Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an important bacterial pathogen, predominantly in undeveloped countries and regions. We conducted this study to investigate the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool specimens of children, in Tekirdag, Turkey. Material and Methods: Stool specimens of 1441 children aging between 0 month to 15 years, with the complaints of abdominal pain, anemia, gastroenteritis, nausea and vomiting were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups based on their ages: Group A (0 month - 5 years), Group B (6 - 10 years) and Group C (11 - 15 years). All specimens were tested for H. pylori antigen with HP Ag (DIA.PRO, Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy). Results were evaluated statistically. Results: The median age of children with H. pylori positive samples was 6.6 ± 4.1 and 47.9% were girls. Overall positivity of H. pylori stool antigen was 6.6%. Positivity rates due to ages in Groups A, B and C were: 8.9%, 5.8%,  5.2% respectively (x2 = 9.3, p = 0.01). No difference was observed due to gender (x2 = 0.17, p = 0.68). Conclusion: Higher antigen positivity obtained in 0 - 5 years group, indicates the risk of acquiring the infection in early years of life. Preventive measures for the development of H. pylori infection gain importance, especially in developing countries.


Drawing upon motifs of death, mass extinction, and predictions of chaos and collapse, the UK-based Extinction Rebellion (XR) demarcates itself as a different kind of environmental movement precisely because it "tells the truth" (in XR's own words) about the climate crisis during a time of supposed false hope, denial, and delusion. In this paper, I analyze – through a critical discourse analysis (CDA) – how XR's postnatural visions shape (and limit) the movement's demands and proposals for change. My analysis reveals how XR's calls for action are guided by a sense of loss and mourning for a future after nature's end that are embedded with nostalgic undercurrents of a very particular mode of green nationalism. The potential exclusions and limitations of XR's green nationalism are explored in this paper.


In this article, we propose an alternative gap time model based on a multiplicative marginal rate function, which is formulated considering each gap time conditional on the previous recurrence times. In this formulation, the gap times are treated equally and the relation between successive events is no longer a problem. Furthermore, this article considers the inclusion of a proportion of zero-recurrence units (for which the event of interest will not occur) into the model to analyze recurrent event data. Inference aspects of the proposed model are discussed through maximum likelihood approach. A simulation study is carried out to examine the performance of the estimation procedure. The model is applied to hospital readmission data among colorectal cancer patients.


The article argues the undesirability of introducing recently proposed changes in the regime of vertical restrictions regulation in Russia. They are similar to the changes, which were introduced in the United States by Robinson - Patman (1936) and Miller - Tydings (1937) Acts. But at the same time these new rules stand in sharp contrast to modern practice of antimonopoly regulation in the USA and the EC countries. At the moment even the most extreme types of vertical restrictions - the exclusive contracts that prohibit selling goods or acquiring them from any but the contracted side - are not automatically condemned as per se illegal. The softening of the regime of regulation was due to the recognition that vertical agreements should not be considered along the horizontal interactions only. The underlying motivation for their introduction can be much wider and may have nothing common with the foreclosure reasons. The article provides an overview of modern institutional theoretical approaches that could potentially be used in the analysis of exclusive agreements (and vertical restraints in general). It is not just the traditional analysis of the exclusive dealing through the lens of investment fostering, but also the considerations based on the multitask moral hazard theory, the «reference point» approach [Hart and Moor 2008] and vertical integration theory of Baker, Gibbons and Murthy.


In order to fulfill digital preservation goals, many institutions use high-end scanners for in-house scanning of historical print and oversize materials. However, high-end scanners' prices do not fit in many small institutions' budget. As digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera technologies advance and camera prices drop quickly, a budget photography studio can help to achieve institutions' preservation goals.  This paper compares images delivered by a high-end overhead scanner and a consumer level DSLR camera, discusses pros and cons of using each method, demonstrates how to set up a cost efficient shooting studio, and presents a budget estimate for a studio.


OBJECTIVE
Evidence is accumulating that several genes encoding DNA repair molecules may be cancer-susceptibility genes. Recently, SNPs in XRCC4, a member of DNA repair genes, have been implicated in altering the risk of various cancers. However, the results of these studies are inconclusive or controversial. To derive a more precise estimation, we performed an updated meta-analysis.

METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted to examine all the eligible studies about XRCC4 polymorphism and cancer risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association.

RESULTS
We included 31 studies investigated 8 SNPs in XRCC4. Overall, our paper showed significant associations between the rs28360071, rs2075686 polymorphisms and cancer risk. In addition, significant association was maintained in prostate cancer (rs28360071), lung cancer (rs6869366) and bladder cancer (rs1805377) subgroups analysis.

CONCLUSIONS
We conducted a systematic search and combined the available results in this meta-analysis, which provided evidence of the associations between SNPs in XRCC4 and cancer risk. The results suggested that rs28360071 polymorphisms were significantly associated with cancer risk. However, future studies are needed to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the biological functions of XRCC4 SNPs in cancer development.


Evidence on the effectiveness of upper extremity rehabilitation post-stroke is inconclusive. We evaluated a tailored therapeutic program with dynamic splint and botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of upper extremity muscle spasticity. A case of a 43-year-old woman with chronic spastic hemiparesis after ischemic stroke with significant mobility impairment in the left upper extremity was described. A 16-week program consisted of three 50-min sessions daily and focused on grasping and releasing with and without the splint. The patient was evaluated before botulinum toxin injection and after 6, 12 and 16 weeks according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and included the following scales: Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA-UE), Modified Ashworth Scale, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), MyotonPro, Stroke Impact Scale, Box and Blocks. Photographic documentation made before and after the experiment was compared. Motor functions improved by 19.7% on FMA-UE, spasticity was reduced by one degree and pain at rest and during activity decreased by one score on NRS. A reduction in the oscillation frequency of the relaxed muscle and the stiffness of the examined muscles was observed. The patient regained grasping function. Health-related quality of life was systematically improving with a 35% increase at week 16 compared to the baseline. The combination treatment for spasticity based on botulinum toxin and SaeboFlex® dynamic splint in a patient with chronic spastic hemiparesis reduces disability and improves quality of life. However, further research is needed to investigate the treatment results.


Recent advances in functional genomics have fostered the vision of a future health care that will be tailored to the specific needs of a person by using detailed genetic information about disease predisposition, disease progression, and the response to preventive or therapeutic medication.1,2 To confirm that this concept of personalised medicine is viable, proof of principle studies are required, entailing extensive efforts to identify and functionally characterise individual gene variants in human populations and their association with disease or therapy related phenotypes. For this purpose, as well as for the ultimate widespread genetic testing that may result from these studies, practical, cost efficient methods of analysing thousands of genes in large human populations for all possible sequence variants are critically important. Such methods are currently not available, the main stumbling block being the high costs associated with comprehensive genotyping of large numbers of DNA samples. Costs are determined to some extent by intellectual property rights on the genes and gene variants (in fee for service testing3), but mostly by the type of assay that is used. When a genetic test can be based on one or few mutations, the costs are generally low, owing to the recent increase in assays capable of confirming the presence or absence of a previously known mutation or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).4 Unfortunately, even relatively simple monogenic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, can be caused by many different mutations in the same gene and it will never be possible to test only for a limited number of variants.5

The situation is different for the genetic component of complex diseases. The question here is if such diseases involve combinations of a few common SNP haplotypes or many rare alleles.6 Recent results indicate that most gene variants occur at low frequency, …


This paper presents a Windows'95-based graphic user interface (GUI) conceived as a laboratory support for digital signal processing courses and DSP assembly code development. It is called IPDSP-Integrated Platform for Digital Signal Processing. Some important features of IPDSP are described here, like its capability of graphically checking designed digital filters, via the corresponding approximated transfer function, the synthesized network and the impulse response. This last one is intended to be a tool for checking the rightness of the program written to run the designed filter on the DSP. Another important feature is the system capability of allowing the user to visually check the running program via the oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer included in the software, both implemented in the host PC machine where the whole system is installed. Other important features, like tools for DSP assembly code editing, debugging, assembling and running (with the possibility of including breakpoints), or even for execution time measuring, are also described, as well as their suitability as digital signal processing learning tools is addressed. Examples on how to use the IPDSP facilities are also shown.


ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how time-of-day training preference influences resistance-exercise performance. Methods: Resistance trained males (n = 12) were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced design, participants completed two separate bench-press exercise trials at different times of day: (a) morning (AM; 8:00 hr) and (b) evening (PM; 16:00 hr). Participants answered a questionnaire on time-of-day training preference and completed a preferred (PREF) and nonpreferred (NON-PREF) time-of-day trial. For each trial, motivation was measured using a visual analog scale prior to exercise. Participants completed 2 sets × 2 repetitions at 75% 1-RM with maximum explosiveness separated by 5 min of rest. Mean barbell velocity was measured using a linear position transducer. Participants then completed 1 set × repetitions to failure (RTF) at 75% 1-RM. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured immediately following exercise. Results: Regardless of preference, velocity (p = .025; effect size (ES) = 0.43) was higher during the PM versus AM trial. However, there were no significant differences in velocity (p = .368; ES = 0.37) between PREF and NON-PREF time of day. There were no significant differences for repetitions between PREF and NON-PREF times (p = .902; ES = 0.03). Motivation was higher in the PREF time versus NON-PREF (p = .015; ES = 0.68). Furthermore, RPE was significantly lower during the PREF time of day (p = .048; 0.55). Conclusions: Despite higher barbell velocity collectively at PM times, time-of-training preference did not largely influence resistance-exercise performance, while motivation is higher and RPE is lower during preferred times.


