Bioelectrical impedance measurement technology is a non-invasive detection technology for extracting human physiological and pathological information. The analysis method of the relationship between bioimpedance and human physiological parameters is an important part of this technology. In order to calculate the internal and external liquid volume of human cells more accurately, based on the Moissl equation for calculating the internal and external fluid volume of human cells, a segmented human bioimpedance spectrum measurement model and an improved calculation method of intracellular and external fluid capacity were proposed. The measurement and calculation experiments of the intracellular and extracellular fluid volume before and after the human body's water intake were designed and compared with the Moissl calculation method. The results show that the improved calculation method can calculate the intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes more effectively, and the relative error is less than 5%, which may provide new ideas or more accurate methods for the analysis of human body components, facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Acute care research is a unique area of clinical research that demands specialized skills, knowledge, and talents from empathetic professionals working in the field. Building off existing competencies for clinical research professionals, the Cincinnati Acute Care Research Council (ACRC) developed additional areas of competency for professionals working in the acute care research discipline. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Qualitative data obtained from job shadowing, clinical observations, and interviews were analyzed to understand the educational needs and desires of the acute care research workforce. We then utilized Bloom's Taxonomy to build acute care research competencies that are measurable for job performance and build off of foundational clinical research professionals' domains and competencies developed by the Joint Task Force of Clinical Trial Competency. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Results suggest 35 special interest competencies for acute care clinical research professionals under 8 common domains set by the Joint Task Force of Clinical Trial Competency. Additionally an approved ACRC tactic, from actionable learnings through community assessments throughout 2017, is the creation of a Task Force made up of acute care research Principal Investigators and Clinical Research Directors to focus on the identified training and professional development obstacles in the clinical research enterprise. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The competencies developed for acute care research should serve as guidelines for training a workforce prepared for the challenges of conducting research with each acute audience, as its own vulnerable population. These competencies will guide development of a multi-pronged program of professional development that will include new hire onboarding, new hire on-job training, and ongoing on-job training.


The awareness of simulation technologies within the UK is relatively small when compared with the USA. Subsequently several large US companies have been able to overcome the difficulties in adopting new technology into their business and introduce simulation. This paper investigates the problems encountered and the practices helping to successfully implement simulation into a company environment. Details of a major survey conducted to determine the approaches taken by large automotive and aerospace companies within these two countries are outlined. The survey highlighted differences in the development of simulation within twelve large companies, the extent of the difference and the reasons why these differences exist.


Background The combination of Bev + chemotherapy (CRx) has been shown to produce superior response rates and progression free survival compared to CRx alone, providing a rationale for the study of Bev with AdjCRx for pts with ESBrCa. As Bev can cause hypertension (HTN) and may increase the risk of cardiac failure, there is a rationale for studying a standard non-anthracycline (Anth) AdjCRx with Bev, e.g. TC (docetaxel-cyclophosphamide). We performed a pilot phase II study to evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of TC+Bev in pts with ESBrCa in preparation for participation in a random assignment trial. We have previously reported preliminary toxicity data. Methods: Eligibility criteria included: ESBrCa which was HER-2 normal, node+ or, N- and primary tumour (T) >2 cm and receptor negative, or T >3 cm, normal left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), no active/uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, normal organ and marrow function. Treatment consisted of four 3-weekly cycles of docetaxel 75 mg/m2 together with cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2. Patients commenced Bev 15 mg/kg i.v. on day 1, and then every 3 weeks to a total of 18 cycles of treatments. Pts were monitored clinically, with echocardiograms and with serial estimations of BNP and troponin. Results: A total of 106 female pts were accrued in 9 ICORG sites between 11/2008 and 7/2010. Ages ranged from 25–75 (median 52). On 20/06/2011, 105 pts have completed study Rx, 1 will finish 7/2011. A total of 36 serious adverse events (SAEs) have been reported so far, 33 involving hospital admission, 3 serious for other reasons. In 25 (24%) pts study Rx was discontinued due to: HTN-9, intestinal perforation-2, consent withdrawl-7, infection-2, proteinuria-1, anaphylaxis-1, cancer relapse-1, arthralgia-1, anal fistula-1. The two perforations occurred at cycles 1 and 16 of Bev respectively. Neither pt with perforation had history of prior abdominal surgery. The median number of cycles achieved by the discontinued pts was 9. HTN of any grade occurred in 49 out of 103 (48%) pts who had no HTN at baseline (BL) and 42 of them required Rx. Among pts who experienced HTN on study Rx and completed Bev, 34 (81%) were still on anti-hypertensive 4 weeks after last infusion of Bev. Forty-one (39%) pts had LVEF drop >10% from BL during study Rx. In 8 (7.5%) pts LVEF declined below 50%, 6 are documented to have recovered to normal, 2 had no further LVEF measurements (1 declined, 1 unknown reason). No episodes of CCF were reported. Troponin and BNP levels were normal in all 57 pts with serial measurements. Fourteen pts required treatment for neutropenia-related infection or for abscess/fistula. Conclusions: In this study Bev overall toxicity in ESBC pts was similar to that reported for pts with MBC, and Bev discontinuation due to toxicity was relatively frequent. Although no pt developed CCF 7.5% of decline in LVEF Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-18-04.


Artificial intelligence, as the breakthrough of current information technology, is gaining importance and being applied in more and more industries. Research on the application of artificial intelligence to the medical field has gradually matured and some products have come out. Relevant products in the United States have been approved by the FDA, mainly for image-based software products. In this paper, we studied the cases of image-based artificial intelligence aided diagnosis software approved by the US FDA, and analyzed the listing routes, clinical evaluation methods and clinical data processing of representative artificial intelligence products, and summarized the clinical evaluation characteristics of FDA for image-based artificial intelligence aided diagnosis software. Finally, problems that may be encountered in the clinical evaluation of similar products in China were considered, and relevant suggestions were put forward.


At least two, different approaches to define and solve statistical models for the analysis of economic systems exist: the typical, econometric one, interpreting the Gravity Model specification as the expected link weight of an arbitrary probability distribution, and the one rooted into statistical physics, constructing maximum-entropy distributions constrained to satisfy certain network properties. In a couple of recent, companion papers they have been successfully integrated within the framework induced by the constrained minimisation of the Kullback-Leibler divergence: specifically, two, broad classes of models have been devised, i.e. the integrated and the conditional ones, defined by different, probabilistic rules to place links, load them with weights and turn them into proper, econometric prescriptions. Still, the recipes adopted by the two approaches to estimate the parameters entering into the definition of each model differ. In econometrics, a likelihood that decouples the binary and weighted parts of a model, treating a network as deterministic, is typically maximised; to restore its random character, two alternatives exist: either solving the likelihood maximisation on each configuration of the ensemble and taking the average of the parameters afterwards or taking the average of the likelihood function and maximising the latter one. The difference between these approaches lies in the order in which the operations of averaging and maximisation are taken - a difference that is reminiscent of the quenched and annealed ways of averaging out the disorder in spin glasses. The results of the present contribution, devoted to comparing these recipes in the case of continuous, conditional network models, indicate that the annealed estimation recipe represents the best alternative to the deterministic one.


This is a very weird book and one that I did not much enjoy. When I began my review, I dutifully did read each word. However, as I worked my way through the book, I gradually began to skim, skipping from page to page ever more quickly. By the time the end came, I was relieved to be through. This volume had potential. As one of the blurbs puts it, "[The book] is meant to be a scrap-book of observations collected over the years on a subject that impassions [the author]: the body." It is a collection of such meanderings, and some of the items collected by Ceronetti, an Italian literary critic, are true gems. For example, as an alternative to a gross Anglo-Saxonism, which all North American schoolchildren are familiar with, he offers us an elegant Latin phrase: " Quod turget, urget (what swells, impels)." Or in a rambling, otherwise


OBJECTIVES
We evaluated the results of a modified Fulkerson technique performed for the treatment of recurrent patellofemoral dislocations.

METHODS
The study included 17 knees of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age 25 years; range 15 to 43 years) who were operated on by the same surgeon for patellofemoral alignment disorders. The mean duration of complaints was 3.4 years (range 1 to 12 years). Preoperatively, the number of recurring dislocations were 1 to 5 in three knees, 6 to 10 in five knees, and more than 10 in nine knees, and all the patients had a positive apprehension test and a Q angle exceeding 15 degrees. All the knees were assessed by preoperative and postoperative radiographs and computed tomography, which showed both subluxation and patellar tilt in all the knees, and trochlear dysplasia in two knees preoperatively. During surgery, diagnostic arthroscopy was performed in all the patients. The skin incision consisted of two horizontal incisions for cosmetic reasons. Surgical treatment was comprised of lateral patellar release to correct patellar tilt, and a modified Fulkerson osteotomy to correct patellofemoral malalignment, and medial plication in three knees. The patellofemoral congruity following lateral release, and the position of the patella following osteotomy and anteromedialization of the tibial tuberosity were checked arthroscopically. On control examinations, the patients were administered functional scoring questionnaires developed by Kujala et al. and Crosby and Insall. Radiographic grading of osteoarthritis was made according to the classification developed by Iwano et al. and modified by Palmer et al. The mean follow-up period was 2.6 years (range 24 to 53 months).

