Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze if levels of plasma PlGF in the second half of pregnancy have predictive value for the identification of women destined to develop preeclampsia or another complication of pregnancy. Material and Methods: A bank of 1.543 randomly collected plasma samples (22–29 weeks of gestation) was established and PlGF concentrations were quantitated in a prospective longitudinal study in all pregnant women who developed a complication of pregnancy in late gestation (177 of 1.543) and the same number of gestational age matched pregnancies with normal outcome. Results: Plasma PlGF levels in pregnant women rise steadily throughout pregnancy from the level of nonpregnant women (< 50 pg/mL) to levels exceeding 500 pg/mL after 30 weeks of gestation. Just 7.3% of pregnant women with normal outcome of pregnancy had PlGF levels of less than 200 pg/mL beyond 22 weeks of gestation (3.7% beyond 25 weeks of gestation). The rise in plasma PlGF in the second half of pregnancy was significantly attenuated in pregnancies that were complicated by preeclampsia in late gestation. Of all women who developed preeclampsia, 27.3% (12 of 44) had plasma PlGF levels below 200 pg/mL. The attenuation of the rise in plasma PlGF was not evident in other complications of pregnancy (transient hypertension, fetal retardation, pregnancy diabetes, premature contractions, proteinuria without hypertension, infections during pregnancy). Conclusion: The rise in plasma PlGF levels observed in normal pregnancies is significantly attenuated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Yet, due to the low sensitivity and specificity, plasma PlGF levels in the second half of pregnancy have no predictive value for the identification of individual women destined to develop preeclampsia.


The study explores subgroups within host residents based on perceptions of the impacts of the 2012 Tour de Taiwan before and after the event. Theoretical perspectives of event impact studies considering Confucian traditions, social exchange theory and a sense of 'feel-good' or 'communitas' help to provide fresh insights. Data were collected from host residents in three competition stages, before and after the event. Twenty-two impact items divided into four factors generated subgroups of 'neutral' and 'moderately positive' (pre-event), and 'neutral' and 'positive' (post-event). The results show significant differences among the subgroups at the pre- and post-event stages in terms of gender, income, engagement in cycling exercises, levels of support and interest in the event, television watching, and event attendance. General benefits, negative impacts, the level of interest in the event and attendance were significant predictors of event support. The findings suggest that event feel-good can help the intangible characteristics of sporting events (do not entail construction and maintenance of permanent structures) to lever tangible and direct benefits for host communities.


Background/Objective:
High mortality rates among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) patients have raised concerns regarding use of mechanical ventilation in management of patients with COVID-19. Additional data is needed in this discussion to better understand treatment strategies for this vulnerable population. We conducted a study to examine length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and risk factors for death in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Methods:
Observational study in patients admitted to Eskenazi Health and Indiana University Health Methodist ICUs. Participants were 18 years and older patients admitted to the ICU from March 1 2020 to April 27, 2020 who tested positive for COVID-19. Primary outcomes for this study were in-hospital mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and the length of stay in the ICU.

Results:
The study cohort was made up of 242 patients. The mortality rate was 19.8% (48/242) for the overall cohort and 20.5% (38/185) for mechanically ventilated patients. Age was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality [increased hazard in in-hospital mortality: age 65-74 years (HR: 3.1, 95%Cl=1.2-7.9, p=0.021), age 75+ (HR: 4.1, 95%CI=1.6-10.5, p=0.003) compared to those younger than 65]. In our Cox's proportional hazard model, ESRD (HR:5.9, 95%CI=1.3-26.9, p=0.021) along with age were the only risk factors with statistical significance. The median duration of mechanical ventilation in the overall cohort was 9.3 days (IQR=-5.7-13.7). In patients that died, median ICU length of stay was 8.7 days (IQR=4.0-14.9), compared to 9.2 days (IQR=4.0-14.0) in those discharged alive.

Conclusion/Clinical Impact:
We found lower mortality rates and longer length of stays in our cohort than in previous studies. While more data is needed, this study supports continued use of mechanical ventilation ARDS recommendations for treating patients with ARDS from COVID-19. Further, this data potentially shows a benefit to not having a strained healthcare system.


The reaction of [ClP(mu-NtBu)]2 (1) with H2O (1 : 2 equivalents) in the presence of excess Et3N gives the new chain compound [(mu-O)[P(mu-NtBu)2P(H)=O]2] (3), consisting of two P2N2 rings linked by a mu-O atom and terminating in P(V)(H)=O groups. A similar chain species is obtained from the reaction of the lithiate of [(tBuNH)P(mu-NtBu)2P(H)=O] (5) with [ClP(mu-NtBu)2P(NHtBu)] (2), the product being [(mu-O)[P(mu-NtBu)2P(NHtBu)]2] (6). Compounds 3 and 6 are the first examples of O-bridged chain phosphazanes and potential precursors to new phosphorus-nitrogen macrocycles. The syntheses and X-ray structures of 3, 5 and 6 are reported.


In the paper, similarity is applied to capture its radiant effect on virtual reality technology. It solves the contradiction of high quality real-time graphics and low cost PC. PCVR technology can be realized at high performance/price rate.


This preliminary phytolith and charcoal study of sediments from the Amazon Fan (Sites 932 and 933) shows changes that appear to reflect widespread climatic and vegetational oscillations in Amazonia over the last 75 k.y. The Pleistocene climate was much cooler than that of the present day, as arboreal taxa now confined mainly to elevations above 1200 m descended into the lowlands to form forests with novel species associations. The last glacial maximum appears to have been a significantly drier time than the postglacial era, with advance of open terrain vegetation, frequent grassland fire, and reduction of the sea sonal forest. Forest and grassland fires have a deep history in the Amazon Basin. Data from the Amazon Fan support many of the interpretations of the Pleistocene in Amazonia based on paleobotanical study of scattered terrestrial sites.


The structure of a 1,7,7-triaryl norbornane (compound 3) has been determined by X-ray diffraction and was found essentially equal to that predicted by molecular mechanics calculations. Restricted rotation of the aryl groups also has been observed by dynamic NMR spectroscopy in this compound and in a number of analogously substituted norbornanes. The aryl-norbornane bond rotation barriers were measured by line shape analysis of the (13)C NMR spectra obtained at temperatures lower than -100 degrees C and were found to cover the range 6.0 to 7.9 kcal mol(-1). An exception was the rotation involving the o-anisyl group in compound 5, which occurs near ambient temperature since the corresponding barrier is much higher (14.4 kcal mol(-1)). In one case (compound 4) configurational enantiomers could be separated by chiral HPLC and the corresponding CD spectra recorded.


This paper presents a particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) as a control strategy for the offline driving cycle to obtain the best torque distribution between the two sources: internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor (EM). The purpose to minimize the fuel consumption, emissions, and maximize the state of charge of the battery for the model of power-split hybrid electric vehicles (PSHEV), while the requirements of the driving performance considered as constraints. The control strategy has been applied for the UDDS driving cycle under the Matlab Simulink software environment. The results of the value of fuel consumption compared with fuzzy logic control (FLC), the global optimization genetic algorithm (GA), and ADVISOR. After comparing, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the (PSO) algorithm over the mentioned methods in lowering fuel consumption by 8.87% for the (FLC), 22.6% for the GA. Maximizing the state of charge of the battery by 5.6% for the ADVISOR program and closest to optimal results for FLC.


In this study, it was hypothesized that different results would be obtained by canine behavior assessments performed within 24 hr of shelter intake (Day 0) and after a 3-day acclimation period (Day 3). Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming assessments were performed on 33 dogs at 2 municipal shelters. Agreements between Day 0 and Day 3 varied among subtests, and no consistent temporal patterns were observed. Weighted kappa statistics for each subtest ranged from .28 to .78, and percentage discordance was 0% to 18%. In a 2nd analysis, subtests skipped due to serious aggression were replaced with scores corresponding to serious aggression, and missing values for the Food subtest were replaced with scores for no aggression if the dog did not eat. For subtests skipped due to severe aggression, more than 50% of the dogs had scores indicating low aggression on the other assessment. Eight of 16 dogs who did not eat on Day 0 ate on Day 3; 2 showed aggression. Until the ideal time to test can be identified, it should be based on the individual dog's welfare status, and testing of dogs showing severe stress should be avoided.


Objective To determine if an "observation" protocol with serial scanning is a safe and effective management paradigm for acoustic neuromas in the elderly. Study Design A retrospective case review was performed. Setting This study was performed in an academic, tertiary care center. Patients Forty-one patients over the age of 65 years were identified with the primary diagnosis of unilateral acoustic neuroma, without prior treatment or observation. Intervention The patients were followed with serial, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed at 6 months and then yearly, if no significant growth occurred. Main Outcome Measures The patients were monitored for tumor growth, cranial nerve deficits, and hydrocephalus. Results The patients were followed for an average of 3.5 years (range, 6 months to 9 years). The average tumor size at presentation was 1.14 cm, with a range of growth rates from 0 to 1.2 cm per year. Twenty-one patients demonstrated tumor growth at an average rate of 0.322 cm per year. Only five patients (12%) required further intervention. Three patients underwent translabyrinthine excision, and two patients were treated with radiation. No patients developed significant complications during the observation period. Conclusions Acoustic neuromas in the older population can be managed safely using serial MRI scanning. No correlation could be made between initial tumor size and subsequent growth rate.