Abstract How do Brazil's defence documents incorporate natural resources and critical infrastructure as political and strategic components of the national energy security framework? After presenting the contemporary international landscape on the subject, which is marked by rising powers and geopolitics, the paper explains the theory and the conceptual foundations that support the claim of a securitization movement on natural resources and critical infrastructure that relates to energy security in response to the absence of existential threats to Brazil. Following this effort, the text reflects upon and analyses how the matter has developed from 2005 to 2016 in Brazilian defence policies and in national defence strategies. By applying securitization theory to the case study, the final remarks imply the need for a reflection on the importance of incorporating the geopolitics of natural resources and critical infrastructure related to energy security in defence thinking.


Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent medical condition, which if undiagnosed leads to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly related to increased incidence of cardiovascular events. It is therefore imperative that we identify patient population at high risk for sleep apnea and refer them to the appropriate therapy as early as possible. Up-to-date there is no management guideline specifically geared towards cardiac patients. Thus, we propose a (SAP) Sleep Apnea Pathway to correctly identify and triage these patients to the appropriate therapy.


In this article I investigate how the narrative therapy process facilitates client change. The kind of change that I focus on is linguistic-semiotic; that is, how clients develop their meaning potential through language. What I will demonstrate is how an examination of the linguistic-semiotic level provides new insights into narrative therapy's role in endowing clients with the semiotic materials to make new meanings. An examination of six conjoint sessions involving a narrative therapist with one couple revealed that client change or ontogenesis is composed of three semiotic phases. In the first phase of ontogenesis clients display a beginning semiotic repertoire by formulating "extreme case" descriptions of self and other's behaviors. In the second phase clients are scaffolded by therapist's questions and reformulations into construing events as problems and problems as the agents of negative behaviors. In the final phase clients display a development in their semiotic potential. Clients are able to eliminate problems and construe themselves as agents without prior therapist scaffolding. Therefore, in the latter stages of the narrative process clients are able to deploy meanings that have been generated throughout therapy, in order to produce narratives of self agency and self control.


Six technical appendixes are presented that provide important supporting technical information for the study of the application of nondestructive measurements to spent-fuel storage. Each appendix addresses a particular technical subject in a reasonably self-contained fashion. Appendix A is a comparison of spent-fuel data predicted by reactor operators with measured data from reprocessors. This comparison indicates a rather high level of uncertainty in previous burnup calculations. Appendix B describes a series of nondestructive measurements at the GE-Morris Operation Spent-Fuel Storage Facility. This series of experiments successfully demonstrated a technique for reproducible positioning of fuel assemblies for nondestructive measurement. The experimental results indicate the importance of measuring the axial and angular burnup profiles of irradiated fuel assemblies for quantitative determination of spent-fuel parameters. Appendix C is a reasonably comprehensive bibliography of reports and symposia papers on spent-fuel nondestructive measurements to April 1981. Appendix D is a compendium of spent-fuel calculations that includes isotope production and depletion calculations using the EPRI-CINDER code, calculations of neutron and gamma-ray source terms, and correlations of these sources with burnup and plutonium content. Appendix E describes the pulsed-neutron technique and its potential application to spent-fuel measurements. Although not yet developed, the technique holds the promise of providingmore » separate measurements of the uranium and plutonium fissile isotopes. Appendix F describes the experimental program and facilities at Los Alamos for the development of spent-fuel nondestructive measurement systems. Measurements are reported showing that the active neutron method is sensitive to the replacement of a single fuel rod with a dummy rod in an unirradiated uranium fuel assembly.« less


Abstract:Lord Howe Island, situated 790 km northeast of Sydney in the Tasman Sea, was first encountered in February 1788, and one of the last islands discovered by humans. Apparently, Polynesians were unaware of the island. At the time of discovery, seabirds dominated the island, with a terrestrial avifauna comprising five endemic species and eight subspecies. The island was initially a whaling refurbishment station until establishment of a settlement in 1834, which resulted in the extinction of three endemic birds due to over-hunting. The accidental invasion of black rats in 1918 resulted in another wave of extinctions, with the loss of five passerines, followed by an endemic owl c. 1940. Museum skins represent all but one of these species, but almost no skeletal remains exist. Here, we present the results of a palaeontological survey that explored subfossil depositaries on Lord Howe Island, including analysis of hitherto unstudied Lord Howe bird subfossil collections held in Australian museums. Our discoveries include the first known skeletal elements of six extinct species, five recorded in context, and a particularly fossil-rich sand dune site on Lord Howe Island that contained hundreds of terrestrial bird subfossils.


The aim of this article is to describe the role and training of a General Duties Medical Officer (GDMO) based with the British Forces in Cyprus.


The synthesis of materials with well‐controlled composition and structure improves our understanding of their intrinsic electrical transport properties. Recent developments in atomically controlled growth have been shown to be crucial in enabling the study of new physical phenomena in epitaxial oxide heterostructures. Nevertheless, these phenomena can be influenced by the presence of defects that act as extrinsic sources of both doping and impurity scattering. Control over the nature and density of such defects is therefore necessary to fully understand the intrinsic materials properties and exploit them in future device technologies. Here, it is shown that incorporation of a strontium copper oxide nano‐layer strongly reduces the impurity scattering at conducting interfaces in oxide LaAlO3–SrTiO3(001) heterostructures, opening the door to high carrier mobility materials. It is proposed that this remote cuprate layer facilitates enhanced suppression of oxygen defects by reducing the kinetic barrier for oxygen exchange in the hetero‐interfacial film system. This design concept of controlled defect engineering can be of significant importance in applications in which enhanced oxygen surface exchange plays a crucial role.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of postoperative analgesia with low-dose sufentanil combined with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and with sufentanil alone in promoting patients'recovery following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

METHODS
Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in our hospital between September, 2016 and August, 2017 were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In group A, the patients were given postoperative analgesia with 1 μg/kg sufentanil, 9.96 mg tropisetronmesylate, and 200 mg flurbiprofen axetil (diluted with 0.9% NaCl solution to 100 mL, pumped at the rate of 2 mL/h) combined with TAP block; in group B, the patients received similar postoperative analgesia but at a higher dose of sufentanil (2 μg/kg) without TAP block. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain at 15 min and at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, and the first off-bed time, the length of postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded in all the patients.

RESULTS
Compared with those in group B, the patients in group A had significantly lower VAS scores at 15 min, 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h postoperatively (P < 0.01) with also statistically shorter first off-bed time and postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.01). Two (6.7%) patients in group A had mild PONV, and 6 (20.0%) in group B had PONV (including 4 with mild and 2 with moderate PONV).

CONCLUSIONS
Lowdose sufentanil combined with TAP block is effective for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic hysterectomy and helps to reduce the incidence of PONV and shorten the first off-bed time and postoperative hospital stay to promote the recovery of the patients.


To study pharmacokinetics of injection of iodine-131 labelling MEI-TUO-XI monoclonal antibody (hepatoma monoclonal antibody HAb18 F(ab')2) in vivo. 24 cases of primary hepatocelluar carcinoma (PHC) were equally divided into the low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group. After the relevant injection was administrated into the hepatic artery of each case, intravenous blood and urine samples were separately collected at different time for determination of the radioactive count ratio (min(-1)). The proportion of 131I-HAb18 F(ab')2 in serum of each blood sample was determined, and the radioactive count ratio (min(-1)) of druggery for each blood sample was revised according to the proportion. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS ver 1.0 (Drug And Statistics for Windows) program. The component of urine radiomaterial was determined and the percentages of urine radioactivity in administration dosage were calculated. The catabolism of the injection with time accorded with dynamics two-compartment model. The catabolism product was mainly free-131I and was excreted via kidney; the urine radioactivity was 47.70%-51.16% of administration dosage during 120 h after administration of drug. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of the injection can satisfy the clinical demands. The drug dose recommended for clinical use was 27.75 MBq of the injection for each kg of human body.


The distributed optical testbed (DOT) is a wide area experimental grid infrastructure designed to facilitate the creation of new techniques for the efficient execution of distributed applications, supported by agile optical networks. The architecture of the testbed enables the close investigation of new methods for supporting distributed heterogeneous environments that are interconnected by high performance, application-addressable lightpaths. Currently, almost all grid implementations are supported through communication services based on non-adaptive, non-deterministic packet-routed data networks. The DOT architecture allows grid applications to take advantage of flexible, reconfigurable, and deterministic optical channels. By directly provisioning lightpaths, applications can enhance data communications by supplementing or by passing traditional data transport services. Experiments conducted on this testbed demonstrate that a significant potential exists for supporting grid applications through adaptive optical networking


Autoreflection measurement devices have very wide applications in produce of instrument, machine and metrical technology. They are used for ensuring status of details, units and planes, and for the control of the displacement of revolving converters, in the national standard planar angle. The main systematic error in autoreflection measurement methods is an error caused by vignetting. The analytic research of function describing this error was made. The experiment was made to ensure the analytical results. The parameters of experimental device were the following. The distance from the mirror 8 m, aperture of the receiving objective 65 mm, aperture of the mirror 78 mm, diameter of the radiating surface of the LED 2mm.


