Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients with chronic diarrhea. This prevalence was compared with two control groups: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seronegative diarrheal patients and HIV seropositive individuals without diarrhoea. Stool specimens from clinically diagnosed hospitalized AIDS patients in some hospitals in Addis Ababa were screened for parasite infection. Of 147 AIDS patients with chronic diarrhoea, 74 (50.3%) were infected with one kind or more of parasites. Out of 56 non-AIDS (seronegative) diarrhoeal patients, 41.1% (23/56) and out of the 43 non-diarrhoeal (seropositive) patients, 41.9% (18/43) were infected by a variety of intestinal protozoa and helminths. The parasites detected in AIDS patients were Cryptosporidium spp, Isospora spp, Blastocystis spp, Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp, Trichuris trichiura, Entamoeba histolytica, and Hook worm spp. Among the intestinal parasites, Cryptosporidium spp was exclusively associated with AIDS patients. The high proportion of the study subjects who had diarrhoea in the absence of identifiable parasitic infections suggests that other infectious agents (eg. Bacteria and Virus) or mechanisms other than infectious agents, are responsible for the diarrhoea. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(3):169-173]


The authors have generated over 460-mW output power at 255.1 and 271.2 nm with a wall-plug efficiency of 0.016% and 300 mW at 289.1 nm with a wall-plug efficiency of 0.0008%. Using an off-axis unstable resonator matched to the plasma-tube geometry and gain characteristics along with focusing lenses with reduced achromatic and spherical aberration has allowed the highest efficiencies for nonlinear UV generation from a CVL (copper vapor laser) reported to date. Current UV output powers are limited by crystal damage which may be reduced by modifying the delivery optics. >


For more than four decades, two address-matching methods, the street-based address geocoding method and address-point-matching method, have been used to identify geographical coordinates from postal addresses. However, street-based address geocoding methods developed for the US addressing system are not universally applicable in developing a single-portal geocoding middleware for worldwide Internet-based geographic information systems applications. Problems also exist with address-point matching especially in its capability to identify features and incorporate 3D locational data from 3D addresses for analysis of large public buildings, shopping centers or metro-subways, that exist in urban environments. To alleviate these problems, this paper details two alternative address-matching methods, an area-based address geocoding method and a 3D address geocoding method. The area-based address geocoding method is a 2D positioning method based on a 2D area-based address-matching technique. The 3D address geocoding method is based on a universally applicable 3D address-geocoding technique. To elaborate, this paper introduces (1) a BlockObject model and designs reference databases for an area-based address system, (2) a 3D indoor network model representing the internal structures of urban environment, and (3) a 3D address geocoding algorithm based on a 3D indoor geocoding method. To illustrate the benefits of the 3D address-positioning method, this paper implements 3D indoor navigation to define optimal routes within a single building.


Active adult neurogenesis occurs from neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) in discrete regions of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) (Abrous et al. 2005; Ming and Song 2005; Lledo et al. 2006). The generation of nascent neurons from NPCs in the intact adult CNS is restricted to the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) (Alvarez-Buylla and Lim 2004). Outside of these two regions, proliferating NPCs normally generate only glia cells, but they appear to be able to give rise to neurons after insults (Emsley et al. 2005). Accumulative evidence suggests that continuous neuronal production in the adult brain under physiological conditions is involved in specific brain functions, such as olfaction, learning, and memory (Kempermann et al. 2004a). On the other hand, neural production of NPCs under pathological conditions may contribute to brain repair (Emsley et al. 2005). Functional integration of nascent neurons is achieved by progression through sequential developmental steps that resemble embryonic and fetal neurogenesis, from proliferation and fate specification of NPCs, to differentiation, migration, axonal/dendritic development, and synaptic integration of newborn neurons (Ming and Song 2005). In contrast to developing neurogenesis, adult neurogenesis arises from a significantly different environment and proceeds with concurrent activities of mature neurons within the existing circuit. Adult neurogenesis, a striking form of structural plasticity in the intact adult CNS, is dynamically regulated by many physiological and pathological stimuli (Abrous et al. 2005; Ming and Song 2005). For example, environmental enrichment (Kempermann...


Biomedical engineering and biomedicine are exciting fields that try to answer a broad range of questions in the interface of medicine, science, and engineering. It is hard to imagine where medicine and science would be today without advanced imaging systems, wireless sensor networks, robotics, 3D printers, nanoparticles, and big date analytics, to name a few. Technology has had a dramatic effect on the trend of biomedicine and biosciences, producing what may be the most challenging period in the history of human beings. One form of the convergence of technology in science and medicine is advanced biomedical imaging systems. Imaging systems provide alternative means for analysis and visualization of the scientific and medical information and services, providing patients and researchers with an extraordinary new range of options.


Stress is a natural human reaction to demands or pressure, usually when perceived as harmful or/and toxic. When stress becomes constantly overwhelmed and prolonged, it increases the risk of mental health and physiological uneasiness. Furthermore, chronic stress raises the likelihood of mental health plagues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder. Although measuring stress using physiological parameters such as heart rate variability (HRV) is a common approach, how to achieve ultra-high accuracy based on HRV measurements remains as a challenging task. HRV is not equivalent to heart rate. While heart rate is the average value of heartbeats per minute, HRV represents the variation of the time interval between successive heartbeats. The HRV measurements are related to the variance of RR intervals which stand for the time between successive R peaks. In this study, we investigate the role of HRV features as stress detection bio-markers and develop a machine learning-based model for multi-class stress detection. More specifically, a convolution neural network (CNN) based model is developed to detect multi-class stress, namely, no stress, interruption stress, and time pressure stress, based on both time- and frequency-domain features of HRV. Validated through a publicly available dataset, SWELL–KW, the achieved accuracy score of our model has reached 99.9% (Precision = 1, Recall = 1, $F1-$ score = 1, and MCC = 0.99), thus outperforming the existing methods in the literature. In addition, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of essential HRV features for stress detection using a feature extraction technique, i.e., analysis of variance.


