SUMMARY Suicidal behavior has different levels: ideation, contemplation, planning and preparation, attempt, and consummation. Likewise, suicidal behavior comprises all the actions aimed at achieving suicide. During adolescence there is a tendency to a reduction of emotional well-being. Thus, adolescents may engage in dangerous behavior, extreme narcissism and individualization, exclusion and social isolation. Another element playing an important role during adolescence is self-esteem. Low self-esteem could lead to apathy, isolation, and passivity. Conversely, high self-esteem is associated with more active lives, a greater control over circumstances, less anxiety and greater capacity to cope with internal and external stress. Although there are other factors that could predispose adolescents towards suicidal behavior, certain studies have identified depressive symptomatology as the most powerful and independent risk factor in suicidal ideation and it has been argued that it should be regarded as an expression of severe depression. The purpose of this study is to explore the existence of a relationship between low self-esteem and depressive symptomatology with suicidal ideation and to explore if gender has an effect in this interaction. Data were obtained from three different samples of Mexican adolescent students. The instruments used were the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the CESD, and the Roberts Suicidal Ideation Scale. Women showed a higher frequency of low self-esteem than men in two studies. In another, men had a significantly higher frequency of low self-esteem. Regarding depressive symptomatology, women obtained higher scores than men. No significant differences were found in one study. The percentages of high suicidal ideation displayed greater variability by gender and by study. Among the subjects who reported high suicide ideation, a greater proportion of women tended to have low selfesteem, though these differences were not significant in any study. Over half of the women in each study reported higher suicidal ideation and depressive symptomatology than men, with significant differences only among junior high students in two studies. The exploration of the link between depressive symptomatology and high suicidal ideation showed significant differences by gender, a finding which might be linked to the fact that women are more allowed to express their depressive or fatalistic feelings and thoughts or death wishes, whereas among men this type of ideas are perceived as a sign of weakness. Gender-related differences in low self-esteem were only found in one study; men had a higher percentage than women. The comparison of low self-esteem in subjects with high suicidal ideation did not reveal any statistical difference by gender, despite it has been identified as a risk factor for suicidal behavior. In the other hand, results of depressive symptomatology concurred with international literature about this being a determinant factor in the presence of suicidal ideation in women. Considering the objective of this study, three main conclusions can be suggested. First, low self-esteem is not significantly linked to suicidal ideation, perhaps because it is a risk factor more associated with suicidal behavior. Second, depressive symptomatology was related to suicidal ideation, and although this relationship and the one between depressive symptomatology and self-esteem have been reported before, it is important to note that there seems to be a domino effect among these problems. This effect could begin with depressive symptoms linked to suicidal ideation, which in turn could affect self-esteem, and subsequently trigger suicidal behavior. And third, differences between men and women raise the question of whether these are caused by intrinsic characteristics in a biological-genetic substrate inherent to each gender or whether they are determined by the cultural context and the formative patterns existing in the groups to which the subjects belong.


Investigations carried out during leg SO242/2 of RV SONNE to the DISCOL experimental area in Sep.
2015 show that the removal of the reactive surface layer by disturbances created in 1989 is still
reflected in altered microbial standing stocks and activities. Based on measurements of microbial
carbon assimilation rates (inorganic carbon uptake, oxygen uptake, leucine uptake) and the carbon
and nitrogen content of the sediment, we estimated the time needed post-disturbance for microbial
regrowth and community turnover to reach initial population sizes. According to these calculations,
microbial cell numbers are expected to recover in less than a year. Surprisingly, 26 years after the
disturbance, population sizes still do not reach the level found at reference sites. Also the community
structure still differs at the disturbed sites. Various explanations for the lack of growth are possible:
Grazing, viral lysis, removal of manganese nodules, and a lack of labile organic matter are some of
the potential mechanisms which may limit microbial population growth, in spite of the relatively high
carbon assimilation rates.


We examine honesty and credible auditing in firm-investor relations in a repeated game of imperfect information, embedded in a general equilibrium framework. Informed auditors enhance credibility over a range of audit fees – despite the auditor's incentive to collude – provided the probability of detection is imperfectly correlated across clients. Auditing can enhance growth especially for a relatively egalitarian distribution of wealth. We show that audit fees must be neither too high nor too low to enhance client credibility, highlight the role of mandatory audit fee disclosure, interpret international differences in shareholding patterns and uncover a possible rationale for audit industry concentration.


Four of the better developed resist schemes that are out growths of DUV (248 and 193 nm) resist development are considered as candidates for EUV. They are as follows: trilayer, a thin imaging layer on top of a refractory masking/pattern transfer layer on top of a planarizing and processing layer (PPL); solution-developed, organometallic bilayer where the imaging and masking layer have been combined into one material on top of a PPL; plasma deposited, photo-definable plasma developed organo-refractory material on top of a PPL; and finally silylated resists. They are examined in a very general form without regard to the specifics of chemistry or the variations within each group, but rather as to what is common to each group and how that affects their effectiveness as candidates for a near term EUV resist. In particular they are examined with respect to sensitivity, potential resolution, optical density, etching selectivity during pattern transfer, and any issues associated with pattern fidelity such as swelling.


We aimed to explore the role of Solute Carrier Family 35 Member F2 (SLC35F2) in pancreatic cancer (PCa) and to further study whether SLC35F2 regulates cisplatin resistance of PCa cells through the modulation of RNA binding motif protein 14 (RBM14) expression. SLC35F2 expression in 60 pairs of PCa tissues and adjacent ones was studied by RT-PCR analysis. Meanwhile, SLC35F2 expression levels in PCa cell lines were also evaluated by qPCR assay. In addition, SLC35F2 knockdown models were constructed in PCa cisplatin-resistant cells. Furthermore, we determined the interaction between SLC35F2 and RBM14 via luciferase assay. The findings of the present study demonstrated that SLC35F2 was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues. High level of SLC35F2 indicated higher incidence of metastasis and shorter survival rates. In vitro cell experiments revealed that knockdown of SLC35F2 suppressed cell invasion and metastasis capacity of cisplatin-resistant PCa cell lines PANC-1/DDP and CFPAC-1/DDP. It was also suggested that the key protein RBM14 in the SLC35F2 knockdown group was remarkably reduced. SLC35F2 can bind to RBM14 specifically. Overexpression of RBM14 partially reversed the effects of knockdown of SLC35F2 on the development of PCa. SLC35F2 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines is remarkably increased. In addition, it was also suggested that SLC35F2 may regulate cisplatin resistance of PCa cells through modulating RBM14 expression. In conclusion, it is conceivable from the study that SLC35F2 was remarkably upregulated in PCa and promoted the malignancy of PCa via regulating RBM14.


Background A diversity of microorganisms is associated with human health and exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This diversity has direct implications for the assessment of susceptibility to infectious diseases, especially human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Methods Here, we investigated the relationships between HPV infection and vaginal, cervical, and gut microbiota composition and assessed the levels of genital immune mediators. We selected a multiethnic area in Yunnan Province, China, to collect samples from healthy women of childbearing age. A total of 82 healthy women of childbearing age were included in this study. Vaginal, cervical, and rectal swabs were collected to analyze the microbial community, and cytokines were analyzed in some samples. Findings Different proportions and types of HPV infection were detected in cervical (44%), vaginal (18%), and rectal (18%) swabs. HPV detected in cervical swabs was generally a high-risk type, while low-risk HPV types were primarily detected in vaginal and rectal swabs. There were some differences in this proportion as well as in the microbial community composition among different ethnic groups. Rectal samples exhibited the highest diversity index, while vaginal samples displayed the lowest diversity index. Lactobacillus dominated most of the vaginal samples, was decreased in HPV-positive samples, and differed among different ethnic groups. However, the sequence proportion of Lactobacillus in the cervix exhibited the opposite trend in those affected by HPV infection. The dynamic balance between the potential pathogens Gardnerella and Lactobacillus determines the health of the female genital system. Interpretation This study constitutes the first step toward personalized medicine for women's reproductive health, wherein differences between the genital microbiomes of individuals would be considered in risk assessment and for subsequent disease diagnosis and treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To study whether Langchuangping granule (LG) could exert its renal protection by down-regulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) via suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway in BXSB lupus nephritis (LN) mice. Methods Eighteen male 11-week-old BXSB LN mice were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the model group, the hormone group, and the Chinese medicine group, 6 in each. They were administered by gastrogavage with normal saline, methylprednisolone, and LG, respectively. Another six C57BL/6 male mice of the same age was taken as the normal control group, which was administered with normal saline by gastrogavage. All mice were treated once daily, for 4 successive weeks. The 24-h urine protein was determined. The mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 in the renal tissue were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the renal tissue was detected using immunohistochemical assay. Activity index (AI) of the renal tissue was counted using PAS stain. The content of ds-DNA antibody was detected using ELISA. The correlations of the aforesaid indices were analyzed.

RESULTS
The 24-h urine protein level, serum ds-DNA antibody content, protein and mRNA expressions of MCP-1, NF-kappaB p65 expression level, and AI count were obviously higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.01). The aforesaid indices all obviously decreased after medication in the Chinese medicine group and the hormone group (P < 0.05). MCP-1 protein expression level was positively correlated with MCP-1 mRNA, NF-kappaB p65, AI, 24-h urine protein, and ds-DNA antibody of all LN mice (r= 0.984, 0.936, 0.887, 0.698, 0.679, all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
LG possibly played renal protection by down-regulating NF-kappaB-mediated MCP-1 expression levels. MCP-1 played important roles in the occurrence and development of LN, being one of ideal targets for LN treatment.