There has been a great deal of recent publicity in both the lay press and in scientific periodicals about the changing patterns of the practice of medicine. The medical profession has been accused of being "impersonal" and it is a current fad to denounce the physician for "not taking a more personal interest in the patient." Many of these criticisms emanate from biased sources, of course, and not infrequently the critic is unaware of the fundamental changes in diagnosis and therapy. I would appreciate comments from your consultants in the form of a candid discussion of what the physician's concept of his professional obligations to his patients should be. Have the salutary effects of medical progress been accompanied by an unfortunate erosion of the personal identity of the patient? What do we mean by the consideration of the patient as a whole man?


Forbes9s analysis of fascism reveals that fascist tendencies are dormant seeds of exploitation that resurface and flourish under conditions of greed or when exploitive systems are threatened and opposed by those they oppress. Because fascism is more than politics and shares a symbiotic relationship with supportive and enduring cultural values, he is correct in directing our attention to those historical and cultural antecedents that give rise to omnifarious forms of fascism in this country and elsewhere. Cultural values and their symbiotic connectedness with political decisions are perhaps the single-most important feature of fascism considered in this timely and cogently discussed issue.


ANSI S1.11 1/3 Octave Filter bank is popular in acoustic applications due to well matching the frequency characteristics of human ears. However high computation complexity limits its usage. This paper deals with the digital hearing aids which consumes less power and cover the human voiced speech frequency correctly. The technique called the complexity-effective multirate FIR filter bank algorithm with a systematic coefficient design flow is proposed to reduce the order of the filter. In existing method 18 bands were used. It cover the frequency range from 140Hz to 8979Hz. It didn't cover the human voice frequency fully. Because the voiced speech of a typical adult male starts from 80Hz to 145Hz. Here 21 bands are used with Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters. This filter has been simulated in Synopsys. The proposed method consumes less power which is 30%-79% less of other methods and cover the human voiced speech frequency.


Multiple-beam white light interference fringes across a GRIN optical fibre immersed in a liquid wedge interferometer placed in front of a grating spectrograph are produced. They are used to investigate the effect of temperature on the optical fibre parameters of both the cladding (pure SiO2) and the core (GeO2-doped SiO2). A two-term Sellmeier dispersion relation is adopted and fitted to the experimental refractive index data. Then a temperature-dependent Sellmeier formula is deduced to study the effect of temperature on the refractive index of the fibre and its dispersion in addition to all of its optical parameters. These parameters are the average energy gap, the variation of the thermo-optic coefficient with photon energy, the refractive index difference, the numerical aperture, the normalized frequency (V-number), the number of modes, the material dispersion and the zero-dispersion wavelength.


Paraffin wax deposition has long been a vexing problem in industry. Especially, in offshore oil production, paraffin wax deposits and clogs pipes and containers because of low temperature, causing severe economic loss. It has been known that the crystallization of n-alkanes mainly causes the deposition of paraffin wax, which is necessary to understand the mechanism of the crystallization behavior of paraffin wax. We solve the challenge of describing the crystallization behavior of the alkane mixture system and evaluate the contributions of every carbon atom to crystallization based on the occupied volume, structure entropy, and order parameter. These results demonstrate that the middle atoms are the main contributor to crystallization, and the end atoms of n-alkanes are unfavorable for the crystallization of n-alkanes, showing that increasing the number of end atoms, for example, adding branched alkanes, will hinder the crystallization of paraffin wax. Furthermore, perhydrosqualene is chosen to study the inhibition of crystallization by adding branched alkanes. As there are different properties between the end and the middle atoms, based on the principle of dissolution with similar properties, a small number of branched alkanes will promote crystallization. Also, an inhibitory effect of the end atoms is observed when the proportion of branched alkanes increases to a certain percentage. Our simulation work describes the crystallization behavior of paraffin wax in detail, providing theoretical assistance for preventing and controlling paraffin deposition.


There has been a considerable amount of recent research on the link prediction problem, that is, the problem of accurately predicting edges that will be established between actors in a social network in a future period. With the cooperation of the provider of a German social network site (SNS), we aim to contribute to this line of research by analyzing the link formation and interaction patterns of approximately 9.38 million members of one of the largest German online social networks (OSN). It is our goal to explore the value of users' interaction frequencies for link prediction based on metrics of local structural similarity. Analyzing a random sample of the network, we found that only a portion of the network is responsible for most of the activity observed: 42.64 % of the network's population account for all observed interactions and 25.33 % are responsible for all private communication. We have also established that the degree of recent interaction is positively correlated with imminent link formation – users with high interaction frequencies are more likely to establish new friendships. The evaluation of our link prediction approach yields results that are consistent with comparable studies. Traditional metrics seem to outperform weighted metrics that account for interaction frequencies. We conclude that while weighted metrics tend to predict strong ties, users of SNS establish both strong and weak ties. Our findings indicate that members of an SNS prefer quantity over quality in terms of establishing new connections. In our case, this causes the simplest metrics to perform best. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-09378-9__5


OBJECTIVE
To study the chemical constituents from the root of Actinidia chinensis.

METHOD
The roots of A. chinensis were extracted with 95% EtOH. The EtOH extract was suspended in H2O and extracted with petroleum ether, EtOAc and BuOH successively. The compounds were isolated with column chromatography from the EtOAc fraction, and elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis(MS, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR).

RESULT
Seven compounds were isolated from the root of A. chinensis, and the structures were identified as 2alpha-hydroxyoleanolic acid (1), 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid (2), euscaphic acid (3), 23-hydroxyursolic acid (4), 3beta-O-acetylursolic acid (5), ergosta4, 6, 8, (14), 22-tetraen-3-one (6), beta-steriol (7).

CONCLUSION
All the compounds were obtained from the root of A. chinensis for the first time.


Let Ω be a Cartan domain of rank r and genus p and Bν , ν > p−1, the Berezin transform on Ω; the number Bνf(z) can be interpreted as a certain invariant-mean-value of a function f around z. We show that a Lebesgue integrable function satisfying f = Bνf = Bν+1f = · · · = Bν+rf , ν ≥ p, must be M-harmonic. In a sense, this result is reminiscent of Delsarte's two-radius mean-value theorem for ordinary harmonic functions on the complex n-space Cn, but with the role of radius r played by the quantity 1/ν. Let Ω = G/K be an irreducible bounded symmetric (Cartan) domain in its Harish-Chandra realization (i.e. a circular convex domain in C centered at the origin), dm the Lebesgue measure on Ω normalized so that m(Ω) = 1, and denote by K(z, w) the Bergman kernel of Ω with respect to dm and by p, r its genus and rank, respectively. For ν ∈ R, it is known [FK1] that the integral c(ν)−1 := ∫ Ω K(z, z)1−ν/p dm(z) is finite if and only if ν > p − 1; in that case, one can consider the weighted Bergman spaces Aν(Ω) of functions analytic on Ω and squareintegrable against the probability measure dμν := c(ν)K(z, z)1−ν/p dm(z). It can be shown that the point evaluations are continuous linear functionals on Aν and the corresponding reproducing kernels are [FK1] Kν(z, w) = K(z, w). (1) The Berezin transform Bν on Ω is the integral operator defined by Bνf(w) : = ∫ Ω f(z) |Kν(z, w)|2 Kν(w,w) dμν(z)


Although oxidatively damaged lipoproteins are implicated in vascular injury, there is little information regarding the role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) oxidation in atherogenesis. One potential pathway involves hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme protein secreted by phagocytes. We previously showed that 3-chlorotyrosine is a specific product of HOCl. Therefore, to explore the role of oxidized HDL in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, we used MS to quantify 3-chlorotyrosine in HDL isolated from plasma and atherosclerotic tissue. HDL from human aortic atherosclerotic intima had an 8-fold higher level of 3-chlorotyrosine than plasma HDL. Tandem MS analysis identified MPO as a component of lesion HDL, suggesting that the two interact in the artery wall. Moreover, immunohistochemical studies found that specific epitopes derived from HOCl colocalized with apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein of HDL. These observations strongly support the hypothesis that MPO promotes HDL oxidation in the human artery wall. Levels of 3-chlorotyrosine were elevated in HDL isolated from the blood of humans with established coronary artery disease, suggesting that circulating levels of oxidized HDL represent a unique marker for clinically significant atherosclerosis. HDL or lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I exposed to HOCl was less able to remove cholesterol from cultured cells by a pathway requiring the cell membrane transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. The detection of 3-chlorotyrosine in HDL isolated from vascular lesions raises the possibility that MPO, by virtue of its ability to form HOCl, may promote atherogenesis by counteracting the established antiatherogenic effects of HDL and the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 pathway.


