the municipal wastewater site in Abbottabad city, Pakistan. The HM concentrations varied among plants depending on the species. Metal concentrations across species varied in the order iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > cadmium (Cd). Majority of the species accumulated more HM in roots than shoots. Among species, the concentrations (both in roots and shoots) were in the order C. sativa > C. album > X. stramonium > C. canadensis > A. viridus > N. officinale > P. macalosa > D. stramonium > S. asper > O. rosea. No species was identified as a hyperaccumulator. All species exhibited a translocation factor (TF) less than 1. Species like C. sativa, C. album and X. stramonium gave higher (> 1) biological concentration factor (BCF) and biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) especially for Fe, Cr and Cd than other species. Higher accumulation of heavy metals in these plant species signifies the general application of these species for phytostabilization and phytoextraction of HM from polluted soils.


The kinetics of sodium and potassium transport through the membrane of epididymal boar spermatozoa was investigated with radioisotopes in vitro. The rate of exchange for both sodium and potassium, expressed as relative specific activity, was much more rapid in undiluted spermatozoa from lower caput epididymis than in undiluted spermatozoa from the cauda. When caput spermatozoa were diluted in plasma from the cauda, the rate of exchange became similar to that of cauda spermatozoa in cauda plasma but the reciprocal treatment produced no change. Likewise, the rate of exchange for potassium was increased in cauda spermatozoa by diluting them with seminal plasma. Dilution of both caput and cauda contents with biological salt solutions similar in composition to respective plasma, decreased the rate of exchange in both cases for both iona. The findings are discussed relative to sperm coating macromolecules.


The primary purpose of this thesis is to present optimisation algorithms which facilitate the selection of weights in robust control techniques. The robust control paradigms investigated in this thesis are μ-synthesis andH∞ loop-shaping, as these techniques offer a systematic framework for synthesising sensible controllers that meet performance objectives and guarantee robustness to model uncertainty and unmeasured disturbances. This dissertation is essentially composed of two parts. In the first part of the thesis, a conceptually new approach to the μ-synthesis robust performance problem is presented, whereby an optimisation problem is proposed which maximises the performance weights in the frequency ranges of interest subject to the existence of an internally stabilising controller that guarantees robust performance with respect to these maximised weights. Thus, performance weights and a robustly stabilising controller are simultaneously synthesised by one algorithm in a systematic way. Two solution algorithms are given for the posed optimisation problem — one being pointwise in frequency and the other using state-space techniques. The latter solution eliminates all of the disadvantages of the pointwise approach and considerably enhances the benefits of this type of optimisation based weight selection. The resulting conceptually novel method for performing μ-synthesis robust performance based design is a valuable alternative to the standard D-K iterative procedure. In the second part of the thesis, several steps of the standard H∞ loop-shaping design procedure are combined into one optimisation problem that maximises the robust stability margin over the loop-shaping weights subject to constraints which ensure that the loop-shape and the singular values/condition numbers of the weights lie in pre-specified regions. In this framework, loop-shaping weights, which can be required to have either a diagonal or a non-diagonal structure, and a robustly stabilising controller are simultaneously synthesised by one algorithm systematically. Correspondingly, the proposed algorithms greatly simplify the design of "good" performance weights and loop-shaping weights, and hence allow the designer to concentrate on more fundamental design issues. These algorithms also give an indication of what performance is achievable, although further research is required in that direction.


This article introduces SYD, a tool for the generation of time-stamps synchronized with the Universal Time Coordinate: the implementation includes an NTP client and is written in Java. Possible applications include (but are not limited to) the measurement of the performance of distributed applications, their debugging, and the implementation of real-time requirements in distributed systems. The features that characterize SYD are its portability across platforms, the low cost in terms of network overhead, and the absence of interference with other applications running on the same host (SYD does not synchronize the system clock!). In this paper, we prove that the choice of Java does impact on the performance of the tool, when compared with an equivalent application written in C. SYD is available on the Web as public domain software.