Device-relaying enhanced multiple-input single-output (MISO) orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems are one of the promising and cost-effective methods to satisfy data rate requirements of future wireless networks. To implement device relaying in MISO-OFDMA systems efficiently, the channel state information belonging to all links is required at the base station. However, the feedback load increases with the number of users, device-relay candidates, antennas and subcarriers. A novel scheduling and a joint feedback link design and relay selection algorithm in device-relaying enhanced downlink MISO-OFDMA systems are proposed, while reducing the feedback load significantly without sacrificing the system performance.


NMR studies of very high molecular weight protein complexes have been greatly facilitated through the development of labeling strategies whereby 13CH3 methyl groups are introduced into highly deuterated proteins. Robust and cost-effective labeling methods are well established for all methyl containing amino acids with the exception of Thr. Here we describe an inexpensive biosynthetic strategy for the production of L-[α-2H; β−2H;γ-13C]-Thr that can then be directly added during protein expression to produce highly deuterated proteins with Thr methyl group probes of structure and dynamics. These reporters are particularly valuable, because unlike other methyl containing amino acids, Thr residues are localized predominantly to the surfaces of proteins, have unique hydrogen bonding capabilities, have a higher propensity to be found at protein nucleic acid interfaces and can play important roles in signaling pathways through phosphorylation. The utility of the labeling methodology is demonstrated with an application to the 670 kDa proteasome core particle, where high quality Thr 13C,1H correlation spectra are obtained that could not be generated from samples prepared with commercially available U-[13C,1H]-Thr.


Different disease risk for diabetic nephropathy (DN) may be partly due to the diverse genetic susceptibility of the disease. This systematic review aimed to identify the genetic variants with a substantial effect on DN and to evaluate the genetic models used in the reviewed studies. We searched the ScienceDirect and PubMed databases for all eligible studies comparing genetic variants in patients with and without DN from 2005-2016. We included a total of 14 studies and identified 13 genes with 17 related variants. The OR was from 2.9 to 9.95. The genes were involved in the pathogenesis of DN via the hemodynamic ( ACE , AGT , AGTR1 ), metabolic ( ACACB , MTHFR , PPARGC1A ) and inflammatory ( TNF- a , TGFβ1 , eNOS , CCR5 , HSP70-1 , MPO , OPN gene promoter) pathways. The results of these studies were presented according to pre-specified genetic models: basic, additive, dominant and recessive. No genetic model selection was biologically justified. We identified 17 genetic variants that were significantly associated with DN and were determined using different genetic models. To reduce error, further replication with the best genetic model should be carried out to determine the role of these variants in DN. Keywords: case-control studies; diabetic nephropathy; genetic model; systematic review  Cite as: Norfazilah Ahmad, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, et al (2019) A systematic review of diabetic nephropathy associated polymorphisms and its genetic model. Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine , Vol 3:1 Date received: February 14 th , 2019      Date accepted:  April 18 th , 2019


The Aptian/Albian oceanic anoxic event 1b contains the record of several perturbations in the global carbon cycle and multiple black shale levels, particularly in the Western Tethys. The local lithological expression of an oceanic anoxic event depends on palaeogeographical and depositional setting as well as on regional palaeoclimate. Marine sediments at a particular location may therefore be more or less organic‐rich (or not at all) and they may consist of different lithologies. In most studies, however, much of the lithological variability associated with oceanic anoxic events is left unaccounted for and, thus, the exact processes leading to the enrichment of organic matter in these marine sediments and their subsequent preservation in the geological record are unknown. This study focuses on the local sedimentary processes behind the deposition of organic‐rich sediments at Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 545 and Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1049 and 1276 in the North Atlantic during oceanic anoxic event 1b. Although specifically dealing with the sediments deposited during this particular event at these localities, it is expected that the same processes were responsible for determining the exact sedimentary products at localities in similar settings, as well as during other similar events in the Mesozoic. Here, it is shown that the deposition of organic‐rich sediments during oceanic anoxic event 1b was a consequence of the enhanced productivity favoured by upwelling and by riverine nutrient input, or aeolian fertilization of the euphotic zone depending on geographical location. Slope instability processes resulted in the transfer of part of these organic‐rich sediments from the shelf to deep sea depocentres as mud‐laden organic‐rich turbidites, especially in the northern North Atlantic. The so‐called 'black shales' are much more varied than their name implies. The end product of sedimentation during an oceanic anoxic event at a particular location is commonly the result of several equifinal processes acting on a local scale rather than the direct result of basinal or even global mechanisms.


Elevation of intraocular pressure after the topical application of cyloplegic, though rarely noted in the normal population, is seen in some 25% of the open angle glaucomatous population. No positive cycloplegic provocative responses were elicited from a population of 58 normals. After three weeks of treatment with topically administered dexamethasone, however, a 19% incidence of positive cycloplegic provocative tests was found in this same group. No correlation was noted between poststeroid intraocular pressure and cyloplegic-induced pressure elevation, but a statistically significant, inverse correlation between positive cycloplegic responses and outflow facility was noted after steroid treatment. The phenomenon of cycloplegic-induced pressure elevation thus appears to be related more closely to impaired outflow facility than to pretesting intraocular pressure levels.


Introduction: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical intervention that has the potential to dramatically decrease the incidence of HIV but remains an underutilized method of HIV prevention. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health administered an online survey to health care providers in the Philadelphia area with the aim of characterizing PrEP attitudes, knowledge, and prescribing practices. Methods: Online surveys were distributed to 1000 providers who were recruited through distribution lists of Philadelphia medical providers between September and December 2017. A Likert-type response scale was utilized to analyze participant self-reported responses. Participant practice settings included HIV/ID, family and internal medicine, women's health, and pediatric/adolescent clinics. Results and Discussion: The response rate of the survey was 9%. Of 81 complete responses, 75% (N = 61) felt comfortable providing PrEP and 77% (N = 62) had ever written a PrEP prescription. Compared with primary care providers, HIV care providers were significantly more knowledgeable about required laboratory testing for prescribing PrEP (P = .03) and were more likely to have prescribed PrEP to more than 10 patients (P = .006). Women's health and pediatric providers reported feeling less comfortable providing PrEP to their patients (P = .0003). Conclusion: The majority of health care providers in the Philadelphia area who responded to the survey reported experience with providing PrEP to their patients. In the present study, HIV care providers were significantly more comfortable and knowledgeable about prescribing PrEP compared with providers in primary care, women's health, and/or adolescent/pediatric medicine. Results were limited by sampling bias, as providers who responded to the survey may have prior experience with PrEP. Future Health Department educational trainings need to target primary and preventive care providers, providers who have never prescribed PrEP, and providers who see few patients living with HIV.


With the advent of multiple emerging technologies, we are on the verge of 4IR. This revolution exposes new challenges as well as exciting opportunities. Only the countries with expertise in these emerging technologies can successfully meet the challenges and exploit the opportunities. Blockchain technology is widely regarded as one of the core and foundational technologies that will be one of the driving forces for the upcoming 5IR (Fifth Industrial Revolution). Realizing its potential, many developed as well as developing countries around the world have started exploring how blockchain technology can prepare them for the future challenges and benefit them to solve many existing complex problems to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by 2030. This paper is an effort to recognize the need to explore blockchain technology in order to advance its technical capacity, increase efficiency in e-Governances and foster innovations.


Purpose. This study used high-resolution research confocal laser scanning microscopy to study the epithelium of fresh bovine corneas treated with two contact lens solutions. Methods. Fresh bovine corneal buttons were stained with a combination of the cell-permeable mitochondrial- and nuclear-specific dyes rhodamine 123 and Hoechst 33342 or acridine orange and imaged with a confocal laser scanning microscope. High-resolution X,Y images of the corneal epithelium were taken with a Zeiss 510 confocal laser scanning microscope at a 0.44–062 -&mgr;m Z step, and three-dimensional images of the entire thickness of the corneal epithelium were reconstructed. Semiautomated quantitative MatLab software analysis was applied to count the mitochondria in each optical slice. The effects of treatment for 30 minutes with OPTI-FREE Express and ReNu MultiPlus No Rub were investigated and compared to Hanks' balanced salt solution controls. Results. This study showed the feasibility of using the confocal laser scanning microscope with fluorescent dyes to study organelles throughout the epithelial layers of fresh unfixed bovine corneas. The mitochondria in the intermediate and basal epithelium are abundant and range in length from less than 1 &mgr;m to threads greater than 15 &mgr;m, with a tendency to accumulate around the nuclei. Image analysis indicated significantly fewer mitochondria only in the superficial epithelium after treatment with ReNu MultiPlus No Rub treatment. OPTI-FREE Express treatment produced significantly fewer mitochondria not only in the superficial but also in the intermediate epithelial layers. Conclusions. OPTI-FREE Express has the potential for deeper mitochondrial effects compared to ReNu MultiPlus No Rub and Hanks' balanced salt solution controls.


Dental quackery has been a problem for decades and is becoming a major concern in many countries, including Malaysia. Recent development of a new service offered by quacks in Malaysia is "fake braces", which alarmed dental professionals. The fake braces appear similar to the professionally fitted orthodontic appliances comprising of archwires that are secured on brackets by coloured ligatures except they are fitted by unqualified individuals who have no formal clinical training. In addition, the orthodontic materials and dental equipment used for this illegal service were substandard and unregulated. Therefore, such fitted appliances are harmful to the teeth and oral health. Efforts to record the extent of fake braces practice and its oral health consequences have been challenging as they are marketed through the social media, and the victims were either reluctant to come forward or did not know the appropriate channel to file a complaint to the health authority. This paper aims to highlight typical presentation of fake braces, modus operandi of fake braces providers, the harmful effects of fake braces on the patient's oral health, the role of social media advertising in promoting fake braces, and the impacts to the illegal providers.