In Ethiopia the failure of roads are before handover period. Most roads found in Ethiopia are flexible pavements. Nowadays, the failure of surface of flexible pavement roads are common before the expected design period. For the example Bako-Nekemte road/ has become a critical issue in our country. The most common parameters that cause stress, strain and deflection of the roads are loads and pressures that come from vehicles. Moreover, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio and thickness of each layer needs to be characterized. Further, the load magnitude, contact pressure (or load radius) and location are defined for each load (wheel) considered. Finite element method (FEM) is a numerical analysis technique to obtain the stress-strain and deflection of each pavement layers. Analytical method usually uses layers thickness, loads, elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the pavement materials as design parameters. The objective of this research was to study the sensitivity of the road parameters in analyzing the major causes of failure in asphalt pavement layers fatigue cracking and rutting deformation which came due to the critical tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer and the critical compressive strains on the top of subgrade using the finite element method by relating the standard specification of ERA and laboratory test result. This thesis studied the analysis of stress-strain and deflection of flexible pavements using Everstress finite element method. The Ever stress program will take into account any stress dependent stiffness characteristics. This thesis dealt with ways to reduce deflections by varying the design configuration, such as increasing the HMA modulus, the base modulus, sub base modulus, the subgrade modulus and increasing thickness of each layers. Based on type of materials to use the value of elastic modulus and poison's ratio are various in each layers, in layer 1 is varied from 1500 to 3500 MPa, in layer 2 is varied from 200 to 1000MPa, in layer 3 is varied from 100 to 250 MPa and in layer 4 is varied from 20MPa to 150MPa.


Under physiologic conditions of pH and ionic strength, the I* anti-D appears to react with intact Rh(D) red cells and their Rh(D) stroma according to reversible, second-order kinetics.
 At equilibrium the influence of hydrogen ion concentration in the pH range 6.4 to 8.4 on the I* anti-D system is slight. Beyond this pH range the profound depression of the I* anti-D system is consistent with marked conformational changes in the I* anti-D molecule.
 The effect of lowered ionic strength on the kinetics of the nonspecific reaction between I* anti-D and rh(d) stroma appears electrostatically controlled if a first-order reaction is assumed. In contrast, the specific reaction between intact Rh(D) red cells or Rh(D) stroma appears to follow a reversible, second-order reaction when the ionic strength of the system is lowered. Consequently, the electrostatic effect of ionic strength on the I* anti-D system seems to be exerted predominantly at the specific Rh(D) site in the case of the intact Rh(D) red cell, but both specifically and nonspecifically in the case of Rh(D) stroma. These results are considered in view of the known effects of pH and ionic strength on other immunologic systems and their components.


Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have an enormous economic impact. In the surface coating industry, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles are commonly incorporated into varnishes, paints, and finishing products. These ENMs are used for UV-active properties and self-cleaning activities, as well as for the durability and resistance they provide. However, several health concerns are associated with the inhalation of some ENMs. In this case study, occupational exposures to engineered nanoparticles were investigated in an industrial hardwood floor manufacturing plant during the finishing task of an automated spraying equipment. A combination of air and surface sampling was carried out during two workdays. Airborne and deposited particles were measured using a combination of real-time and filter-based sampling methods and analyzed by microscopy and spectrometry. Results indicate that the wood floor coating process generates airborne TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles which include individual particles in the nanoscale range (lower than 100 nm) and agglomerated particles of several hundred nanometers containing individual nanoparticles. Finishing activities significantly increased total particle number concentrations (45 620 and 117 880 particles cm-3) and surface-specific mass concentrations (154 µm2 cm-3). Concentrations of TiO2 ranged from 13 to 97 µg m-3 for personal measurements and from 36 to 55 µg m-3 for ambient measurements in the finishing location. Characterization of the deposited particles indicated the dispersion of the engineered airborne nanoparticles from the finishing location to the packaging area. Using a multimetric approach, this study shows high evidence that the worker was exposed to engineered TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles during the finishing process of the wood floor production facility. In addition, this study indicates that workers outside the finish spray area could be exposed to airborne engineered TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles coming from the finishing process.


This review profiles a wide range of frauds which affect individuals and small businesses. In particular, it looks at mass marketing, identity and small business fraud. The review highlights the diversity within fraud including who perpetrates it. The report also shows the level of innovation and skill involved in committing fraud, thus coining the word 'scampreneurs' to describe these criminals.


Advancements in material science have driven the development of the textile industry. Chitosan has inherent advantages, such as biodegradability, nontoxicity, and antibacterial and wound acceleration properties. It has been applied in the textile industry as a coating on fabrics. Nevertheless, research on single-component chitosan fibers is scant. The advantages of single-component chitosan fibers include improved comfort, laundry durability, abrasion resistance, and structural flexibility. To fill the mentioned research gap, this study developed an industrial-manufacturing-based method for testing and analyzing chitosan fibers. This method was demonstrated by studying the physical and biological performance of commercial chitosan fibers. Studying the characteristics of the chitosan fibers revealed the influence of the fiber structure on their performance. Although chitosan fibers with a higher degree of deacetylation had a shorter molecular chain, they exhibited higher strength. Moreover, the molecular weight and deacetylation degree influenced biological performance. Chitosan fibers with higher deacetylation degree chitosan had better antimicroorganism performance on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans; however, no such relationship was observed for the solution form of chitosan. These results imply a difference in antimicroorganism mechanisms between the fiber (solid) form and solution form of chitosan.


CBP (CREB-binding protein) is a transcriptional coactivator of CREB (cAMP response element-binding) protein, which is directly phosphorylated by PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase A). CBP interacts with the activated phosphorylated form of CREB but not with the nonphosphorylated form. We report here that CBP is also a coactivator of the c-myb proto-oncogene product (c-Myb), which is a sequence-specific transcriptional activator. CBP directly binds to the region containing the transcriptional activation domain of c-Myb in a phosphorylation-independent manner in vitro. The domain of CBP that touches c-Myb is also required for binding to CREB. A c-Myb/CBP complex in vivo was demonstrated by a yeast two-hybrid assay. CBP stimulates the c-Myb-dependent transcriptional activation. Conversely, the expression of antisense RNA of CBP represses c-Myb-induced transcriptional activation. In addition, adenovirus EIA, which binds to CBP, inhibits c-Myb-induced transcriptional activation. Our data thus identify CBP as a coactivator of c-Myb. These results suggest that CBP functions as a coactivator for more transcriptional activators than were thought previously.


It is known that pesticides cross the placental barrier and can cause alterations in the development of placental structures resulting in adverse effects in reproduction. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure during pregnancy on placental maturity and to evaluate the relationship between placental maturity, gestational age and birth weight. We collected the placentas from singleton pregnancies from women exposed (n = 9) and non-exposed (n = 45 full-term and n = 31 preterm) to pesticides as evaluated geographically, by questionnaire and by acetylcholinesterase levels. Placental morphometry from the central and peripheral regions was examined by microscopy and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The placental maturity index (PMI) was estimated by dividing the number of epithelial plates in terminal villi to their thickness in 1 mm2 of the placental parenchyma. Gestational age, birth weight and the following characteristics of the mother were also recorded: pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin concentrations. Birth weight and the gestational age were correlated with PMI (r = .54 and r = .44, respectively; p < .01). Pesticide exposure was associated with a higher PMI (beta = 7.38, p = .01) after adjusting by variables related to placental maturity. In conclusion, the results suggest a relationship between prenatal exposure to pesticides and placental maturity and may potentially affect the nutrient transport from the mother to the fetus.


Abstract Many of the large lakes of the world have been exposed to the introduction of exotic species. We have reviewed here the introduction of aquatic species in 18 large lakes on five continents (Laurentian Great Lakes, African Great Lakes, several Canadian lakes, Lake Titicaca, Lake Baikal, Lake Ladoga, Gatun Lake, and Lake Biwa). We found that human activities, social preferences, and policy decisions are often associated with the spread of species in these large lakes. However, the spread and resulting ecological effects of introduced species varied among the case studies reviewed (ranging from the failure of brown trout introduction in Lake Titicaca to successful introduction of Nile Perch in Lake Victoria). Those species that did establish successful populations often had major impacts upon the ecosystems of these lakes via a variety of processes, including predation, disturbance, habitat modification and competition. Although introduction of predators often negatively impacted native species (e.g. Nile perch in Lake Victoria, peacock bass in Lake Gatun), species introduced to lower trophic levels (e.g. sardine in Lakes Kariba and Kivu, rainbow smelt in Canadian Lakes) affected fisheries and altered food web structure as well. Exotic species in large lakes of the world were not limited to fish species: plants (e.g. in Lakes Baikal and Biwa), invertebrates (e.g. in Lake Ladoga), and parasites and pathogens (e.g. in Lake Titicaca) have been introduced, but it was often difficult to discern the food web and ecosystem effects of these organisms. Exotic species also impacted socio-economic systems, having both positive (e.g. Lakes Victoria, Titicaca, Kivu, and Kariba, and the Laurentian Great Lakes) and negative (e.g. Lakes Victoria and Titicaca, and the Laurentian Great Lakes) repercussions for humans who depended upon these lakes for food and income. Unfortunately, our understanding of the impacts and extent of introductions on large lake ecosystems often remains speculative at best. The introduction and spread of exotic species will continue to threaten large lakes of the world into the twenty-first century. Exotic species introductions are a global problem that deserves global attention and understanding.