Abstract Discovery of potentially deleterious sequence variants is important and has wide implications for research and generation of new hypotheses in human and veterinary medicine, and drug discovery. The GenProBiS web server maps sequence variants to protein structures from the Protein Data Bank (PDB), and further to protein–protein, protein–nucleic acid, protein–compound, and protein–metal ion binding sites. The concept of a protein–compound binding site is understood in the broadest sense, which includes glycosylation and other post-translational modification sites. Binding sites were defined by local structural comparisons of whole protein structures using the Protein Binding Sites (ProBiS) algorithm and transposition of ligands from the similar binding sites found to the query protein using the ProBiS-ligands approach with new improvements introduced in GenProBiS. Binding site surfaces were generated as three-dimensional grids encompassing the space occupied by predicted ligands. The server allows intuitive visual exploration of comprehensively mapped variants, such as human somatic mis-sense mutations related to cancer and non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms from 21 species, within the predicted binding sites regions for about 80 000 PDB protein structures using fast WebGL graphics. The GenProBiS web server is open and free to all users at http://genprobis.insilab.org.


Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between health locus of control(HLOC) and eating behavior in obese middle school girls. Method: The sample consisted of 170 obese middle school girls in Seoul. Result: 1. The average scores of HLOC were HLOC-Internal ; 4.11, HLOC-External ; 2.45, HLOC-Chance ; 2.09. 2. The average scores of eating behavior factors were Disinhibition ; 2.69, Dietary Restraint ; 2.67, Hunger ; 2.55. 3. The HLOC-Internal and eating behavior(dietary restraint and hunger) were correlated positively. The HLOC-Chance and disinhibition was correlated positively. But HLOC-Chance and dietary restraint was correlated negatively. The HLOC-External and eating behavior(dietary restraint, disinhibition and hunger) were correlated positively. 4. There was not a significant difference in HLOC depending on the demographic characteristics(grade, degree of obesity, father & mother's body shape, existence of obese sibling). There were significant differences in HLOC-Internal and HLOC-External according to thinking about oneself who is obese or not. 5. There was not a significant difference in eating behavior depending on the demographic characteristics(grade, degree of obesity, father & mother's body shape, existence of obese sibling, perception of oneself as a obese). Conclusion: This study has shown a correlation between HLOC and eating behavior. As a result of these findings, clinical and school nurses should be involved in management and counselling of obese girls concerning individual health locus of control and eating behavior.


Jean-Eric Pelet holds a PhD in Marketing, an MBA in Information Systems and a BA (Hns) in Advertising. As an assistant professor in management, he works on problems concerning consumer behaviour when using a website or other information system (e-learning, knowledge management, e-commerce platforms), and how the interface can change that behavior. His main interest lies in the variables that enhance navigation in order to help people to be more efficient with these systems. He works as a visiting professor both in France and abroad (England, Switzerland, Thaïland) teaching e-marketing, ergonomics, usability, and consumer behaviour at Design Schools (Nantes), Business Schools (Paris, Reims), and Universities (Paris Dauphine – Nantes). Dr. Pelet has also actively participated in a number of European Community and National research projects. His current research interests focus on, social networks, interface design, and usability. Released: December 2013 An Excellent Addition to Your Library!


Abstract Shallow lakes cover >25% of Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain. These remain frozen and snow-covered from October to June. The lake snow is thinner, denser, harder and has less water equivalent than snow on the surrounding tundra. Itcontains less depth hoar than land snow, yet paradoxically is subject to stronger temperature gradients. It also has fewer layers and these have been more strongly affected by wind. Dunes and drifts are better developedon lakes; they have wavelengths of 5–20 m, compared to <5 m on land. Because of these differences, lake snow has roughly half the thermal insulating capacity of land snow. The winter mass balance on lakes is also different because (1) some snow falls into the water before the lakes freeze, (2) some snow accumulates in drifts surrounding the lakes, and (3) prevailing winds lead to increased erosion and thinner snow on the eastern lake sides. Physical models that extrapolate land snow over lakes without appropriate adjustments for depth, density, distribution and thermal properties will under-predict ice thickness and winter heat losses.


We calculate all one-loop divergences for charged scalar mesons interacting with themselves through a ø 4interaction and with a quantized gravitational field with the Einstein action. We show that these divergences do not cancel among themselves, even on-mass-shell. Nor do we expect higher loop divergences to be helpful here due to the presence of ambiguities in their evaluation, which we specify. We conclude that only a modification of Einstein's theory will allow a finite theory of gravity.