Abstract We present apatite and zircon fission-track (AFT and ZFT) ages from the Amorgos detachment system in the Aegean Sea, Greece. The Amorgos detachment system consists of a basal and an upper detachment. The lower Amorgos detachment occupies the same tectonic position as the regionally important large-magnitude Cretan detachment and therefore can provide improved constraints on the evolution of the latter. AFT ages from the footwalls of both detachments show that detachment-related cooling occurred in the early Miocene, coeval with an important phase of cooling in the footwall of the Cretan detachment on Crete. We interpret the footwall AFT ages to indicate an early Miocene age of movement on the Amorgos detachments, essentially simultaneously with slip on the Cretan detachment. ZFT ages from rocks above the lower Amorgos detachment are not reset indicating that metamorphic temperatures during the Tertiary Hellenic orogeny did not exceed c. 300 °C significantly. We discuss a model in which top‐to-the-north movement on the Cretan/Amorgos detachment commenced in the early Miocene. Soon after the inception of the Cretan/Amorgos detachment, top‐to-the-south movement on the South Cyclades shear zone deformed the latter and brought the Amorgos detachment into a higher crustal position.


Uphole acquisition was conducted to determine the weathering thickness and velocity of strata layer, in essence obtain values for static correction to be used in the processing of reflection data. Drill logs from each Uphole point was used in conjunction with the theoretical interpretations as a physical set of data to aid in making inferences for boundary distinction. Fifty two (52) Uphole locations were drilled and logged. Each location was drilled to 66m and logged to 60m. Litho logy from the bore samples reveals dominantly sand and clay units. The sand sizes ranges from fine to coarse.The records / playbacks have good signal quality with distinct first break times. The UDISYS interpretation software guided by surface (shot depth) correction and shot offset correction displayed a two-layered case. Analysis on the weathering thickness and velocities within the prospect area reveals that uphole locations have weathering thickness ranging from 2.7m to 11.0m. The highest velocity within the weathering layer is 924m/s (254m/s to 924) while the velocity of the consolidated layer ranges from 1528ms to 1927ms. Appreciably, this correlates with the formation samples collected at various uphole lithology logs. More so, it is of interest to note that low velocity layer / weathering thickness within the prospect area synchronized with previous study of the Niger Delta weathering velocity layer. Keywords: Drill-hole, down-deep, Critical angle, Near surface, weathering layer.


As sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries are transitioning to dolutegravir (DTG)-based ART, baseline data are required for optimal monitoring of therapeutic response. In this frame, we sought to generate up-to-date evidence on the use of integrase-strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) and associated drug resistance mutations (DRMs) within SSA. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we included randomized and non-randomized trials, cohort-studies, cross-sectional studies, and case-reports published on INSTI or integrase DRMs in SSA. We included studies of patients exposed to DTG, raltegravir (RAL) or elvitegravir (EVG). Primary outcomes were "the rate of virological control (VC:<50copies/ml)" and "the presence of DRMs" on INSTI-based regimens among patients in SSA. We synthesised extracted data using subgroup analysis, and random effect models were used where appropriate. Additional analyses were conducted to assess study heterogeneity. We identified 1,916 articles/citations through database searches, of which 26 were included in the analysis pertaining to 5,444 patients (mean age: 37±13 years), with 67.62% (3681/5444) female. Specifically, 46.15% (12/26) studies focused on DTG, 26.92% (7/26) on RAL, 23.08% (6/26) on both DTG and RAL, and 3.85% (1/26) on EVG. We found an increasing use of DTG overtime (0% before 2018 to 100% in 2021). Median treatment duration under INSTI-based regimens was 12 [9–36] months. Overall, the rate of VC was 88.51% [95%CI: 73.83–97.80] with DTG vs. 82.49% [95%CI: 55.76–99.45] and 96.55% [95%CI: 85.7–100.00] with RAL and EVG, respectively. In univariate analysis, VC with DTG-containing vs. other INSTI-regimens was significantly higher (OR = 1.44 [95%CI: 1.15–1.79], p = 0.0014). Among reported DRMs at failure, the only DTG resistance-mutations were G118R and R263K. In SSA, DTG presents a superiority effect in VC compared to other INSTIs. Nonetheless, the early detection of INSTI-DRMs calls for sentinel surveillance for a successful transition and a sustained efficacy of DTG in SSA. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42019122424.