Pattern recognition and time location of power quality disturbances using TT-transform is proposed in this thesis. TT-transform is performed to the original signal and the result is a complex matrix. The absolute value of the complex matrix called modulus matrix. Unit cylinder is got by every row vector of modulus matrix as the mother curve and the cylinders are superposed. A 3D figure is got and it is used as the pattern to recognize power quality disturbances. The maxima of the modulus matrix for every column are used to form a vector called modulus vector. The prominent values in the modulus vector are the transition point and the time location is got. Simulation results indicate that the patterns are unique for power quality disturbances and the time location is accurate under noisy circumstance.


Throught this paper, our main objective is to propose a conceptual model that links the notions of organizational learning (as capability and as a process) and organizational performance. Our contribution consists in analyzing the literature on organizational learning and organizational performance and in proposing an integrated model, that comprises: organizational learning capability, the process of organizational learning, organizational performance, human capital (the value and uniqueness of human capital), management of the relationship between the process of organizational learning and performance. The result is a model that links organizational learning capability, the process of organizational learning and organizational performance. Our assumption is that the value of human capital, the uniqueness of human capital and management of the relationship between the process of organizational learning and performance are mediators in the relationship between the process of organizational learning and organizational performance. The paper represents a step in linking organizational learning and performance, by proposing a conceptual model, and it needs to be completed with further research in order to undertake an integrated measure of organizational learning and performance.


BIOMEDICAL RESEARCHA study on AIDS transmission in Uganda has reignited a smoldering debate on the ethics of research in developing countries. Last week, The New England Journal of Medicine published a paper reporting that HIV-infected individuals are much less likely to pass their infection on to a sex partner if they carry a low number of viral particles in their blood. But in an unusual move, the journal also published a strongly worded editorial questioning the study's ethics.


PURPOSE
Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk of death resulting from noncancer causes and second malignancies (ie, competing mortality). Variation in competing mortality risk complicates individual treatment choices and design and interpretation of clinical studies.

METHODS
Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry, we identified 34,568 patients with nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck diagnosed between 1994 and 2003. We developed a multivariable competing-risk regression model to stratify patients according to competing mortality risk and evaluate the impact of this risk on power loss in clinical studies.

RESULTS
The 5-year cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality, HNC-specific mortality, and competing mortality were 51.3% (95% CI, 50.8% to 51.9%), 23.8% (95% CI, 23.3% to 24.2%), and 27.6% (95% CI, 26.8% to 28.3%), respectively. Factors associated with increased competing mortality were increasing age, male sex, black race, unmarried status, localized disease, higher socioeconomic status, nonsurgical treatment, and hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and oral cavity subsites. The 5-year cumulative incidences of competing mortality for patients in low-, medium-, and high-risk score tertiles were 20.0% (95% CI, 18.8% to 21.3%), 27.7% (95% CI, 26.3% to 29.1%), and 33.7% (95% CI, 32.2% to 35.2%), respectively. Compared with patients with low competing mortality risk, relative sample sizes required to show benefit of a treatment regarding all-cause mortality were 12% and 42% higher in the medium- and high-risk groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Multiple factors affect risk of competing mortality among patients with HNC. Risk stratification would be useful to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment intensification.


Fusarium wilt in cotton causes the greatest damage on sandy soil, acid, potassium deficient and saline soils. Because Fusarium wilt is more virulent under saline stress, the morphophysiological variations predisposing cotton plants under saline stress to the disease were evaluated. Seed of two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars, Coker 304 (susceptible to wilt) and Acala SJ-2 (wilt resistant but susceptible in saline soils) were cultivated in hydroponic culture with non-saline nutrient solution (control group) or a range of nutrient solutions containing only FOV or only NaCl to EC 20mS/cm, or NaCl plus FOV. After 61 days, two transverse sections were cut from each plant of the four groups, one from the collar and one from the stem. From each sample, two characteristic were determined in the SEM, the average diameter of the xylem vessels (random selection, enlargement x156) and the total number of vessels per unit area. The experimental data (LSD test p<0.05) showed that the saline groups of plants had a lower diameter of the xylem vessels but a larger number of vessels per unit area. Both the greater number of vessels and the reduced lymph flow through these narrower vessels seem to be a precondition for cotton plants to be more susceptible to wilt.


Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate pulmonary function and radiological outcomes in a group of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. Methods One hundred seventy-two COVID-19 survivors in a follow-up clinic in a referral hospital underwent high-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and pulmonary function at 3 months after hospital discharge. Results The median duration from hospital discharge to radiological and pulmonary function test (interquartile range) was 90 (88–95) days. Abnormal pulmonary function was found in 11 (6.40%) patients, and abnormal small airway function (FEF25-75%) in 12 (6.98%). Six (3.49%) patients had obstructive ventilation impairment, and 6 (3.49%) had restrictive ventilatory impairment. No significant differences in lung function parameters were observed between the nonsevere and severe groups. Of 142 COVID-19 patients who underwent CT scan, 122 (85.91%) showed residual CT abnormalities and 52 (36.62%) showed chronic and fibrotic changes. The ground-glass opacities absorption in the lungs of severe cases was less satisfactory than that of nonsevere patients. The severe patients had higher CT scores than the nonsevere cases (2.00 vs 0.00; P < .001) Conclusions Of the COVID-19 survivors in our study, 6.40% still presented pulmonary function abnormality 3 months after discharge, which did not vary by disease severity during hospitalization; 85.91% of patients had abnormalities on chest CT, with fibrous stripes and ground-glass opacities being the most common patterns.


Euclid is the future ESA mission, mainly devoted to Cosmology. Like WMAP and Planck, it is a survey mission, to be launched in 2019 and injected in orbit far away from the Earth, for a nominal lifetime of 7 years. Euclid has two instruments on-board, the Visible Imager (VIS) and the Near- Infrared Spectro-Photometer (NISP). The NISP instrument includes cryogenic mechanisms, active thermal control, high-performance Data Processing Unit and requires periodic in-flight calibrations and instrument parameters monitoring. To fully exploit the capability of the NISP, a careful control of systematic effects is required. From previous experiments, we have built the concept of an integrated instrument development and verification approach, where the scientific, instrument and ground-segment expertise have strong interactions from the early phases of the project. In particular, we discuss the strong integration of test and calibration activities with the Ground Segment, starting from early pre-launch verification activities. We want to report here the expertise acquired by the Euclid team in previous missions, only citing the literature for detailed reference, and indicate how it is applied in the Euclid mission framework.


The research was conducted in the field of Khabat Technical Institute / Erbil Polytechnic University during winter season of 2019-2020 and summer season of 2020. It shows the effect of planting date, varieties on growth and yield component of sugar beet under two different seasonal conditions. A factorial experimental design was applied in randomized complete block design with three replication; the first factor represents three planting dates (1st October, 16th October and 31th October, 2019) in winter and (1st March, 16th March and 31th March, 2020) in summer season, the second factor was three varieties of sugar beet (Germany, Turkish and Iranian), had been applied in both seasons. The combined effect of planting in 1st October and the Turkish variety produced the highest value of all study traits; No. of leaf.plant-1, leaf area (cm2), leaf area index (LAI), root length cm, root diameter cm, root weight kg.plant-1, root yield t.ha-1, sugar % and sugar yield t.ha-1in winter season, but the Germany variety surpassed in length of root (cm) in summer season. The interaction between planting date from 1st October with Turkish variety recorded the highest value of all study traits, in winter season achieved the lowest value in number of leaf.plant-1, root length cm, root diameter cm, root weight kg.plant-1, root yield t.ha-1, sugar% and sugar yield, were recorded from the interaction between planting in 31th March and Iranian variety in summer season. On the other hand, the interaction treatment 31th March with Turkish variety recorded the lowest value in leaf area and leaf area index.


Audiences are attracted to dramas and horror movies even though negative and ambivalent emotions are likely to be experienced. Research into the seemingly paradoxical enjoyment of this kind of media entertainment has typically focused on gender- and genre-specific needs and viewing motivations. Extending this line of research, the authors focus the role of the need for affect as a more general, gender- and genre-independent predictor of individual differences in the experience of emotions and meta-emotions (i.e., evaluative thoughts and feelings about one's emotions). The article discusses a field study of moviegoers who attended the regular screening of a drama or a horror film. Results support the assumption that individuals high in need for affect experience higher levels of negative and ambivalent emotions and evaluate their emotions more positively on the level of meta-emotions. Controlling for the Big Five personality factors does not alter these effects. The results are discussed within an extended meta-emotion framework.


PURPOSE
This study was done to examine the effect of an integrated care service which included a combination of oriental and western care on health outcomes in elderly patients with degenerative arthritis.

METHODS
A prospective comparative design was used. Data were collected from May 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 from 85 elderly patients with degenerative arthritis in the lower extremities who were followed in a hospital out-patient department for 8 weeks. The integrated care service group (n=36) received a combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, western medicines or herbal medicines, and the western care group (n=49) received physical therapy or western medicines. Functional independence, walking speed, rotation balance, pain intensity, service satisfaction and total medical costs for the two groups were compared at 8 weeks.

RESULTS
Functional independence (t=2.14, p=.036) and walking speed (t=2.51, p=.014) improved significantly in the integrated care group while pain intensity improved significantly in the western care group (t=3.35, p=.002). The integrated care group reported higher scores for service satisfaction (t=2.09, p=.041) and higher medical costs than the western care group (t=2.15, p=.035).

CONCLUSION
The results suggest that integrated care services are effective modalities to improve mobility and quality of life for elders with degenerative arthritis.