Certified public accountants (CPAs), similar to many other professionals, are regulated by the individual jurisdictions within the United States. State accountancy boards issue licenses, which enable CPAs to offer their services to the public. In addition to issuing licenses only to qualified applicants, state boards help protect the public by disciplining CPAs who violate provisions of their state accountancy laws. This paper investigates the diligence with which state boards exercise their disciplinary powers. We identified 73 CPAs who were disciplined by the Securities and Exchange Commission between 1996 and 1998. State boards acted in 59 (80.8 percent) of these cases. Overall, we conclude that state boards appear to be exercising their disciplinary powers in those cases where the SEC has disciplined a CPA. Protection of the public appears to be a priority for many boards. There is some evidence, however, that for a few boards their disciplinary efforts could be more forcefully exercised.


We have studied the electronic structures and magnetism of SrFeO2 under pressure by first-principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) with GGA+U and HSE06 hybrid functionals, respectively. The pressure-induced spin transition from S = 2 to S = 1 and the antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic (AFM-FM) transition observed in experiment are well reproduced by taking the site repulsion U and its pressure dependence into account. The electronic structure and its change with the pressure can be qualitatively understood in an ionic model together with the hybridization effects between the Fe 3d and O 2p states. It is found that the pressure leads to a change in Fe 3d electronic configuration from (d(z(2)))(2)(d(xz)d(yz))(2)(d(xy))(1)(d(x(2)-y(2)))(1) under ambient conditions to (d(z(2)))(2)(d(xz)d(yz))(3)(d(xy))(1)(d(x(2)-y(2)))(0) at high pressure. As a result, the spin state transits from S = 2 to S = 1 and both the antiferromagnetic intralayer Fe-O-Fe superexchange interaction and the interlayer Fe-Fe direction exchange coupling at ambient pressure become ferromagnetic at high pressure according to the Goodenough-Kanamori (G-K) rules. Additionally, our calculations predict another spin transition from S = 1 to S = 0 at pressures of about 220 GPa.


Inflammation is a response to various injuries, illnesses, and severe trauma. The primary function of inflammation is to combat pathogens, eliminate them from the body, and initiate wound healing. However, inflammation also contributes to numerous diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. As the importance of nutrition in maintaining human health has become increasingly recognized, the consumption of natural antioxidants has gained popularity, especially in developed countries. A growing body of research has shown that consuming foods rich in lycopene can protect individuals from a range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. As a result, lycopene is gaining recognition as a potential protective antioxidant in the fields of medicine and pharmacology. This review aims to highlight the effects of lycopene on inflammatory diseases and provide a foundational understanding for researchers interested in further research on lycopene.


Summary Investigations of horizontally and vertically oriented specimens have indicated a distinct anisotropy of intergranular permeability and apparent formation resistivity factor, although true formation factor seems virtually isotropic. It is suggested that this is the result of a preferred orientation of conducting minerals. There is, therefore, a need for caution in quantitative electrical surveys for groundwater in these formations.


Background The labels 'casual' and 'regular' partners are routinely used in both research and clinical contexts, yet considerable subjectivity surrounds the definition of different types of partnership in both professional and lay contexts, rendering comparison of audit and research findings problematic. We use national probability survey data to distinguish between different types of partnership, and examine the association between the resulting typology and reported STI diagnosis/es. Methods 15,162 people aged 16–74y resident in Britain participated in Natsal-3 undertaken 2010–2012. Computer-assisted-self-interview was used for sensitive questions including those relating to participants' (max.) three most recent partners (N = 12,167 partners/past year). ANOVA and regression were used to test for differences in partnership duration and perceived likelihood of sex again across 20 'Partnership Progression Types' (PPTs) derived from reported relationship status at first/most recent sex with partners. Multivariable regression examined whether reporting STI diagnosis/es varied by partnership type after adjusting for partner numbers (all past year). Results Four summary partnership types were identified from the 20 PPTs with median[IQR] durations and likelihoods of sex again (%), respectively, of:(1)'Long-term' = 175 months [83–323], 96.9% likelihood of sex again; (2)'Ex-steady' = 38 months [16–90], 44.9%; (3)'Now steady' = 17 months [6–41], 74.4%; (4)'Currently casual' = 3 months [0–14], 43.9%. These thresholds neither varied significantly by gender nor sexual identity, but did by age and sexual health clinic attendance. Reporting STI diagnoses varied according to the combination of partnership types experienced, including after adjusting for partner numbers, e.g. AOR for reporting STI diagnoses among men with both 'currently casual' and 'ex-steady' partners: 6.07 (95% CI: 1.41–26.1) vs. men with only 'currently casual' partners. Conclusion Two survey questions enabled identification of four distinct types of sexual partnership in the British population. This typology is a valuable first step in defining partnership type, benefitting both research and practice, especially given recent moves towards more detailed reporting of sexual risk and partner notification outcomes. Disclosure of interest statement AMJ has been a Governor of the Wellcome Trust since 2011. The other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.