Human autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO) interact with a restricted or immunodominant region (IDR) on intact TPO. However, a smaller proportion of polyclonal serum TPO autoantibodies bind outside this region. To isolate monoclonal nonimmunodominant region (non-IDR) TPO autoantibodies, we screened a thyroid-derived immunoglobulin gene phage display library while "epitope masking" the TPO IDR with four human TPO monoclonal autoantibodies that define the IDR. Among 31 non-IDR autoantibodies obtained (expressed as Fab), 8 representatives were analyzed further based on their restriction digestion profiles. All are encoded by almost identical H chains (VH3 family), with extremely long D regions, paired with three different types of light chains. In contrast, IDR TPO Fab from the same patient utilize seven different heavy chains (VH1 and VH5 families) paired nonpromiscuously with different light chains. Use of VH5 genes has not been reported previously for TPO autoantibodies. Both non-IDR and IDR Fab bind specifically to TPO and not to other proteins. The non-IDR Fab affinities for TPO are moderately high (Kd 1-2 x 10(-9) M), somewhat lower than those for most IDR Fab (Kd 1-4 x 10(-10) M). The epitopes of the three types of non-IDR Fab overlap with each other, indicating a major role for their heavy chain in TPO binding. Most importantly, the epitopes of non-IDR Fab are recognized by patients' serum autoantibodies. In summary, we provide the first insight into the immunoglobulin genes, affinities and epitopes of human monoclonal autoantibodies that bind outside the TPO-immunodominant region.


A technique for converting the constrained nonlinear optimization problem encountered in the design of weighted minimax quadrature mirror filters into an iterative unconstrained nonlinear optimization problem is presented. This renders the design of weighted minimax quadrature mirror filters possible. The technique is very efficient, typically taking about seven iterations to converge. A rapidly converging iterative procedure for solving the above nonlinear unconstrained optimization problem is also presented. This procedure typically requires less than five iterations to converge. >


In this study, is discussed that we are the East-West Turkic divided into two groups in terms utanma/utanmak in the sense uvut ~uwut and uyat extending the development of the from Historical Turkic to Modern Turkic. The end of the Mongolian invasion of writing tradition based on a single branch from Kharanid, is one of the breakpoints of the Turkic language to reveal the term East-West Turkic. The word uwut, which is said to belong to Oghuz by Kashgari is in the form of ut~ud as contraction in Oghuz Turkic, while the word of uyat in Chaghatay Turkic, known as Eastern Turkic, has become utanma/utanmak words of both dialect. In this respect, our study is supported by the materials of the Turkic language written in two different languages and it is desired to show that the words displayed lexical differences after the 15th century.


Recently, AXO Science released STK Sperm Tracker Lab ( STK sheet ) and STK Sperm Tracker SPRAY ( STK spray ) to identify human semen stains. In this study, we examined the STK sheet and STK spray for their speciˆcity to detect human semen, sensitivity, eŠects on DNA, and response to old semen samples. Additionally, STK sheet was examined for optimal crimping time depending on the type of fabric. STK spray was examined through assessing the eŠect of ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation after spraying. As a result of this study, STK sheet and STK spray were found to ex-hibit high speciˆcity for the detection of human semen. These reagents did not aŠect the yield of extracted DNA or its degradation. STK sheet and STK spray can detect semen up to 1 / 25 th and 1 / 100 th dilutions, respectively. Both STK sheet and STK spray can react with semen samples left at room temperature for over a year. We found that the crimping time on STK sheet diŠers depending on the type of fabric, and the exposure to UV radiation for an hour after using STK spray does not aŠect DNA degradation. Conclusively, both STK sheet and STK spray are suitable to identify the human semen stains.


OBJECTIVE
To study the constituents from the root of Liriope platypgylla.

METHODS
Six chemical constituents were isolated from the chloroform fraction and n-BuOH fraction from EtOH extract of Liriope platyphylla.

RESULTS
Their structures were elucidated as beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosile(I), palmic acid (II), ruscogenin (III), LP-C(IV), LP-D(V), 25 (S) -ruscogenin 1-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (VI), respectively.

CONCLUSION
All these compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.


Objective: Dyslexia is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by inaccurate and slow word recognition. This article reviews neural correlates of dyslexia from both electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies. Method : In this brief review, we provide electrophysiological and neuroimaging evidence from electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in dyslexia to understand functional and structural brain changes in this condition. Results: In both electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, the most frequently reported functional impairments in dyslexia include aberrant activation of the left hemisphere occipito-temporal cortex (OTC), temporo-parietal cortex (TPC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and cerebellar areas. EEG studies have mostly highlighted the important role of lower frequency bands in dyslexia, especially theta waves. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies have suggested that dyslexia is related to functional and structural impairments in the left hemisphere regions associated with reading and language, including reduced grey matter volume in the left TPC, decreased white matter connectivity between reading networks, and hypo-activation of the left OTC and TPC. In addition, neural evidence from pre-reading children and infants at risk for dyslexia show that there are abnormalities in the dyslexic brain before learning to read begins. Conclusion: Advances in comprehending the neural correlates of dyslexia could bring closer translation from basic to clinical neuroscience and effective rehabilitation for individuals who struggle to read. However, neuroscience still has great potential for clinical translation that requires further research.