Abstract This paper presents a newly developed methodology for VHDL-AMS model integration into SPICE-based EMC simulations. To this end the VHDL-AMS model, which is available in a compiled version only, is characterized under typical loading conditions, and afterwards a neural network based technique is applied to convert characteristic voltage and current data into an equivalent circuit in SPICE syntax. After the explanation of the whole method and the presentation of a newly developed switched state space dynamic neural network model, the entire analysis process is demonstrated using a typical application from automotive industry.


In this talk I present N-gram GP, a system for evolving linear GP programs using an EDA style system to update the probabilities of different 3-grams (triplets) of instructions. I then pick apart some of the evolved programs in an effort to better understand the properties of this approach and identify ways that it might be extended.

Doing so reveals that there are frequently cases where the system needs two triples of the form ABC and ABD to solve the problem, but can only choose between them probabilistically in the EDA phase. I present the entirely untested idea of creating a new pseudo-instruction that is a duplicate of a key instruction. This could potentially allow the system to learn, for example, that AB is always followed by C, while AB' is always followed by D.


An MEL (SL75/20) linear accelerator, an absorbed dose calorimeter and ferrous sulphate have been used to obtain absorbed dose correction factors, Clambda and CE, for use with a Farmer ionisation chamber. The calorimeter is a twin quasi-adiabatic graphite absorber type and has been used for the measurement of 8 and 16 MV X-rays. The Fricke Dosemeter Reference Service of the National Physical Laboratory was also utilised for 16 MV X-rays and 8 and 14 MeV electrons.


Over the past 20 years, obesity has become a national and worldwide epidemic-one with well-established medical and financial consequences. Nonetheless, the health care industry lacks effective and affordable therapies for its treatment. Managed care knows this all too well; yet it has still demonstrated a reluctance to pay for expensive surgeries and drug therapies. Managed care organizations, however, may have the ability to provide leadership in other ways.


This paper deals with the first study of high-resolution radio-frequency, centimeter-wave, millimeter-wave, and infrared spectra of the deuterated isotopomer of trifluorosilane, SiDF(3), in its lowest degenerate excited v(6) = 1 state. Following the work of E. I. Lobodenko, O. N. Sulakshina, V. I. Perevalov, and Vl. G. Tyuterev, (J. Mol. Spectrosc. 126, 159-170 (1987)) and Harder (J. Mol. Spectrosc. 194, 145 (1999)), the data (18 A(1)-A(2) transitions, 229 l-type resonance transitions, 189 pure rotational transitions, and 1167 rovibrational transitions) have been fitted using three equivalent Q, D, and QD reduction schemes enabling the fit of one of the three interaction parameters d, q(12), and epsilon, respectively, while the other two are fixed to zero. In addition to further higher order constants, either f(K)(22) or tau(K) also had to be constrained. By checking the standard deviation of each data set and the relations between parameters determined within different constrains, the six reduction schemes have been shown to be unitary equivalent. Furthermore, the axial rotational ground state constant C(0) has been accurately determined. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.


Smart Dynamic Casting (SDC) – a robotic prefabrication method for non-standard structures – has emerged from shaping concrete with a rigid formwork into an almost fully automated system enabling the production of concrete structures with variable cross-section and geometries using flexible actuated formworks. The flexible formwork systems have yielded full scale prototypes (up to 3 meters in height) that vary in shape, volume, thickness and geometry (or a combination of these), and show that the SDC design space can be significantly expanded, far beyond what has been achieved in previous studies. Two different shaping methods were applied. The first method shapes the material locally, at the exit of the formwork, only allowing a minimal gradient of deformation. The second method shapes the material globally, across the whole height of formwork, allowing for significant variation in cross section. Regardless of whether the deformation occurs locally or globally, any deformation modifies the load on the concrete at the exit of the formwork, thus requiring continuous inline measurements and automated feedback loops. A recent successful approach combines formwork pressure and friction measurements to define the lower and upper strength limits of the shaping window, thereby enabling more robust control of the process. This paper presents the current SDC process, with a particular emphasis on how the experimental setup has changed from previous studies. This includes descriptions of new flexible formwork typologies, followed by a description of the novel inline measurement technique. Together, these advances bring the SDC system another step closer to the main objective of the research, which is to develop a fully automated system that enables efficient production of load bearing structures in a continuous digital chain.


Histology plays an essential role in therapeutic decision-making for lung cancer patients. However, the molecular determinants of lung cancer histology are largely unknown. We conducted whole-exome sequencing(WES) and microarray profiling on 19 micro-dissected tumor regions of different histologic subtypes from 9 patients with lung cancers of mixed histology. A median of 68.9% of point mutations and 83% of copy number aberrations were shared between different histologic components within the same tumors. Furthermore, different histologic components within the tumors demonstrated similar subclonal architecture. On the other hand, transcriptomic profiling revealed shared pathways between the same histologic subtypes from different patients, which was supported by the analyses of the transcriptomic data from 141 cell lines and 343 lung cancers of different histologic subtypes. These data suggest that histology of lung cancers may be determined at the transcriptomic level rather than the genomic level.


Uvula primary carcinomas are rare tumors, and they are, even in early stages, very aggressive because of the high incidence of cervical metastasis. We report a case of primary carcinoma of the uvula diagnosed by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) during the study of cervical metastasis of occult primary. The PET-CT has become a useful test in patients with cervical metastasis from primary carcinomas of the head and neck of unknown origin, combining metabolic information from positron emission tomography and anatomic information of computed tomography.


Summary Coagulation factor VII activity (FVIIC) is a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease. It is related to serum-triglycerides and the R/Q353 polymorphism (alleles R and Q) in the gene coding for factor VII is strongly associated with factor VII. The association of serum- triglycerides with factor VII may differ between the genotypes, but the results of earlier studies were inconsistent and did not include older people. We studied FVII, triglycerides and the R/Q353 polymorphism in the Rotterdam Study. In 1158 older subjects (489 men and 669 women) FVIIC, factor VII: Chr, serum-triglycerides and the R/Q353-genotype were determined. In women triglycerides were positively associated with FVIIChr and FVIIC (FVIIChr: β = 12.4 % PP/mmol/L, CI: 10.3-14.5; FVII:C: β = 13.1% PP/mmol/L, CI: 10.4-15.8). These associations varied by genotype (FVII:Chr: RR: β = 11.7, CI: 9.6-13.8, RQ/QQ: β = 7.9, CI: 4.6-11.2; FVII:C: RR: β = 12.5, CI: 9.5-15.5, RQ/QQ: β = 6.4, CI: 1.4-11.4). In men, the associations of FVII:Chr and FVII:C with triglycerides were weaker (FVII:Chr: β = 5.9, CI: 4.1-7.7; FVII:C: β = 8.7, CI: 6.2-11.2). There was no difference between the genotype groups. These results suggest that only in older women the strength of the association of factor VII with serum-triglycerides varies according to genotype of the R/Q353 polymorphism.


BACKGROUND
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in transplant rejection. We tested the hypothesis that IL-6 levels in serum or urine could be of value in predicting acute and chronic allograft rejection. Furthermore, we examined whether or not such levels reflected IL-6 expression in the kidney.

METHODS
We measured IL-6 and IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) in serum and urine of 145 transplant patients and 20 normal controls. In parallel, we studied 108 renal biopsies. IL-6 was measured with a bioassay system using an IL-6 dependent cell line. IL-6sR was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The biopsies were examined for IL-6 and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) expression with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
Rejection episodes occurring within 2 months of transplantation were accompanied by elevated IL-6 concentrations in serum (17 +/- 4.8 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and urine (114 +/- 27 pg/ml, P < 0.005), compared to controls. These values returned towards baseline (0-5 pg/ml) after successful rejection treatment. The sensitivity of urine measurements was much higher (93%) than serum (54%). The specificity in serum (70%) and urine (60%) was reduced by infection, acute tubular necrosis, and antithymocyte globulin treatment. Serum and urine IL-6sR values did not correlate with rejection. In biopsy tissue, IL-6 and IL-6R were both elevated during rejection. Especially, mononuclear cells within the interstitial infiltrate stained positive. However, the amount of IL-6 positive cells did not correlate with peripheral IL-6 concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS
Urine but not serum IL-6 values are sensitive indicators of rejection; however, they are confounded by infection, acute tubular necrosis, and certain antirejection treatments. These features limit their usefulness.


The speech of children with isolated cleft palate (CP) repaired by one surgeon has been compared with the speech of children with some form of unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) repaired by the same surgeon. All palate repairs included an intravelar veloplasty. We identified 57 children (5--12 years old) with cleft palates repaired in infancy, of which three patients with other medical problems were excluded. Of the 54 patients, 44 (81%) attended for review (27 CP, 17 CLP). Video recordings were analysed by two speech and language therapists, using the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech. The CP patients had no evidence of permanent fistulas. Final speech outcomes were similar for CP and CLP patients. Intelligibility was normal in 10 (37%) CP and nine (53%) CLP patients. Mild consistent hypernasality was present in five (18.5%) CP and four (23.5%) CLP patients. No patients had moderate or severe hypernasality or nasal emission. Mild consistent hyponasality was present in five (18.5%) CP and five (29%) CLP patients. Moderate consistent hyponasality was present in one (4%) CP patient. Dysphonia was present in eight (30%) CP and seven (41%) CLP patients. Cleft-type characteristics were noted in 11 (41%) CP and nine (53%) CLP patients. No CLP patients but 10 (37%) CP patients had required a pharyngoplasty (P=0.004, Fisher's exact test). Possible reasons for this (age, cleft type, surgeon and surgery) are discussed.