Opioid overdose rates have increased in the United States over the past decade and reflect a major public health crisis. Modeling and prediction of drug and opioid hotspots, where a high percentage of events fall in a small percentage of space-time, could help better focus limited social and health services. In this work we present a spatial-temporal point process model for drug overdose clustering. The data input into the model comes from two heterogeneous sources: 1) high volume emergency medical calls for service (EMS) records containing location and time, but no information on the type of non-fatal overdose and 2) fatal overdose toxicology reports from the coroner containing location and high-dimensional information from the toxicology screen on the drugs present at the time of death. We first use non-negative matrix factorization to cluster toxicology reports into drug overdose categories and we then develop an EM algorithm for integrating the two heterogeneous data sets, where the mark corresponding to overdose category is inferred for the EMS data and the high volume EMS data is used to more accurately predict drug overdose death hotspots. We apply the algorithm to drug overdose data from Indianapolis, showing that the point process defined on the integrated data outperforms point processes that use only homogeneous EMS (AUC improvement .72 to .8) or coroner data (AUC improvement .81 to .85).We also investigate the extent to which overdoses are contagious, as a function of the type of overdose, while controlling for exogenous fluctuations in the background rate that might also contribute to clustering. We find that drug and opioid overdose deaths exhibit significant excitation, with branching ratio ranging from .72 to .98.


User connectivity patterns in network applications are known to be heterogeneous and to follow periodic (daily and weekly) patterns. In many cases, the regularity and the correlation of those patterns is problematic: For network applications, many connected users create peaks of demand; in contrast, in peer-to-peer scenarios, having few users online results in a scarcity of available resources. On the other hand, since connectivity patterns exhibit a periodic behavior, they are to some extent predictable. This paper shows how this can be exploited to anticipate future user connectivity and to have applications proactively responding to it. We evaluate the probability that any given user will be online at any given time, and assess the prediction on 6-month availability traces from three different Internet applications. Building upon this, we show how our probabilistic approach makes it easy to evaluate and optimize the performance in a number of diverse network application models and to use them to optimize systems. In particular, we show how this approach can be used in distributed hash tables, friend-to-friend storage, and cache preloading for social networks, resulting in substantial gains in data availability and system efficiency at negligible costs.


We aimed to compare the AIF determined from DCE-MRI with the AIF from DSC-MRI in back-to-back imaging, using the same dose of Gadobutrol. The DCE-driven AIFs showed the same 'pattern' as the DSC-driven AIFs, but had smaller variance of the shape and peak value. A linear relation was found between the contrast agent concentration from DCE and ΔR2*, but the linear coefficients showed large variation across regions and subjects. Our findings show that the DCE-driven AIF has the potential to serve as an alternative for the DSC-driven AIFs for quantitative perfusion assessment.


Many animals use hoarding as a long-term strategy to ensure a food supply at times of shortage. Hoarders employ strategies that enhance their ability to relocate caches such as remembering where caches are located. Long-term scatterhoarders, whose caches have potentially high pilferage rates, should also hoard in a way to reduce potential cache pilferers' ability to find caches. Previous studies have demonstrated that this could be achieved by hyperdispersing caches to reduce the foraging efficiency of pilferers. This study investigates whether coal tits (Parus ater) indeed place their caches away from existing ones. In our experiment, birds hoarded food in 3 conditions: when caches from a previous storage session were still present, when caches from a previous storage session were not present anymore because the bird had retrieved them, and when caches from a previous storage session had been removed by the experimenter. We show that coal tits hoard away from existing caches and that they do not use cues from extant caches to do this. This evidence is consistent with the use of memory for the locations of previous caches when deciding where to place new caches. This finding has important implications for our understanding of the selective pressures that have shaped spatial memory in food-hoarding birds. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.