RESULTS
During arthroscopy, eight knees had severe (Outerbridge grade III-IV) and nine knees had moderate (grade I-II) retropatellar cartilage damage. Follow-up evaluations showed effusion in two knees, subluxation in two knees, and a positive apprehension test in three knees. The mean flexion loss was 8 degrees (range 0 degrees to 20 degrees ). One patient who had an extension loss of 10 degrees regained full extension following a six-week physical therapy program. Postoperative computed tomography scans showed that patellar tilt and subluxation were corrected in all but two knees. Preoperative radiographies showed degenerative arthritis in the tibiofemoral joint in one knee (5.9%), and in the patellofemoral joint in seven knees (41.2%). The number of knees with degenerative changes increased postoperatively to three knees (17.3%) in the tibiofemoral joint, and to 11 knees (64.7%) in the patellofemoral joint. According to the Crosby-Insall scoring system, five knees had excellent, seven knees had good, and five knees had moderate scores. The mean Kujala score was 82.6 (range 44 to 100) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION
Our results show that, with appropriate indications, the modified Fulkerson method is associated with successful results in the treatment of recurrent patellofemoral dislocations.


Unfortunately, the measures recommended by Lind for the prevention of the scurvy, and so clearly stated in the book he published in 1753, went unheeded by the Admiralty for another forty years, although steps were taken earlier to implement his recommendations for the general institution of sanitary precautions to control the high incidence of typhus fever. The final chapters show how Lind used the knowledge gained by these practical experiences as a stepping-stone to higher medical qualifications, which enabled him to practise as a physician in Edinburgh, and then to fill with distinction an important position as chief of the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar.


The aim of this study was to investigate the arterial blood supply of the intestinal tract of fowl. Ten apparently healthy chicken (Balady breed) of both sexes were used in the study. The specimens were injected with red colored latex through the descending aorta. The origin, branching pattern and distribution of the different arteries supplying the small and large intestines were documented. The intestinal tract of fowl received its arterial supply through four main sources namely; the right branch of the celiac artery, the cranial mesenteric, the caudal mesenteric and the internal iliac arteries. The right branch of the celiac artery was contributed to the duodenum, pancreas, last third of ileum and left cecum. The cranial mesenteric artery supplied the terminal portion of duodenum, jejunum, cranial two thirds of ileum, right cecum and cranial portion of colon. The caudal mesenteric artery supplied the rectum and the cranial portion of cloaca. The internal iliac artery supplied the caudal portion of cloaca and cloacal bursa.


Trisenox (TX) has been used successfully for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. TX‐induced cytotoxicity in APL cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of TX cytotoxicity using APL cell lines. We assessed TX toxicity by quantitatively measuring lactate dehydrogenase levels. Inhibition of cell cycle progression was assessed by confocal microscopy of Ki‐67 expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by Western blot analysis of apoptotic proteins expression, immunocytochemistry, and confocal imaging of annexin V and propidium iodide. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade was analyzed by Western blot analysis and inhibitor‐based experiments with APL cells. We found that TX‐induced cytotoxicity inhibited APL cell cycle progression. TX also induced significant (P < 0.05) changes in the expression levels of apoptotic molecules and activated the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways in APL cells. Understanding the mechanism of TX cytotoxicity would be helpful in the design of new APL drugs.


Popular romantic films create a dominant nostalgia for the spaces of Baguio (e.g, pine trees, vast mountains, Session Road, Burnham Park, Burnham Lake), a convention that continues to capture the consciousness of the masses. These films craft their own definition and narrative of the city. Stories of rest and recreation, escapism, and romance are spun, and are closely intertwined with Baguio's past: of how the Americans had transformed the mountaintop city into what they envisioned as an ideal, idyllic vacation place for the elite. But as a consequence of this "reality" portrayed in popular cinema, contemporary sociological, cultural, and ecological issues and problems that Baguio faces are pushed aside. Indeed, in these films resonates the power of American colonialism.


Participatory democracy is better off with a serious consideration of epistemic instrumental value and political equality. First, I argue that democracy is justified, in part, on its epistemic instrumental value. I also contend that the need to accommodate the epistemic value with the principle of equal political participation is only compatible with a standard of epistemic modesty which applies at the collective level, and not at the level of individual participation. Second, I explore the epistemic objections to direct democracy (as practiced in countries such as Switzerland and Uruguay), and argue that only a new model of participatory democracy would be consistent with the epistemic modesty standard required by my account of legitimacy. Third, I propose a set of institutions that have the aim of fostering, in a structural way, autonomous, informed, and public-oriented citizen participation. I contend that those institutions delineate a new model of epistemic participatory democracy. Finally, conclusions are presented.


Biofuels have been championed as an energy source that can increase security of supply, reduce vehicle emissions and provide a new income stream for farmers. These claims are contested, however. Critics assert that biofuels will increase energy-price volatility, food prices and even life-cycle emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper presents salient facts and figures to shed light on these controversial issues and asks whether biofuels offer a cure that is worse than the disease they seek to heal.


This study investigates discourse strategies and ideology employed in selected radio lead news of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo, Nigeria. The analysis is done within the framework of critical discourse analysis which uncovers implicit ideology and exposes ideological bias and the exercise of power in text; and Halliday's systemic functional grammar which emphasises the form/function relationship of language use in context. The data cover selected radio lead news purposively sampled based on the content from the period of January 2006 to December 2008.The analysis shows that journalists employ a variety of strategies to influence the way people understand issues or situations for the purpose of changing their actions and expectations in ways that are desirable to the political actors. The analysis reveals that media messages contain a lot of discourse strategies such as blame transfer, source avoidance, positive-self presentation and negative-other presentation, authoritarianism as a source of news making, foregrounding and informativeness, use of figures and statistics and metaphorisation. This study reveals that broadcast news contains hidden and subjective meanings displayed by a variety of strategies that highlight pro-government activities. It reveals that critical discourse analysis is relevant in interpreting and analyzing news discourse to discover hidden meanings, elicit meaning from news reports and to uncover ideological assumptions that are embedded in news texts.


Objective: Determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older adults with favorable health conditions using the diagnostic criteria from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting/Participants: Including 197 older adults representing a population-based sample (n = 1,252) from baseline (year 2014) of the Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults (COSFOMA). Measurements: Anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). Walking speed was determined with walking time of 4.5 m (<0.8 m/s), grip strength with dynamometer (women <20 kg and men <30 kg) and muscle mass using BIA (muscle mass index: women <6.1 kg/m2 and men <8.5 kg/m2). The cutoff point for low muscle mass was set at 2 SD below average for a group of young adults. For obesity, body fat percentage >60th percentile was considered (38.4% female and 26.7% male). A p value <0.050 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of the 197 older adults (44.2% female and 55.8% male) was 66.4 years (5.6): women 66.6 years (5.6) and men 66.4 years (5.8). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.1% (women 6.9% and men 7.2%). The presence of sarcopenic obesity was 2.5% (women 1.1% and men 3.6%). Conclusion: The magnitude of sarcopenia in older adults is important despite the absence of adverse health effects. This finding provides a reference point for future studies.


Aim: To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the Spectromatch-Pro digital colour system (Spectromatch Ltd. UK) in the reproduction of simulated skin-silicone colour samples; and to determine threshold Delta E (∆E) (CIE L*a*b*) of perceptible and acceptable colour differences for maxillofacial prosthetics.

Method: A two phase quantitative research design.
Phase 1: tested; (i) the reproducibility of the spectrophotometer for eight subjects (n=48) scans; from four ethnic groups White, Chinese, Asian and Black. (ii) minimum silicone-skin sample thickness for colour scanning; and (iii) reproducibility of simulated silicone-skin samples formulae recipe.
Phase 2: Determine the perceptible and acceptable colour match difference between colour silicone-skin samples and human skin for 8 subjects'; from baseline colour scan, an in-built colour L*a*b* gradient scales 0-8 at 0.5 ∆E increments were formulated. Silicones samples (n=776) were processed; perceptible and acceptable colour difference (∆E) assessed by (n=12) colour assessors.

Results: The spectrophotometer skin colour scans for White, Chinese Indian and Black ethnic groups demonstrated positive correlation (r=0.99). Scanner reproducibility for the eight subjects, Mean ± SD, ∆E maximum (1.43 ± 0.63), to minimum (0.47 ± 0.21); colour formulae silicone sample achieved an acceptable colour match of 0.43 ∆E to 1.36 ∆E. The minimum silicone sample thickness (mm); for light to dark skin tones was 8 mm (White 6 mm; Black 8 mm). Pigment formula-sample reproducibility (Mean ∆E and SD) maximum (1.36 ± 0.29), minimum (0.43 ± 0.16).

The acceptable colour difference threshold for skin simulated medical elastomers for four ethnic groups 1.54 ∆E, White 1.61 ∆E; Chinese 1.87 ∆E; Indian was not detectable; and Black 2.33 ∆E. Perceptible and acceptable colour difference (L*a*b*) CIE for L* (Light/dark) for all subjects 1.68 to 3.18 ∆E; for a* (red/green), the scores were below 2 cut off point (not acceptable); and for b* (blue/yellow) 1.58 to 0.51 ∆E.

Conclusion: This study has established the reproducibility of the Spectromatch digital colour system; and objectively defined the perceptible and acceptable (∆E) thresholds (1) for facial prosthetics (Mean ∆E 1.54), (2) the relationship to human eye sensitivity and the perceptibility / acceptability for silicone-skin colour match for maxillofacial prosthetics.


Background: Earlobe keloids can form after cosmetic ear piercing, trauma, infection, or burns, or spontaneously. These keloids are highly resistant for treatment and are followed by severe cosmetic implications. There are various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities for earlobe keloids, with no universally accepted treatment policy and a wide range of reported recurrence rates. The authors present their experience of treating earlobe keloids using the "sandwich" technique protocol; extralesional excision and external-beam radiotherapy are given a day before and a day after the operation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with earlobe keloids treated by the "sandwich" technique between the years 1996 and 2005. Patients were categorized into two groups: a high-risk group for previously treated patients and patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scars and keloids, and a low-risk group for the others. All patients underwent extralesional excision of the keloid and local radiotherapy before the excision and following it. Follow-up was a minimum of half a year and included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and documentation of keloid recurrence or cure. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated by this protocol; 57 percent were male. Patients had an average age of 24 years. The most common keloid etiology was earlobe piercing. Recurrence rates for the low-risk and high-risk groups were 25 and 27 percent [percent of the patients], respectively. Overall patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion: The combined excision and "sandwich" radiotherapy technique is a simple and effective method for treating earlobe keloids, with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence and complication rates.