Background Healthcare systems are critical to the well-being of the society. In such a setting, the ability of the system to perform its intended mission/function during the designed period of time (ie, reliability) is essential. However, there remains a scarcity of literature, suggesting how the concept of reliability can be addressed in the context of critical healthcare infrastructure systems. Methods We recognise the importance of healthcare in the context of critical infrastructures. These systems produce goods and services essential for maintaining and sustaining public well-being. We suggest the use of failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FAMECA) approach to increase reliability in critical healthcare systems. Phases of FAMECA are described. Results After reviewing the application of FAMECA and describing its basics, authors describe critical healthcare sector in terms of components, organisations, management and non-healthcare interdependent systems. The resulting application indicates applicability of the approach and articulates failure modes, effects and development of possible solutions to such modes and effects to increase reliability. The presented application, however, is very general and specific case applications are needed. Conclusions A decision to suggest the FAMECA as a methodological approach in critical healthcare systems is pivotal to improving systems reliability and enhances the ability of the system to meet its intended missions during the designed period of time. The utility of FAMECA is found in its ability to identify potential failure modes, their effects and suggesting remedial efforts, including tools and technologies to address failure modes and their effects.


Studies of liquid-vapor-multisolid (L-V-nS) and liquid-vapor ± halite fluid inclusions suggest that at least three fundamentally different brines were involved in the genesis of the Proterozoic ironstone-hosted Starra Au-Cu deposit. Element concentrations determined from proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of groups of L-V-nS inclusions from the early barren magnetite ironstone stage (400°–550°C) and the younger mineralization stage (220°–360°C) covary over concentration ranges greater than the deduced analytical errors. The L-V-nS inclusions in the two stages are very different, with higher ratios of Fe and K to Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, and Pb in the ironstone stage. Quite distinct, pseudosecondary NaCl-CaCl₂-H₂O inclusions are abundant in mineralization-stage quartz, calcite, and anhydrite. High concentrations of Cu (ca. >1,000 ppm) are present in some L-V-nS inclusions of both stages, and the data suggest that large amounts of Cu, Mn, Zn, As, Ba, and Pb passed through the Starra system as it evolved. Cl/Br ratios in the inclusions are mostly less than 0.002 and clearly different from those of ore fluids of the giant sedimentary-hosted copper orebody at Mount Isa. This could reflect a major magmatic contribution to the salinity at Starra that is consistent with the preferred origin of the water in published stable isotope studies. Ba concentrations of at least several wt percent in some mineralization-stage L-V-nS inclusions are associated with oxidized sulfur-bearing mineral parageneses. Given the low solubility of barite this suggests that a(S2)-f(O2) relationships varied during mineralization.


This study presents how Mualem-van Genuchten (M-vG) hydraulic parameters of a sandy soil can be obtained from ground-penetrating radar data acquired during water infiltration down a tube placed in a vertical hole. Water content profiles were simulated at various infiltration time steps using SWMS-2D based on initial values of the M-vG parameters and were converted to dielectric permittivity profiles using the Complex Refractive Index Model. The GprMax2D suite of programs was used to generate radargrams showing the electromagnetic reflections on the simulated wetting bulb. The shuffled complex evolution algorithm was used to estimate the M-vG parameters from GPR reflections measured during a constant head borehole infiltration. The method is presented on synthetic examples and on field experiments carried out in a sandy soil. The estimated parameters were compared with values obtained in laboratory on soil samples and with disk infiltrometer measurements.


The objective of this study was to improve the production from anther culture of embryos and green plants in Australian spring wheat genotypes by testing new treatments such as n-butanol, as well as other protocol modifications. To date, the use of n-butanol to enhance embryogenesis has only been tested in two European wheat cultivars; this is the first study which demonstrates its application across a range of breeding crosses. A 5-h treatment using 0.1 or 0.2% (v/v) n-butanol following anther pretreatment on a solid mannitol medium significantly improved the production of embryos, green plants and doubled haploids in a range of Australian wheat crosses and varieties. Green plant production increased between 3- and 6-fold in the crosses Yitpi/2*Bumper, Tammarin Rock/2*Bumper and Tammarin Rock/2*Magenta. The addition of calcium (Ca) and macronutrients to the mannitol pretreatment medium also significantly improved the number of embryos and green plants in varieties and crosses, but only when used in combination with n-butanol treatment. A factorial experiment with four varieties and two treatments (n-butanol and Ca/macronutrients) revealed significant interactions between treatments and genotype. In three of the four varieties, the application of n-butanol resulted in significant increases in embryos and green plants with either pretreatment medium although the best results were obtained with Ca and macronutrients in the pretreatment medium, with 200, 193 and 52 green plants per 100 anthers obtained for Bumper, Gladius and Magenta, respectively. In the variety Fortune however, n-butanol treatment did not improve embryo or green plant production unless it was combined with Ca and macronutrients in the pretreatment medium and then there were dramatic improvements; from 0 to 27 green plants per 100 anthers.


A thermally stable laccase was purified from the culture filtrate of Hexagonia tenuis MTCC-1119. The method involved concentration of the culture filtrate by ammonium sulphate precipitation and an anion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose. The sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native-PAGE) both gave single protein bands, indicating that the enzyme preparation was pure. The molecular mass of the enzyme determined from SDS-PAGE analysis was 100 kDa. The purification fold and percentage recovery of the enzyme activity were 12.75 and 30.12%, respectively. The pH and the temperature optima were 3.5 and 45 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was most stable at pH 4.0 when exposed for 1 h. Using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP), 2,2 [azino-bis-(3-ethylbonzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt] (ABTS) and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde azine (syringaldazine) as the substrates, the K(m), k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m) values of the laccase were 80 μM, 2.54 s(-1), 3.17 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1), 36 μM, 2.54 s(-1), 7.05 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1) and 87 μM, 2.54 s(-1), 2.92 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. The purified laccase was finally used for the selective biotransformation of aromatic methyl group to aldehyde group in presence of diammonium salt of ABTS as the mediator and products were characterized by HPLC, IR and 1H NMR. The percentage yields of these transformed products were > 91%.


A new scheme for secure image transmission, based on the combination of watermark technology and cryptography technology, is proposed in this paper. We design a new bi-layer watermark system including the watermark layer and the encryption layer. At the watermark layer, some special information of the image is used to construct the encrypting watermark taking advantage of the md5 hash algorithm. At the encryption layer, the technology of digital envelope is used to ensure the security of transmission. Conclusion from analysis and experiments show that this scheme can predigest algorithm, prevent unauthorized detection and embedding, authenticate the authenticity and integrity of the image effectively.


Homozygosity for a 32-base pair deletion (delta32) within the CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) gene confers resistance to infection by R5-type HIV-1 isolates. To ascertain how CCR5delta32 heterozygosity influences the susceptibility of lymphocytes and macrophages to HIV-1 infection, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from three HIV-1-uninfected CCR5delta32 heterozygous infants and three HIV-1-uninfected CCR5 wild-type homozygous infants were exposed to two R5-type primary isolates. HIV-1 infection was monitored by DNA-PCR and p24 antigen determination; CCR5 and CCR5delta32 transcripts were quantified by competitive reverse transcription-PCR. Wild-type homozygous MDMs and PBLs and heterozygous PBLs were infected by both viral isolates, albeit with different efficiencies, but heterozygous MDMs showed restriction to HIV-1 infection. Lower levels of CCR5 mRNA and protein expression were found in heterozygous versus wild-type homozygous MDMs and PBLs. Interestingly, wild-type homozygous MDMs showed higher levels of CCR5 mRNA expression compared with wild-type homozygous PBLs, while heterozygous MDMs had lower levels of CCR5 wild-type mRNA and a higher CCR5delta32/CCR5 mRNA ratio compared with heterozygous PBLs. These findings suggest that CCR5delta32 heterozygosity confers a different degree of protection against HIV-1 in PBLs and MDMs, depending on the ratio of wild-type and mutant CCR5 mRNA in the two cell types, and may delay virus spread in the host by preventing infection of monocytes and macrophages.


Aetna has led the transition of the commercial health insurance industry from a focus on managed care to a focus on "consumer-driven" products that offer more information while demanding higher cost sharing from enrollees. But most health care costs are incurred by very sick patients who have spent beyond their cost-sharing limits and are not directly affected by these financial incentives. Aetna CEO Jack Rowe discusses his firm's initiatives to moderate the cost of care for ill as well as healthy patients, including providing information on provider prices, contracting for narrow physician specialty networks, and promoting disease management and case management programs.


Based on the insights of modern philosophers, particularly Zygmunt Bauman, the work examines how cultural memory can be affected by globalisation and what kind of challenges arise when collective truths are passed on from generation to generation. The sources selected for the analysis are modern dystopias that design possible versions of cultural response. Other subjects significant to the research include phenomena of modern culture that help to uncover the latest trends and the views on cultural heritage held by people of the 21st century. The article comes to the conclusion that the changes of cultural memory in a fluid modern world can be affected deeply by factors such as the ideology of consumerism and the insularity of a web community, but this is only a possibility. Western authors Aldous Huxley and Michel Houellebecq place a stronger emphasis on determinism, whereas Lithuanian writer Jaroslavas Melnikas highlights the possibility of freedom. Nevertheless, notably, all of these texts are projections that primarily encourage critical thinking and demonstrate the ambivalence of the current situation. Contemporary culture is likely at a turning point, but the results of the transformation are still unclear.