A geometric model for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is proposed in which horizontal maneuvers are made only by changing speed while keeping the flight direction constant. The calculating formulae for projected horizontal miss distance (HMD) and reserved time (Tau) to the closest point of approach are derived from the model according to the Galilean principle of relativity. The closed-form solution is presented to predict the separation to be achieved with a horizontal collision avoidance maneuver. The influence of speed change time and autopilot's response delay on the horizontal miss distance and reserved time are also calculated and analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the algorithm for conflict detection and resolution in the horizontal plane can predict not only the horizontal separation at the closest point of approach, but also the reserved time to get to the closest point of approach.


In this paper an outline is given of a modelling approach, using neurofuzzy networks, to be used in an intelligent oncology workstation for the improved treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer. This neurofuzzy approach is intended to assist in the provision of the most suitable treatment and therapy for the individual patient in this important medical domain and to seek to add to knowledge in this vital area to yield improved diagnostic and treatment techniques. The major component of the system is a high-dimensional approximator neurofuzzy network (Adaptive Spline Modelling of Observation Data or AS-MOD) which is a constructive learning algorithm used to automatically generate high-dimensional approximations and to identify complex relationships between input variables and the measured output to form models which may be interpreted as sets of linguistic fuzzy rules.<<ETX>>


Adrenal corticosteroids have well known and profound effects on neurons and neuroendocrine cells, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly understood. The present study analyzed membrane currents and ACTH release in AtT20 mouse pituitary corticotrope tumor cells. Patch-clamp analysis revealed a significant and selective inhibition of calcium-activated (BK-type) potassium channels upon activation of protein kinase A by corticotropin-releasing factor or 8-chlorophenylthio-cAMP. The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone had no effect on potassium currents evoked by depolarization but prevented the inhibitory effect of protein kinase A activators. The action of dexamethasone had the hallmarks of protein induction, i.e. a lag time and sensitivity to inhibitors of DNA transcription and mRNA translation. In parallel, the specific BK channel blocker iberiotoxin abolished early glucocorticoid inhibition of corticotropin-releasing factor-stimulated ACTH secretion. In summary, the present data show that glucocorticoid-induced proteins render BK-type channels resistant to inhibition by protein kinase A and that this action of the steroid is pivotal for its early inhibitory effect on the secretion of ACTH.


Yu Shrike Zhang talks to Francesca Lake, Head of Open Access Publishing: Yu Shrike Zhang received his BE degree in biomedical engineering in 2008 from Southeast University, PR China and PhD degree in biomedical engineering in 2013 from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is currently an Instructor of Medicine and Associate Bioengineer in the Division of Engineering in Medicine at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. His research interests include organs-on-chips, biomaterials, bioprinting, biomedical devices, biomedical imaging and biosensing with a focus on innovating medical engineering technologies to recreate functional tissues and biomimetic tissue models. He was also a finalist in the inaugural Future Science Early Career Research Award.


Abstract Controlled data exchange is the next important growth phase of the Web and related technologies. Digital identity technology provides a foundation to realistically model real-world entities, their attributes, and the exchange of data between them as individual data authorities in a trusted data exchange environment.


Flipped learning has become a strategic approach for educators to implement a technologicalbased learning environment. In line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint, more and more educational institutions adopt flipped learning into their establishment in a vision to achieve students' maximum potential. With a focus on technology, flipped learning is often linked with strategic management, excellent performance as well as the positive impact on instructors and students' skill. The implementation of flipped learning is a way to introduce different teaching and learning ideas that can develop an active classroom. The concept is to have a balance between education and advanced technology. This paper aims to review the three research elements, which are the level of participants involved in this study, the instruments, and disciplines done by 19 researchers on the flipped learning approach. Findings show that most of the studies have significant results in the implementation of the flipped learning approach. Conclusively, flipped learning is a well-rounded approach where it can be applied in any level of education regardless of the discipline. However, longitudinal studies can be performed in order to see the long-term effects of the flipped learning approach.


Summary Contemporary international trade experiences an increasing part of export and import operations comprised by goods referring to intellectual property. A significant problem in this area is a certain contradiction of how parallel imports run in the national market of Ukraine. Such contravention provokes monopolization and brings the intellectual property market underground. The purpose of the paper is comprehensive justification of the "parallel import" as an economic category, and determination of the optimal mechanism for state regulation of the movement of foreign goods of intellectual property across the customs border of Ukraine. The article analyzes the problems and theoretical issues related to the flow of parallel imports, counterfeit and fake goods across the customs border of Ukraine. Our analysis of markets proves that the implementation of an international or transnational principle opens the market for an unlimited number of sellers, which should guarantee the minimal margins. Our research on the intellectual property market in Ukraine reveals a certain contradiction between legislative decisions and their practical implementation. It is discovered that Ukraine actually has the national principle of exhaustion of intellectual property rights, backed up by customs regulation through such an instrument as the customs register. In our opinion, the best solution would be to implement a legally established international principle saving the option for a national principle, for example, for industries with low inter-brand competition.