Measurements were made of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cell (GM-CFC) yield in long-term cultures established from different combinations of stroma and hemopoietic recharge inocula derived from hemopoietic organs at different stages of their embryological development. Results indicated differences in the supporting capacity of the stroma, related to the hemopoietic activity of the organ of origin. Stroma derived from hemopoietically active organs (adult bone marrow, neonatal spleen, fetal liver) supported the proliferation of GM-CFC to a larger extent than stroma derived from organs with a low hemopoietic activity (neonatal bone marrow liver at 2 days; spleen at 3 weeks). Regardless of the origin of the hemopoietic cells, stroma from adult bone marrow displayed the highest ability to support GM-CFC proliferation. The capacity of GM-CFC from hemopoietic recharge cell populations to proliferate on stroma was not related to the hemopoietic activity of their organ of origin. Regardless of their organ of origin the GM-CFC present in each of the different hemopoietic recharge populations were able to proliferate provided that they were seeded on an appropriate stroma. These experiments showed that stromal cells cultured from hemopoietic organs at different developmental ages determine the hemopoietic activity of long-term cultures as measured via GM-CFC recovery.


The objective of this study was to compare the leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions elicited in postcapillary venules by either local ischemia-reperfusion or hemorrhage-reperfusion. Leukocyte rolling, adherence, and emigration were monitored in cat mesenteric venules exposed to an 85% reduction in blood flow (induced by either hemorrhage or local restriction of arterial inflow) for 1 h, followed by 1 h reperfusion. Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, venular diameter, and red blood cell velocity were measured during baseline, ischemia, and reperfusion periods. Both local and hemorrhage-induced ischemia reperfusion caused a reduction in leukocyte rolling velocity and increases in leukocyte adherence and emigration. Quantitatively, the adherence and emigration responses in both ischemia models were nearly identical. However, the two models differed in their response to immunoneutralization of the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein CD11/CD18 with monoclonal antibody (MAb) IB4. The MAb had a more profound effect in attenuating leukocyte adherence and emigration in the local ischemia model. These results indicate that different factors may contribute to leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions observed in local vs. systemic models of ischemia-reperfusion.


Introduction This project focuses on how frailty is addressed in primary healthcare (PHC) and will evaluate the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention (considering the appropriateness of the pharmaceutical prescription, the nutritional care provided and the exercise intervention) for persons with frailty, in terms of improving their functional capacity and reducing the incidence of adverse events related to frailty. The final evaluation will be made at 12 months' follow-up. Methods and analysis Pragmatic multicentre cluster randomised controlled clinical trial, single blind with two arms: multifactorial intervention in PHC versus usual follow-up. The randomisation unit is the patient list and the analysis unit is the patient. In addition, a cost-effectiveness study and a qualitative study will be carried out, the latter based on semistructured interviews and focus groups. Two hundred persons (100 per study branch) all aged ≥70 years, presenting frailty, but functionally independent and resident in the community, will be recruited. A baseline evaluation will be carried out prior to the intervention, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. The main study variables considered will be functional capacity and incidence of adverse events; the secondary variables considered will be the patients' sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, level of physical activity and drug consumption, together with data on comorbidity, cognitive and affective status and health-related quality of life. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle using a 5% significance level. Ethics and dissemination The study will at all times be conducted in strict accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki and with the national legislation regulating patients' autonomy. All patients recruited will be asked to provide written informed consent before taking part in the clinical trial. On completion of the study, the principal investigator expects to publish the results of this research in a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal. Trial registration number ISRCTN17143761.


The study assesses and compares the value relevance (VR) of accounting numbers in entities that experienced high discretionary accruals intensity and so possible earnings management (EM) behaviours, testing whether and in what extent the quality of enforcement and governance mechanisms act as moderating factors on the relation EM-VR. Based on a sample of 2 667 European non-financial entities, the results show that while the VR of earnings is low in entities that experienced high discretionary accruals intensity, book value increases its VR. The study also shows that the quality of enforcement mechanisms and the ownership diffusion (that proxies the quality of corporate governance) are effectively able to obstruct the loss of VR of earnings. The value added of the paper consists in showing that both the quality of enforcement and the ownership diffusion contrast only in part and in different manner the loss of VR of earnings, due to the presence of EM behaviours, acting only in part as moderating factors.


Ecosystem objectives in fisheries management usually flow from high-level national
policies or strategies and international agreements. Consequently they are often
broadly stated and hence are difficult to incorporate directly in management plans.
Predicting the results of any management action is very uncertain because the
dynamics of ecosystems are complex and poorly understood. Methods to design and
evaluate operational management strategies have advanced considerably in the past
decade. These management-strategy-evaluation (MSE) methods rely on simulation
testing of the whole management process using performance measures derived from
operational objectives. The MSE approach involves selecting (operational) management
objectives, specifying performance measures, specifying alternative management
strategies, and evaluating these using simulation. The MSE framework emphasizes the
identification and modelling of uncertainties, and propagates these through to their
effects on the performance measures. The framework is outlined and illustrated by
three ecosystem-related applications: management of benthic habitats and broad fish
community composition; by-catch of species of high conservation value; and foodchain
interactions and dependencies. Challenges to be overcome before broader
ecosystem-related objectives can be fully handled are discussed briefly.