We report on stress induced changes in the dispersion relations of acoustic phonons propagating in 27 nm thick single crystalline Si membranes. The static tensile stress (up to 0.3 GPa) acting on the Si membranes was achieved using an additional strain compensating silicon nitride frame. Dispersion relations of thermally activated hypersonic phonons were measured by means of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy. The theory of Lamb wave propagation is developed for anisotropic materials subjected to an external static stress field. The dispersion relations were calculated using the elastic continuum approximation and taking into account the acousto-elastic effect. We find an excellent agreement between the theoretical and the experimental dispersion relations.


The present system and apparatus uses image processing to recognize objects within a scene. The system includes an illumination source for illuminating the scene. By controlling the illumination source, an image processing system can take a first digitize image of the scene with the object illuminated a higher level and a second digitized image with the object illuminated at a lower level. Using an algorithm, the object(s) image is segmented from a background image of the scene by a comparison of the two digitized images taken. A processed image (that can be used to characterize features) of the object(s) is then compared to stored reference images. The object is recognized when a match occurs. The system can recognize objects independent of size and number and can be trained to recognize objects that is was not originally programmed to recognize.


Early researchers attempting to simulate complex quantum mechanical interactions on digital computers discovered that they very quickly consumed the computers' available memory resources, because the state space of a quantum system typically grows exponentially with problem size. Consequently, Richard Feynman proposed in 1982 that perhaps the only way to simulate complex quantum mechanical situations was by simulating them on some quantum mechanical system. Quantum computers attempt to exploit this idea incorporating the special properties of quantum mechanics, such as the superposition of states and entanglement, into a computing device. Two key algorithms have been discovered which would run on this new type of computer, Shor's factorization algorithm discovered in 1994, which provides an exponential speedup over classical algorithms and Grover's search algorithm in 1996, which provides a quadratic speedup. Following this in 1999 Meyer initiated the field of quantum game theory by introducing quantum mechanical states into the framework of classical game theory. In this thesis, we firstly investigate the phase estimation procedure, due to its importance as the basis for Shor's factorization algorithm, for which a new error formula is found using an improved symmetrical definition of the error. Unlike other existing error formulas which require approximations in their derivation, our result is obtained analytically. The work on the phase estimation procedure then motivates the development of computer software written in the Java programming language, which can simulate the common algorithms and visually display their behavior on a circuit board type layout. The software is found useful in verifying the new error formula described above and to test ideas for new algorithms. Being written in Java, it is envisaged that it could be placed online and used as a learning tool for new students to the field. We then investigate the second key algorithm of quantum computing, the Grover search algorithm. It is already known that the Grover search is an SU(2) rotation but the idea is extended by deriving the three generators in terms of the two non-orthogonal basis vectors, representing the solution and initial states. We then demonstrate that the Grover search is equivalent to the precession of the polarization axis of a spin-12 particle in a magnetic field. At this point we introduce geometric algebra (GA), because of its efficient implementation of rotations and its associated visual representation, and hence ideal to describe the Grover search process. It was found to provide a simple algebraic solution to the exact Grover search problem as well providing a simple visual picture describing the general solution to Meyer's quantum penny flip game, which is a simple two-player quantum game based on the manipulation of a single qubit and hence closely analogous to the Grover search process. We then extend the work on quantum games developing two-player, three-player and Nplayer quantum games in the context of an EPR type experiment, which has the advantage of providing a sound physical basis to quantum games avoiding the common criticism of other quantum game frameworks regarding the proper embedding of the classical game. Using the algebraic approach of GA, we solve the general N player game, without requiring the use of matrices which become unworkable for large N . Games based on non-factorisable joint probabilities were then also developed which provided a more general framework for both classical and quantum games, and allows the field of quantum games to be accessible to nonphysicists, as it does not employ Dirac's bra-ket notation. In summary, several new results in the field of Quantum computing were produced, including an improved error formula for phase estimation [JMCL11b], a general solution to Meyer's quantum penny flip game [CILVS09] and a paper producing quantum games from non-factorisable joint probabilities [CIA10], as well as an EPR framework for quantum games [JMCL11a], refer attached papers.


In this thesis I empirically investigate the role of non-price related search frictions in the access to finance by firms. The focus is on the relationship between these factors and how their variation in time can affect access to finance. The study uses a rich dataset of small, medium and large firms from 109 countries, mostly of them emerging economies, and of country related search friction indicators. Results show that banking outreach indicators and informational infrastructure are strongly associated with access to finance. The percentage of internet users and its variation are the most relevant of the informational variables, especially for small and medium enterprises. For large firms, the changes in fixed phone subscriptions and in the proportion of branches by population are the most relevant frictions. Results shed light on the already identifiable role of internet on financial inclusion of SMEs, and on the difference search frictions make in the access to finance depending on firm's size.


Interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic data over Nasarawa area was carried out to observe near surface source magnetic features that are associated with geological structures in the study area, Prominent lineaments in this study may be related to fractures that were not revealed by previous studies. Some of these lineaments coincide with concealed faults and fractures at Akiri warm spring and vicinity. Because this area has known warm springs, faults or fault intersections at depth can lead to upward movement of warm water that enhances permeability. Thus, mapping concealed fractures provides a focus for follow-up geothermal studies. Fault interpretation was accomplished by synthesizing interpretative maps derived from first vertical derivative and analytical signal along with preliminary depth estimates. Faults were interpreted along linear aeromagnetic anomalies and breaks in anomaly patterns. Many linear features correspond to topographic features, such as drainages. A few of these are inferred to be fault-related. The interpreted faults show criss-crossing pattern of fault zones, some of which appear to step over where they cross, and show zones of west-northwest, north-, and northwest-striking faults that cross west-northwest around Akiri warm spring. North easterly striking faults extend east from this juncture. The associated aeromagnetic anomalies are likely caused by magnetic contrasts associated with rifting of crust beneath the Benue Trough. KEY WORDS: Derivative, Structural Pattern, Rift Zones, Akiri.


The invention, belonging to fermented food field, relates the lemon wine and preparing method. The lemon wine comprises fermentation liquor which is supernatant fluid of fermenting the lemon juice and grain and white spirit which is made by distilling the fermentation slag of lemon juice and grain. The fermentation comprises the following steps: fermenting the grain, then adding the lemon juice to ferment. The volumetric ratio of supernatant fluid and white spirit is 10-25%, optimally 18-22%. The advantages of the lemon wine are following: possessing the delicate fragrance of supernatant fluid fermented by lemon juice and grain, possessing the lemon scent and fermentation liquor which is good for health, possessing the characteristics of light wine and high wine.


SUMMARY This paper deals with the analytical modeling and the analysis of the orientation error of the RAF translator due to the clearances in the joints. This model presents the orientation error as a function of the nominal pose, the external load applied to the platform, the manipulator structural parameters, and the joints clearances. Based on this model, an algorithm is developed in order to map the pose error within a desired workspace of the manipulator. It is shown that the orientation error variation depends essentially on the parallelogram configuration of the passive legs out of its plane. The orientation error magnitude is mainly caused by the parallelogram revolute joints radial clearances. Moreover, the orientation error around the z-axis presents some discontinuities due to the contact mode change of the parallelogram revolute joints.


In recent years, deep learning (DL) models have achieved significant progress in many domains, such as autonomous driving, facial recognition, and speech recognition. However, the vulnerability of deep learning models to adversarial attacks has raised serious concerns in the community because of their insufficient robustness and generalization. Also, transferable attacks have become a prominent method for black-box attacks. In this work, we explore the potential factors that impact adversarial examples (AEs) transferability in DL-based speech recognition. We also discuss the vulnerability of different DL systems and the irregular nature of decision boundaries. Our results show a remarkable difference in the transferability of AEs between speech and images, with the data relevance being low in images but opposite in speech recognition. Motivated by dropout-based ensemble approaches, we propose random gradient ensembles and dynamic gradient-weighted ensembles, and we evaluate the impact of ensembles on the transferability of AEs. The results show that the AEs created by both approaches are valid for transfer to the black box API.


Eclipta Prostrata (L.)L is used traditionally in ayurvedic system of medicine in India for the treatment of liver diseases and also used as a liver tonic. The herb posses many phytochemical marked for its remarkable properties such as antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antihepatotoxic activity. Though the above properties are markly remarkable, my study is subjected to investigate antioxidant properties of Eclipta Prostrata (L.)L in methanol extract. The study confirmed that Eclipta Prostrata (L.)L extract has good antioxidant property was assessed by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method.