In this paper we present an approach to experimental design that is heavily influenced by practices from design-based research, illustrating it with our ongoing work to investigate hypotheses about how framing influences the transfer-of-learning. When one is interested in designing experiments that do not just test hypotheses about causal effects but also develop hypotheses about new kinds of causal mechanisms, we claim that it is particularly valuable to use the design-based research practices of iteratively designing new learning ecologies in particular contexts and creating explanatory accounts that coordinate multiple measures. Also, experimentally-inspired practices of comparing theoretically contrasting interventions in parallel and systematically streamlining designs to distinguish between critical and less critical design elements have promise for being usefully adapted within design-based research studies themselves.


Charge distribution is a basic aspect of electrical transport. In this work we investigate the self-consistent charge response of normal-superconducting heterostructures. Of interest is the variation of the charge density due to voltage changes at contacts and due to changes in the electrostatic potential. We present response functions in terms of functional derivatives of the scattering matrix. We use these results to find the dynamic conductance matrix to lowest order in frequency. We illustrate similarities and differences between normal systems and heterostructures for specific examples such as a ballistic wire and a quantum point contact.


Abstract. Assessments of future climate-warming-induced seafloor methane (CH4)
release rarely include anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) within the
sediments. Considering that more than 90 % of the CH4 produced in
ocean sediments today is consumed by AOM, this may result in substantial
overestimations of future seafloor CH4 release. Here, we integrate a
fully coupled AOM module with a numerical hydrate model to investigate under
what conditions rapid release of CH4 can bypass AOM and result in
significant fluxes to the ocean and atmosphere. We run a number of different
model simulations for different permeabilities and maximum AOM rates. In all
simulations, a future climate warming scenario is simulated by imposing a
linear seafloor temperature increase of 3 ∘C over the first 100 years.
The results presented in this study should be seen as a first step
towards understanding AOM dynamics in relation to climate change and hydrate
dissociation. Although the model is somewhat poorly constrained, our results
indicate that vertical CH4 migration through hydraulic fractures can
result in low AOM efficiencies. Fracture flow is the predicted mode of
methane transport under warming-induced dissociation of hydrates on upper
continental slopes. Therefore, in a future climate warming scenario, AOM
might not significantly reduce methane release from marine sediments.


One new phenylpropanoid schineolignin D (1), one new sesquiterpene (−)‐(7S,10S)‐3,11,12,13‐tetrahydroxycalamenene (2), one new quinic acid 4‐(E)‐O‐coumaroylquinic acid ethyl ester (3), and seven known compounds 4–10 were separated from the roots of Schisandra chinensis. The chemical structures of all compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopic experiments. All compounds were assessed for their neuroprotective effects on PC12 cell lines induced by H2O2. Compounds 1, 3–4, and 7 showed statistically significant neuroprotective activities with the negative control group at 12.5 μM.


McSweeney's Mammoth Treasury of Thrilling Tales, guest-edited by Michael Chabon, will take you to places you never knew existed, send delicious shivers down your spine, and have your heart pounding healthily in your chest. The ghost story, the horror story, the detective story; stories of suspense, terror, fantasy and the plain macabre - all can be found gracing the pages within. Such celebrated writers as Neil Gaiman, Rick Moody, Nick Hornby, Stephen King, Elmore Leonard, Harlan Ellison and Glen David Gold, amongst others, have all put pen to paper in celebration of the art of genre.


The linear relation between the mean rate of product creation and the mean scalar dissipation rate, derived in the seminal paper by K.N.C. Bray ['The interaction between turbulence and combustion', Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Vol. 17 (1979), pp. 223–233], is the cornerstone for models of premixed turbulent combustion that deal with the dissipation rate in order to close the reaction rate. In the present work, this linear relation is straightforwardly validated by analysing data computed earlier in the 3D Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of three statistically stationary, 1D, planar turbulent flames associated with the flamelet regime of premixed combustion. Although the linear relation does not hold at the leading and trailing edges of the mean flame brush, such a result is expected within the framework of Bray's theory. However, the present DNS yields substantially larger (smaller) values of an input parameter cm (or K2 = 1/(2cm − 1)), involved by the studied linear relation, when compared to the commonly used value of cm = 0.7 (or K2 = 2.5). To gain further insight into the issue and into the eventual dependence of cm on mixture composition, the DNS data are combined with the results of numerical simulations of stationary, 1D, planar laminar methane–air flames with complex chemistry, with the results being reported in terms of differently defined combustion progress variables c, i.e. the normalised temperature, density, or mole fraction of CH4, O2, CO2 or H2O. Such a study indicates the dependence of cm both on the definition of c and on the equivalence ratio. Nevertheless, K2 and cm can be estimated by processing the results of simulations of counterpart laminar premixed flames. Similar conclusions were also drawn by skipping the DNS data, but invoking a presumed beta probability density function in order to evaluate cm for the differently defined c's and various equivalence ratios.


During the Archean eon from 3.8 to 2.5 billion years ago, the Earth's upper atmosphere and interactions with the magnetosphere and the solar wind were likely significantly different to how it is today due to major differences in the chemical composition of the atmosphere and the younger Sun being signifcantly more active. Understanding these factors is important for understanding the evolution of planetary atmospheres within our solar system and beyond. While the higher activity of the Sun would have caused additional heating and expansion of the atmosphere, geochemical measurements show that carbon dioxide was far more abundant during this time and this would have led to significantly thermospheric cooling which would have protected the atmosphere from losses to space. I will present a study of the effects of the carbon dioxide composition and the Sun's activity evolution on the thermosphere and ionosphere of the Archean Earth, studying for the first time the effects of different scenarios for the Sun's activity evolution. I will show the importance of these factors for the exosphere and escape processes of the Earth and terrestrial planets outside our solar system.


Private higher education institutions, once a trivial fragment of the higher education landscape, have today occupied a substantial share of the market and have recognized themselves as legitimate and viable stakeholders in the post secondary education. The private higher education across nations is not homogeneous. There are institutions for profit and non-profit with differentiated size and pattern. The chronological growth story of private institutions vary across nations. The role and degree of the historical factors, policies, State and market differs across nation-states. This book 'Private Higher Education Across Nations' provides an original and broad look at private higher education across thirteen countries written by many of the leading experts in higher education who share their inquiry of contemporary developments in private higher education and the implications they see for present and future strategy. It contributes to comparative private higher education literature through its chapters on Canada, Argentina, Poland, Greece, Brazil, France, Colombia, Japan, China, India, Mexico, Malaysia and Pakistan. The country chapters focuses on history of higher education (private and public), structure of higher education, current status of higher education, factors responsible for private sector growth, forms and types of private higher education, status of private higher education, and role of the State (in terms of control, regulation and governance). The book addresses the allusions of the private sector development across the nations, with regard to its responsiveness to quality, financing, access, and equity. It will be a valuable information base for research scholars, policy makers, administrators, faculty and students' intent on comprehending the extensive scope of factors that are currently modeling and altering private higher education landscape.


Coronary heart disease (CHD) causes high mortality and morbidity in many countries. Immature platelet reactivity is one of the major causes of CHD thrombus formation due to its larger size and stronger aggregation properties than normal platelets. Though still controversial, diabetes mellitus (DM), which is one of the CHD risk factors, is mentioned to have a strong association with a high immature platelet level. Since studies on immature platelet in stable CHD are limited, the authors intended to search for the difference between immature platelet level in DM and non-DM patients with stable CHD. This research was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design; 31 samples of CHD patients who underwent coronary catheterization were obtained. The characteristics of the data was collected by completing a pre-operation form and the immature platelets were counted using an automated cytometry tool, SYSMEX XE 2100. They were analyzed using Pearson's statistical analysis. There was no significant correlation between the immature platelet levels of DM and non-DM patients with stable CHD (p>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between HbA1C and the immature platelet level (Immature Platelet Fraction, p <0.05; Immature Platelet Count, p <0.01) in stable CHD patients.


Once again, this issue of Sibirica is diverse and disparate. We move from understanding food security as a laboratory in the northern districts of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) all the way to a brief yet trilingual Tuvan geological glossary, with stops along the way to learn about an influential yet little-known Buryat activist, as well as cultural developments in Magadan in the 1950s and 1960s. However, what unites these varied pieces is a central theme of creativity, and the effects of approaching problems with fresh eyes and new ideas even amid restrictive conditions or systems—whether political or infrastructural.


The expected weapons-usable plutonium feed streams to be incorporated in a titanate ceramic immobilization form contain a variety of impurities. One of the goals of the Product Control Model currently under development is to provide a means of projecting the phase assemblage of the ceramic from a knowledge of the feed stream composition. The approach being taken is to develop an understanding of the phase equilibria of the baseline ceramic (without impurities) and then to quantify the effects of impurity additions. In the work reported here, several relevant ternary phase diagrams have been developed by electron microprobe characterization of samples having a wide range of compositions related to the baseline composition. In this work, cerium and thorium were used as surrogates for plutonium. Also characterized are a large number of samples having excess amounts of expected impurities. Results of the phase diagram development show that the approach of using phase equilibria is a promising basis for projecting mineralogy of the plutonium immobilization ceramic. The impurity studies provide limits of solubility of the impurities in the baseline phases and indicate the identity and composition of accessory phases that are formed when impurities are present in excess. Results of the impurity studies show that the ceramic is able to incorporate significant amounts of most of the expected impurities. Those with low solubilities can be controlled by waste stream selection and blending.