Chloramination has been widely applied for drinking water disinfection, with monochloramine (NH2Cl) the dominant chloramine species. However, under neutral pH, NH2Cl can autodecompose and react with chemical components in drinking water, thus decreasing disinfection efficiency. In tap water, the NH2Cl loss rate can be influenced by temperature, pH, Cl/N molar ratio, the initial NH2Cl concentration, and the natural organic matter (NOM) concentration. A good prediction of NH2Cl loss can assist in the operation of drinking water treatment plants. In this research, a kinetic rate constant )and a reactive site fraction (S = 0.43 ± 0.06) for the reaction between free chlorine released from NH2Cl autodecoposition and tap water NOM were derived from a kinetic model to predict the NH2Cl loss under various conditions. A temperature‐dependent model was also developed. The model predictions match well with the experimental results, which demonstrates the validity of the model and provides a convenient and accurate method for NH2Cl loss calculations.


Acute otitis media is the most commonly diagnosed illness in children, and is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescription. In many countries, antibiotic resistance is increasing among the bacteria that are implicated in acute otitis media, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. This evolution should stimulate changes in the management of acute otitis media, particularly the following: improvement in diagnostic accuracy; reduction in antibiotic use; selection of the most appropriate drugs at the appropriate dosage; reduction in duration of treatment, when possible; and implementation of new vaccines.


The evolutionary history of the human species has generated complex patterns of population structure and linkage disequilibrium (non-random associations of alleles at different loci or LD). The understanding of these patterns is crucial to two of the most important challenges facing biomedical science today: the identification of disease predisposing genes and prediction of variable drug reactions. The genetic variation revealed by these endeavours can also illuminate the underlying population historical processes. Here, I illustrate each of these applications: first, by assessing the demographic context of cultural change in the British Isles. Y chromosome variation indicates that the Viking age invasions left a significant paternal legacy (at least in Orkney), while the Neolithic and Iron Age cultural transitions did not. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA and X chromosome variation indicate that one or more of these pre-Anglo-Saxon revolutions had a major effect on the maternal genetic heritage of the British Isles. Second, I provide conclusive evidence that diverse demographic histories produce strikingly different patterns of association. Elevated LD extends an order of magnitude further in the Lemba, a Bantu-Semitic hybrid population, than in the putative parental populations. A significant relationship between allele-frequency differentials in the parental populations and the Lemba LD demonstrates that it is admixture-generated. Third, I demonstrate that the genetic structure inferred in a heterogeneous sample using neutral markers (a) shows ethnic labels to be inaccurate descriptions of human population structure, and (b) predicts drug metabolising profiles, defined by the distribution of drug metabolising enzyme variants. Thus the trade-off between therapeutic response and adverse drug reactions will differ between different sub-clusters. Assessment of genetic structure during drug trials is therefore, like the empirical evaluation of each population's pattern of LD, a necessity.


Iron overload is an inevitable consequence of repeated blood transfusions required to sustain life in a wide array of haematological conditions such as thalassaemia, aplastic anaemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Without iron chelation therapy, death from cardiotoxic effects of iron overload usually ensues in the second decade. Iron chelation therapy with subcutaneous Desferrioxamine (DFO) infusions at least 5 nights per week has been shown unequivocally to prolong life expectancy in thalassaemia major. However, although this molecule is remarkably free of toxic side effects at treatment doses, patient compliance is often poor, and iron overload still leads to death today. One of the scopes of this Ph.D. was to develop a cellular model that would allow the testing of novel chelating agents used alone or in combination with established chelators. Our in vitro model of iron overload was able to elucidate several principles regarding the interactions of chelators within cells. It allowed for the first time a detailed interrogation of synergy as opposed to additivity of action of licensed chelators when used in combination, which has now been published. This model is also relevant to the development of new chelators and was used to demonstrate the iron binding properties of Eltrombopag (ELT), a drug used to manage ITP, at clinically achievable concentrations. ELT is a powerful intracellular iron chelator that decreases storage iron and enhances iron removal when in combination with commercially available iron chelators. In clinical use, donation of chelated iron by ELT to these chelators offers established routes for elimination of chelated iron. Furthermore, we extensively investigated the iron mobilising properties of the naturally occurring flavonoid quercetin and its principle metabolites. For the first time we showed that quercetin and its metabolites can act as a shuttle when combined with licensed chelators and provided a unique structure-function analysis of flavonoids with regards to iron and ferritn mobilisation and antioxidant capacity as a function of Fe(II) binding. A further goal of this thesis was to establish an iron-overloaded humanised thalassaemia mouse model that could be used to examine whether the same principles which determine iron release from cell cultures also influence the oral efficiency of iron chelators, in vivo. We utilised iron dextran to achieve cardiac iron loading confirmed by histology and MRI investigations. Iron overloaded mice were treated with a combination of the flavonoid quercetin and the iron chelator Deferasirox (DFX), and we established the value of this in combination in terms of cardiac iron mobilisation. Our novel humanised β thalassaemia ion-overloaded mouse model demonstrating cardiac iron loading is a first-in-kind development, and the novel application of MRI will provide a useful tool for studying iron chelators, the pathophysiology and disease progression, blood transfusion regimens and cellular/gene therapy in iron overload in the future. Our findings in vivo support the contention that our cellular model is a useful screening tool for new compounds, both for toxicity and efficacy.


The magnesium carbonate basic coating on the cotton cloth (Mg2CO3(OH)2/CC) was prepared by a facile and cost-effective method for uranium(VI) adsorption. The process of the obtained material for uranium(VI) adsorption from an aqueous solution was fully researched. The results reveal that the maximum adsorption capacity of the Mg2CO3(OH)2/CC toward uranium is 370 mg g−1, providing a strong efficiency for the removal of uranium from aqueous solution. The experimental data were analyzed using adsorption kinetic models. The adsorption kinetics of uranium onto Mg2CO3(OH)2/CC obey the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the determining step might be chemical adsorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔHo, ΔSo and ΔGo, show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Furthermore, the as-prepared material can be easily separated from the aqueous solution after adsorption. Such excellent performance may promote this promising and effective adsorbent for practical uranium(VI) adsorption.


To investigate whether somatostatin systems plays a significant role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the effects of cysteamine, a drug which reduces somatostatin levels, on the dexamethasone-induced suppression of plasma corticosterone levels were examined in the rat. Male Long Evans rats were handled daily for 1 week prior to receiving a standard dexamethasone suppression test. On the 1st day, rats received a 9.00 a.m. saline injection and blood samples were taken from the tail at 1.00 p.m. On the 2nd day, rats received dexamethasone or saline at 9.00 a.m. and a second blood sample was taken at 1.00 p.m. Experimental groups were pretreated with systemic injections of cysteamine, 5 min or 14 h, prior to receiving dexamethasone. Additional groups, previously implanted with guide cannulae, were given an infusion of cysteamine or saline into the lateral ventricle 14 h prior to dexamethasone. Circulating corticosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Rats were sacrificed immediately following each experiment and the hypothalamus dissected and assayed for levels of somatostatin immunoreactivity. The results of the first experiment showed that dexamethasone (10 micrograms/kg) alone reduced plasma corticosterone levels from control values (174 +/- 36 ng/ml) to undetectable levels (less than 25 ng/ml). Pretreatment with cysteamine 5 min prior to dexamethasone, while having no significant effect on basal corticosterone levels, completely blocked the dexamethasone-induced suppression of corticosterone levels. Similar observations were obtained with rats pretreated with cysteamine 14 h prior to dexamethasone. In contrast, intracerebroventricular cysteamine pretreatment did not block the dexamethasone-induced suppression of corticosterone levels. These results add further evidence in support of an involvement of somatostatin systems in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.


A review is presented of the scenarios and physics of advanced tokamak discharges and the associated technical enhancements leading towards enhanced performance and steady state operation in ASDEX Upgrade. A stationary advanced tokamak scenario with internal transport barriers (ITBs) in combination with an H mode barrier and weak shear (qmin ≈ 1) was maintained for 40 confinement times and several internal skin times with HITERL-89PβN ≈ 5. By raising the triangularity of the plasma shape the performance was increased up to HITERL-89PβN ≈ 7.2, but β is still limited by neoclassical tearing modes. The density was raised to close to 50% of the Greenwald density either by edge gas fuelling, causing an increase of the threshold power to sustain an ITB and a decrease of Zeff below 2, or by improved core particle confinement with more triangular plasma shapes without changing the ITB onset conditions. Sufficient helium pumping and no temporal impurity accumulation was observed despite peaked impurity density profiles. MHD modes contribute to making the shear profile stationary. In the ITB/H mode scenario (1,1) fishbones clamp the q value to the vicinity of 1 and avoid sawteeth, while in ITB scenarios with reversed shear (qmin ≈ 2) (2,1) fishbones can clamp the current profile development near the q = 2 surface without causing energy confinement to deteriorate. Double tearing modes act similarly, but lead to substantial confinement losses. Applying central ECRF heating and current drive to beam heated reversed shear ITB discharges shows a substantial effect on MHD stability, affecting the passage of the q profile through qmin = 2 and degrading or prolonging the reversed shear phase, depending on the current drive direction. Moreover, reactor relevant Te ≈ Ti operation with temperatures in excess of 10 keV was achieved with internal transport barriers for both electrons and ions simultaneously. For current profile control ECCD will be supplemented by on-axis fast wave ICCD and off-axis current drive up to 400 kA using NBI (available in 2001) and ICRF mode conversion. Stationary discharges with reversed shear and qmin > 2 should then be possible at a plasma current of 1 MA according to power deposition, current drive and transport calculations.