Background: Suicidal behavior represents a serious public health problem. Studies about twins, adoption, and family conflicts have shown a relationship between genetics and suicide. CB1 receptors are coded by the cannabinoid-1 receptor (CNR1) gene. It was shown that the CNR1 gene polymorphism (1359 G/A) is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depression.
Objective: Our aim is to study whether there is an association between the polymorphism of the CNB1 receptor and suicide attempts. We compared non-suicide subjects with suicide-attempt victims to substantiate these findings.
Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were drawn from all of the participants, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cannabinoid gene (1359 G/A) was analyzed.
Results: The study included 115 suicide attempts (parasuicide patients) (mean age 25.6±8.5; 41 males, 74 females) and 69 unrelated healthy subjects (mean age 27.5±10.6; 38 males, 31 females). The genotype distributions were significantly different between the parasuicide and control groups and this difference was attributed to the AG genotype rates (21.7% vs 44.9%, p=0.001). Having AG genotype lowered the admittance to ED due to parasuicide 3.3 times (95% CI: 1.6-6.8). The frequencies of A and G alleles in the CNR1 gene polymorphism were 16.1%). (n=37) and 83.9% (n=193) in parasuicide patients and 22.5% (n=31) and 77.5% (n=107) in the control group, respectively (p=0.127). All the subjects with the AA genotype were in the parasuicide group (n=6). The frequency of the AG genotype was significantly lower in parasuicide patients with a previous psychiatric diagnosis compared to suicide attempts without a previous diagnosis (32% (n=8) vs. 68% (n=17); p=0.004).
Conclusion: There is a preventive association between the CNR1 rs1049353 (1359 G/A) gene polymorphism and parasuicide patients. The CNR1 receptor polymorphism may be used as a biological test to help predict and prevent suicide intentions if the relationship can be proved with further studies.


Solute transport through fractured media is described by numerically combining advective-dispersive transport, which is dominant in the fractures, and diffusive transport, which is usually dominant in the unfractured matrix. Transport is considered in a manner conceptually similar to 'double-porosity' or 'intra-aggregate' transport models. A finite element model is developed for simulating nonreactive and reactive solute transport by advection, mechanical dispersion, and diffusion in a unidirectional flow field. The effect of the value of the solute diffusion coefficient in the matrix (termed the matrix diffusion coefficient) is illustrated by solute breakthrough curves and concentration profiles in the fracture as well as in the matrix. The illustrated conditions are similar to the laboratory tracer study on fractured till described in the accompanying paper (Grisak et al.). The effects on solute transport of fracture aperture size, water velocity in the fracture, matrix porosity, matrix distribution coefficient, and dispersivity in the fracture are illustrated with breakthrough curves and concentration profiles. The net effect of large matrix diffusion coefficients and/or large distribution coefficients in the matrix is to reduce significantly the effective solute velocity in the fracture. Reduction in the effective solute velocity can also be seen to be possible in materials with low matrix porosities such as crystalline rocks. The aperture size, matrix porosity, matrix diffusion coefficient, and distribution coefficient, all are important in determining the relative amounts of solute transported in the fracture and stored in the matrix. Implications with regard to aquifer recharge, groundwater chemistry, contaminant transport, tracer tests, and groundwater age dating in fractured media are discussed. The numerical model and the laboratory tracer test data provide considerable insight into the processes controlling solute transport in fractured media.


Introduction
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of radiological distribution on COVID-19 clinic and prognosis and to determine the relationship between laboratory parameters and thorax CT findings.

Materials and Methods
Patients with COVID-19 were evaluated retrospectively. Laboratory parameters were obtained from medical records. Ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation were evaluated on thorax CT. The presence of a single lobe lesion was considered as limited while multiple lobe lesions were considered as diffuse involvement for both GGO and consolidation.

Result
A total 200 patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. 178 of them (89%) were discharged, 17 patients (8.5%) were transferred to the ICU and five patients died (2.5%). The ratios of mortality and transfer to the ICU in patients with diffused GGO were significantly higher compared to patients with limited GGOs. It was observed that troponin ≥0.06 µg/L, platelet <140 and fibrinogen ≥350 mg/dl were independent predictors of the presences of diffused GGOs in thorax CT.

Conclusions
Diffused GGOs on thorax CT are correlated with the rate of mortality and transfer to the ICU in patients with COVID-19. Also, troponin, fibrinogen, and platelet levels can be used while predicting extensive parenchymal disease on thorax CT.


We revealed the most significant parameter determining an areal density of nanowires (NWs) in physical vapor transport. Seed layer characters such as the crystallinity and the surface roughness can affect the NW growth. We controlled the surface roughness and the crystallinity of seed layers both by annealing process and using Ge nanocrystals. With increase of the surface roughness of seed layers, the areal density of NWs increased, which was independent of the crystallinity of seed layers. Therefore, the large surface roughness was considered to be a critical parameter for high areal density of NWs. This study demonstrated that the substrate with well-controlled surface roughness brought control of an areal density of NWs. This well-controlled technique of NW areal density will open for the next generation NW devices.


Matching bandwidth limits are developed for antenna arrays backed by a perfect electrically conducting (PEC) ground plane. We model a general array in the long wavelength limit as a thin PEC-backed slab and use Fano's method to determine a limit for the frequency integral of the reflection coefficient. This yields a simple expression for the maximum bandwidth of the array under TE or TM excitation, subject to a specified tolerance for mismatch and efficiency. The limit also depends on the array's thickness, scan angle, and static permeability. The special case of a thin planar radiating sheet placed above a ground plane is also considered, which has a maximum impedance bandwidth of 8.3:1 at broadside when no materials are used $({\hbox{VSWR}}\leq {\hbox{2{:}1}})$. Previous empirical approximations for the minimum height of a wideband array and maximum bandwidth of a tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) are compared with the theoretical limits and found to be in good agreement.


A 90-day field experiment was conducted on common carp, Cyprinus carpio to study the usefulness of silkworm pupa oil as an energy source in comparison with sardine oil. Dietary administration of three levels of pupa oil and sardine oil, viz., 3, 6 and 9% was used to enrich a fishmeal based diet while a diet without oil enrichment served as control. Fish growth increased significantly with the increasing level of both pupa and sardine oils, while the control diet led to the lowest growth. There was no significant difference in the final mean weights attained under pupa and sardine oil treatments at the same level of incorporation. Specific growth rate,feed gain ratio, and biomass production improved significantly with increasing level of oil incorporation. The percentage increase in biomass as compared to control was nearly 50% at 9% addition of either oils. Organoleptic evaluation showed no adverse effect of oils on the flesh quality. The study demonstrated not only the usefulness of pupa oil, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (n-3), as an equally potent energy source as sardine oil, but also the possibility of using additional fat in the diet to economically promote carp growth.


We describe a structured, theory-driven training programme for individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment in the use of emerging commercial technology. We demonstrate its application to 10 individuals with memory impairment from a variety of aetiologies. A within-subject, ABAB multi-case experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of personal digital assistant or smartphone use on day-to-day memory functioning at baseline, immediately post-intervention, at return to baseline, and at short-term follow-up (range = 3–8 months). An errorless fading-of-cues protocol enabled all participants to acquire the skill set necessary to operate their PDA or smartphone independently. All 10 individuals showed robust improvement in day-to-day functioning post-intervention as quantified across a number of ecologically valid questionnaire and task-based measures. This was further corroborated by family members with whom six of the participants resided. These findings demonstrate that individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment can acquire the skills necessary to independently, flexibly and broadly apply commercial technology to support their everyday memory functioning. Moreover the findings confirm that the gap between individuals with memory impairment and potent emerging technology can be closed by the application of a systematic theory-driven training programme.


For Isaac Newton, time was separate from space and was considered to be a single line, or railroad track, that was infinite in both directions [1]. In addition, in the flat spacetime of special relativity, observers moving at different speeds will have different measures of time [2] since the time shrinks in the state of speed of light that was for Albert Einstein. In addition, I showed that time is inversely proportional to momentum [3]. However, the contraindication between Newton's theory of time and Einstein's special relativity is not resolved. Here I show that Newton's theory explained time in relation to the creator and Einstein's theory explained time for every other individual. If time is inversely proportional to momentum, so time is direct proportional to static, but how events happen in the static state without motion? Everything in the universe is rotating about something else until you reach the center of the universe and that is the only completely static thing in the universe that generates time to the whole universe. It is concluded that time is the creator and the creator is time. This proves the immortality of the creator. There is no one is immortal other than the creator which proves his existence.


Thin-film magnetic inductors are useful for integrated power delivery solutions for microprocessors and mobile devices. In many of these applications, the inductor dimensions have to be optimized simultaneously with the other circuit components, and thus accurate circuit models are required. Hence, we present an accurate physics-based circuit model that can capture the frequency dependency, losses, and the nonlinear behavior of thin-film magnetic inductors both for the uncoupled and coupled configurations. The model is based on the magnetic circuit description of the inductors with additional elements to model the frequency dependency within the magnetic material. The model is verified using vector network analyzer measurements of direct current biased inductors.


Quantum conference is a process of securely exchanging messages between three or more parties, using quantum resources. A Measurement Device Independent Quantum Dialogue (MDI-QD) protocol, which is secure against information leakage, has been proposed (Quantum Information Processing 16.12 (2017): 305) in 2017, is proven to be insecure against intercept-and-resend attack strategy. We first modify this protocol and generalize this MDI-QD to a three-party quantum conference and then to a multi-party quantum conference. We also propose a protocol for quantum multi-party XOR computation. None of these three protocols proposed here use entanglement as a resource and we prove the correctness and security of our proposed protocols.


Increased aortic stiffness has been recognized as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in some clinical conditions, such as in patients with arterial hypertension and end-stage renal disease, in population-based samples and, more recently, in type 2 diabetic patients. Patients with type 2 diabetes have higher aortic stiffness than non-diabetic individuals, and increased aortic stiffness has been correlated to the presence of micro- and macrovascular chronic diabetic complications. We aimed to review the current knowledge on the relationships between aortic stiffness and diabetic complications, their possible underlying physiopathological mechanisms, and their potential applications to clinical type 2 diabetes management.