Theoretically and experimentally, the effects of temperature on the weak principal axis of twisted optical fiber loop are analyzed, and the results show that the location of the pair of weak principal axis will drift with temperature change, which will deteriorate the stability of system when applied to sensor system. In this paper, the influence of phase drift of weak principal axis on the performance of optical fiber current sensor is mainly predicted theoretically. Our research results will provide a beneficial reference for improving optical fiber sensor system.


Introduction: Myocardial infarction is one of the five major manifestations of coronary heart disease. Myoglobin heart markers, Isoenzyme Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) or Troponin T (cTnT), Heart type fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) and NT-proBNPare currently used in assisting the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The study aimed to analyze the association of cardiac marker examination results of myoglobin, cTnI, HFABP and NT-proBNP with AMIoccurrence on examination I and examination II. Method: This study enrolled33 patients in Installation of Emergency Carewith suspected acute coronary syndrome, from March to August 2013. Serum samples were taken including cTnT, myoglobin, cTnI, HFABP and NT-proBNP. Then, it was further analyzed. Results: There was an association between myoglobin, cTnI, HFABP, and NT-proBNP with AMI events. Myoglobin and HFABP wereearly markers for the diagnosis of AMI, the mean levels of both markers was higher at the first examination (<1 hour admitted patients) when compared with 6 hours later after being tested. Essentially, the diagnostic value of both did not differ, only HFABP was more specific than myoglobin. Troponin I showed to be the best choice in the diagnosis of AMI because of the high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: An association between myoglobin, cTnI, HFABP, and NT-proBNP with AMI events was found. Myoglobin, cTnI, HFABP can be used in diagnosing AMI patients, whereas NT-proBNP is not recommended for the diagnosis of AMI due to its low specificity.


Tumor is a mass or cells inside the brain that grows abnormally in one's brain. Brain tumor is of two types primary and secondary. Primary tumors are hailed from brain cells and secondary tumors take place from cancer cells spread to one's brain from other organs like lungs or breast. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is widely used because it gives high resolution and better-quality images. The main problem with the images is the inhomogeneity, unsharp boundaries and irregular noise which affects the results. Inhomogeneity means presence of some irrelevant information that must be removed. Unsharp boundaries are the most common problem in the images, they give blurry effect on the images that is why the information is not clear. To overcome these problems, we use the bilateral filter with the other techniques for the effective detection and segmentation. The proposed framework presents the detection and classification of the brain tumor. Bilateral filter is used to remove noise and preserves details. Bilateral filter is the best to preserve edges, sharpens the boundaries and takes care about the details of the image. By doing segmentation and classification we get the tumor detected.


Tipping is a phenomenon that illustrates the importance of social norms and psychological reasons in motivating economic behavior. People tip because this is the social norm and disobeying norms results in psychological disutility. Tipping is also economically important: in the United States alone, millions of workers derive most of their income from tips, and annual tips amount to dozens of billions of dollars. Tipping is also prevalent in numerous other countries around the globe. While tipping has been studied extensively by psychologists, it received very little attention from economists. To encourage other economists to research this interesting phenomenon, I discuss the implications of tipping for several areas in economics: social economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economics of information / management strategy. I provide many ideas for future research both as part of the discussion and in a concluding section.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aspirin (ASA) and porcine endothelial cell seeding in improving the patency rate of vena cava grafts. Thirty-nine dogs underwent infrarenal vena cava replacement by 10 cm lengths of 8 mm I.D. ringed polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Thirty-one grafts were seeded with 1-1.5 x 10(6) porcine aortic endothelial cells while eight were not (GIII). Of the seeded group, 16 animals received no ASA (GI), while 15 others (GII) were given ASA (325 mg) daily starting two days preoperatively and continuing until sacrifice. Venograms were performed on the fourth postoperative day. Grafts were harvested 32 days after insertion and evaluated for patency rate and endothelialized surfaces. The 32-day patency rate was significantly higher for GII than for GI and III animals (67% vs. 13 and 25% respectively). Endothelialized surface was higher in GII than Gi and III (67% vs. 16% and 18% respectively). We conclude that endothelial cell seeding alone does not prevent graft closure and that a combination of ASA and cell seeding significantly increases the patency rate of vena cava grafts.


The activity of radiotagged adult crested porcupines Hystrix cristata L., 1758, was studied in a rural hilly area of Central Italy, from July 1990 to June 1991. Three males and one female were monitored every 15 minutes for 18–24 hours/individual/week, and their activity patterns were correlated to ambient temperature, precipitation and lunar phases. Three individuals, out of the four monitored, showed a fall of activity in the beginning of the cold season, but generally porcupines appeared adapted to a wide spectrum of temperatures. The mean duration of nocturnal and crepuscular activity was 9 h 22'±42', showing little variation throughout the year. In the cold months, i.e. when nights are relatively longer, porcupines usually left their burrows after sunset and came back some hours before sunrise. In the warm season they left their burrows at sunset, or shortly before, and returned at sunrise, or shortly after. Overall diurnal activity was scarce (2 h 11' ± 1 h 30'), but in spring it increased to over 40% of the diel activity (3 h 22' ± 3 h). Moonlight avoidance was slight. Precipitation did not seem to influence the activity of porcupines.


Abstract: Senile dementia of Lewy body type is characterized clinically by a relatively acute onset of fluctuating memory loss and confusion, frequently accompanied by visual hallucinations. Neurochemical analyses of temporal cortex has revealed a distinction between hallucinating and nonhallucinating patients in both cholinergic and monaminergic transmitter activities. In contrast with the cholinergic enzyme choline acetyltransferase, which was more extensively reduced in hallucinating individuals, serotonergic S2 receptor binding and both dopamine and serotonin metabolites were significantly decreased in nonhallucinating cases. These results suggest that an imbalance between monaminergic and cholinergic transmitters is involved in hallucinogenesis in the human brain.


Using aritmethic conditions on affine semigroups we prove that for a toric variety in codimension 2 the property of being a set-theoretic complete intersection on binomials in characteristic p holds either for all primes p, or for no prime p, or for exactly one prime p.


— Last years marked the beginning of a new era of observations of the Universe. Gravitational waves were detected from a binary black-hole merger by the Advanced LIGO detectors. Simultaneously, LISA Pathfinder demonstrated the technology for gravitational-wave observation in space beyond its planned requirements. Many gravitational observations and discoveries are expected in the next years with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors, with strong impact on various astrophysical fields, from the physics governing compact object formation and evolution to the physics of the emission process and to nuclear astrophysics. I summarize here some historical milestones that led to the first detection and report the perspectives of the field. I also discuss the importance of the so-called multimessenger astronomy in which gravitational-wave sources will be observed in all bands of the electromagnetic spectrum with ground and space observatories and with neutrino telescopes.


There are several different frameworks that mar keting professors can employ when teaching basic marketing, and within each framework a variety of topics can be investigated. This research effort examines marketing academician's preferences for basic marketing frameworks and topics at two dif ferent points in time -- 1973 and 1976. Marketing professors' preferences in 1973 are compared and contrasted with those reported in 1976.


Even with advent of next generation sequencing complete sequencing of large disease‐associated genes and intronic regions is economically not feasible. This is the case of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF). Yet, to confirm a CF diagnosis, proof of CFTR dysfunction needs to be obtained, namely by the identification of two disease‐causing mutations. Moreover, with the advent of mutation‐based therapies, genotyping is an essential tool for CF disease management. There is, however, still an unmet need to genotype CF patients by fast, comprehensive and cost‐effective approaches, especially in populations with high genetic heterogeneity (and low p.F508del incidence), where CF is now emerging with new diagnosis dilemmas (Brazil, Asia, etc). Herein, we report an innovative mRNA‐based approach to identify CFTR mutations in the complete coding and intronic regions. We applied this protocol to genotype individuals with a suspicion of CF and only one or no CFTR mutations identified by routine methods. It successfully detected multiple intronic mutations unlikely to be detected by CFTR exon sequencing. We conclude that this is a rapid, robust and inexpensive method to detect any CFTR coding/intronic mutation (including rare ones) that can be easily used either as primary approach or after routine DNA analysis.


UNLABELLED
Recently the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is often used for coronary bypass grafting. Although patency rate of the RGEA is as high as that of the IMA, instability of blood flow through the RGEA during the perioperative period is reported. We assumed that the RGEA is more predisposed to spasm than the internal mammary artery (IMA). This study was carried out to verify the following two points. 1. The GEA has a smaller internal diameter and thicker muscle layer than the IMA. 2. The contractile force of the muscle layer of the GEA are stronger than those of the IMA under the same transmural pressure due to the greater thickness o the muscle layer of the GEA.

METHODS
The RGEA was obtained at its full length from gastorectomy cases due to gastric cancer (n = 25). The distal section of the IMA was obtained from the left IMA during bypass grafting (n = 23). All specimens were stained by the Masson-trichrome method and examined microscopically. The thickness of the smooth muscle layer of the media and the internal radius were compared between the RGEA and the IMA.