A superchip for realizing ultra-large-scale integrated (ULSI) systems based on a wafer-scale integrated (WSI) circuit concept, which incorporates defect/fault tolerance and system reconfiguration, is introduced. The key features of the central architectural component, a large crossbar switch matrix, are described. A prototype has been fabricated in silicon technology. Hypothetical processor examples demonstrate the power of the superchip approach, and design/performance figures are discussed. >


Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate meanings attached to physical education in the Scandinavian countries through (1) the different national syllabi; and (2) interpretations and conclusions researchers make in their studies of Scandinavian physical education and how these findings look like compared with other researchers' findings on the same questions. Physical education in Sweden is the focus, but comparisons are made with Denmark, Finland, and Norway. Method: This study can be seen as a qualitative textual analysis, and in this case analysis of syllabi as well as research texts produced about physical education in Scandinavia during the last ten years. Findings: The analysis shows that school systems in the Scandinavian countries are very similar. Recent educational reforms have moved towards decentralization and an emphasis on goals. Aims and objectives are formulated in national syllabi, but content and methods are a local responsibility. Sweden took the first step and the three other countries have moved in the same direction. The comparative analysis shows that there are many similarities between physical education in the Scandinavian countries. It even seems possible to talk about a Scandinavian model for physical education, characterized by a broad content area, where pupils choose from a kind of 'smorgasbord' of physical activities. It is through multi-activity programmes of different physical activities that pupils are to learn. In practice, however, it seems as if, just as in the rest of Europe, ball games, gymnastics, fitness training, and track and field dominate the subject. On the other hand, typical activities for Scandinavian culture such as skiing, skating, orienteering, and outdoor education with a focus on environmental questions and health form part of a physical education programme that differs from those found in most other countries. Co-education is a main principle in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, while in Finland physical education is taught in separate groups. Further, cooperation, socialization, and team effort are emphasized more than physiology, competition, and results. Health is a central proficiency area in physical education in especially Sweden and Finland, while in Denmark and Norway health is not emphasized as much as in the two first mentioned countries. Even though a health perspective should permeate the subject in all the Scandinavian countries, what this means in practice is seldom discussed and the teachers have difficulty in defining the concept. The issue of time allocation is quite complicated in Scandinavia due to localized control of curricular timetables and practices of offering options or electives. Researchers do agree about the conclusion that there has been a time reduction. However, the situation for physical education seems to be better in the Scandinavian countries than in many other countries around the world. In Sweden, for example, the climate vis-à-vis physical education is now much more positive, and the subject has regained status and resources. The situation for physical education in Finland and Norway also looks positive, if not quite as good as in Sweden. Physical education in Denmark, however, still waits for a breakthrough.


Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine cardiac arrest– and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–related risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Design: We performed an analysis of merged data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines—Resuscitation registries. Setting: A total of 32 hospitals reporting to both registries between 2000 and 2014. Patients: Children younger than 18 years old who suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest and underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Of the 593 children included in the final cohort, 240 (40.5%) died prior to decannulation from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and 352 (59.4%) died prior to hospital discharge. A noncardiac diagnosis and preexisting renal insufficiency were associated with increased odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.19–2.89] and 4.74 [95% CI, 2.06–10.9], respectively). The median time from onset of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation event to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation was 48 minutes (interquartile range, 28–70 min). Longer time from onset of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation event to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation was associated with higher odds of death prior to hospital discharge (adjusted odds ratio for each 5 additional minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01–1.07]). Each individual adverse event documented during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course, including neurologic, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, cardiovascular and hemorrhagic, was associated with higher odds of death, with higher odds as the cumulative number of documented adverse events during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course increased. Conclusions: Outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation reported by linking two national registries are encouraging. Noncardiac diagnoses, preexisting renal insufficiency, longer time from onset of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation event to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, and adverse events during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course are associated with worse outcomes.


Evaluation of squeezed film air damping is critical in the design and control of dynamic MEMS devices. The published squeezed film air damping models are generally derived from the analytical solutions of Reynolds equation or its other modified forms under the supposition of trivial pressure boundary conditions on the peripheral borders. These treatments ignoring the border effect can not give faithful result for structure with smaller air venting gap or the double-gimbaled structure in which the inner frame and outer one affect the air venting. In this paper, we use Green's function to solve the nonlinear Reynolds equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions. For two typical normal motion cases of parallel plate, the analytical models of squeeze film damping force with border effect are established. The viscous and inertial losses with real values and image values acoustic impedance are all included in the model. These models reduced the time consumption while giving satisfactory result. Without multifield coupling analysis, the estimation of the dynamic behavior of MEMS device is also allowed, and the simulation of the system performance is more convenient.


Cerebellar granule neurons isolated from postnatal day 7 (P7) rats and grown in normal K+ medium begin to degenerate at approximately 4 d in vitro (DIV) and die. To search for genes upregulated in the process of neuronal cell death, differential hybridization was performed with subtracted cDNA probes and a cDNA library from 5 DIV. One of the genes isolated was microglial response factor-1 (mrf-1), which encoded a sequence of 177 amino acids with a single EF-hand calcium-binding motif. By Northern blots, the transcript was upregulated in cerebellar culture at 4 DIV, peaked at 6 DIV, and decreased at 7 DIV. Upregulation was also found when the apoptosis of granule cells was induced by replacing high K+ medium with normal K+ medium. However, when non-neuronal cells were thoroughly eliminated with aphidicolin, an antimitotic agent, the upregulation at 4–7 DIV did not occur. By immunocytochemistry, MRF-1 was detected at 5 DIV in OX-42-positive cells (microglia), and it exhibited an increase in response to granule cell death. MRF-1 levels in microglia purified from cerebral cortex also upregulated in the presence of 5 DIV granule cells. In the developing cerebellum in vivo, levels ofmrf-1 mRNA transiently increased in the early postnatal stages, reaching a peak at P7 when cerebellar neurons and astrocytes undergo extensive apoptosis. In adult brain sections, MRF-1 was detected in the perikarya and processes of ramified/resting microglia, and peripheral motor nerve dissection prominently increased the expression in activated microglia surrounding injured central motoneurons. Therefore, mrf-1 appears to be one of the microglial genes that respond to neuronal cell death and degeneration.


The study intended to evaluate the effectiveness of managing the North West motor vehicles licensing revenue system in case of Department of Safety, Public Works in the North West Province with office in Mmabatho. Data was collected through telephone and e-mail questionnaire administered to the revenue section in the Department of Roads Safety and Public Works. A Sample size of42 towhich 44 copies of the questionnaire were dispatched returned all the questionnaires. The main findings revealed that the more knowledgeable the public the more they comply with policies. Tax incentives could be used to reduce health risk caused by car pollution.


To the Editor.— Six cases of onycholysis associated with doxorubicin have been reported to Adria Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio, since 1987. The reactions were occasionally accompanied by fingertip erythema, palmar erythema, or nail discoloration, and proceeded to the loss of one or more nails in three patients. Nail loss did not occur in the other three patients. Of the three patients experiencing no nail loss, one had an intercurrent fungal infection of the nails. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and α-hemolytic Streptococcus were isolated from clear drainage in the second patient. The last patient showed nail loosening in the absence of any pathogen. Mean onset of onycholysis was 15 weeks following initiation of doxorubicin therapy (range, 12 to 22 weeks). Doxorubicin was the sole form of chemotherapy used in three patients, and was combined with cyclophosphamide in three patients. Dexamethasone pretreatment was used in all patients in this series, and was discontinued in five


BACKGROUND
Female genital mutilation (FGM) and cutting is a subject of global interest, with many countries of the world still practicing it despite efforts by the WHO and other agencies to discourage the practice. The highest known prevalence is in Africa.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of FGM among nurses in the ancient metropolis of Benin in a Nigerian state where FGM is illegal.

RESULTS
One-hundred-ninety-three nurses in the study hospital were recruited in the study out of which 182 (94.3%) appropriately filled and returned the questionnaires. The average age of respondents was 37 years, and the average duration of postgraduation experience was 14.5 years. Most respondents are of Bini (36.8%) and Esan (34.1%) ethnic origin. All respondents identified at least one form of FGM, but only 12 respondents (6.6%) could correctly identify the four types of FGM. The harmful effects of FGM identified by the majority of respondents include hemorrhage, difficult labor/childbirth, genital tears, infections and scar/keloid formation. Forty-four (24.2%) of respondents were of the opinion that some forms of FGM are harmless. Eighty nurses admitted to having undergone FGM, for a prevalence of 44%. Five respondents (2.8%) view FGM as a good practice and will encourage the practice. Twelve respondents (6.6%) routinely perform FGM out of which seven (58.3%) viewed FGM as a bad practice. Nurses performing FGM routinely were those who had spent >20 years (59%) and 11-20 years (41%) in the profession. Another 26 (14.3%) had performed FGM before, though not on a routine basis. Of this latter group, 15 will perform FGM in the future when faced with certain circumstances. Reasons for FGM practice were mainly cultural. Eight of the respondents would have their daughters circumcised.

CONCLUSION
Nurses perceive FGM in Benin as cultural. Almost half have had FGM themselves, and a small percentage recommend it to their daughters. Discouraging FGM practice will require culturally sensitive education of the healthcare providers and the population at large on the ill effects of FGM, including the risk to health and violations of human rights.