Tumour formation is characterized by a series of well-defined events that occur in virtually all human cancers, including the ability of cells to attain immortalization, sustain proliferation and evade apoptosis. These cell growth and cytostatic processes are normally regulated by various growth factors that act in concert to maintain proper cellular homeostasis. As a result, deregulation of these growth factor signalling pathways leads to uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation. In particular, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) exerts a central role in preventing tumour formation in virtually all cell types and tissues. TGFβ tumour suppressive effects are mainly illustrated by its ability to inhibit cell growth, induce cell death and prevent cell immortalization. TGFβ-mediated prevention of cell immortalization relies on inhibition of telomerase activity. While expression of hTERT, the protein component of telomerase, is increased in most cancer cells, studies from our laboratory revealed that TGFβ efficiently represses hTERT gene expression in both normal and cancer cells through multiple signalling pathways. We further found that the inhibition of hTERT by TGFβ requires the synthesis of an intermediate molecule that we identified as the transcription factor E2F1, and showed that interfering with E2F1 activity impedes the TGFβ inhibitory effect on telomerase activity. The E2F family of transcription factors plays a central role in regulating cell-cycle progression. Deregulation of these factors is a common event in most human cancers. Interestingly, E2F1 has been shown to have the ability to induce both cell cycle progression and apoptosis, though the mechanisms of E2F-mediated apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. TGFβ itself is a potent pro-apoptotic factor, as it modulates the expression of multiple apoptotic genes in various tissues. However, a common and central signalling pathway, acting downstream of TGFβ and leading to cell death, had yet to be uncovered. Interestingly, recent work from our laboratory highlighted E2F1 as a central factor downstream of TGFβ-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Using the E2F1 knockout mouse model, we found E2F1 to be required for TGFβ-mediated apoptosis in normal cells as well. We further investigated the molecular mechanisms by which E2F1 contributes to TGFβ-mediated apoptosis and found that TGFβ treatment led to the formation of a transcriptionally active E2F1–pRb–P/CAF complex on multiple pro-apoptotic target gene promoters, thereby activating their transcription. These findings define a novel process of gene activation by the TGFβ-E2F1 signalling axis, and uncover the pRb/E2F1 pathway as a wide-ranging and critical mediator of the TGFβ apoptotic programme in multiple target tissues. We further determined that TGFβ induces pRb/E2F1-dependent transcriptional activation of several autophagy-related genes, potentially leading to autophagic cell death. Together, our studies support a role for the pRb/E2F pathway as a potent co-transducer of TGFβ signalling and…


The transport is an element of the technological process that has the important influence on economy of every company. Because the transport costs affect price of the final product, it is important to improve the technical and economical level of the transport.The belt transport is one of the widely used transport systems in industry. It is used in various branches of industry, like mining, building industry, food industry, at the airports, in supermarkets, etc.


Recent studies have sought to model and understand the importance of economic change and population growth on the development of housing construction sector in Turkey (Alkay et al, 2015). The evidence suggests that the impact of economic fundamentals and household growth is only weakly related to construction (TUIK, 2015; TUIK, 2014). This suggests that, as identified in other contexts, there may be other important factors driving activity, including the prevailing policy regime and the business culture within the sector (Henneberry and Rowley, 2000; Jackson and Watkins, 2009). In the Turkish context, it is clear not only that these qualitative influences might be important, it is also evident that the way in which these factors impact on development activity is not uneven across space (Alkay et al, 2015). This provides the context for this paper which aims to provide a more qualitative investigation the impact of planning on the development of the housing construction sector at national and local levels. The paper examines the evolution of the policy and practice over more than a decade, during the institutional design of the planning system has been subject to significant change. These normative transformations have been based on reorganizing of existing institutions or organizing new institutions in an attempt to create the capacity to supporting greater levels of housing construction sector as much as an in the hope of solving the perceived problems with the planning system. This study focuses to reflect how and to what extend this restructuring has an impact on housing construction sector development. This paper draws on more than a dozen interviews with real estate practitioners and policy makers operating in different parts of the Turkish construction sector. The analysis offers the first impressions, and discusses the underlying influences on construction activity with particular attention paid to the causes of uneven spatial development.


AD HIES is characterized by recurrent severe pulmonary infections, pneumatoceles, eczema, staphylococcal abscesses, mucocutaneous candidiasis, abnormalities of bone and connective tissue and elevated serum IgE. Mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) have recently been found to account for most cases. Aim: The aim of the study is to present clinical phenotype of AD HIES. Materials and methods: A group of 22 HIES pts were genetically analyzed. The mutations in STAT3 were confirmed in 7 AD HIES pts, presented here. Recurrent and severe pulmonary infections were found in all pts except one (pt 7) at various frequency. The typical complications of pneumonias were the formation of pulmonary cyst and abscesses. Long term complications included pneumatocele and bronchopleural fistulae. In several cases lobectomy was performed. The structural abnormalities were then sites of fungal and Gram (-) infection. Results: Conclusions: 1. Early recognition of the HIES enables to introduce the right kind of therapy. 2. Pneumonias should be treated aggressively to try to prevent parenchymal damage. 3. If pneumatocele and bronchiectasis are present, antimicrobial prophylaxis covering Gram (-) bacteria and fungi is needed.


: Background: . Depending on upper airway patency during anesthesia induction, tidal volume achieved by mask ventilation may vary. In 80 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia, the authors tested a hypothesis that tidal volume during mask ventilation is smaller in patients with sleep-disordered breathing priorly defined as apnea hypopnea index greater than 5 per hour. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of ventilation using face mask induction of general anesthesia Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Lahore General Hospital, Lahore for the duration of six months from January 2020 to June 2020. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were enrolled. Average age of patients was 25 to 60 years, with a BMI lower than 30. Subsequently, the patients were arranged to divide into two groups Group A and Group B. In the group A, ventilation was performed using the standard mask ventilation with 100% oxygen for 4 minutes. And in other group B, ventilation was undertaken through an anatomical nasal mask. The mean expiratory volume, mean SpO2, mean end tidal CO2 (Et CO2) and mean airway pressure were measured, recorded and compared in both groups. Once placed on the operating table, 100% oxygen were provided to the patients using a face mask for 4 minutes, after which medication (anesthesia) were arranged. Results: The ventilation parameters, maximum airway pressure after starting of mask ventilation in the face mask group is higher than the nasal mask group (15.1±1.8 and 11.8±1.4during the 3rd minute respectively, p< 0.001) and the face mask group (94.5±2.1 and 96.1±4) is lower than the SpO2 at this time respectively (p< 0.001). There is no any significant difference related to other parameters. Conclusion: The ventilation with a face mask is less effective than the nasal mask which is more efficient with a BMI less than 30 and is observed by a minimum amount of complications and risk.


Preclinical studies in cell culture systems as well as in whole animal chronic kidney disease (CKD) models showed that parathyroid hormone (PTH), oxidized at the 2 methionine residues (positions 8 and 18), caused a loss of function. This was so far not considered in the development of PTH assays used in current clinical practice. Patients with advanced CKD are subject to oxidative stress, and plasma proteins (including PTH) are targets for oxidants. In patients with CKD, a considerable but variable fraction (about 70 to 90%) of measured PTH appears to be oxidized. Oxidized PTH (oxPTH) does not interact with the PTH receptor resulting in loss of biological activity. Currently used intact PTH (iPTH) assays detect both oxidized and non-oxPTH (n-oxPTH). Clinical studies demonstrated that bioactive, n-oxPTH, but not iPTH nor oxPTH, is associated with mortality in CKD patients.


Diamond like carbon (DLC) films possessing large electron emission capacity were obtained by pulsed laser deposition process. AFM morphologies and Raman spectra inferred that the proportion of SP/sup 3/-bonds is the predominating factor modifying the field emission characteristics. Large laser fluence and moderately high substrate temperature are thus required. The critical laser fluence needed to deposit DLC films with large emission current density was 10 J/cm/sup 2/ for 248 nn (KrF) laser beams and 4 J/cm/sup 2/ for 193 nn (ArF) laser beams, respectively. The highest emission current density was 80 /spl mu/LA/cm/sup 2/ for DLC films deposited at 400/spl deg/C using 248 nn laser beams and was 160 /spl mu/A/cm/sup 2/ for those grown at 200/spl deg/C using 193 nm laser beams. The turn on electric field was, respectively, 11.6 MV/m and 11.4 MV/m.


Recently, major infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, PCCVs (Prestressed Concrete Containment Vessel), and gas tanks are Prestressed Concrete (PSC) structure types, which improve their safety by using confining effect from prestressing. Generally, concrete is known to be an outstanding fire resistant construction material. Because of this reason, researches related to extreme fire loaded PSC member behaviors are not often conducted even though PSC behavior under extreme fire loading is significantly different than that of ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) behavior. Therefore, in this study, RABT fire loading tests were performed on bi-directionally prestressed concrete panels with 1000×1400×300 mm dimensions. The prestressed specimens were applied with 430 kN prestressing (PS) force using unbonded PS thread bars. Also, residual strength structural tests of fire tested PSC and ordinary RC structures were performed for comparison. The study results showed that PSC behavior under fire loading is significantly different than that of RC behavior.


Oxygen affinity of haemoglobin is modulated by several parameters such as the allosteric effector 2-3 DPG for most mammalians. Inositol hexaphosphate (I.H.P.) exerts the same effect on haemoglobin. A previously developed new methodology for the entrapment of drugs into erythrocytes has been adapted to I.H.P.; it is based on a reversible osmotic shock. I.H.P. loaded red blood cells have characteristics very similar to those of native cells. The decrease in oxygen affinity is related to the dose of encapsulated I.H.P. In piglets, transfusion of such cells has led to an increase of oxygen extraction from haemoglobin. Normal anesthetized animals regulate their oxygen consumption by reduction of cardiac output.


Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a central role in cell signaling and leads to cell proliferation, survival, motility, exocytosis, and cytoskeletal rearrangements, as well as specialized cell responses, superoxide production, and cardiac myocyte growth. PI3K is divided into three classes; type I PI3K is preferentially expressed in leukocytes and activated by βγ subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. In this study, the cDNAs encoding the PI3Kγ gene were isolated from a brain cDNA library constructed using the flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The sequence of the isolated PI3Kγ was 1341 bp, encoding 447 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the PI3Kγ gene was analyzed with that of other species, including Oreochromis niloticus and Danio rerio, and it turned out to be well conserved during evolution. The PI3Kγ gene was subcloned into the expression vector pET-44a(+), and expressed in the E. coli BL21 (DE3) codon plus cell. The resulting protein was expressed as a fusion protein of approximately 49 kDa containing a C-terminal six-histidine extension that was derived from the expression vector. The expressed protein was purified to homogeneity by His-tag affinity chromatography and showed enzymatic activity corresponding to PI3Kγ. The binding of wortmannin to PI3Kγ, as detected by anti-wortmannin antisera, closely followed the inhibition of the kinase activities. The results obtained from this study will provide a wider base of knowledge on the primary structure and characterization of the PI3Kγ at the molecular level.


Knowledge about different types of tomato consumers and what consumers are looking for when purchasing tomatoes is scarce. This study focuses on fresh market tomatoes and their consumers, with the objective to identify homogenous target groups of tomato consumers. The purchase situation was simulated through a choice-experiment, and the data was analysed using latent class analysis. The sample consisted of 337 consumers from Germany, and the survey was conducted in April and May 2017. Most of the participants (65.2%) were in the age class from 20 to 29 years. Female consumers accounted for 65% of the sample. Based on the results of the latent class analysis, there were three different types of consumers, with a membership probability of 91.3%. For each class, the preferred attributes, the price preferences and the favoured food-related lifestyles were estimated. We identified three different types of tomato consumers, namely price-sensitive, extrinsic-sensitive and intrinsic-sensitive consumers. Each class differently valued the tomato attributes. The presented information helps growers, breeders as well as marketing practitioners to gain insights into the attributes consumers are looking for when purchasing tomatoes.


After the presentation of Klára Kokas' pedagogical methods and her own invented musical activities with children, I shall try to compare these methods with Zoltán Kodály's music educational practices and innovations to emphasize the continuity and discontinuity of Hungarian music educational practice. Kokas centered her pedagogical concept on children's creativity, human relations, acceptance of and complete attention paid to others. This world view and ideology was constructed around a child-centered sensitivity, music being her primary pedagogical resource. The goal of this paper is to explore the main elements and characteristics of Klára Kokas's pedagogy, which were revolutionary and new in the fields of personality development, music and complex art education. I will draw out those elements, which show similarity between his work and Kokas's, then I will point out those components in which Kokas offered excess for personality development. The main elements of this concept is music, dance improvisation, motions, imaginative stories, visual arts, painting and drawing, but it's most important component is that very specific and intimate relation, which connected her to the children. My purpose is to highlight the contours of the Kokas' pedagogy. In my comparative research I mention the reform pedagogical elements of the Zoltán Kodály's concept, and I seek the common and different elements of their music educational ideas and innovations. The importance of her beliefs and moral convictions in the art of education will be outlined then.


This conference, which was sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research, was organized and chaired by David Schottenfeld (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI) with the assistance of the program cornmittee, composed of Myron E. Essex (Harvard University, Boston, MA), Curtis C. Harris (NCI, Bethesda, MD), Stephen S. Hecht (American Health Foundation, Valhalla, NY), Barbara Hulka (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC), Lewis H. Kuller (University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA), Montirner L. Mendelsohn (Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan), Thomas E. Moon (University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ), and Paul A. Schulte (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH). It took place in Naples, Florida, from September 23 to 26, 1992. In his introductory remarks David Schottenfeld explained the process of planning for the conference and referred to a previous. advisory workshop convened by the National Cancer Institute a year ago in Hawaii. A meeting report of that workshop appeared in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention ( 1: 519-522, 1992). The need and the potential for collaboration between epidemiologists and laboratory scientists were emphasized. The application of biomarkers to epiderniological research was discussed, stressing the need for documentation of the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of various biomarkers of internal dose exposure, biological response, or individual susceptibility. Paul Schulte followed with the first keynote address. He views the fusion of epidemiological and laboratory disciplines as the continuation of a historical trend that can provide cancer researchers with increasingly powerful tools and noted that the scientific community should position itself to best take advantage of this opportunity. Paul Schulte referred to the evolution of the concept of molecular epidemiology and described a potentially useful way of combining the model of a continuum of events between an exogenous exposure and resultant diseases with studies developing or utilizing markers for those events. This can be visualized as a matrix with the continuum of biological events on one axis and laboratory, transitional, etiological, and applied studies on the other axis. This model was referred to, with slight variations, by other speakers. Schulte emphasized the need for studies in which different laboratory tools are evaluated before they are applied to large populations. Mortirner Mendelsohn described several techniques of biological dosimetry and illustrated with examples of biomankers which have reached a level of exquisite sensitivity such as the glycophonin A test, which identifies specific genotoxic damage to red blood cells. Some biornarkers persist for years after exposure, as in the case of the atomic bomb survivors, while others (e.g., rnicronuclei) indicate recent exposure. Curt Harris described the multiple interactions between epidemiology and laboratory sciences, ernphasized the intenindividual variability in the metabolism of carcinogens and provided examples of the use of biomarkers to identify individuals at the highest risk of cancer. For example, among individuals who smoke sirnilar amounts of tobacco, the number of benzo(a)pynene covalent binding sites to DNA may vary 100-fold. He referred to the multiple mutations (around 1500) which rnay be seen in the p5.3 gene and explained the connections between specific exposures such as that of aflatoxin B and HBV2 and specific mutations such as the hot spot in codon 249 in liver cancer. After the above keynote addresses, the program was divided into seven sessions, each focLising on a specific issue. Session 1 dealt with the assessrnent of exposure to genotoxic agents. Stephen Hecht chaired the session and covered the first subject: biomankens of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, an important group of the many cancinogens in tobacco products, whose deadly impact on hitman health should not be underestimated, with population attributable risks in the range of 50-90% for aenodigestive tract cancers. The nitrosated derivatives of nicotine nitrosonornicotine and 4-(methylnitrosarntne)-1 -


ABSTRACT Mixed agro-silvo-pastoral landscapes are typically of significant natural, economic and cultural value. The montado (wood pasture) dominated systems of southern Portugal are a prime example, and experience high rates of land cover change. Tracking these changes is of importance for landscape level conservation and management. Whilst satellite remote sensing is the most realistic approach at large spatial scales, heterogeneous landscapes can present challenges to the accurate classification of land cover and its change. In this investigation we demonstrate a novel approach to the investigation of land cover change over a 25 year period (1984–2009) in an area of importance for the conservation of the Iberian lynx, Black vulture, and other threatened biodiversity in south-east Alentejo, Portugal. We apply a Tasselled Cap Transformation (TCT) to Landsat imagery from these two years, and then Change Vector Analysis (CVA) on the transformed data to highlight areas of vegetation gain and loss during the intervening period. Using a 2009 land cover classification, and a set of rules based on these vegetation changes, we then predict the land change over the 25 year period focussing on predominant classes of vegetation physiognomy. The results are discussed in terms of probable drivers, as well as implications for biodiversity and other landscape values.


The challenges of using inadequate online recruitment systems can be addressed with machine learning and software engineering techniques. Bi-directional personalization reinforcement learning-based architecture with active learning can get recruiters to recommend qualified applicants and also enable applicants to receive personalized job recommendations. This paper focuses on how machine learning techniques can enhance the recruitment process in the travel nursing industry by helping speed up data acquisition using a multi-model data service and then providing personalized recommendations using bi-directional reinforcement learning with active learning. This need was especially evident when trying to respond to the overwhelming needs of healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for traveling nurses and other healthcare professionals was more evident during the lockdown period. A data service was architected for job feed processing using an orchestration of natural language processing (NLP) models that synthesize job-related data into a database efficiently and accurately. The multi-model data service provided the data necessary to develop a bi-directional personalization system using reinforcement learning with active learning that could recommend travel nurses and healthcare professionals to recruiters and provide job recommendations to applicants using an internally developed smart match score as a basis. The bi-directional personalization reinforcement learning-based architecture with active learning combines two personalization systems - one that runs forward to recommend qualified candidates for jobs and another that runs backward and recommends jobs for applicants.


Mulyoto Pangestu is an Indonesian who studied in Melbourne on two occasions; in 1993-1996, and in 1998-2005. During his first period of study he started at the University of Melbourne, but transferred to Monash University in 1994. He completed a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science in his one year at Melbourne University, before completing his Masters in Reproductive Science at Monash in 1994-1996. The change in field was the reason for his transferral to Monash. After two and a half years back in Indonesia, he returned to Monash University to complete his PhD in Reproductive Science. He was awarded Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB) Scholarships to study in Australia. The interview was conducted in English on 18 August 2014 by Dr. Jemma Purdey of Deakin University. This set comprises: an interview recording, a timed summary and a photograph.