Abstract Background Here, we present data collected from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau that describes the variation of leaf functional traits across 32 plant species and could be used to investigate plant community functioning and predict the impact of climate change on biogeochemical cycles. The sampling area is located in Huangshui River Valley, in the southeast of Qinghai Province, China (36° 19′ to 36° 53′ N, 100° 59′ to 102° 48′ E). The area contains an alpine meadow typical of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. New information This dataset includes field survey data on the functional properties of compound leaves from herbaceous species in the Huangshui River Basin of Qinghai Province, China, at altitudes from 1800 m to 4000 m in the summer of 2021. Data were collected from 326 plots, including 646 data points of compound leaf plants, spanning 32 compound leaf plant species belonging to 14 genera and four families. The study species were chosen from 47 families, 165 genera and 336 species present in the plots and all compound leaf plants were chosen within each plot. We picked the parts containing leaves, petioles and rachis from the study plants and separated the leaves from the plants. The cut compound leaf part was a leaflet, while the petiole and rachis were linear elements. The dataset includes information about the leaflet trait variation (i.e. leaflet area, leaflet dry mass, specific leaflet area and leaflet nitrogen content per unit dry mass) and linear elements' biomass and nitrogen content per unit dry mass (i.e. both petiole and rachis) of 646 compound leaves. This dataset can be used to analyse the evolution of leaf traits and the basic functioning of ecosystems. Moreover, the dataset provides an important basis for studying the species distribution and protection of biodiversity of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and evaluating ecosystem services. These data also support the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin and have empirical and practical value for alpine biodiversity protection and ecosystem management.


Agents often face a choice of what to do. And it seems that, in most of these choice situations, the relevant reasons do not require performing some particular act, but instead permit performing any of numerous act alternatives. This is known as the basic belief. Below, I argue that the best explanation for the basic belief is not that the relevant reasons are incommensurable (Raz) or that their justifying strength exceeds the requiring strength of opposing reasons (Gert), but that they are imperfect reasons—reasons that do not support performing any particular act, but instead support choosing any of the numerous alternatives that would each achieve the same worthy end. In the process, I develop and defend a novel theory of objective rationality, arguing that it is superior to its two most notable rivals.


Summary
It has been repeatedly claimed that the application of genetic engineering in the field of agricultural and food production is both beneficial and advantageous. However, biotechnology is developing in an environment where public concerns about food safety and environmental protection are steadily increasing. The present study aims at gaining an insight into Greek consumers' beliefs, attitudes and intentions towards genetically modified (GM) food products. The objectives of this study are summarized as follows (i) to provide evidence that consumer beliefs are built around the 'safety-benefits' axis, and (ii) to segment the Greek market in terms of consumer beliefs about GM food products and identify a number of clusters with clear-cut behavioural profiles. Although the overall attitude of Greek consumers towards GM food is negative, the research very interestingly concludes that there exists a market segment of substantial size, whose beliefs about GM food appears to be positive. This finding suggests that there is not a 'consensus' regarding the rejection of GM foods in the Greek market as one might have expected thus 'encouraging' the implementation of adequate marketing strategies to target this segment of 'early adopters' in the first place.


Recent works have shown that depth information can be obtained from Dual-Pixel (DP) sensors. A DP arrangement provides two views in a single shot, thus resembling a stereo image pair with a tiny baseline. However, the different point spread function (PSF) per view, as well as the small disparity range, makes the use of typical stereo matching algorithms problematic. To address the above shortcomings, we propose a Continuous Cost Aggregation (CCA) scheme within a semi-global matching framework that is able to provide accurate continuous disparities from DP images. The proposed algorithm fits parabolas to matching costs and aggregates parabola coefficients along image paths. The aggregation step is performed subject to a quadratic constraint that not only enforces the disparity smoothness but also maintains the quadratic form of the total costs. This gives rise to an inherently efficient disparity propagation scheme with a pixel-wise minimization in closed-form. Furthermore, the continuous form allows for a robust multi-scale aggregation that better compensates for the varying PSF. Experiments on DP data from both DSLR and phone cameras show that the proposed scheme attains state-of-the-art performance in DP disparity estimation.


Three haptophyte algae, Isochrysis galbana, Prymnesium parvum and P. patelliferum were offered to the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus as food. Growth rate of larvae, egg production, mortality and comsumption rates of T. japonicus were measured for each of the haptophyte species offered. The growth rate of larvae, egg production and algal ingestion of T. japonicus fed on P. parvum and P. patelliferum were much lower than those fed on I. galbana and corresponding high mortality rates were also observed during the experimental period. The harmful effects observed during the present study indicate that bloom-forming haptophyte algae, P. parvum and P. patelliferum are not suitable feed species for culture of copepod, T. japonicus.


This study examined the effects of religion and gender on drinking behaviors among a sample of 148 older Korean immigrants living in a metropolitan area in Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using standardized questions. The mean age of the participants was 74 years (range: 60-97 years). Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of religion on drinking and heavier drinking and gender differences in correlates of current drinking and heavier drinking. Results revealed that being married and having lower religiosity were significant correlates that increased the odds of being a current drinker. Older Korean men tend to engage in heavier drinking behavior. Higher religiosity, not mere affiliation to Protestant churches, decreased the odds of heavier drinking for both men and women. The odds of heavier drinking increased for depressed men. Study limitations and implications are presented in a cultural context.