In this work, we introduce load prediction as continuous input for optimization models within an optimization framework for short-term control of complex energy systems. In this context, we investigated long short-term memory (LSTM) models for load prediction, because they allow incremental training in an application with continuous real-time data and have not been used in other works for continuous load prediction to our knowledge. The test and evaluation were realized using data sets of real residential data from different locations in different time resolution - hourly and minutely. Accordingly, we tested different recurrent neural network (RNN) parameters of the model such as the number of layers, the number of hidden nodes, the inclusion of regularization, and dropout in order to find the optimal LSTM configuration for our continuous load prediction application. Besides, we analyzed the quality of the LSTM algorithm by comparing it in continuous mode with the baseline model and in batch mode with the statistical model ARIMA. Training and prediction time, as well as the error stabilization time were parameters used for the evaluation. The results showed that LSTM algorithms are highly promising for integrating continuous load prediction with incremental learning.


The paper reports results of endovascular treatment of 66 patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis. It was shown that normalization of coronary circulation in patients with viable hibernating myocardium in the zone of the affected artery not only eliminates the signs of chronic ischemia and slows down post-infarction heart remodeling but also restores the lost functions of hibernating myocardium which has beneficial influence on prognosis of the disease. Functioning of hibernating myocardium depends on the timely restoration of coronary circulation.


In a 7-year period (1988-1995) a series of 55 patients was surgically treated at our Department for lumbar disk herniation following a certain sports activity, i.e. sports injury. The above number accounts for 2% of the total number of lumbar disk patients operated upon at our Department. The majority of patients in our series were amateur athletes, whereas a few of them were active or professional athletes. The most common cause of disk herniation among our patients was playing soccer (13 cases), which is followed by basketball (8), field athletics (7), tennis (6) and handball (4). In most cases our surgical method of choice was flavectomy (interlaminectomy). Most commonly seen intraoperative finding was intervertebral disk extrusion. In some athletes the onset of symptoms was due to a change of their usual sports activity, for example a tennis player who was injured in skiing. We believe that the onset of disk herniation in athletes is a consequence of numerous micro traumas of the intervertebral disk which are further compounded by the syndrome of overstraining. In the case of a positive indication, surgical treatment leads to a faster recovery in professional athletes.


Out of the 25 microorganisms commonly occuring in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. 'Improved White Sim') vase solutions, 3 greatly reduced carnation vase life when added individually to vase solutions. Some of these microorganisms also reduced the vase life of roses (Rose hybrida 'Cara Mia'), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum × morifloium Ramat. 'May Shoesmith') and other cultivars of carnation ('Improved Red Sim' and 'Improved Pink Sim'). The microorganisms that reduced flower vase life were tentatively identified as a yeast, a fluorescent pseudomonad and a nonfluorescent pseudomonad. A 10-fold reduction in the initial inoculum level affected neither the final microbial concentrations nor the vase life of the test flowers. The effects of the different microbes were not correlated with their effects on solution pH.


Tolmetin sodium (TS) is a powerful non-steroidal mitigating drug for the treatment of rheumatoid joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and adolescent rheumatoid joint pain. In addition to its gastrointestinal (GIT) problems, TS has a short biological half-life (1 hr). In a trial to overcome these side effects and control the rate of (TS) release, chitosan coated alginate microspheres are recommended. A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to produce controlled release microspheres of TS in the sodium alginate and chitosan copolymers (Alg-Ch) by emulsification internal gelation methodology. The effect of critical formulation variables namely, drug to polymer ratio (D:P ratio), speed of rotation and span 80% on drug encapsulation efficiency (% EE), drug release at the end of 2 hours (Rel2) and drug release at the end of 8 hours (Rel8) were analyzed using response surface modeling. The parameters were assessed using the F test and mathematical models containing only the significant terms were generated for each parameter using multiple linear regression analysis. The produced microspheres were spherical in shape with extensive pores at D:P ratio 1:1 and small pores at a drug to polymer ratio (D:P ratio) 1:3. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) affirmed the steady character of TS in microspheres and revealed their crystalline form. All formulation variables examined exerted a significant influence on the drug release, whereas the speed emerged as a lone factor significantly influencing % EE. Increasing the D: P ratio decreases the release of the drug after two and 8 hours. The increase in speed results in an increase in drug release after two and eight hours. The drug release from the microspheres followed zero order kinetics. TS Alg-Ch microspheres exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect on incited rat paw edema after eight hours. These results revealed that the internal gelation technique is a promising method to control TS release and eradicate GIT side effects using Alg-Ch copolymers.


The acoustic field of a linear compressor serves to deliver the compression work to the load, such as the connected cold head of a cryocooler; it plays an equivalently important role as the electrical and mechanical parts, especially in the impedance match issue. This paper studies the acoustic impedance characteristics of a linear compressor. The parameters including the current, the piston displacement, the pressure amplitude, the electrical power dissipation, the power factor, the pressure-volumetric (PV) power delivered, and the efficiency are theoretically and experimentally investigated. Different from previous theoretical studies, optimization for the operations away from the resonance is also included. More general optimization results imply relevance between thermoacoustic engines and linear compressors. The predicted results are validated by the experiments performed on a linear compressor with an adjustable resistive-capacitive (RC) acoustic load. The comparisons between the calculations and the measurements are presented and analyzed. The results provide deeper insight into the mechanism of the linear compressor and the impedance match in a cryocooler system.


A patient with oat cell carcinoma of the lung which was responsive to radiotherapy developed jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiography (ERCP) revealed compression of the distal common bile duct. Radiotherapy to this area produced prompt and prolonged relief of the obstructive jaundice. The use of ERCP which led to significant palliation in a patient with known inoperable cancer makes this case worthy of note.


An understanding of the importance of metaphors and beliefs in the development of teachers' practical knowledge has already been explored in science education research. However, the significance of emotion metaphors and the consequences of emotional labor as part of being a science teacher have been little addressed. This study describes the findings from a 3-year ethnographic case study of an elementary-school teacher who participated in a research project investigating the role of teacher emotion in science teaching and student learning. This research demonstrates how the performance of emotional labor is an important aspect of reality in science teaching. The teacher in this study is willing to do the emotional labor that involves some suffering because the emotional rewards are gratifying. A perspective on emotion in science education may focus, at least in part, on the functions of emotion in creating inspiring emotional cultures in science teaching and learning. Recognizing that teachers and students are agents in constructing such cultures, educators, teachers, and administrators are more likely to grasp the complexities and possibilities of emotional labor in the context of science education. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed88:301–324, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/.sce10116


In today's ever changing world, all types of organizations have increased their efforts to identify planned change models to address the many emerging challenges and opportunities they face. Despite the popularity of planned change efforts, the failure rates of implementation are as high as 50 to 70 percent. While these efforts are affected by technical issues, organizational culture and communication practices are thought to play a more critical role. The central purpose of this book is to examine the role of organizational culture and communication in the implementation of the popular performance-based management system known as Compstat, which has been implemented by many police organizations in the U.S. This book provides a contextual, reciprocal, and interactional understanding of the role that culture and communication play in the Compstat implementation. This approach brings a rich explanation of the change process that ultimately increases the likelihood of a successful implementation of change models. This book is especially useful to professionals in Communication, Criminal Justice and Management fields, or Managers who are planning to adopt these kinds of change models.


The MAC layer performance of IEEE 802.11a and b WLAN standards on the Martian surface is studied. The Gusev Crater region and the Meridiani Planum (Hematite) region are chosen as example sites based on the mission science and mission success criteria. The radio frequency (RF) multipath environment is obtained using digital elevation maps (DEMs) from the Mars Global Surveyor mission, taking into account the atmosphere and other factors on the Martian surface. Two methods are presented to incorporate the physical layer effects on the Martian surface into the OP-NET modeler. Simple network configurations are considered. Three performance metrics are used: energy per successful bit, throughput per unit load and average delay. The effects of packet size, data rates, retry limits are studied and the use of RAKE receivers for 802.11b is considered. It is observed that the transmission parameters must be carefully selected in order to have acceptable performance levels. Larger packet sizes improve energy efficiency but increase delay and reduce throughput. For 802.11a, the 12 Mbps rate is found to provide acceptable results. For 802.11b, the 11 Mbps rate provides good results when a RAKE receiver is employed. Overall, the performance of 802.11a is found to be better than the performance of 802.11b


Aims: To compare intravenous urography (IVU) and magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in the preoperative evaluation of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in children. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 children up to 10 years of age in whom unilateral or bilateral PUJO were suspected on ultrasonography were enrolled in this prospective study. All children underwent IVU and MRU, and the findings were compared. Results: Of the 70 kidneys evaluated, 14 (20%) were not visualized on IVU because of nonexcretion of contrast, whereas all the 70 (100%) kidneys were visualized on MRU. On IVU, nephrogram was not visualized in 66 (94.2%) of the 70 kidneys, whereas MRU showed prompt and homogeneous nephrogram in 68 (97.1%) of the 70 kidneys. No evidence of PUJO was seen in 31 (44.2%) kidneys on both IVU and MRU. IVU showed PUJO in 26 (37.1%) kidneys, whereas MRU showed it in 38 (54.2%) kidneys. MRU detected two duplex systems that were missed on IVU. A focal renal lesion and two incidental extra renal abnormalities were detected on MRU, which were not visualized on IVU. Conclusion: MRU is better than IVU, especially in case of poorly functioning kidneys which are not visualized on IVU. MRU also provides anatomic details of the ureter and vessels with better evaluation of renal parenchyma. It also has an additional advantage of detecting incidental extra renal abnormalities, if present.