RESULTS
The thickness of the muscle layer was 274.0 +/- 13 microns in the RGEA, and 169.1 +/- 8 microns in the IMA (p < 0.01) that is the thickness in the GEA was 1.62 times greater in the IMA. Although a significant difference was not obtained, the internal radius of GEA (563.7 +/- 21.8 microns) was smaller than that of IMA (583.1 +/- 12.0 microns). Based on the internal diameter-elastic wall tension relationship and the Laplace law, internal diameter and elastic tension in both arteries were obtained at the same blood pressure. Mean elastic tension and internal diameter in the GEA were considered to be smaller than than those in the IMA. The values of the internal diameter of the arteries obtained from the theoretical view point were correlated well with those obtained by the histometoric methods. As the muscle layer of the arterial wall of the GEA is thicker than that o the IMA, and the internal diameter of the GEA tends to be smaller than that of the IMA, the stronger contraction o the muscle layer, when induced, would reduce the blood flow in much greater extent in the GEA than the IMA.

CONCLUSION
These results support the assumption that the RGEA reacts strongly than the IMA to constructor agents and physical stimuli, thereby inducing a greater instability of blood flow. Therefore, RGEA grafts should be carefully handled during bypass grafting.


In this paper, we calculate the potential output and the output gap using a Bayesian-estimated DSGE model of Japan's economy. The model is a two-sector growth model that takes into account growth rate shocks including investment-goods sector-specific technological progress. For bridging the gap with conventional measures, we define our measure of potential output as a component of the efficient output generated only by growth rate shocks. Our potential growth displays a high degree of smoothness and moves closely with conventional measures. Moreover, the output gap from our measure of potential output has forecasting power for inflation. We analyze the sensitivity of our measure to the specifications of monetary policy rules, labor supply shocks, price and wage markup shocks, and technology shocks as well as the robustness with respect to data revisions and updates.


This paper provides a report on the experimental collaborative and distributed development of a prototypic Widget-based PLE. The development process is described and detailed taking into account the requirements of a language learning scenario. First results are presented, and developer experiences are discussed critically with a focus on the development process as well as problems with current Widget technologies and interoperability


Kinetics of a partial methane oxidation over the Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts was investigated. A set of rate equations describing the reaction system was suggested and verified by comparison with experimental data. It was found that all the reactions considered were of the zero order with respect to oxygen and of the first order with respect to the oxidized species (methane, methanol, or formaldehyde). Values of the reaction rate constant for the temperature range 350—550oC as well as the reaction apparent activation energy values were determined. The studies on the process of partial methane oxidation conducted over the Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts confirmed the assumption that methanol and carbon dioxide are the primary products of the reaction. As a result of the methanol oxidation, formaldehyde is generated, the oxidation of which leads to receiving slight quantities of CO2. The decline of the iron content results in the decrease of the rate of every reaction. In order to impede the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde, the H catalysts should be employed. This form is responsible for the production of methanol; yet it also leads to the direct methane to carbon dioxide oxidation. Bearing such dependences in mind, it could be concluded that the introduction of the Fe-ZSM-5 catalyst demonstrating certain content might result in a favoured reaction of synthesis of methanol, with the process of its further oxidation being hampered. Unfortunately, this makes the elimination of the reaction of oxidation to CO2 virtually impossible. It is also evident that the activation energy of methane to methanol or carbon dioxide oxidation is markedly higher than the activation energy of the unwelcome reactions, which are methanol and formaldehyde oxidations.


Title: Predicting variables of alcohol consumption among Spanish adoles- cents. Abstract: The aim will be to contribute to building a model of alcohol consumption among young people in Compulsory Secondary (ESO) and Secondary Not compulsory Education (ESPO), depending on indepen- dent variables like sex, age, practice during free time, Finnish index of physical activity and sport, consumer behavior in family and consumption of tobacco. 6170 students were tested, representing Almeria, Granada and Murcia regions with a range of age from 12 to 19 years old. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used for testing relation- ship between variables and to calculate odds ratio (OR). Results show males consume alcohol in major measurement that the women, being increased with the age. The habitual practice of physical activity, in the quantity and frequency that is in the habit of being recommended to support the health, is an element that is associated with a lower prevalence of alcohol use. Family environment drinker stands as a risk factor for alcohol consumption of subjects, especially outstanding are the figures of brothers and sisters. The consumption of tobacco appears as the principal factor of risk for the consumption and ingestion of alcohol.


Advancements in high speed, light craft (HSLC) sea transportation require a main propulsion system that provides relatively high specific power with a minimum of weight/space. For commercial operations, the economics of the propulsion system are considered a key criterion in power plant selection. Marinizing a durable second generation industrial gas turbine, like the Solar Taurus® marine gas turbine, is ideally suited to satisfy the combination of the high vessel speed objective and the operating cost economic justification of commercial HSLC.Since the Taurus gas turbine has evolved from an earlier marine propulsion gas turbine and is in offshore platform service using materials and coatings resistant to marine environments, certification for marine prime propulsion concentrated primarily on operating inclination dynamic loading and the interfaces with the auxiliary support systems.With its high power to weight ratio, reliable performance, competitive first cost, and low operating costs, the Taurus marine industrial gas turbine can be further enhanced by recuperation and variable nozzle designs improving specific fuel consumption and part load efficiencies beyond other alternatives.Copyright © 1994 by ASME


We present a review of all previously reported cases of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We found 42 cases of coincident EBA and IBD in the literature: 35 cases of Crohn disease (CD) and 7 of ulcerative colitis (UC). The clinical and immunopathological features of the cases are described and the demographics collected. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of IBD predated the development of the skin condition. The association between EBA and IBD was more common for CD than for UC. We discuss the immunopathogenesis of IBD and EBA, and also the link between them, namely type VII collagen.


Book summary: where and how older people live can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Our Homes, Our Lives explores what housing choices are available as we grow older, and challenges some of the stereotypes that surround older people, which have in the past influenced housing and care policy. It aims to open up this debate and get those involved in shaping and providing services to take a fresh look at the issue, from the viewpoint of older people.


There is no uniform approach to the designation of zones to accommodate liquid waste discharges into an aquatic receiving system without interference with other beneficial uses. This leads to confusion and indecision among dischargers and enforcement agencies. Acceptance of universally adaptable guidelines would initiate understanding and progress. Such conceptual guidelines are proposed, including: initial establishment of the waste capacity of the receiving system; control of mass emission rate of critical materials; adoption of aesthetic criteria; establishment of water quality requirements in the mixing zone based on time exposure history; derivation of specialized criteria to permit overlapping mixing zones; limiting the total region of a waterbody devoted to mixing zones; assessment of damage to biota on a population basis; recognition that limited loss of living area may not be significant to populations; early acknowledgment that siting and discharge design can afford protection to uses; and that a case-by-case approach is essential to wise use of natural resources.


Abstract: Alternative methods are needed to control weeds in no-till corn and soybean which minimize herbicide contamination of surface or ground water. The objective of this research was to determine whether between-row (BR) mowing + band-applied herbicide could help reduce herbicide use, without sacrificing summer annual weed control or yield, in no-till soybean and field corn. Glyphosate was applied shortly before or at planting to control emerged winter annual weeds in all treatments. In the BR mowing weed management system, the band-applied soil residual herbicides imazaquin + alachlor in soybean or atrazine + alachlor in corn were applied shortly before or after planting followed by two or more between-row mowings to control summer annual weeds. Annual weeds were first mowed when they were about 8 cm tall and again just before crop canopy closure. Between-row mowing weeds very close to the soil surface two or three times killed or suppressed summer annual grass and broadleaf weeds, chiefly giant foxtail, common cocklebur, and horseweed, when timed properly. The BR mowing weed management system increased yield above a weedy check in these no-till crops. It also controlled weeds and yielded as well as or better than broadcast-applied herbicide at the same rates. Use of soil residual herbicides to control summer annual weeds was reduced 50% by banding because only 50% of the field area was sprayed. Nomenclature: Alachlor, atrazine; glyphosate; imazaquin; common cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. # XANST; corn, Zea mays (L.) #3 ZEAMX, 'Pioneer 3394'; giant foxtail, Setaria faberii (L.) Beauv. # SETFA; horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq # CONCA; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. # GLYMA, 'Pioneer 9461'. Additional index words: Band application, defoliation, mowing, mechanical weed control, no-till, no-tillage, tillage, topping. Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting; BR, between row.


Mucous cysts do not always require treatment. Nevertheless, patients often ask for excision because of pain or esthetics. Flap coverage is usually a concomitant procedure, which improves the quality of the skin overlying the distal interphalangeal joint. We propose the Zimany bilobed flap in this indication, and particularly its newer geometric design developed by Zitelli. We report the use of this flap in 9 cysts. Wound healing was fast with a good outcome. This flap design is an easy, safe procedure, and the Zitelli geometric design is a clear improvement for the reproducibility and learning curve.


Objective To study emotional and behavioural problems, relations to friends and substance use in young adults born with very low birth weight (VLBW: ≤1500 g) compared to controls. Design/methods A hospital-based follow-up study of 34 VLBW young adults and 35 term-born controls at 23 years of age. Data was collected using the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment – Adult Self-Report (ASR) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results The ASR total problems score was 38.6 (21.7) in the VBLW group compared with 29.0 (18.7) in the control group (p = 0.08). The VLBW group had higher scores for anxious/depressed (p = 0.04), attention problems (p = 0.03), aggressive behaviour (p = 0.05), internalising problems (p = 0.02) and critical items (p = 0.02). BDI scores did not differ between the groups. The VLBW group reported lower mean substance use (p = 0.04), mainly due to less use of alcohol. Furthermore, they reported having fewer friends, less closeness to friends, and less time spent with friends compared with controls (p = 0.05). When excluding 11 participants with cerebral palsy and/or low intelligence quotient (<2 SD of mean in the control group), the scores for critical items, anxious/depressed and substance use were essentially the same (p-values: 0.04–0.07). Conclusion The VLBW group reported more emotional problems than controls, and also a higher level of clinically relevant psychiatric symptoms. The findings may indicate that anxiety symptoms and a cautious lifestyle with regard to substance use are characteristics of VLBW individuals in young adulthood.