Summary: Extracts of glucose-grown and methanol-grown Candida boidinii were fractionated on sucrose gradients. Mitochondria and microbodies from methanol-grown cells were more fragile than those from glucose-grown cells. Formaldehyde and formate dehydrogenases and antimycin A-insensitive NADPH: cytochrome c oxidoreductase were non-sedimentable enzymes. The mitochondrial zone defined by cytochrome c oxidase (p = 1·19 to 1·20 g ml-1) contained sedimentable activities of malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase. The vacuolar enzyme acid phosphatase was also recovered from this region. The microbody enzyme catalase sedimented to a lower density (p = 1·17 g ml-1) than mitochondria after growth on glucose but, together with methanol oxidase activity, to higher densities (p = 1·23 and 1·27 g ml-1) after growth on methanol. Activity of the methanol assimilation enzyme dihydroxyacetone synthase was partially sedimentable and was recovered in the fraction containing mitochondria and membraneous vesicles. Inosine diphosphatase was probably multilocational in the cells.


The purpose of this study was to identify the anxiety profile of undergraduate nursing students when learning a complex psychomotor skill, and to determine the effect of preclinical skill evaluation on student anxiety and performance when applying the skill in a patient situation. Findings support preclinical skill evaluation as an effective strategy for reducing anxiety related to initial transfer of skill learning from a laboratory to a clinical setting and enhancing self-confidence.


This is a very compelling book with a positive and convincing message. It is written to encourage the reader to embrace an agenda for change that imposes 'a sustainability conditionality in the deployment of the ICT-techno economic paradigm' (p. 15). This is the main tenet of the book. The technological change that is unfolding with the Fourth Industrial Revolution must not be read as the continuation of the 'mass production economy' model that, Raphael Kaplinsky argues, has driven economic growth since the post-war period, at an enormous cost for society and the planet. Income inequality and social decay, as well as climate change and ecological disasters are the legacy of decades of neo-liberalism, consumerism, globalization, the mass exploitation of national resources, and the careless discharge of poisonous gases into the air and waste on land. In other words, the new information and communication technology (ICT) technologies that are currently emerging cannot simply be superimposed on the old 'mass production economy' model to pursue further unsustainable and inequitable development. Kaplinsky argues throughout the volume that the fork in the road that we face today must engage every one of us, at different spatial scales. As spelled out at the end of the volume, inaction would be the worst choice of all. The new ICT technologies that are becoming available are opening opportunities that can undo much of the damage done, but their deployment requires leadership, vision and strategy. Sustainability and equity were accepted as collateral damage in the pursuit of growth and efficiency, and considered as residual in the choice that were taken under 'mass production economy' model. On the contrary, Kaplinsky advocates for the primacy and urgency of pursuing a sustainable future, understood as a sustainable society, sustainable economy and sustainable environment. The overlap of these spheres shapes the agenda for action that is developed in the second part of the volume. It discusses the what, how and who of a policy agenda that is aimed at delivering a Smart Green New Deal, by seizing the full transformative potential of the new digital technologies conditionally to sustainable outcomes. The agenda for action presented in the book acknowledges a multi-scalar approach that involves regions and localities. On the one hand, decentralized production is made increasingly possible thanks to ICTs allowing for new forms of production organization that counterbalance the top-down production model associated with mass production. Here, the book stumbles over a topic very dear to regional studies and economic geography, which is the meaningful spatial agglomeration of economic activities and institutions in clusters and local production systems more generally. It stresses the importance of local institutional stakeholders as well as of civic and social representatives to participate in the policy change. The role of local and regional governance to pursue smart green policies is strengthened by the argument that against the centripetal forces of globalization dominating until now, centrifugal forces are empowering local economies to play a more decisive role. On the other hand, there is no escape from the fact that the disruptive change of direction that is needed requires national and international leadership. Kaplinsky points to the need to involve middleand low-income countries in the fold for a global environmental sustainability programme, and this means using the existing global institutions to deliver this ambitious agenda. From a well-argued and broad-ranging critique of the mass production economy, Kaplinsky presents an open and heartfelt analysis of the severity and urgency of the junction our economy and society face today. Not limited to advanced economies, he moves for a vision of what can be achieved by deploying ICT technologies conditionally to green outcomes, to a practical agenda for action that details how this can be done.


The disproportionately high prevalence of tobacco use among prisoners remains an important public health issue. While Ireland has well-established legislative bans on smoking in public places, these do not apply in prisons. This study evaluates a multi-component tobacco control intervention in a medium security prison for adult males in Ireland. A stop-smoking intervention, targeting staff and prisoners, was designed, implemented, and evaluated with a before-and-after study. Analysis was conducted using McNemar's test for paired binary data, Wilcoxon signed rank test for ordinal data, and paired T-tests for continuous normal data. Pre-intervention, 44.3% (n = 58) of the study population were current smokers, consisting of 60.7% of prisoners (n = 51) and 15.9% of staff (n = 7). Post-intervention, 45.1% of prisoners (n = 23/51) and 100% of staff (n = 7/7) who identified as current smokers pre-intervention reported abstinence from smoking. Among non-smokers, the proportion reporting being exposed to someone else's cigarette smoke while being a resident or working in the unit decreased from 69.4% (n = 50/72) pre-intervention to 27.8% (n = 20/72) post-intervention (p < 0.001). This multicomponent intervention resulted in high abstinence rates, had high acceptability among both staff and prisoners, and was associated with wider health benefits across the prison setting.


Case report: A 44-year-old man of Polish descent first pre sented to the psychiatric services in 1982 with recurrent unipolar depressions. His subsequent treatment was com plicated by his suffering significant side-effects on most first-line antidepressants. Those that he was able to tolerate (e.g. low-dose cbomipramine) tended to induce hypomania after a few weeks of treatment. It was in some desperation, therefore, that I put him on L-tryptophan in 1985.Such was his apparent sensitivity to psychotropic medication that he became hypomanic on 4.5 g of L-tryptophan per day. During the next few months he became very stable on 15 g of L-tryptophan per day and he was discharged from follow-up in July 1985. He was referred back by his general practitioner this August. It seems that he had remained entirely well over the five yearsprevious to this, apart from a bout of depression with biological features every three months or so. At these points he took about l@5g of L-tryptophan over two days and found that this quickly restored his wellbeing. When he was referred back to me he had been constantly depressed for three months with anergia, early-morning wakening, loss of appetite and anhedonia. Another patient (a medical practitioner) who had suffered sleepdisturbance on withdrawing from the L-tryptophan on which she had been maintained, had researched the topic and established that pumpkin seeds were the most cost effective means of administering natural L-tryptophan: a typical 250 g bag contains 1300mg and costs about £1.00. Within 24 hours of ingesting about 200 grams of pump kin seeds (i.e. about 1gram of L-tryptophan), the patient felt quite transformed. He was no longer anergic or depressed andhappily returned toworkthefollowing day.


abstract The pressures and particle velocities of sediment-borne signals were recorded over a 9-day period by an array of telemetered ocean-bottom seismometers positioned on the continental margin off Nova Scotia. The telemetered ocean-bottom seismometer packages, which appear to have been very well coupled to the sediments, contained three orthogonal geophones and a hydrophone. The bandwidth of all sensors was 1 to 30 Hz. Analysis of the refraction data shows that the vertical geophones have the best S/N ratio for the sediment-borne signals at all recording depths (67, 140, and 1301 m) and nearly all ranges. The S/N ratio increases with increasing sensor depth for equivalent weather conditions. Stoneley and Love waves detected on the Scotian shelf (67-m depth) are efficient modes for the propagation of noise.


In optimizing plane flexural systems such as grillages and fiber-reinforced plates of a prescribed depth, the solution can now be obtained relatively easily for any combination of clamped and simply supported boundaries. However, attempts to extend the same theory to systems with free (unsupported) edges failed in the past and it has even been suggested that solutions for such boundary conditions may not have to satisfy certain generally accepted static-kinematic optimality criteria. The reasons for these difficulties are explained herein by considering the optimization of a simple grillage subjected to point loads. It is demonstrated that, when discrete solutions having a prescribed number of beams are considered, then the optimal structural weight can be reduced further by increasing the number of beams specified. The limiting case giving the absolute minimum structural weight appears to consist of an infinite number of beams some of which take on an infinitesimal length. The foregoing layout satisfies the Prager-Shield optimality criterion and is made plausible by establishing very close upper and lower bounds on it. The proposed solution is useful both in furnishing the absolute limits of economy and in providing efficient beam directions for the design of discrete grillages with free edges.


Th1 cells are critical for containment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, but little else is known about the properties of protective CD4 T cell responses. In this study, we show that the pulmonary Th1 response against M. tuberculosis is composed of two populations that are either CXCR3hi and localize to lung parenchyma or are CX3CR1hiKLRG1hi and are retained within lung blood vasculature. M. tuberculosis–specific parenchymal CD4 T cells migrate rapidly back into the lung parenchyma upon adoptive transfer, whereas the intravascular effectors produce the highest levels of IFN-γ in vivo. Importantly, parenchymal T cells displayed greater control of infection compared with the intravascular counterparts upon transfer into susceptible T cell–deficient hosts. Thus, we identified a subset of naturally generated M. tuberculosis–specific CD4 T cells with enhanced protective capacity and showed that control of M. tuberculosis correlates with the ability of CD4 T cells to efficiently enter the lung parenchyma rather than produce high levels of IFN-γ.