Objective: Common bile duct (CBD) stones caused diseases are life-threatening. Because CBD stones locate in the distal part of the CBD and have relatively small sizes, detecting CBD stones from CT scans is a challenging issue in the medical domain. Methods and procedures: We propose a deep learning based weakly-supervised method called multiple field-of-view based attention driven network (MFADNet) to detect CBD stones from CT scans based on image-level labels. Three dominant modules including a multiple field-of-view encoder, an attention driven decoder and a classification network are collaborated in the network. The encoder learns the feature of multi-scale contextual information while the decoder with the classification network is applied to locate the CBD stones based on spatial-channel attentions. To drive the learning of the whole network in a weakly-supervised and end-to-end trainable manner, four losses including the foreground loss, background loss, consistency loss and classification loss are proposed. Results: Compared with state-of-the-art weakly-supervised methods in the experiments, the proposed method can accurately classify and locate CBD stones based on the quantitative and qualitative results. Conclusion: We propose a novel multiple field-of-view based attention driven network for a new medical application of CBD stone detection from CT scans while only image-levels are required to reduce the burdens of labeling and help physicians automatically diagnose CBD stones. The source code is available at https://github.com/nchucvml/MFADNet after acceptance. Clinical impact: Our deep learning method can help physicians localize relatively small CBD stones for effectively diagnosing CBD stone caused diseases.


Background Breast cancer survivors have an increased risk of bone fracture. But the risk among young patients with adjuvant therapies remains unknown. This population-based study is aimed to assess the incidence and risk of fracture among young (age of 20 to 39 years) breast cancer patients who received adjuvant therapies. Methods From January 2001 to December 2007, 5,146 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were enrolled from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Patients were observed for a maximum of 6 years to determine the incidence of newly onset fracture. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk of fracture in young breast cancer patients who received adjuvant treatments. Results Of the total 5,146 young (age of 20 to 39 years) breast cancer patients, the Cox multivariate proportional hazards analysis showed that AIs, radiotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies were significantly associated with a high risk of fracture. Moreover, patients who received AIs for more than 180 days had a high hazard ratio (HR) of 1.77 (95% CI = 0.68–4.57), and patients who received more than four radiotherapy visits had a high HR of 2.54 (95% CI = 1.07–6.06). Under the site-specific analysis, young breast cancer patients who received AIs had the highest risk of hip fracture (HR = 8.520, 95% CI = 1.711–42.432, p < 0.04), whereas patients who received radiotherapy had the highest risk of vertebral fracture (HR = 5.512, 95% CI = 1.847–16.451, p < 0.01). Conclusion Young breast cancer patients who are receiving AIs, radiotherapy or monoclonal antibody need to be more careful for preventing fracture events. Breast cancer treatment plans are suggested to incorporate fracture prevention interventions.


Regenerative medicine is an emerging technology and with hundreds of cell therapies currently in clinical trials there is a need to expand the limited knowledge related to their storage, shipment and preservation. The most widely used medium for human cell cryopreservation is 10%wt dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in serum. However given its potential toxicity, DMSO usage is a key issue in cryopreservation. Methods specify the need to reduce cell exposure time to DMSO above 0°C as much as possible but the maximum amount of time cells can be exposed to DMSO to prevent a detrimental effect needs to be clarified. There are also regulatory issues and concerns with the xenotoxicity, ethics and supply of the other core component in the standard cryomedia formulation: Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Developing a viable alternative to FBS is crucial. In cryobiology literature thawing appears poorly understood. A stable process is as vital as freezing to prevent injury to cells. Protocols are currently too vague for cell therapy regulation and need improvement.

The time dependent DMSO cytotoxicity was evaluated by overexposing cells to DMSO during and/or after cryopreservation. A broad investigation found that after 1 hour overexposure post thaw viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was reduced from 96.3±0.6% to 74.1±4.0% and the co-expression of five key hMSC markers was changed from 97.9±1.3% to 68.3±2.6%. This significant change could cause indicate a change in product efficacy and affect patient health, to prevent this, DMSO exposure must be kept to below 1 hour.