Food is one of the human survival requirements. Even though world food production can yield sufficient for the global population currently, the hunger population is still very large. The global population continues to expand from 7 billion now to an expected 10 billion in 2100. Additionally, climate change challenges global food production. Thus, feeding the growing population is an urgent problem to be solved. Food safety, food politics and food for producing energy should be taken into account to find solutions for feeding current and future populations. From a psychological perspective, influencing individual attitudes can be a good strategy to contribute to solving global food issues. This thesis aimed at taking an overall look at the food management (FM) situation in an attempt to contribute to a better, i.e. sustainable, future food situation. This was done by reviews of literature related to the world food situation, FM development and regulation, and the connection between the described situation and individuals' attitudes.A pilot study was conducted in 2010 to investigate attitudes towards taking away food leftovers from restaurants. The sample in the study was a convenient sample of students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. A self-completion questionnaire survey was applied to collect the data of the samples' attitudes and of the relationships between such attitudes and various predictors. Stepwise regression was used to test to what degree the predictors explained variance in the general attitude to food waste, and to food waste generated in expensive as well as not so expensive restaurants. The results showed that social norms, personal norms and frequency of experience contributed to explain a smaller fact of the variance in the attitudes. In addition, t-tests were used to compare both the Norwegian and non Norwegian groups of students, and between gender groups. The only difference in the attitudes showed between Norwegian and non Norwegian groups. This pilot study could give some indications for other future studies working with possible strategies to manage global food waste issues.The discussion focuses on dilemmas related to the food situation involving food production and distribution, use and misuse, and the challenges related to food management and sustainability.


Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system. Both degenerating injured nerves and neighboring sprouting nerves can contribute to neuropathic pain. However, the mesoscale changes in cutaneous nerve fibers over time after the loss of the parent nerve has not been investigated in detail. In this study, we followed the changes in nerve fibers longitudinally in the toe tips of mice that had undergone spared nerve injury (SNI). Nav1.8‐tdTomato, Thy1‐GFP and MrgD‐GFP mice were used to observe the small and large cutaneous nerve fibers. We found that peripheral nerve plexuses degenerated within 3 days of nerve injury, and free nerve endings in the epidermis degenerated within 2 days. The timing of degeneration paralleled the initiation of mechanical hypersensitivity. We also found that some of the Nav1.8‐positive nerve plexuses and free nerve endings in the fifth toe survived, and sprouting occurred mostly from 7 to 28 days. The timing of the sprouting of nerve fibers in the fifth toe paralleled the maintenance phase of mechanical hypersensitivity. Our results support the hypotheses that both injured and intact nerve fibers participate in neuropathic pain, and that, specifically, nerve degeneration is related to the initiation of evoked pain and nerve sprouting is related to the maintenance of evoked pain.


A news headline from the Daily Maverick in April read, "Grim findings after health facilities are inspected". The article went on to describe the results of inspections of 567 clinics and 51 hospitals around the country. The results were, to say the least, very disappointing, and to be brutally honest, they were both unacceptable and terrifying.


Detection timing of laser pulse returned from the satellite AJISAI is modeled for a single-photon laser ranging system. The average distribution of ten thousand return pulses simulated under their model agrees well with the distribution of residuals of full-rate range data taken from Herstmonceux station that uses the single-photon detection concept. Their model indicates that the center-of-mass correction for AJISAI will differ by 28 mm between multiphoton detection and single-photon detection. The ranging data of AJISAI and LAGEOS satellites from 1995-1996 was analyzed to estimate the range bias for each laser station, and Herstmonceux station was found to have a 26 mm difference between AJISAI and LAGEOS. The other multiphoton stations have smaller differences. The results show that the difference between the multiphoton system and the single-photon system is detected and close to that predicted by our AJISAI model.


ZABOJ, M.: Behaviour of subjects of the independent retail market in distribution process of food products. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun., 2004, LII, No. 6, pp. 161-174 The paper deal with the actual situation on the Czech independent retail market. Multinational retail chains represent the thread to small and medium sized trade firms due to large range of products, strong er position in negotiations with suppliers and financial power. That is reason why others independent re tailers have to co-operate together and obtain the same advantages. Nowadays the discuss among Czech wholesale stocks with their retail nets is in progress. This discussion is aimed to establishing the Czech trade strategic alliance (TSA CZ) as an instrument for increasing of competitive ability. That is necessary also for connection with some other foreign or global trade alliance. Present situation offers to collaborate with two trade systems. The first is CBA operating in nine countries of the Central and Eastern Europe and the second is MARKANT working mainly in Germany and Austria. It seems TSA CZ has to decide between two business concepts – east or west. During the decision making is important to recognize what is more sufficient not only for the Czech trade firms on independent market but also for the Czech customer because satisfaction his needs and wants should be the mission of all retailers.


The thermal denaturation of bovine cardiac G-actin has been studied by ultraviolet difference spectroscopy and circular dichroism between pH 7.5 and 10.5. As with proteins previously studied, thermal unfolding is incomplete compared with unfolding by urea or GuHCl. However, the same conformational change is observed over the pH range studied, and the available evidence indicates it is a two-state transition. Thermodynamic analysis of the data shows that deltaHo and deltaSo are strongly dependent on the temperature, that deltaCp is 1300 cal deg-1 mol-1, and that G-actin has a temperature of maximum stability near -5 degrees C.


Objective To evaluate the maternal demographics, incidence, perinatal outcomes, and characteristics of babies born before arrival (BBAs) to hospitals. Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted at a large maternity unit in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 200 mothers who attended the hospital within 24 hours of an out-of-hospital birth were recruited and interviewed, and 142 participants were eligible. A total of 128 mothers who delivered their babies in hospital (inborns) were used as the control group. Specific maternal and neonatal characteristics were analysed. Results The incidence of BBAs was 2.2%. The percentage of premature neonates in the BBA group was 54% vs 17.9% for inborns (p ≤ 0.001). A total of 33.8% of BBA mothers were unbooked vs 2.4% of inborns (p ≤ 0.001). The majority (59%) of inborns were primigravidas whereas the majority (73.9%) in the BBA group were multigravidas (p ≤ 0.001). Women in the BBA group were more prone to genital tears (p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences in respect of NICU admission and all-cause mortality; however, an increased risk for hypothermia and hypoglycaemia was found. Conclusion BBAs are at a significant risk of prematurity, low birth weight, hypothermia, and hypoglycaemia and are prone to longer hospital stays.


There are over six million disabled adults in this country. This was the principal finding of the recent OPCS survey into disability — a finding which surprised many people. Given that disability is more prevalent among the elderly, our ageing population profile means that the number of disabled people is going to increase rather than decrease over the next decade. This, coupled with the greater marketing orientation of major charities and pressure groups representing disabled people, will mean that market research among disabled people will increasingly be in demand, and researchers will have to address the methodological issues that are involved. This paper seeks to examine some of these issues by sharing BMRB's recent experiences on two projects among people with disabilities.


Introduction:

The use of fecal surveillance cultures in predicting bacteremia in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplant is an unsettled issue (Neshar et al. Transpl. Infect Dis. 2015). With the increasing incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms and high mortality rates with these infections, we sought to describe the spectrum of MDR identified in fecal surveillance, and re-visit the use of fecal surveillance in predicting infection with MDR organisms post-allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT).

Methods:

We analyzed data from all patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant during a 2 year period (2014-2015). Patients with MDR strains of bacteria (defined in this study as defined as Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), Extended spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) and Carbapenem resistant enterobacteriacea (CRE)) in fecal surveillance were compared with patients who did not have MDR in fecal surveillance cultures. Baseline characteristics and post allo-SCT outcomes including MDR blood culture positivity, severe sepsis and 100-day transplant related mortality (TRM) were compared. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors of outcome.

R esults:

A total of 313 allogeneic stem cell transplants were performed in 299 patients, of which data on pre-transplant fecal surveillance cultures were available in 232 transplants. The incidence of MDR isolates in fecal surveillance cultures was 56% (134/232, with E.Coli 118, Klebsiella 33 and Enterococcus 13). Of these, 129 were ESBL alone (78.6%), 17 were CRE alone (10.3%), 10 were ESBL + CRE (6%), 6 (3.6%) were VRE alone. More than one drug resistant organism was isolated in fecal surveillance in 31 patients. The incidence of any MDR positivity in post-transplant blood cultures in all patients was 13.8% (32/232), with 9.4% CRE, 2.6% ESBL, and 1.7% VRE. Thirty-one patients had severe sepsis without any MDR organism isolated on blood culture, but of these 3 had CRE in sputum, 2 had Colistin resistant Acetinobacter (sputum), 2 had candidemia, 3 had NF-GNB and one had Enterococcus.

Baseline characteristics between patients who were positive and negative for MDR in fecal surveillance were similar in relation in relation to age (p=0.058), diagnosis (0.133), type of transplant - matched family/MUD/Haplo (p=0.610), stem cell source (0.370), grade 3-4 GVHD (0.834). There was a significantly higher subsequent blood MDR positivity (any MDR) (p=0.012), 100-day mortality (p=0.012) and poor outcome (severe sepsis or 100 day mortality) (p=0.006) in patients who had MDR detected in fecal surveillance cultures. However, of the 25 patients who had MDR isolated in both fecal surveillance culture as well as subsequent blood cultures, only 9 patients had the same organism and susceptibility pattern in both.