Protein interactions underlie nearly all known cellular function, making knowledge of their binding conformations paramount to understanding the physical workings of the cell. Studying binding conformations has allowed scientists to explore some of the mechanistic underpinnings of disease caused by disruption of protein interactions. However, since experimentally determined interaction structures are only available for a small fraction of the known interactome such inquiry has largely excluded functional genomic studies of the human interactome and broad observations of the inner workings of disease. Here we present Interactome INSIDER, an information center for genomic studies using the first full-interactome map of human interaction interfaces. We applied a new, unified framework to predict protein interaction interfaces for 184,605 protein interactions with previously unresolved interfaces in human and 7 model organisms, including the entire experimentally determined human binary interactome. We find that predicted interfaces share several known functional properties of interfaces, including an enrichment for disease mutations and recurrent cancer mutations, suggesting their applicability to functional genomic studies. We also performed 2,164 de novo mutagenesis experiments and show that mutations of predicted interface residues disrupt interactions at a similar rate to known interface residues and at a much higher rate than mutations outside of predicted interfaces. To spur functional genomic studies in the human interactome, Interactome INSIDER (http://interactomeinsider.yulab.org) allows users to explore known population variants, disease mutations, and somatic cancer mutations, or upload their own set of mutations to find enrichment at the level of protein domains, residues, and 3D atomic clustering in known and predicted interaction interfaces.


Seeds of datura plants ( Datura stramonium L.) were collected from three different locations (Kurupelit, Vadiler Sitesi and Gelemen) and examined at different nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N/ha) for two years (1993 and 1994) in the Kurupelit Campus area of O.M.U., Samsun, Black Sea coastal area. The field experiments were conducted in a split-plot randomized block design with three replications. The highest fresh and medicinal herb yields were obtained by application of 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare, and seed yield was increased by increased nitrogen application levels. Therefore, it may be necessary to test higher nitrogen levels for maximum yield.


Cortical development is a very complex process in which any temporal or spatial alterations can give rise to a wide range of cortical malformations. Among those malformations, periventricular heterotopia (PH) is characterized by clusters of neurons that do not migrate to the correct place. Cerebral organoids derived from patients with mutations in DCHS1 and FAT4, which have been associated with PH, exhibit higher levels of GNG5 expression in a patient-specific cluster of neurons. Here we investigate the role of GNG5 during the development of the cerebral cortex in mice and human cerebral organoids. GNG5, highly expressed in progenitors and downregulated in neurons, is critical for controlling the number of apical and basal progenitors and neuronal migration. Moreover, forced expression of GNG5 recapitulates some of the alterations observed upon downregulation of Dchs1 and Fat4 in mice and human cerebral organoids derived from DCHS1 and FAT4 patients, suggesting a critical role of GNG5 in cortical development.


The long-term implementation of crop rotation and tillage has an impact on the soil environment through inputs and soil disturbance, which in turn has an impact on soil quality. Tillage has a long-term impact on the agroecosystems. Since 1999, a long-term field experiment has been carried out at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University. The aim of this experiment is to investigate the effects of long-term various-intensity tillage and straw retention systems on soil physical properties. The results were obtained in 2013 and 2019 (spring rape was growing). According to the latest edition of the International Soil Classification System, the soil in the experimental field was classified as Endocalcaric Stagnosol (Aric, Drainic, Ruptic, and Amphisiltic). The treatments were arranged using a split-plot design. In a two-factor field experiment, the straw was removed from one part of the experimental field, and the entire straw yield was chopped and spread at harvest in the other part of the field (Factor A). There were three different tillage systems as a subplot (conventional deep ploughing, cover cropping with following shallow termination, and no-tillage) (Factor B). There were four replications. The long-term application of reduced tillage significantly increased soil water retention and improved the pore structure and CO2 emissions. Irrespective of the incorporation of straw, it was found that as the amount of water available to plants increases, CO2 emissions from the soil increase to some extent and then start to decrease. Simplified tillage and no-tillage in uncultivated soil reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the amount of water available to plants from 0.151 to 0.233 m3·m−3.


The effect of prolactin on dispersed rat Leydig cells was investigated. Leydig cells from adult rat testes of proven fertility were isolated via collagenase digestion and dispersion. About 100,000 Leydig cells/ml were incubated with graded concentrations of prolactin in the presence or absence of luteinizing hormone (LH) and theophylline for 3hr. at 37 o C. Leydig cell viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion method. The reaction was terminated by the addition of cold (4 o C) Dulbeccos's modified Eagle's medium (DME) and testosterone in suitable aliquots was estimated by a validated radioimmunoassay technique. Prolactin inhibited in vitro Leydig cell steroidogenesis at doses of 1.25-10.00 i.u/L but only potentiatated the effect of LH at doses ranging between 0.31 and 0.62 i.u/L. LH had no effect on prolactin (2.5 - 10.0 I.U/L) inhibited testosterone secretion. Theophylline (10mM/L) did not produce any stimulatory effect on prolactin - inhibited testosterone seretion by Leydig cells in vitro . At lower doses of prolactin, theophylline was significantly lower (P<0.01) than that produced by LH at lower doses of prolactin. The results showed that high doses of prolactin inhibited testosterone secretion in rat Leydig cells and the mechanism of action of prolactin on Leydig cell steroidogenesis could be via cAMP second messenger system. Keywords : Prolactin, Testosterone, Leydig Cells.


We present an extensive spectroscopic follow-up campaign of 29 strong lensing (SL) selected galaxy clusters discovered primarily in the Second Red-Sequence Cluster Survey (RCS-2). Our spectroscopic analysis yields redshifts for 52 gravitational arcs present in the core of our galaxy clusters, which correspond to 35 distinct background sources that are clearly distorted by the gravitational potential of these clusters. These lensed galaxies span a wide redshift range of 0.8 ≤ z ≤ 2.9, with a median redshift of zs = 1.8 ± 0.1. We also measure reliable redshifts for 1004 cluster members, allowing us to obtain robust velocity dispersion measurements for 23 of these clusters, which we then use to determine their dynamical masses by using a simulation-based σDM − M200 scaling relation. The redshift and mass ranges covered by our SL sample are 0.22 ≤ z ≤ 1.01 and , respectively. We analyze and quantify some possible effects that might bias our mass estimates, such as the presence of substructure, the region where cluster members are selected for spectroscopic follow-up, the final number of confirmed members, and line-of-sight effects. We find that 10 clusters of our sample with Nmem ≳ 20 show signs of dynamical substructure. However, the velocity data of only one system is inconsistent with a uni-modal distribution. We therefore assume that the substructures are only marginal and not of comparable size to the clusters themselves. Consequently, our velocity dispersion and mass estimates can be used as priors for SL mass reconstruction studies and also represent an important step toward a better understanding of the properties of the SL galaxy cluster population.


After 11 years of operation the Large Electron/Positron collider (LEP) was stopped in November 2000. Since 1993 a cryogenic system has been used to supply up to 72 superconducting (SC) cavity modules, using four large liquid-helium refrigerators at 4.5 K. We review eight years of operation of one of the world's largest helium cryogenic systems, its evolution and cooling capacity availability correlated to the LEP increasing energy program. Failure statistics, availability, recovery time after breakdowns and reliability are analyzed, and the most relevant problems encountered during the operation and their cure exposed. The operational organization is also briefly described.


This work studies how uniform quantization in communications affects the linear diffusion algorithm for average consensus problem. Starting from the well-known linear diffusion algorithm, we analyze a simple and effective adaptation which is able to preserve the average of states and to drive the system near to the consensus value. The error is estimated by a worst case analysis, which suggests that it can increase as the number of agents goes to infinity. The algorithm is also compared with the existing literature.


Juno's observations of Jupiter's gravity field have revealed extremely low values for the gravitational moments that are difficult to reconcile with the high abundance of metals observed in the atmosphere by both Galileo and Juno. Recent studies chose to arbitrarily get rid of one of these two constraints in order to build models of Jupiter.

In this presentation, I will detail our new Jupiter structure models reconciling Juno and Galileo observational constraints. These models confirm the need to separate Jupiter into at least 4 layers: an outer convective shell, a non-convective zone of compositional change, an inner convective shell and a diluted core representing about 60 percent of the planet in radius. Compared to other studies, these models propose a new idea with important consequences: a decrease in the quantity of metals between the outer and inner convective shells. This would imply that the atmospheric composition is not representative of the internal composition of the planet, contrary to what is regularly admitted, and would strongly impact the Jupiter formation scenarios (localization, migration, accretion).

In particular, the presence of an internal non-convective zone prevents mixing between the two convective envelopes. I will detail the physical processes of this semi-convective zone (layered convection or H-He immiscibility) and explain how they may persist during the evolution of the planet.

These models also impose a limit mass on the compact core, which cannot be heavier than 5 Earth masses. Such a mass, lower than the runaway gas accretion minimum mass, needs to be explained in the light of our understanding of the formation and evolution of giant planets.

I will finally detail the application of our work to Saturn, and what we can expect to learn about the interior of the giant planets in the years to come.


Sustainability has clearly currently become an important area of focus in business management and on the political agenda. The hospitality industry is not considered to be one of the most sustainability-aware sectors. In this study, a hotel's restaurant was studied to see the effect of a change process toward sustainability awareness. Interesting findings throughout the process were generated. These related to definition issues (including ecological and social aspects), such as prices not increasing because of sustainability implementation, the importance of supplier selection, and the need for proper communication with customers about the change process for achieving sustainability. Overall the positive outcomes of the change process ("sweet grapes") outweighed the negative effects ("sour grapes"). One recommendation from this research is to include customers and suppliers explicitly in further related research.