This study presents an alternative way of estimating credit transition matrices using a hazard function model. The model is useful both for testing the validity of the Markovian assumption, frequently made in credit rating applications, and also for estimating transition matrices conditioning on firm-specific and macroeconomic covariates that influence the migration process. The model presented in the paper is likely to be useful in other applications, though we would hesitate to extrapolate numerical values of coefficients outside of our application. Transition matrices estimated this way may be an important tool for a credit risk administration system, in the sense that with them a practitioner can easily forecast the behavior of the clients´ratings in the future and their possible changes of state


In the present paper, the author has introduced a new special function namely H -function of two variables in the literature of special functions. The definition, convergence, asymptotic behaviors have been considered. Next, we obtain some properties of H -function of two variables. Later on, the author establish a series representation for the H -function of two variables. Some interesting special cases of H -function of two variables by comparing the series representation of H -function of two variables and H -function of one variable is also established. In the last, the author has given two special cases of -function of two variables which are not the special cases of H -function of two variables. Key words: H -function, H -function of two variables, H -function, Series representation. (2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 33C70)


This study was carried out to investigate the effects of addition of mugwort powder (0.7%, 1%, 2%) on the quality characteristics of emulsion-type sausages. The pH, color, TBARS, textural properties, minerals content and sensory evaluation were evaluated. The pH values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower as compared to control during 20 days of storage, but there were higher than those of control at 40 days of storage. The L* and a* values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower as compared to control, but the b* values were significantly higher in the sausage containing mugwort powder. The TBARS values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower than those of control at 20 and 45 days of storage. The hardness values of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower than those of control. The Na content of sausage containing mugwort powder were significantly lower as compared to control, but Mg, Ca, Mn and Fe contents were significantly higher in the sausage containing 2% mugwort powder. Sensory panels evaluated that sausage containing mugwort powder had the higher preference scores in mugwort flavor.


Antiaris toxicaria Lesch is one of the endemic plant to Kalimantan Island and some tropical countries in South East Asia region. Traditionally, the sap of plant was used as poison and attached in traditional weapon. The crude extract of the sap plant contain toxic material called Toxicarioside. The aims of the research are to identify the toxicity of the crude extract which are derived from heating and methanol extraction process to Rattus norvegicus mortality and examine ligan Toxicarioside activity using in silico method. Extract toxicity was analyzed using percentages of probit analysis of the R. Norvegicus and a toxicity indicators. In silico analysis on the value of energy released and inhibition constanta of some molecule resulting the first confirmation of 2ZKD receptors has higher value -9.12 kcal/mol. Compared to the other nine confirmation, the value of inhibition constanta was the lowest 0.21 μM. Compared to the other nine conformation, receptor 3F8J, the minimum free energy which are able to release was about -6.26 kcal/mol and it has lowest inhibition constanta (25.89 μM). Crude extract of A. toxicaria from heating process has probit value =0.754x 0.354 and LD50 = 1.017 or 10,339 mg while the extract derived from Methanol extraction has probit value =0.799x 0.642 and LD50= 1.267 or 18.493 mg. These extract is the very toxic materials and has potentiality as bio-rodenticides.


Using a moment interpretation of recent results on sum-of-squares decompositions of nonnegative polynomial matrices, we propose a hierarchy of convex linear matrix inequality (LMI) relaxations to solve nonconvex polynomial matrix inequality (PMI) optimization problems, including bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) problems. This hierarchy of LMI relaxations generates a monotone sequence of lower bounds that converges to the global optimum. Results from the theory of moments are used to detect whether the global optimum is reached at a given LMI relaxation, and if so, to extract global minimizers that satisfy the PMI. The approach is successfully applied to PMIs arising from static output feedback design problems.


We present an accurate method for determining the concentrations of the major and minor elements in iron-rich and other geological samples using the X-ray fluorescence analysis. A fusion method was used for sample preparation. We used theoretical alpha coefficients which we calculated in order to correct for any matrix effects. For an on-line analysis, we re-calculated the theoretical alpha coefficients using transformation formulas. The analytical results show that the theoretical alpha coefficients can be used to correct the matrix effects, which in this work would greatly reduce the errors for the major components. The final results of an analysis of international reference samples are in good agreement with the recommended concentration values.


Pathologic changes in the retina have always been of interest to the ophthalmologist because of their effect on vision, and to the internist because of their significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of systemic diseases. Sclerosis of the retinal vessels affects vision in the main only when it becomes sufficiently advanced to interfere with the nutrition of the retina or when it is complicated by hemorrhage or edema. Recognition of its early stages is of considerable value, however, in the study of diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially if its relationship to sclerosis in other parts of the body can be clearly defined. Much has been written both on the ophthalmoscopic signs of retinal arteriosclerosis and on its interpretative significance. In the latter especially, a distinct trend toward clarification of the situation can be noted during recent years. It has seemed interesting and valuable to review briefly


Psychology has traditionally seen itself as the science of universal human cognition, but it has only recently begun seriously grappling with cross-cultural variation. Here we argue that the roots of cross-cultural variation often lie in the past. Therefore, to understand not only how but also why psychology varies, we need to grapple with cross-temporal variation. The traces of past human cognition accessible through historical texts and artifacts can serve as a valuable, and almost completely unutilized, source of psychological data. These data from dead minds open up an untapped and highly diverse subject pool. We review examples of research that may be classified as historical psychology, introduce sources of historical data and methods for analyzing them, explain the critical role of theory, and discuss how psychologists can add historical depth and nuance to their work. Psychology needs to become a historical science if it wants to be a genuinely universal science of human cognition and behavior. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Psychology, Volume 72 is January 5, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