Factors influencing 100-day mortality included patient's age (p=0.001), MDR positivity in blood (p=0.0001), MDR in fecal surveillance (p=0.01), use of an alternate (Haplo/MUD/family) donor (p=0.0001), GVHD grade 3-4 (p=0.000) and severe sepsis (p=0.000). On multivariate analysis, only patient's age (p=0.015), alternate donor (0.009), severe sepsis (p=0.000) and grade 3-4 GVHD (p=0.001) retained significance in predicting 100-day mortality.

Conclusion:

Multidrug resistant organisms are frequently seen on fecal surveillance in the pre-transplant setting. MDR in fecal surveillance is associated with a higher incidence of MDR positive blood cultures but not with the same organism, and on univariate analysis is associated with higher incidence of 100 day mortality. Newer strategies to reduce bacteremia and mortality in this group of high risk patients need to be considered.

Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


The research career of Karl F. Lindman, who has widely been referred to as being the first to demonstrate the effect of a chiral medium on electromagnetic waves, is described. During the first half of this century, Lindman completed an extensive research career, using essentially the same methods as Heinrich Hertz did in his time. His work is reviewed, focusing on his chirality studies.<<ETX>>


This study aims to examine the role of institutional quality and financial development
 in innovation activities using international data. This thesis is organized into three
 major parts namely institutions-innovation, finance-innovation and segregated
 finance-innovation nexus.
 The first part of this thesis examines the various roles of sub-component institutions
 (e.g., formal and informal institutions) in countries' innovation activities. Most of the
 recent works only focus on the roles of formal institutions. However, informal
 institutions such as social capital are equally important in determining innovation as it
 could promote the culture of knowledge sharing and thus, encourage innovation
 activities as a whole. The sample consists of 62 developed and developing countries.
 The study adopts instrumental variable estimators, and the empirical results indicate
 that formal and informal institutions complement one another in determining
 countries' innovations level. Moreover, the evidence suggests that innovation level
 tends to be higher in countries with higher social capital. Thus, focus should be given
 in improving formal and informal institution in promoting innovative activities.
 The second part of this thesis aims examine the non-linear relationship between
 financial development and innovation using panel system generalized method of
 moments (GMM) estimators. The motivation of this study is to resolve current
 disparities of finance-innovation relationship as suggested by previous literature. The
 sample countries consist of 75 developed and developing countries and the sample
 period covers from 1996 through 2010. The empirical results reveal an inverted Ushaped
 non-linear relationship between finance and innovation. This implies that
 finance enhances innovation only up to a certain level; beyond that level, further
 development of finance tends to adversely affect innovation. We incorporate the
 institution interaction term to examine its role in governing such relationship. The empirical results suggest that the pattern of the finance-innovation curve varies with
 different settings of institutional quality. Specifically, only countries with high
 institutional quality follow an inverted U-shape of the finance-innovation curve.
 Hence, we conclude that sound institutional quality is a prerequisite before financial
 development has any beneficial impact on innovation. This reflects the inefficiency of
 finance market in facilitating innovation activities in most developing countries.
 Finally, the third part of this thesis aims to validate the non-linear dynamic financeinnovation
 nexus using a panel data of 69 developed and developing countries. This
 study is to investigate the roles of different financial market in influencing innovation
 activities. The empirical results support the idea that there is a threshold effect in the
 finance-innovation relationship. This findings indicate that the level of credit market
 and equity market development is beneficial to a country's innovation only up to a
 certain turning point, and development of the financial market beyond the turning point
 would impede innovation activities. In addition, this study incorporates the roles of
 market institutions (e,g market creating, market stabilizing, market regulating and
 market legitimizing) in overseeing the finance-innovation relationship. The findings
 suggest that market institutions especially market creating and market regulating
 institutions plays important role in the finance-innovation relationship.
 Overall, the findings of this thesis conclude that i) Informal institutions is compliment
 to formal institutions in promoting countries innovations. ii) Non-linear relationship
 was found between financial development and innovation which follows an inverted
 U-shape curve. Here, institutional quality plays an important roles in governing such
 relationship. Countries with sound institutional quality follow an inverted U-shape
 finance-innovation curve while countries with weak institutional quality follow a Ushape
 curve. iii) Non-linear relationship also found between credit-innovation and
 equity-innovation nexus. Coincidencely, it's also follows an inverted U-shape curve.
 However, equity market development are found to have a lengthier beneficial impact
 compared to credit market development. Besides, it's also found market institutions
 plays an important roles on finance leads innovation relationship.


Field studies that investigate sediment transport between debris‐flow‐producing headwaters and rivers are uncommon, particularly in forested settings, where debris flows are infrequent and opportunities for collecting data are limited. This study quantifies the volume and composition of sediment deposited in the arterial channel network of a 14‐km2 catchment (Washington Creek) that connects small, burned and debris‐flow‐producing headwaters (<1 km2) with the Ovens River in SE Australia. We construct a sediment budget by combining new data on deposition with a sediment delivery model for post‐fire debris flows. Data on deposits were plotted alongside the slope–area curve to examine links between processes, catchment morphometry and geomorphic process domains. The results show that large deposits are concentrated in the proximity of three major channel junctions, which correspond to breaks in channel slope. Hyperconcentrated flows are more prominent towards the catchment outlet, where the slope–area curve indicates a transition from debris flow to fluvial domains. This shift corresponds to a change in efficiency of the flow, determined from the ratio of median grain size to channel slope. Our sediment budget suggests a total sediment efflux from Washington Creek catchment of 61 × 103 m3. There are similar contributions from hillslopes (43 ± 14 × 103 m3), first to third stream order channel (35 ± 12 × 103 m3) and the arterial fourth to fifth stream order channel (31 ± 17 × 103 m3) to the total volume of erosion. Deposition (39 ± 17 × 103 m3) within the arterial channel was higher than erosion (31 ± 17 × 103 m3), which means a net sediment gain of about 8 × 103 m3 in the arterial channel. The ratio of total deposition to total erosion was 0.44. For fines <63 μm, this ratio was much smaller (0.11), which means that fines are preferentially exported. This has important implications for suspended sediment and water quality in downstream rivers. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This article reports the original use of a specifically designed coronary sinus (CS) lead for permanent left atrial (LA) pacing. The device is characterized by its distal end shape featuring a double 45° angulation. which ensures very close contact with the CS upper wall. The device was successfully implanted in 39 out of 40 patients (97.5%). The tip electrode was eventually positioned in the distal CS in 9 patients, in the middle CS in 21 patients, and close to the ostium in the proximal CS in 9 patients. The mean acute pacing threshold voltage was 0.9 ± 0.5 V with a mean impedance of 578 ± 144 Ω as measured in unipolar distal configuration at 0.5 ms pulse width (PW). The mean A wave amplitude was 3.5 ± 2.1 mV. Early lead dislodgment occurred only once (3%) when the tip electrode was placed in the distal or middle CS, but more often (4/9 cases) when it was placed in the proximal CS. After a mean follow‐up duration of 14 ± 8.5 months, 35 of the 39 successfully implanted leads (89.7%) were still functional in terms of LA pacing and sensing. The mean chronic pacing threshold voltage was 1.5 ± 0.8 V and the mean A wave amplitude was 2.7 ± 1.6 mV. There were no lead related complications. In conclusion, the device proved to be safe and highly effective for permanent LA pacing, provided the distal tip could be positioned in the distal or middle part of the CS.


Aim: Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular green microalga with several pharmacological activities including anti-hyperlipidemic effects. In spite of interesting preclinical findings, the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris in dyslipidemia—whether alone or in combination with statins—has not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with C. vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects. Methods: In a randomised, open-label clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (i) Chlorella group (n = 50, dropouts = 24), receiving C. vulgaris (600 mg/day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks; or (ii) atorvastatin group (n = 50, dropouts = 13), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and biomarkers of muscular, hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results: There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.006 in Chlorella and P = 0.004 in atorvastatin group) in both groups. No significant change in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed in any of the groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised in both Chlorella (P = 0.034) and atorvastatin (P = 0.002) groups, whereas alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in the Chlorella group (P = 0.028). In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: Based on the results, addition of C. vulgaris to atorvastatin therapy for 8 weeks does not appear to be associated with an improved control of serum lipid profile.


Subglacial abrasion drives erosion for many glaciers, inundating forefields and proglacial marine environments with glaciogenic sediments. Theoretical treatments of this process suggest that bedrock abrasion rates scale linearly with the energy expended through rock-on-rock friction during slip, but this assumption lacks an empirical basis for general implementation. To test this approach, we simulated abrasion by sliding debris-laden ice over rock beds under subglacial conditions in a cryo-ring shear and a direct shear device. Miniscule volumes of erosion that occurred during each run were mapped with a white-light profilometer, and we measured the rock mechanical properties needed to constrain the energy expended through abrasion. We find that abraded volume per unit area increases linearly with average shear force at the bed and that abrasion rates increase linearly with basal power for plane beds. Lastly, only a small percentage (1%) of the energy partitioned to basal slip is dissipated by abrasion. These results confirm the basal-power abrasion rule is viable to implement in landscape evolution models.


The second edition of this successful and popular text has been updated and revised to include recent issues in development economics. Significant new additions include: * Asian values and development * democracy, human rights and good governance * globalization and development * boxed summaries of key arguments and glossary. Westernizing the Third World identifies the mainstream economic theories which have been employed in developing countries. The author examines these and explains why Eurocentric concepts are not suitable for the developing world.