Because it fails to incorporate the task ofimagination within its domain, economics has yet to develop a useful theory ofentrepreneurship.Equally unsuccessful is entrepreneurship research, whichhas allowed the quest to define entrepreneurial success to interfere withefforts to construct a coherent theory.A philosophically pragmaticapproach allows for the introduction of new meanings and uses for threeconcepts in entrepreneurial economics. First, the tidiness of the success/failure dichotomy is replaced with thenotion that the entrepreneurial process is a continual stream of successes andfailures.Such a notion implies that entrepreneurship is primarily amatter of failure management.Second, the "natural" connectionbetween the entrepreneur and the firm is dissolved, along with the concept ofthe "successful entrepreneur."Third, a contingent notion ofaspirations that places imagination at the center of economics isintroduced.Finally, the story of AES, a young entrepreneurial venture, ispresented using both the standard and the proposed entrepreneurial economicsvocabulary.The two versions illustrate that an economics withoutentrepreneurship will remain an economics incapable ofimagination.(SAA)


Sea level rise due to climate change has the potential to significantly influence floodplain management in NSW. This paper provides a description of the likely effects of a sea level rise of up to 1 m on urban developments. This is followed with a preliminary quantitative assessment of the increase in number of building floors inundated, frequency of inundation and magnitude of flood damages for several case studies. Adaptive strategies to manage the potential problem for both existing and future developments are then discussed. These strategies include amendments to Flood Planning Levels to account for the rise in design flood levels, planned retreat from an area, levee construction, raising buildings and constructing new buildings to accommodate a sea level rise.


Rating prediction is a common task in recommendation systems that aims to predict a rating representing the opinion from a user to an item. In this paper, we propose a comment-based collaborative filtering (CCF) approach that captures correlations between hidden aspects in review comments and numeric ratings. The idea is motivated by the observation that the opinion of a user against an item is represented by different aspects discussed in review comments. In our approach, we first explores topic modeling to discover hidden aspects from review comments. Profiles are then created for users and items separately based on the discovered aspects. In the testing stage, we estimate the aspects of comments based on the profiles of users and items because the comments are not available when testing. Lastly, we build final systems by utilizing the profiles and traditional collaborative filtering methods. We evaluate the proposed approach on a real data set. The experimental results show that our prediction systems outperform several strong baseline systems.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize different Salmonella enterica Enteritidis isolates through multilocus sequence typing (MLST) system, a molecular epidemiologic analysis method was established.

METHODS
Internal fragments of six housekeeping genes, thrA, purE, sucA, aroC, hemD and dnaN and a unique gene of S. Enteritidis were amplified and sequenced to develop the MLST method. Eighteen S. Enteritidis food isolates with unique serotype were studied and the data were analyzed by the Sequener 4.0 software. The genetic relationship of the isolates was estimated, and the DNA sequence diversity was also studied between S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium LT2.

RESULTS
A poor DNA sequence diversity among S. Enteritidis 50041 and 18 S. Enteritidis isolates in all six housekeeping genes were found. The number of variable sites per gene ranged from 1 to 6 nucleotides between S. Typhimurium LT2 and S. Enteritidis. Furthermore, S. Enteritidis 50041 and 18 S. Enteritidis isolates contained a mutation at C182T in SdfI in comparison with to the sequence in the GenBank. Our study showed that the MLST had poor discrimination power among S. Enteritidis isolates.

CONCLUSION
The MLST techniques should only be used to differentiate Salmonella isolates with different serotypes, it could not study the molecular epidemiological relationship of the isolates with the same serotype.


In 1954 researchers at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center conducted 11 research cruises on Lake Michigan during which 779 bathythermographs were cast to collect temperature profile data (temperature at depth). Bathythermographs of that era recorded water pressure and temperature data by mechanically etching them as a curve on a glass slide. Data was collected from the glass slide by projecting the image of the curve, superimposing a grid, and taking a photo of it, thereby creating a bathythermogram. Data collection personnel could then read the data from the curve. This USGS data release is a digitized set of those original bathythermogram print photos and the temperature and depth data the project team collected from them using the open-source software, Web Plot Digitizer, as well as metadata describing each. In addition, because of their historical value as well as potential future use, this data release includes the cruise logs, which include nautical and research notes beyond the logical scope of this data release.


Objective: To explore the synergistic potential of ranitidine on prokinetic activity of metoclopramide on isolated duodenal model of rabbit. Study Design: Laboratory based randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Multi-disciplinary Laboratory, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi with study duration of 12 months. Material and Methods: Dose response curve of ranitidine and metoclopramide were constructed by adding cumulatively increasing concentrations of the two drugs on isolated duodenum of rabbits separately. A fixed dose of ranitidine was then selected for studying its potentiating effect on increasing concentrations of metoclopramide on isolated duodenum of rabbits utilizing iWorx Data acquisition unit AHK/214. Results: Ranitidine enhances the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. Conclusion: Ranitidine enhances the contractile effect of the gut in vitro and potentiates the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide. So we conclude that ranitidine is a better choice for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) along with gastroparesis as it enhances the prokinetic effect of metoclopramide.


[1] We used emissivity spectra from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) to identify the signature of crystalline gray hematite in Capri Chasma. Geologic units associated with major concentrations of hematite were then mapped using HiRISE, CRISM, and CTX images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Along the northern portion of the Interior Layered Deposit (ILD), a lower polyhydrated sulfate (PHS) unit lies beneath a thicker kieserite unit, above which is a thinner upper PHS. An exposure at the thickest central portion of the ILD reveals additional sulfates, including a middle PHS, a mixture of lower hydration states PHS, and an intercalated unit comprised of kieserite and szomolnokite. We interpret these compositional transitions to reflect either changes in aqueous chemistry (e.g., iron levels and salinity) during groundwater upwelling events or successively buried layers of dust, ice and volcanic aerosols laid down over obliquity cycles. In addition to these sulfates, we identified a few small mounds along the chasma floor composed of either mixtures of ferric hydroxysulfate and Fe/Mg-smectites, or possible opal, leached clays, and Fe/Mg-smectites. Gray hematite is strongly spatially correlated to kieserite-bearing slopes within the ILD and mantled PHS along the northern chasma floor. These results are consistent with sulfate and hematite formation found elsewhere on Mars, including Meridiani Planum, Aram Chaos, and several other chasmata and chaos regions within Valles Marineris.


Interferon has been demonstrated to be present in vesicles of persons infected with chickenpox and herpes zoster viruses (Wheelock, 1967; Armstrong et al. 1970). Using human foreskin fibroblast monolayers, our studies demonstrate that varicella zoster infection results in interferon production and that interferon or polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) pre-treatment protects these cell cultures from varicella zoster virus infection.
Varicella zoster virus (ellen strain, supplied by Dr P. Brunell) was grown on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) monolayers using Minimal Eagle's media (MEM) and 2% inactivated foetal calf serum. Varicella zoster virus infection was passed using intact, infected cells. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV, indiana strain, supply by Dr L. Glasgow and Dr S. Baron) and vaccinia virus (ihd strain, Wyeth) were similarly cultured. Media for interferon assay from virus-infected HFF monolayers was collected by aspiration and centrifuged for 2 hr at 100,000g.


A theoretical starting point of the analysis is a hypothesis of the decreased use of OIHS's resources. This hypothesis is being verified in relation to 39 OIHCSes. The data specyifying the magnitude of resources-confined to the paid time of physicians' work--and their use comes from Lp-8 cards collected and processed at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lódź. The results confirmed the hypothesis in relation to all forms of services except those rendered by specialist physicians and--preventive examinations rendered by physicians of gynaecological dispensaries and industrial physicians of local out-patient departments. The least effective use of resources is that of the dental care and--of therapeutic activities carried on by other physicians. The conclusions emphasize the tentative nature of analysis, resulting from the confinement of the notion of effective use of resources to that related to the physicians' working time.


Abstract This paper describes the results of a scientific project focused on determining of the Airborne Sound Insulation of a peripheral non-load bearing wall made of straw bales expressed by Weighted Sound Reduction Index. Weighted Sound Reduction Index was determined by measuring in the certified acoustic laboratory at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. The measured structure of the straw wall was modified in combinations with various materials, so the results include a wide range of possible compositions of the wall. The key modification was application of plaster on both sides of the straw bale wall. This construction as is frequently done in actual straw houses. The additional measurements were performed on the straw wall with several variants of additional wall of slab materials. The airborne sound insulation value has been also measured in separate stages of the construction. Thus it is possible to compare and determinate the effect of the single layers on the airborne sound insulation.


We present an X-ray analysis of the radio-quiet cool-core galaxy group NGC 4325 (z = 0.026) based on Chandra and ROSAT observations. The Chandra data were analysed using XSPEC deprojection, 2D spectral mapping and forward-fitting with parametric models. Additionally, a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method was used to perform a joint Bayesian analysis of the Chandra and ROSAT data. The results of the various analysis methods are compared, particularly those obtained by forward-fitting and deprojection. The spectral mapping reveals the presence of cool gas displaced up to 10 kpc from the group centre. The Chandra X-ray surface brightness shows the group core to be highly disturbed, and indicates the presence of two small X-ray cavities within 15 kpc of the group core. The XSPEC deprojection analysis shows that the group has a particularly steep entropy profile, suggesting that an active galactic nucleus (AGN) outburst may be about to occur. With the evidence of prior AGN activity, but with no radio emission currently observed, we suggest that the group in a pre-outburst state, with the cavities and displaced gas providing evidence of a previous, weak AGN outburst.