The present article locates Lucjan Wolanowski's prose in the space of reflection upon the magical dimension of writing traditionally classified as 'non-fiction' or 'literature of fact'. The magic of 'prose factography' is addressed here both in the perspective of the conditioning of its readerly reception and in the context of the writerly potential of the 'suspension of disbelief'. The argument presented in the article aims at bringing into light the mechanisms responsible for the fusion of the material reality and rhetoric into a faith-based 'magic reality'. The acknowledgment of the role of poetic imagination in the process of shaping the reader's awareness of the world allows one to observe that the traditional concept of 'the factual' is largely based on a volitional pursuance of the mirage of objectivity and is a product of the craving for certainty. Illustrating the central phenomena of this text with examples of the everyday experience of a Polish reader of 1980s (whose 'factual' knowledge of the world largely depended on the extent of his or her reading in reportage and travel literature), as well as with reference to Herman Melville's Typee (a novel, which gained wide recognition only after it has been sanctioned as 'non-fiction'), the author of the article seeks to demonstrate how Lucjan Wolanowski's prose calls into existence a 'factual reality', i.e. a reality, in which one is prone to believe, which one is inclined to take for granted, and which becomes one's frame of reference in the context of everyday choices. If truth is a function of faith, then fact and magic merge into one and thus inescapably rendering factual reality a 'magical reality'.


A hidden Markov model (HMM) system is presented for automatically classifying African elephant vocalizations. The development of the system is motivated by successful models from human speech analysis and recognition. Classification features include frequency-shifted Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and log energy, spectrally motivated features which are commonly used in human speech processing. Experiments, including vocalization type classification and speaker identification, are performed on vocalizations collected from captive elephants in a naturalistic environment. The system classified vocalizations with accuracies of 94.3% and 82.5% for type classification and speaker identification classification experiments, respectively. Classification accuracy, statistical significance tests on the model parameters, and qualitative analysis support the effectiveness and robustness of this approach for vocalization analysis in nonhuman species.


The objective of the research was to learn the characteristics of Uruguayan workers' feeding, their health situations and the context and considerations that their companies offer to the consumption of food. The descriptive and cross-sectional type of the study allowed to collect data, through a telephone survey (n=295), on relevant aspects of eating behavior. Almost all the workers had a meal time in hours of work and lunch was the meal that prevailed. Half of them chose red meat-based food followed by cooked vegetables as a second choice. Around 40 % of workers said they had diet-related pathologies. Only 8 % used the time recommended by the WHO for food consumption at work. Some companies do not respect the regulations of the Uruguayan government on the necessary conditions for the feeding of their employees. The implementation of policies that consider the feeding of the workers as a fundamental right is necessary.


The introgression of exotic germplasm could increase the heterosis among maize (Zea mays L.) populations. Our objective was to assess heterotic relationships among BSSS (R) (Reid' germplasm) and BS 26 (Lancaster' germplasm) from the temperate USA; the southern African cultivars Salisbury White, Southern Cross, and Natal Potchefstroom Pearl Elite Selection (NPP ES); and the subtropical CIMMYT Populations 34, 42, 44, and 47. The nine cultivars and their diallel crosses were evaluated at five Mexico, Zimbabwe, and U.S. locations. Populations 34, 42, 44, and 47 and NPP ES demonstrated the highest per se grain yield with Population 44 ranking first (8.42 Mg ha -1 ). Low to moderate levels of high parent heterosis was observed for their crosses; nonetheless, they occurred frequently as parents of superior crosses at Mexico where Population 42 x Population 47 ranked first (8.42 Mg ha -1 ). BSSS (R) demonstrated the best general combining ability with variety heterosis effects averaging 1.34 Mg ha -1 . Diversity among varieties was determined on the basis of dominance-associated gene effects. When the diversity was resolved by principle coordinate analysis, BSSS (R) was separated from BS 26, and Salisbury White from Southern Cross along different dimensional axes, suggesting that the two pairs are sources of different genes for heterosis. The highest yielding cross (9.28 Mg ha -1 ) and best heterotic combination involved Population 44 and BSSS (R). BSSS (R), NPP ES, and Populations 44 and 42 performed well outside their target ecologic zones, indicating their potential benefit to breeding programs in new geographic areas.


A case of ameloblastoma of the maxilla is presented. Its incidence is high in the mandible, but extremely low in the maxilla. Needle aspirates of the tumor revealed some dyskeratotic cells and tight clusters of squamous-like cells. Histopathogically, the tumor was characterized by abundant densely collegenous stroma with small nests and strands of odontogenic epithelium. Odontogenic epithelium of ameloblastoma differentiated into squamous epithelium. The cytologic features of ameloblastoma are diagnostic, and incorrect diagnosis may be prevented if sufficient attention is paid to determining the benign squamous differentiation of odontogenic epithelium.


The first part of this work analyses the universalist and the particularist conceptions of reasons. The second part projects this analysis to the legal domain. The author stresses that universalism and particularism regarding reasons are mutually exclusive theories linked to incompatible conceptions of norms, i.e. norms as strict universal conditionals and norms as defeasible conditionals. In giving an account of this tenet, different meanings of universality and defeasibility are explored. A parallel debate regarding reasons can be found in the legal domain, where two contrasting categories of norms are usually distinguished: rules and principles. On this issue the author argues that the conception of legal reasons depends on the way in which this contrast between different kinds of legal norms is shaped.