A range of alternative vehicle solutions were screened and human platelet lysate (hPL) investigated as an alternative. In depth experimentation with hPL as a cryopreservation vehicle solution and culture supplement (in place of FBS) found it to be a worthy, statistically similar alternative. With no xenological or ethical concerns, lower costs than other serum-free alternatives hPL could allow for a move away from xenological components.

A heat transfer model was developed and determined that 720J is required to thaw a vial. Using the heat transfer model and additional factors such as pre-thaw stabilisation and on thaw dilution, a two-stage experiment found that the current standard process (warming in a 37°C waterbath) within the current paradigm of a 1.8mL cryovial is optimal but further work is required to define the process for scaled-up product.


Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme involved in folate metabolism, DNA methylation and synthesis. We investigated the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and the risks of acute and chronic leukaemias. MTHFR C677T and A1298C were genotyped in 396 Korean individuals using multiplex polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment-length polymorphism. They were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL, n = 89), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML, n = 55), biphenotypic acute leukaemia (n = 12), chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML, n = 40), and normal controls (n = 200). C677T genotypes were not associated with the risk of each disease. A1298C variants, however, significantly decreased the risks of ALL and CML compared with 1298AA. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1298AC and 1298AC + CC were 0.53 (0.31-0.93) and 0.54 (0.31-0.93) in ALL, and 0.34 (0.14-0.80) and 0.40 (0.18-0.89) in CML, respectively, compared with 1298AA. These findings demonstrate that the development of ALL and CML is more dependent on folate status, and more susceptible to DNA instability than that of AML. In addition, A1298C rather than C677T may be a more important genetic risk modifier in leukaemogenesis at least in the Korean population.


Background There is growing interest in the use of patient reported outcomes in the assessment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), along with standard clinical and physician assessments. Patients with RA are generally more sedentary than their healthy counterparts. It is not clear, however, whether this sedentary behaviour is related to their disease activity, or whether physical activity levels would improve in response to improved disease activity. Objectives This study aimed to assess changes in disease activity, as well as changes in objectively measured physical activity levels in response to commencement of drug therapy in drug-naïve patients with RA. Methods Eighteen RA patients completed this study as did eighteen age, sex and body mass index matched healthy control participants. At baseline, and again after three months, Actical accelerometers were fitted on the dominant hip of each participant for two weeks; and RA patients completed disease activity and functionality questionnaires. Results After three months of drug therapy, patients had significant improvements in disease activity as assessed by the clinical disease activity index (p<0.001) and functional ability as assessed by the health assessment questionnaire (p<0.001). In parallel with these changes, the average activity counts in sedentary thresholds decreased after three months in the RA patients (p=0.010), while average activity counts within higher intensity thresholds increased. At baseline, RA patients showed diurnal differences in physical activity to healthy controls, being less physically active than control participants in the morning (p=0.048), and in the late afternoon (p=0.016), yet these diurnal patterns were no longer different after the DMARD intervention. A multiple regression showed that the change in the level of moderate activity between baseline and follow up was most highly associated with a change in C-reactive protein (β=-0.922, p=0.026). The decreases in sedentary activity and increases in moderate activity were most strongly associated with decreased morning stiffness of the joints (β=0.694, p=0.035 and β=-0.927, p=0.024 respectively). Conclusions In conclusion, DMARD therapy significantly improved disease activity in patients with RA, and these improvements were parallel by improvements in physical activity. Actical data were also significantly correlated with multiple, well-validated disease activity measures showing the validity of the Actical as an objective outcome measure of RA. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


We report a retrospective study about 34 patients operated for on mitral valve between 1981 and 2000. All patients were aged more than 65 years. 82% of them were in the class III or IV of the NYHA. 31 of patients had a valvular mitral replacement (by a mechanical protheses in 24 cases and a biological protheses in 7 cases) and 3 patients had a mitral valve reconstruction. An aortic valve replacement was associated in 7 cases, and a myocardial revascularisation in 4 cases. The early mortality rate was 17,6% and the late mortality was 12%. The high mortality is meanly related to the associate lesions (coronarography) and the prognosis is a better with the improvement of surgical technics and perioperative management.