Nonlinear mathematical model of SRG is established based on its actual characteristics. A novel algorithm of SVPWM over-modulation is proposed and the application of the inverter technology in SRG wind power system is analyzed in detail. Simulation results show that the energy feedback can be realized with inverter system on the basis of SVPWM over-modulation scheme and excellent electrical energy quality can be sent out with smooth amplitude, stable frequency, and low harmonic content.


Biosolids produced in wastewater treatment plants with high organic matter (OM) content can be used to reclaim organic components in heated soils. The impact of biosolids amendment on soil pH, electric conductivity (EC), exchangeable cations, OM content, and phosphorus (P) chemical fractionation in 3 heated volcanic soils in southern Chile was investigated in a 4-month incubation study. In amended heated soils, pH, EC, OM content, and exchangeable cations were greater than in control soils. The control OM content was increased by biosolids, and the incubation time effect to reclaim the organic component was important in Andisols and Inceptisols. The pH decreased with incubation time, reflecting the buffer capacity of volcanic soils, and EC increased. In the heated incubated soils, inorganic P was in general higher than organic P. Phosphorus distribution showed little difference with incubation time, showing that after a short time (4 months) biosolids P was not significantly redistributed to organic P; however, more available P forms (Olsen P) were determined. It can be concluded that biosolids are a valid option for reclaiming the OM content lost in soils affected by forest fires. However, an important amount of inorganic P, strongly fixed in volcanic soils, with a relative contribution of available forms for plants, could potentially contribute to soil and water pollution.


Miniature ion electrospray thrusters under development at MIT are opening a new range of possibilities for applications requiring precision thrusting, or for nano-satellite mission design. With a specific impulse (Isp) in excess of 2500 seconds, no moving parts and unpressurized tanks containing zero-vapor pressure liquid propellant, they can be integrated into cubesat compatible multi-thruster assemblies. The technology and the thruster performances are described in this paper in addition to the current development of cubesat compatible prototype assemblies for performance tests in space. The assembly under development in this research effort fits within 1/3 of one 1U cubesat and is designed to provide fine three-axis attitude control and precision thrusting, to deliver a total Delta-V in excess of 200 m/sec to 3U cubesats (3 kg). The overarching goal is to assess in flight the performances of the thrusters as precision actuators. Potential nanosat applications include attitude control and precision pointing, orbital adjustments, constellation control and maintenance, formation flight, re-entry, debris removal and other maneuvers. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Martel 1 26th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites


Results Subfertility was reported by 9.1% of the women (n ¼ 719). Prevalence was 8.7% among primigravidae and 9.5% in multi-gravidae (84% of the multigravidae were multipara). Almost 2/3 sought for medical help. Among young primigravidae, subfertility decreased with education ( > 12 vs # 6 years: OR 0.20 95% CI 0.11 to 0.39), and was lower among single (OR 0.27 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59) and smokers (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.94). Only education presented a signi fi cant association with subfertility in older primi-gravidae. Within multigravidae higher education increased the odds. Maternal childhood conditions were no longer signi fi cant after adjustment for current social circumstances. Conclusions Age and the number of previous births modi fi ed the effect of social conditions on subfertility which was stronger among younger and primigravidae women.


The reconstitution of peripheral-blood T-lymphocytes following cytoreductive therapy in standard (11 patients) or in high dosages (ten patients) was compared with that after supralethal cytoreductive therapy followed by autologous bone marrow rescue (ABMR, 20 patients). Along with the increasing cytotoxic potential of the three therapy protocols, T-cell counts fell to lower levels. Following all three forms of cytoreductive therapy, T8+ T-cell counts decreased to lower levels than T4+ T-cell counts. The greater relative reduction of T8+ T cells may indicate that T8+ T cells are more sensitive to cytoreductive therapy than T4+ T cells, and/or that T8+ T cells have shorter survival times. The contribution of residual (mainly T4+) T cells to the T-cell repopulation was significant in the patients on standard-dosage chemotherapy, less important in those on high-dosage chemotherapy, and minor in those receiving supralethal cytoreductive therapy and ABMR. The repopulation rates of T8+ T cells following ABMR exceeded those observed after chemotherapy without ABMR. The T3- (T3 negative) T-cell subset, which comprises only 5%-10% of peripheral T cells in normal individuals, decreased rapidly to low levels and remained so for the entire six-week observation period in both chemotherapy groups. Following ABMR, however, those T3- T cells rapidly increased again to normal levels. Since the T cells in bone marrow biopsies have a large T3- fraction, that rapid recovery of T3- T cells may reflect the contribution of marrow precursors in the marrow grafts to the improved T-cell regeneration following ABMR.


A Phycitine species, Dioryctiria juniperella Yamanaka, is reported for the first time from Korea. Larval characters is also shown with its illustration. Juniperus chinensis L., J. chinensis var. globosa H., and J. procumbens S. are known as host plants for the species in this country.


31P NMR spectroscopy has been utilized in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis and phospholipid analysis to determine structural aspects of the prosthetic flavins, FAD and FMN, of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Comparisons are made among detergent-solubilized and protease (steapsin)-solubilized preparations of porcine liver reductases, showing unequivocally that the 31P NMR signals at approximately 0.0 ppm in the detergent-solubilized, hydrophobic form are attributable to phospholipids. By extraction and TLC analysis, the phospholipid contents of detergent-solubilized rat liver reductase, both tissue-purified and Escherichia coli-expressed, have been determined to reflect the membranes from which the enzyme was extracted. In addition, the cloned, wild-type NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase exhibits an additional pair of signals downfield of the normal FAD pyrophosphate resonances reported by Otvos et al. [(1986) Biochemistry 25, 7220-7228], but these signals are not observed with tissue-purified or mutant enzyme preparations. The Tyr140----Asp140 mutant, which exhibits only 20% of wild-type activity, displays no gross changes in 31P NMR spectra. However, the Tyr178----Asp178 mutant, which has no catalytic activity and does not bind FMN, exhibits no FMN 31P NMR signal and a normal, but low intensity, pair of signals for FAD. The latter experiments, taking advantage of mutations in residues putatively on either side of the FMN isoalloxazine ring, suggest subtle to severe changes in the binding of the flavin prosthetic groups and, perhaps, cooperative interactions of flavin binding to NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase.


This paper discusses the design optimization of a wing for supersonic transport (SST) using a multiple-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). Three objective functions are used to minimize the drag for supersonic cruise, the drag for transonic cruise, and the bending moment at the wing root for supersonic cruise. The wing shape is defined by 66 design variables. A Euler flow code is used to evaluate supersonic performance, and a potential flow code is used to evaluate transonic performance. To reduce the total computational time, flow calculations are parallelized on an NEC SX-4 computer using 32 processing elements. The detailed analysis of the resulting Pareto front suggests a renewed interest in the arrow wing planform for the supersonic wing.


In this paper we describe the GRAphical Database Interface (GRADI) of a Multimedia Database Management System. As generally true, the user interface is an important part of a system which strongly determines the effectiveness of using it. In order to find a natural way of interacting with the MDBMS system we examined the query specification process used by humans. We found that incremental query specification, natural ways of expressing joins and an additional 'all'-operator are important to improve the query specification pi-os making it considerably easier to use in comparison with query languages like SQL. The Graphical Database Interface described in this paper incorporates the mentioned capabilities as part of the MDBMS system. We think that the principles are of general use not only for multimedia systems but for any database query interface.


The vehicles exhaust in the traffic represents an important contributing factor for common air pollutants inhalation. The aim of this study was to investigate, the possible correlation between occupational exposition to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated from incomplete combustion, by dosage of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP u) as biomarker of internal dose for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the study were included 29 workers exposed to urban traffic exhausts and of 18 non exposed workers. In boths populations was considered the tobacco smoke exposition. The results showed that exposed had levels of 1-OHP u in end-of-shift samples generally higher than those in pre-shift samples and showed an association to tobacco smoke exposition. In the control population tobacco smoke exposition appeared associated to the highest levels of 1-OHP u. The study suggests that the occupational exposure to traffic exhausts is associated with increased urinary excretion of 1-OHP. In addition, by our results seems to be a correlation between high levels of 1-OHP in the urine and increased risk of PAHs inhalation.


BACKGROUND
A low albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) has been known as a prognostic factor for cancer-related mortality. However, no study has elucidated its usefulness as a predictive factor in the era of targeted therapy, and so, we evaluated this in the present study.

METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 2012 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Among these patients, 645 patients who had EGFR mutation and suitable pretreatment laboratory values were included. AGR was calculated 2 months before treatment and 4 months after treatment in each patient. The optimal cutoff value of AGR, and progression free survival (PFS) were also determined.

RESULTS
The optimal cutoff value of AGR was 1.17, which yielded a highest HR of 1.89 (P< 0.001) for poor PFS. The median PFS was 9.5 months (95% confidential interval [CI] 7.0-10.4) in patients with pretreatment AGR < 1.17 and 13.5 months (95% CI 11.9-14.7) in those with pretreatment AGR ≥ 1.17. Pretreatment AGR showed an independent predictive value (adjusted HR 1.80, P < 0.001) when age, performance status, and pre-TKI systemic treatment was adjusted for.

CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that patients with NSCLC with EGFR mutations who have AGR values lower than 1.17 at the beginning of EGFR TKI treatment should be considered to have a high risk of early EGFR TKI failure.