This paper presents a new image fusion
scheme based on the combination of multi_resolution wavelet decomposition and IHS
transform for the fusion of High_resolution Panchromatic and Multi_spectral images. The
Panch romatic high resolution image is firstly decomposed to the wavelet planes, then the
wavelet planes are added to the intensity component of IHS representation of th e
multi_spectral image. In the proposed method all the spectral characteristics have been
preserved, and the definition and the spatial quality of multi_spectra l image have been
improved. Fusion result keeps the contrast of multi_spectral i mage. Experimental results
including the fusion of black_white aerial and Landsa t (TM) images, Landsat TM and SAR
images are presented. Compared with the WT and IHS method, the proposed scheme is much
better and it possesses more adaptabili ty.


By grafting between eye colour mutants of the cockroach Periplaneta americana we have investigated (i) the hypothesis that cells within an ommatidium of the fused rhabdom type are clonally derived from a single mother cell and (ii) we have tested the suggestion that cells from non-prospective eye epidermis can form ommatidia when grafted next to eye tissue. Mosaic eyes containing cells of the two genotypes contain ommatidia with unpredictable combinations of the two sorts of cells at the host/graft border. This finding is inconsistent with the first hypothesis. Using grafts of prothoracic epidermis and head epidermis from non-prospective eye regions we have shown that only cells from the prospective eye region can form ommatidia. Possible ways that eye cells could be determined are discussed in the light of these findings.


Objectives The aim was to study the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk assessment of osteoporosis among adults as a major health problem and clarify the role of the family physician in the prevention, screening, early detection, and management of osteoporosis. Data analysis Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease characterized by reduction in bone mass and deterioration of the microarchitectural structure of bone tissue, with resulting increase in bone fragility and fracture risk. A decline in bone mineral density with age increases bone fragility because it reflects the progressive loss of bone mass and changes in the architecture of the bone, such as cortical thinning, cortical porosity, and thinning and loss of trabeculae with loss of connectedness of trabeculae. Bone loss is progressive and is not associated with symptoms until a fracture occurs - the main clinical feature of osteoporosis. Recent finding Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 s. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide. Egyptian studies show that 53.9% of postmenopausal women have osteopenia, whereas 28.4% have osteoporosis, and 21.9% of men aged 20-89 years have osteoporosis. Conclusion As the clinical outcome of osteoporosis is bone fracture, attention is now increasingly focused on the identification of patients at high risk for fracture rather than the identification of people with osteoporosis as defined by bone mineral density alone.


INTRODUCTION In vitro studies of ribosomal RNA transcription aim to reproduce as closely as possible the in vivo synthesis of rRNA and hence to provide a molecular basis for the phenomena of regulation of rRNA synthesis in vivo. An extreme example of the regulation of rRNA accumulation in vivo is the stringent response, defined genetically by the rel locus. The product of the rel gene is a protein which is involved in the synthesis of the nucleotide guanosine 5′-diphosphate 3′-diphosphate or ppGpp (see Block and Haseltine, this volume). When rel + strains are functionally starved for an amino acid, the rate of net rRNA synthesis is drastically reduced and the intracellular concentration of ppGpp rapidly rises, attaining and usually exceeding that of guanosine 5′-triphosphate (Cashel 1969; Gallant et al. 1970). Two classes of mutant fail to restrict net rRNA synthesis in a normal manner. One, a mutation to rel − , fails to synthesize ppGpp on amino acid starvation (Cashel 1969) and is recessive to rel + (Fiil 1969). This observation has led to the suggestion that ppGpp acts as a direct inhibitor of rRNA synthesis in vivo (Cashel 1969). A second class of mutant, of which ts103 is an example, contains an altered RNA polymerase (Jacobson and Gillespie, unpublished observations) which is defective in vitro for pppA initiations (Jacobson and Gillespie 1970). This mutation is dominant to rel + . This observation suggests that RNA polymerase itself is the target of stringent control and that the net synthesis of rRNA is controlled primarily at the...


This exploratory paper sets out a conceptual model for investigating how media imaginaries of the Web shape its design and use over time. We draw from the work of scholars who have devised models for the study of techno-social imaginaries of information and communication technologies, including Patrice Flichy and Robin Mansell. Based on these works, we devise a case study of contrasting media imaginaries of the Web by drawing on textual analysis of statements made by Tim Berners-Lee over more than two decades. Through our analysis of these statements, we show how differing views on the role of creativity — and how it is represented by people and technologies 'behind the screen' and 'in front of the screen' — lead to competing visions of the past, present, and future of the Web. We conclude with suggestions for some future research questions emerging from this study.


Abstract Migratory pathways in North American prairies are critical for sustaining endemic biodiversity. Fragmentation and loss of habitat by an encroaching human footprint has extirpated and severely truncated formerly large movements by prairie wildlife populations. Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus, a Near Threatened landscape species requiring vast tracts of intact sagebrush Artemisia spp., exhibit varied migratory strategies across their range in response to the spatial composition of available habitats. We unexpectedly documented the longest migratory event ever observed in sage-grouse (> 120 km one way) in 2007–2009 while studying demography of a population at the north-east edge of their range. Movements that encompassed 6,687 km2 included individuals using distinct spring and summer ranges and then freely intermixing on the winter range in what is probably an obligate, annual event. The fate of greater sage-grouse in Canada is in part dependent on habitat conservation in the USA because this population spans an international border. Expanding agricultural tillage and development of oil and gas fields threaten to sever connectivity for this imperilled population. Science can help delineate high priority conservation areas but the fate of landscapes ultimately depends on international partnerships implementing conservation at scales relevant to prairie wildlife.


A 44-year-old diabetic man with isolated septic arthritis of the left acromioclavicular joint (A-C) caused by Staphylococcus aureus is described. He was admitted to the Department of Rheumatology with clinical symptoms of left shoulder arthritis and fever. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, elevated levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, all indicating septic arthritis. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Left A-C joint x-ray and ultrasonography, and whole body scintigraphy with 99 mTc radiolabeled autologous leukocytes pointed to septic arthritis of the A-C joint. The patient was treated for six weeks with antibiotics successfully. Infection of the A-C joint is uncommon, even in conditions such as immunodeficiency, renal dialysis and intravenous drug abuse which are associated with unusual joint infections, and can be differentiated from shoulder joint infection, by maximal tenderness over the A-C joint on examination, and findings of A-C joint widening, effusion, and bony erosions on imaging studies.


A total of 48 strains representing the seven Pseudomonas stutzeri genomovars (DNA/DNA homology groups) were studied for cellular fatty acid composition, physiological characteristics and protein profiles. All strains were found to be homogeneous with respect to their fatty acid patterns. Numerical analysis of physiological properties demonstrated a considerable phenotypic heterogeneity within the genomovars. Characterization of the individual genomic groups on the basis of biochemical tests was not possible. In a numerical study of cellular protein patterns, two main clusters were obtained, one representing genomovars 1, 6 and 7 characterized by a high G + C content (mean value > 64 mol%), the other representing genomovars 2, 3, 4 and 5 with a low G + G content (< 64 mol%). The standardized cellular protein patterns have potential for differentiation of the genomic groupings within the species Ps. stutzeri as currently circumscribed.


The paper describes an optimal parameter selection method of automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for a large power plant in order to improve power system stability. The AVR is generally used to control the output voltage of the generator by regulating the excitation voltage in a generator rotor. In order to improve transient stability in power system, the paper proposes the method to select optimal parameters of the AVR based on exact power system modeling. The performances of the proposed method are carried out by timedomain simulation by applying fault to a power system.


We investigated the effects of group affiliation, enjoyable communication, and identity expression on Chinese consumers' tendency to form sports brand love. Participants were 251 undergraduate students from 2 universities in Southern China, who were asked to name a brand they loved, then complete measures of sports brand love, need for group affiliation, enjoyable communication, identity expression, and sports involvement. Results showed that although the influence of enjoyable communication on sports brand love was nonsignificant, group affiliation and identity expression positively influenced consumers' tendency to form sports brand love. The effect of group affiliation was moderated by consumers' sports involvement, because it remained significant only when their sports involvement was high (vs. low). Further, the moderating effect of sports involvement was nonsignificant for identity expression and enjoyable communication. Theoretical implications and practical implications for managers in the sports industry are discussed.


Research Highlights: Families more dependent on crops as the main source of income of properties have a greater intention of restoring Polylepis forest areas. However, this intention reduces with the increase of family dependence on subsistence products supplied by Polylepis forests. Properties where the chances of restoration of Polylepis forests are greater are those where the educational and technical level is better. Objectives: We aimed to comprehend which socioeconomic factors of rural properties and families' perception were determinant for the intention to restore Polylepis forests in the Central Andes region of Peru. Material and Methods: We collected data through visits and the application of questionnaires. We selected 13 rural communities in the Tulumayo River Basin. We randomly sampled 10 to 20 families in each community, depending on its size, totaling 200 families. We used generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to test which variables affect the intention to restore the forest. Results: When crops are the main source of income in the property, the families have more intention to restore Polylepis areas, on the other hand, when Polylepis forests are an important source of products for the family subsistence, the intention to restore forests reduces, indicating that higher technological status has a positive impact on restoration. The perception that Polylepis forests are important for the existence of water sources had a positive impact on the families' intention to restore the areas. However, the perception that Polylepis forests are important for native flora persistence had a negative impact on the intention to restore their areas. Conclusions: Our results showed that investment in improving the productivity of the properties and in the education of their landowners should increase the success of eventual programs for restoration of Polylepis forests.


In this study, the origin of noise in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra measured on a variety of polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis cells (PEMECs) has been investigated. EIS was measured during operation at various current densities of seven different PEMECs divided in five different cell types including both acidic PEMECs and alkaline PEMECs. The noise pattern differed between various types of cells and between cells of the same cell type. Integration time had no influence on the EIS noise level, whereas the AC amplitude seems to influence the EIS noise level. Other electrical noise sources influencing the EIS measurements have been studied with oscilloscope. No noise was observed at DC. A hypothesis explaining the relation between bubble formation during electrolysis and EIS noise is proposed based on the experimental findings.