Background Aggressive joint involvement allied to disease activity and comorbidities contribute to physical and psychosocial impairment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Therefore, total expenses involved in psoriatic disease management may be elevated, considering that both direct and indirect costs related to multidisciplinary therapy, functional incapacity and loss of productivity may lead to an important socioeconomic impact. Objectives To evaluate labor status, to determine employment rate and the prevalence of work disability among patients with PsA from a single tertiary university center considering some disease features. Methods PsA patients from our outpatient rheumatology clinic were assesses during a 6 month period. A self-administered questionnaire was applied in order to evaluate demographic parameters, specific clinical and laboratory characteristics of the disease, comorbidities, functional capacity (HAQ score) and labor activity. Student's t-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analyses and P values ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results Fifty three patients were included, 26 males and 27 females, mean age = 52,7±13 yrs (19-76 yrs), mean age at diagnosis = 39,4±14,4 yrs (15-66 yrs); 57% had arterial hypertension (AH), 30% dyslipidemia and 15% diabetes. All patients had good educational level, 26% completed high school and 19% had a professional degree. At the time of the study, 66% (35/53) were not working; among the latter, 35% (12/35) were retired due to PsA disability, 27% (10/35) retired due to other reasons, 26% (9/35) unemployed, and 12% (4/35) were temporary away from work. The comparison of 35 unemployed vs. 18 employed patients revealed similar age (54,7yrs vs. 48,8yrs, P=0.16) and sex ratio. Both groups were also comparable for HAQ (1.1 vs. 0.8, P=0.17) and DAS 28 <3,5 (19 vs. 14, P=0.15) scores. Frequencies of hypertension (21 vs. 9, P=0.48), dyslipidemia (12 vs. 4, P=0.36), diabetes (4 vs. 4 P=0.42), smokers (4 vs. 1, P=0.65) and alcoholics (2 vs 2, P=0.59) were also alike in both groups. The only differences between unemployed and employed patients was that unemployed had higher joint VAS score (2.3 vs. 1.0, P=0.008) and were still on MTX (88% vs 61%, P=0.031) and NSAIDs (86% vs 50%, P=0.009), but neither on HCQ nor SSZ. Moreover, all patients retired due to PsA disability had AH (P<0.001) and all individuals temporary away from work were on biologic therapy (P<0.024). Conclusions High rates of work disability in 66% PsA patients, mostly those with AH or under MTX, NSAIDs or biological therapy suggests greater severity of their illness, indicating that early effective aggressive treatment is necessary in order to reduce labor incapacity, loss of productivity and socioeconomic burden. References Psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review, International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2010; 13: 300–317. William Tillett et al. Factors influencing work disability in psoriatic arthritis: first results from a large UK multicentre study, Rehumatology, 2014. Walsh et al. Work Productivity Loss and Fatigue in Psoriatic Arthritis, The Journal of Rheumatology 2014. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Sun is a low cost source of electricity and instead of using the generators; solar panel can convert direct sun rays to electricity. Conventional solar panel, fixed with a certain angle, limits there area of exposure from sun due to rotation of Earth. In pursuing to get the maximum energy converted from the sun, an automatic system is required which should be capable to constantly rotate the solar panel. The automatic solar tracking system solves this problem. There are single axis trackers and dual axis trackers. In this paper we will discuss PLC based dual axis tracker. Dual axis trackers have two degrees of freedom that act as axes of rotation. PLC based I/O configuration is used as the hardware along with the comparison unit of photosensitive resistance for detecting the ray strength and shift the panel towards the maximum output from the sun. Stepper motor arrangement is used to rotate the panel to the desired position. The system tracks by comparing the intensity of light falling on the sensors. Based on the sensors output the motor can rotate the solar panel to meet the sun's maximum position. Thus, solar panel can be driven by the motor which in turn gets the input signals from the PLC. Precise control of the stepper motors is possible by using the PLC. By giving a suitable delay between each step, the time for rotation of the solar panel to a particular position can also be controlled. This is a Hybrid power generation system in which the power is generated from solar and wind. In case the solar is not generating sufficient power than the wind plant will be activated and comparator will compare the power of solar and wind and sift the load to the power generated maximum from.


A new method of three-dimensional finite element mesh generation is presented in this paper. The method is based on an extension of the Delaunay triangulation algorithm to three dimensions, Using the mesh generator, problems are defined by means of simple three-dimensional solid modeling commands. Mesh generation is performed automatically from the objects entered. Various two and three-dimensional Delaunay mesh generation algorithms are also compared and insights to robust mesh generation provided.


Objective:Although passive immunization with anti-HIV-1 Env IgG1 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nmAbs) prevented simian–human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection in rhesus monkeys, IgA nmAbs have not been tested. Here, we sought to determine whether human anti-HIV-1 dimeric (d)IgA1, dIgA2, and IgG1 differ in their ability to prevent mucosal R5 SHIV acquisition in rhesus monkeys. Design:DIgA1, dIgA2, and IgG1 versions of nmAb HGN194 were applied intrarectally in three rhesus monkey groups 30 min before intrarectal SHIV challenge. Methods:After a control pharmacokinetic study confirmed that nmAb concentrations in rectal fluids over time were similar for all HGN194 isotypes, control and nmAb-treated animals were challenged intrarectally with an R5 SHIV, and viral loads were monitored. Results:Unexpectedly, dIgA1 provided the best protection in vivo – although all nmAbs showed similar neutralizing activity in vitro. Five out of the six dIgA1-treated rhesus monkeys remained virus-free compared to only one out of six animals given dIgA2 (P = 0.045 by log-rank test) and two out of six rhesus monkeys treated with IgG1 forms of the nmAb (P = 0.12). Protection correlated significantly with virion capture activity by a given nmAb form, as well as inhibition of transcytosis of cell-free virus across an epithelial cell layer in vitro. Conclusions:Our data imply that dIgA1-mediated capturing of virions in mucosal secretions and inhibition of transcytosis can provide significant prevention of lentiviral acquisition – over and above direct virus neutralization. Vaccine strategies that induce mucosal IgA, especially IgA1, should be developed as a first line of defense against HIV-1, a virus predominantly transmitted mucosally.


ABSTRACT. Santiago G.S., Motta C.C., Bronzato G.F., Goncalves D., de Souza M.M.S., Coelho I.daS., Ferreira H.N. & Coelho S.deM.deO. [A Review: AmpC β-lactamase production in Enterobacteriaceae.] Revisao: Producao de β-lactamases do Tipo AmpC em Enterobacteriaceae. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 38(supl. 3):17-30, 2016. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciencias Veterinarias, Anexo 1, Instituto de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR465, Km 7, Campus Seropedica, RJ, 23890-000, Brasil. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com AmpC β-lactamases are relevant enzymes produced constitutively or induced by chromosomal or plasmid genes expressed by members of Enterobacteriaceae family and other Gram negative bacteria. Producers of this type of β-lactamase hydrolyze almost all β-lactam antibiotics including cephalosporins, cephamycins, penicillins and combinations with β-lactamase inhibitors, limiting therapeutic options to treat infections caused by these resistant bacteria. In addiction some mutations can induce appearance of an extended-spectrum AmpC (ESAC) that is able to hydrolyze four generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, and that phenomenon already has been detected in cattle. Small differences in the amino acid sequence characterize families and types of AmpC, with CMY-2 prevalent in isolates from pet and food animals in world. Presence of AmpC is often associated with multidrug resistance due to the copresence of other resistance genes in the same plasmid that confer resistance to the most varied classes of antimicrobials i.e aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides and tetracyclines. There are few antimicrobial agents safely effective against these isolates and many of them are not available or are not approved for animal use. Different detection methods are available, however the lack of international standardization limits the reporting of AmpC by clinical laboratories, which may underestimate this mechanism of resistance.


Three receptors have been characterized by their ability to bind adrenomedullin (AM): L1, RDC1, and CRLR. Immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR showed that all three receptors are expressed by the insulin-producing cells of the islets of Langerhans. RDC1 and CRLR in the presence of particular modifying proteins can also bind calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Such data suggest that the inhibitory effect caused by both AM and CGRP on insulin secretion is mediated by a direct interaction with the beta-cell. We also identified receptors for amylin, the third member of the AM peptide family, in mouse insulin-secreting cells. The beta-cells located closer to the periphery of the islets had a stronger immunoreactivity for the AM/ CGRP receptors. This observation could be related to a paracrine mechanism, given the proximity of AM- and CGRP-secreting cells (F and delta-cells, respectively), which are located at the periphery of the islets. Interestingly, the smooth muscle cells in the pancreatic vasculature expressed only RDC1, which is in agreement with physiological data showing that AM functions in the cardiovascular system are mainly mediated through a CGRP1 receptor. These data further implicate AM and the other components of its peptide family as important regulators of insulin release.


In work, the analysis of thermal homeostasis in the human body and homoiotherm animals. It is shown that the temperature in the internal tissues of the body (the nucleus of the body) is high and relatively consistent because it is maintained via heat transfer through the blood flow. The presence in peripheral tissues (the body shell) is mainly due to conductive heat transfer (due to temperature gradients at various points of the tissues). Thermal homeostasis occurs when the temperature of the medium fluctuates within the thermoneutral zone in the internal tissues of the body, primarily due to changes in the size of the nucleus and shell rather than changes in heat output to the external environment or heat production. Owing to this mechanism of heat transfer in the tissues, a rapid thermal homeostasis of the internal tissues of the body is carried out when the temperature of the medium changes within the thermoneutral zone.