Objective: To quantify the grain yield, biomass, crop stubble, and leaf:stalk index in seven varieties of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as the relationship between biomass, stubble, and plant height. Design/Methodology/Approach: The process consisted in planting seven genotypes of native maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental design comprised randomized blocks with four repetitions. The plant's height, total biomass, its accumulation in stalk, leaf, husk, cob, grain, and stubble (biomass of stalkleafhuskcob) were evaluated. A variance analysis, the Tukey means comparison test, and a regression analysis were applied. Results: Significant differences were found between the native maize genotypes. Notable cases were the Ixtenco Yellow, followed in terms of biomass and stubble by the Texcoco White-Wide, then the Ixtenco White and Red. The plant height determined biomass in 67% and stubble in 77%. Study Limitations/Implications: The tendencies found could vary depending on the native cultivars studied and their


Introduction: A recent proof-of-concept study demonstrated the plausibility of iatrogenic tumor seeding via colonoscopy as a cause of subsequent metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to evaluate the association of colonoscopy-related biopsy of non-tumor sites following tumor biopsy and subsequent risk of metachronous CRC. Methods: We performed a matched case-control study of adult patients with an initial CRC diagnosed by colonoscopy between January 2006 and June 2018 who underwent curative resection in a large, community-based integrated healthcare setting. Cases were individuals with a second primary CRC diagnosed between 6 months and 4 years after the initial CRC (metachronous CRC). Each case was matched with up to five controls by age, sex, and race/ethnicity; controls were without a second CRC diagnosis. The primary exposure was biopsy at the site of metachronous CRC (or corresponding site in controls) after biopsy of the initial CRC during index colonoscopy, which was ascertained through chart review while blinded to case status. The association was evaluated using conditional logistic regression, and sensitivity analyses performed to assess for potential confounders. Results: During the study period, 14,119 patients were diagnosed with an initial CRC by biopsy during colonoscopy and 106 patients were subsequently diagnosed with a second CRC. Of these, 49 were metachronous CRC cases, of which 47 were successfully matched to 222 controls. After exclusions for inflammatory bowel disease and hereditary CRC syndrome, 30 cases and 148 controls were included in the analytic sample (Figure 1). Biopsy of non-tumor sites after biopsy of the initial CRC was associated with a .3-fold increased risk of metachronous CRC compared to no endoscopic manipulation (Table 1, odds ratio (OR) 3.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-11.78). In sensitivity analyses, excluding patients with incomplete polyp removal at the reference site (1 case and 1 control) and then adjusting for bowel preparation adequacy or extent of examination did not substantially change the point estimates but widened CIs (OR with 95% CI 3.54 [0.93, 13.47] and 3.62 [0.96, 13.66], respectively). Conclusion: Biopsy of non-tumor sites after CRC biopsy was associated with a .3-fold increased risk of metachronous CRC. These findings suggest biopsy of non-tumor sites following tumor biopsy may be a risk factor for iatrogenic tumor seeding, though we cannot exclude alternate etiologies such as incomplete polypectomy.


Smart dampers in the automobile suspension system bring a precise balance between the ride comfort and stability through a controllable damping coefficient. Energy absorbed by a Magnetorheological (MR) damper is a dependent function of flux density in the fluid flow gap. In this paper, magnetic field enhancement technique in the form of a single cylindrical shield and sandwich cylindrical shield is incorporated in a twin tube single coil MR damper. The field strength in different configurations of MR damper having various type of shield configuration is computationally investigated. Further, the effect of shield thickness on field strength is investigated. A significant overall improvement in the magnetic field strength is observed in the MR damper configuration having copper alloy shield.


Agricultural by-products such as corn silk and kaffir limepeels have not been utilized well. Since every part of a plant contains phenolicscompounds as a result of their secondary metabolism, it is possible that these two wastes can be used as a source of natural antioxidants. Therefore in this study, we investigated the phenolic content in corn silk and citrus peel and assess the ability of the extracts to reduce the conversion of starch to sugar in antidiabetic assessment. Research procedures include raw materialpreparation, extraction, activity assessment and loading the extract into the nanomaterialpores. The results showed that corn silk and kaffir lime peels have different total phenolic contents. Specifically for corn silk, it can be seen clearly that the plant varietycontribute to the amount of total phenolic content. Corn silk from P11 variety has the largest phenolic content up to 1.58 mg GAE/g. Therefore this materialexhibited the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH free radicals, but it has a relatively low for antidiabetic activity. For citrus, this study showed that peels of lemon, lime and kaffir lime exhibited different content of phenolicswith kaffir lime peels extract had the highest phenolics, up to 23.36 mg GAE/g, while the extract of lemon and lime peels were 7.94 and 9.71 mg GAE/g, respectively. In addition, extract of kaffir lime peels has the highest phenolics content compared to other parts such as leaves and juice. The use of different solvents provides different antidiabetic activity. The loading of kaffir lime peels extract into nanomaterial pores was successful, promising future application in the field of drug delivery. However, other studies are still required to improve the effectiveness of diabetes therapy using natural products.


Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was covalently attached to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to enhance delivery to the spinal cord via the cerebrospinal fluid (intrathecal administration). By varying reaction conditions, mixtures of BDNF covalently attached to one (primary), two (secondary), three (tertiary), or more (higher order) PEG molecules were produced. The biological activity of each resulting conjugate mixture was assessed with the goal of identifying a relationship between the number of PEG molecules attached to BDNF and biological activity. A high degree of in vitro biological activity was maintained in mixtures enriched in primary and secondary conjugate products, while a substantial reduction in biological activity was observed in mixtures with tertiary and higher order conjugates. When a biologically active mixture of PEG-BDNF was administered intrathecally, it displayed a significantly improved half-life in the cerebrospinal fluid and an enhanced penetration into spinal cord tissue relative to native BDNF. Results from these studies suggest a PEGylation strategy that preserves the biological activity of the protein while also improving the half-life of the protein in vivo. Furthermore, PEGylation may be a promising approach for enhancing intrathecal delivery of therapeutic proteins with potential for treating disease and injury in the spinal cord.


In this paper, we study k-memory strategies in two-person repeated games. An agent adopting such a strategy makes his decision only based on the action profiles of the previous k rounds. We show that in finitely repeated games, the best response of a k-memory strategy may not even be a constant-memory strategy. However, in infinitely repeated games, one of the best responses against any given k-memory strategy must be k-memory. Our results are enabled by a graph-structural characterization of the best responses of kmemory strategies. We put forward polynomial algorithms to compute best responses.


The area of distribution has enjoyed a long history of application of computer modelling to the solution of its problems. For more than 30 years, the areas of terminal analysis, routing and scheduling, inventory control, facility location and system design have been subjected to a multitude of modelling solutions. These modelling solutions include a variety of optimisation, heuristic and simulation models. The vast majority of these models, however, have been mainframe‐based. With the advent and popularisation of the microcomputer, considerable latitude exists in building microcomputer‐based, as opposed to mainframe‐based, distribution‐planning models. Since, in many cases, microcomputer‐based models can be more effective for distribution modelling than mainframe models, this application of microcomputers represents a new generation in the maturation of distribution‐planning models. However, guidelines for the use and development of microcomputer‐based models are needed.


"The Socialist Way: Social Democracy in Contemporary Britain." Roy Hattersley and Kevin Hickson (eds.). I.B. Tauris. June 2013. --- In 2010, the Labour Party suffered its second-worst general election defeat since the 1930s. Since then, the debate over both the legacy of New Labour and the future direction of the party has been widespread, yet so far there has been little input from a democratic socialist viewpoint. The chapters in this book aim to provide new perspectives in the areas of economic, social and foreign policy with a central focus on the defence of the state. Daniel Sage encounters some unoriginal essays and arguments, but overall recommends this collection to students of political science and economics.


The influence of credibility in the representation of conditionals, tested by two tasks: choosing and evaluating situations. Isabel Rodr´iguez-Gualda Universidad de Granada, "UGR" Sergio Moreno-R´ios Universidad de Granada, "UGR" Abstract: The influence of credibility in the representation of conditionals, tested by two tasks: choosing and evaluating situations. Isabel Rodr´iguez-Gualda* & Sergio Moreno-R´ios Facultad de Psicolog´ia. Universidad de Granada. (Spain) *firstname.lastname@example.com Does the relationship established in a conditional influence its representation? Colloquial sentences such as "if a person climb many steps, s/he will be tired" may be more credible and probable than others such as "if a person climbs a few steps, s/he will be tired". The aim of this study is to try to evaluate whether the plausibility of the relation expressed in a conditional influences its comprehension. Participants were shown two kinds of conditionals with four situations in which the antecedent and the consequent could be affirmed or negated. In one task, participants had to choose the situation consistent with the meaning of the conditional. In the other task, they had to evaluate the semantic consistency of each of the four situations. The results for the two tasks show differences in the influence of the content in the representation of the conditional. These results are discussed according to the main theoretical models.


The surface pressure versus area isotherm of a Langmuir film of ytterbium bisphthalocyanine on water subphases of pH 2.1 to 9.2 has been investigated and an average area per molecule of 70 AA2 measured. The monolayer was found to collapse at a rate of 29%/hour. A dipping regime has been established for the deposition of Langmuir-Blodgett films with transfer ratios of unity. These deposited films were found to be electrochromic and their spectra are discussed.