The conducting airways (bronchi and bronchioles) and peripheral gas exchange (alveolar) regions of the mammalian lung are generated by a process of branching morphogenesis. Evidence suggests that during embryonic development, the undifferentiated epithelial progenitors are located at the distal tips of the branching epithelium. To test this hypothesis, we used an Id2-CreERT2 knock-in mouse strain to lineage trace the distal epithelial tip cells during either the pseudoglandular or canalicular phases of development. During the pseudoglandular stage, the tip cells both self-renew and contribute descendents to all epithelial cell lineages, including neuroendocrine cells. In addition, individual Id2+ tip cells can self-renew and contribute descendents to both the bronchiolar and alveolar compartments. By contrast, during the later canalicular stage, the distal epithelial tip cells only contribute descendents to the alveoli. Taken together, this evidence supports a model in which the distal tip of the developing lung contains a multipotent epithelial population, the fate of which changes during development.


Geometric Measures of Variation about the mean is a measure that uses the geometric averaging technique to average the deviations from the mean. From previous studies, it has been determined that the measure is more precise in estimating the average variation about the mean than the existing measures of variation about the mean. Given that the technique is a newly introduced technique of estimating the average variation about the mean, the actual sample estimator for the measure is still unknown, as a result, the study aimed at determining the unbiased estimator for the population geometric measure. The study used a mathematical estimation technique to determinethe unbiased estimator among the existing possible estimators as it assumed a simple random sampling without replacement technique. The study determined that the unbiased estimator of the population estimator was the sample estimator which did not allow one degree of freedom.


The propagation of underwater acoustic signals in polar regions is dominated by an upward refracting sound speed environment and the presence of a dynamic highly variable ice canopy. This paper provides an overview of the acoustic properties of sea ice and assesses the influence of ice canopy and water column properties on acoustic transmission loss for propagation within 20 km of a sound source at 20 m depth. The influence of the ice canopy is assessed first as a perfectly flat surface, and then as a statistically rough surface. A Monte Carlo method is used for the inclusion of ice deformation and roughness. This involves the creation of sets of synthetic ice profiles based on a given sea ice thickness distribution, followed by statistical methods for combining the output of individually evaluated ice realisations. The experimental situation being considered in the framing of this problem is that of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operating within 50 m of the surface. This scenario is associated with a frequency band of interest of 9-12 kHz and a horizontal range of interest up to 20 km. The situation has been evaluated for a set of typical ice statistics using Ray and Beam acoustic propagation techniques. The sound speed profile (based on real data) results in a strong defocussing of direct path signals at ranges from 9-20 km and depths shallower than 50 m. This reduction in the signal strength of the direct path creates areas where the influence of surface reflected paths becomes significant. The inclusion of a perfectly flat ice layer reduces the transmission loss between 9-20 km by 15-50 dB. When the ice layer is included as a rough surface layer the results show a boost to signal strength of up to 8 dB in the small areas of maximum defocussing. Sea ice is a strongly time and space varying sea surface and exists in areas where defocussing of the direct path due to the sound speed profile reduces the range of direct path dominated transmission. This work presents methods for including a statistically relevant rough surface through a technique for generation of sets of surfaces based on ice deformation statistics. It outlines methods for including ice in acoustic modelling tools and demonstrates the influence of one set of ice statistics on transmission loss.


Chylolymphatic mesenteric cysts of the abdomen is a rare differential for cystic tumors, more so in the pediatric age group, and they have various clinical presentations. There have been very few cases reported worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, a multicystic chylolymphatic cyst of the abdomen as demonstrated below is the first reported occurrence worldwide in the pediatric age group. We herein report the case of a 1-year-old who presented to us with gradual distension of the abdomen for 4 months with occasional episodes of vomiting and a lobulated cystic abdominal mass on palpation. He was mistakenly treated with anti-tuberculous treatment for suspected loculated ascites. The imaging revealed a multiloculated mass in the abdomen in close relation to the small bowel. He was also worked up for tuberculosis, and the findings were negative. Laparotomy revealed multiple cysts closely applied to the jejunum, starting at 4 cm from the duodenojejunal flexure, which was resected and anastomosed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an abdominal chylolymphatic cyst occurring as a chain of multiple cysts in the pediatric age group, and we want to emphasize the importance of further imaging in a case of suspected loculated tuberculous ascites as this is a differential diagnosis with a treatable surgical option. Surgical excision of these cysts should be done in toto as an individual excision of each of these cysts in an attempt to preserve the bowel length may end up jeopardizing the blood supply of the affected bowel.


Introduction: The package insert (PI) is an officially approved mandatory document inside the package with the intention to provide relevant, recent and unbiased information for rational drug use. The information accompanying the drug is approved by the regulatory agencies. Pharmaceutical companies use PIs as one of the means to promote information regarding marketed products. In India, assessment of the PIs of drugs by patients is rare. Hence, this study is an attempt to assess the importance of different aspects of PIs along with an appraisal of patients' knowledge of the prescribed drug regimen. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study around 200 patients between 18 and 70 years of age, taking medications were interviewed with a pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the previous studies. Results and Observations: Out of 200 patients 87 were taking medications for chronic while 113 for acute diseases. The majority (61.5%) never read while only 13% always read the information in PIs. Dosage (35.5%) and uses (33.5%) were among highest read columns by patients. Females were found to have more knowledge and awareness about PIs. Conclusion: PIs have an important impact on the patients compliance and thus on the effectiveness of drug use. However, patients need to be more aware about reading the information in PIs.


Platinum nanoparticles have here been synthesized via the microemulsion method that isolates the reactive species from the whole medium into compartmentalized nanoreactors. Such synthesized Pt nanoparticles have diam. included in the 2-5 nm range domain with narrow size distribution. It was also shown that, when deposited on Boron-Doped Diamond electrode and stabilized by a Nafion adlayer, microemulsion-synthesized Pt nanoparticles can be activated by OH radicals electrogenerated on BDD at high overpotentials. Activated nanoparticles has exhibited higher activity towards methanol electrooxidn., due to both addnl. cleaning of the surface and participation of the radicals to the oxidn. process. [on SciFinder (R)]


Most commonly used at clinical magnetic fields (1.5 to 3 T), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) captures mechanical wave propagation to reconstruct the mechanical properties of soft tissue with MRI. However, in terms of noninvasively assessing disease progression in a broad range of organs (e.g., liver, breast, skeletal muscle, and brain), its accessibility is limited and its robustness is challenged when magnetic susceptibility differences are encountered. Low-field MRE offers an opportunity to overcome these issues, and yet it has never been demonstrated in vivo in humans with magnetic fields <1.5 T mainly because of the long acquisition times required to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we describe a method to accelerate 3D motion-sensitized MR scans at 0.1 T using only 10% k-space sampling combined with a high-performance detector and an efficient encoding acquisition strategy. Its application is demonstrated in vivo in the human forearm for a single motion-encoding direction in less than 1 min.


Gupta et al. [J. ACM, 54 (2007), article 11] and Gupta, Kumar, and Roughgarden [in Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing, ACM, New York, 2003, pp. 365-372] recently developed an elegant framework for the development of randomized approximation algorithms for rent-or-buy network design problems. The essential building block of this framework is an approximation algorithm for the underlying network design problem that admits a strict cost sharing scheme. Such cost sharing schemes have also proven to be useful in the development of approximation algorithms in the context of two-stage stochastic optimization with recourse. The main contribution of this paper is to show that the Steiner forest problem admits cost shares that are 3-strict and 4-group-strict. As a consequence, we derive surprisingly simple approximation algorithms for the multicommodity rent-or-buy and the multicast rent-or-buy problems with approximation ratios 5 and 6, improving over the previous best approximation ratios of 6.828 and 12.8, respectively. We also show that no approximation ratio better than 4.67 can be achieved using the sample-and-augment framework in combination with the currently best known Steiner forest approximation algorithms. In the context of two-stage stochastic optimization, our result leads to a 6-approximation algorithm for the stochastic Steiner tree problem in the black-box model and a 5-approximation algorithm for the stochastic Steiner forest problem in the independent decision model.


I desire to present a procedure for the expulsion of the placenta. Physicians in general have accepted the dictum that the third stage of labor should be allowed to develop naturally, and that no attempt should be made to express the placenta until separation has occurred, provided there is no hemorrhage. The interval between the birth of the child and the moment of expression of the placenta is still being handled in different fashion, according to the teachings of various clinics, ranging from the absolutely let alone policy of Leopold, who insists that the abdomen should be left untouched following the birth of the child, if need be for twenty-four hours, leaving the expression of the placenta absolutely to the natural powers of the woman; to the other extreme, which consists in grasping the fundus, and as soon as contractions have appeared or have been called forth by massage, to


People have competing desires. Hence, people not only chase others' choices due to the need for assimilation but also avoid others' choices due to the need for differentiation. This study attempts to uncover under which conditions consumers assimilate with or differentiate from others' choices. Specifically, the study extends previous research about the effect of others' choices by focusing on the effect of a choice situation (purchase vs. usage) based on the conformity theory and the uniqueness theory. It was found that purchase (vs. usage) situation makes people more conform to others in case of identity-irrelevant product (e.g., USB memory stick). Also, the effect of the choice situation was moderated by the perceived identity-relevance level in case of identity-relevant product (e.g., jeans).


Polymorphism in molecular solids is driven by the competition between internal molecular conformational strain and external binding forces. The pharmaceutical gabapentin exhibits three polymorphic forms each differing in molecular conformation and intermolecular interactions. To improve the understanding of the polymorphic formation, terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory have been applied in the analysis of the factors leading to these particular crystalline arrangements. It was found that the most stable solid-state polymorph contained gabapentin molecules under considerable internal strain. The origins of this unexpected stability are described in terms of intramolecular conformational changes and the amount of cohesive binding energy present in each polymorph. Finally, the temperature dependence of the polymorph stabilities is investigated by calculation of the free–energy curves of each form and determining the solid–solid transition points connecting the various phases.