This study investigates whether the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic caused a contagion and negatively affected the stock market. Using data from the 10 worst-hit countries over the period from December 2019 to May 2020 and an EGARCH model, the study shows that market speculations lead to negative stock returns and higher stock market volatility. Further, estimates of both bivariate time-series regression and random-effects panel regression show significant effects of COVID-19 related media coverage on the stock market


This article examines the influence of Azusa Street Revival in the early developments of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa. The link between AFM and Azusa Street Revival came through the American Missionaries, John G Lake and Thomas Hezmalhach who prior to their trip to South Africa had contact with William Seymour of the Azusa Street Revival, Los Angeles. Azusa Street Revival was characterised by Spirit baptism with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and non-racialism. Upon their arrival in South Africa, John G Lake and Thomas Hezmalhach influenced African Pentecostal like Elias Letwaba. They used Central Tabernacle Congregation as a place of fellowship. Meetings in this congregation were characterised by similar acts to what happened at Azusa Street Revival, Los Angeles. The article argues that the services hosted by American missionaries were characterised by Pentecostal experiences and non-racialism. This article concludes that the main impact of Azusa Street Revival in the early developments of the AFM of South Africa was its ability to unite people beyond their differences of race, gender, age and color and Pentecostal


A compact review of our research activities to improve various beam performances of spin polarized electron source, such as, 1) spin polarization, 2) quantum efficiency, 3) peak current density, 4) brightness, 5) beam energy resolution, 6) response time, and 7) NEA surface life time is given. In particular, our efforts toward higher brightness and high spin polarization electron source or LEEM using transmission photocathode are described in detail. The achievements are summarized as follows: A 20-keV gun was constructed with a transmission photocathode including an active layer of a GaAs-GaAsP superlattice. The photocathode illuminated by laser light with a spot diameter as small as 1.3 μm and a brightness of ∼2×107 A·cm−2·sr−1 (a reduced brightness of ∼1.0×107 A·cm−2·sr−1·V−1) and a peak polarization of ∼90% were achieved at the same time for an extracted current of 5.3 μA. This brightness is still one order magnitude smaller than those of the W-field-emitters, but one order higher than those of LaB6 emitters and three orders than those of conventional polarized electron sources.


Experimental laboratories in technical institute are important part of the education areas. It demonstrates course concepts and brings theoretical ideas alive so students can more visualize and understand facts of theoretical concepts. Natural phenomenon affects the real world measurement and control the working algorithm. However, equipping a laboratory ubiquitously is an effective in cost and its maintenance can be difficult. Teaching assistants are required to instruct and setting up the well equipped laboratory, and grade the student report. These time-consuming and costly tasks turns in relatively low equipped laboratory also when teaching assistants and laboratory equipment are available experiments can be driven out. A lightweight web server as well as website interface has been developed, which restricts cost efficient laboratory equipment and measures electronic devices as "virtual laboratory" for any technical institute experiments to undergraduate as well as post graduate students. It uses standard browsers without additional plug-ins to provide interface to any user. The present interface is flexible and could be expanded to many other devices and instruments.


Physicians are increasingly asked to assume quality and safety (Q&S) leadership roles; prior experience varies, and onboarding training is limited. Semistructured interviews were completed with physician Q&S leaders; interview responses were analyzed using 2-step rapid analysis. Interview learnings informed development of a 2-day onboarding training and complementary digital resource repository. Attendees were surveyed to evaluate the training. Thirteen semistructured interviews with physician leaders from 6 academic medical centers demonstrated 61.5% had no formal Q&S training before assuming their role. Respondents identified a range of knowledge gaps. A 2-day virtual onboarding training and complementary digital repository were created. Attendee surveys demonstrated 96% (73/76) believed the training would be "extremely" or "moderately" helpful to others. Subject-matter familiarity across all content areas improved after the training. Using front-line stakeholder input, a pilot onboarding curriculum for Q&S leaders was created. Future work includes ongoing implementation and iterative improvement.


Recently, SDN has emerged as a promising technology to cost-effectively provide the scale and flexibility necessary for IoT services. In this article, we consider the wireless SDN for IoT, referred to as SDN-IoT, which is anticipated to smartly route traffic and use underutilized network resources to deliver IoT data to the cloud/ Internet. However, the rapid increase of IoT devices and the subsequent massive surge of the IoT data traffic are expected to place a huge strain on the SDN-IoT. In this article, we focus on this issue and point out the importance of assigning suitable channels to each SDN-IoT switch to avoid potential network congestion. In particular, we consider how to exploit POC assignment in the SDN-IoT. However, our investigation reveals that the conventional fixed POC assignment algorithms are not viable for the highly dynamic large-scale SDN-IoT. Therefore, in this article, we propose a novel deep-learning-based intelligent POC assignment for the wireless SDN-IoT where the IoT data traffic dynamically changes. In particular, we envision two deep-learning-based strategies to predict the future IoT traffic load and to adaptively assign POCs according to predicted traffic load, respectively. Computer-based simulation results demonstrate that with the envisioned deep learning methods carried out at the SDN-IoT controller, our proposal achieves high accuracy of traffic load prediction and quick convergence of the channel assignment process. Additionally, in contrast with the conventional POC assignment algorithms, our proposal significantly improves the network performance.


In this paper we introduce bell, a new, small programming language included in the bach package for Max. The main design goals of bell are ease of integration with Max and bach and maximum compatibility with pre-existing syntaxes and conventions bach users are already acquainted to. The language is mainly exposed in Max through a new object named bach.eval, but other, older objects have been updated so as to take advantage of it. In this article, we shall discuss the main choices underlying the development of bell, and give a brief outline of its syntax and the way it integrates within Max.


Abstract Answering calls for an interactionist approach that would help clarify complex relationships among organizational socialization variables, this study applied a person-centered analytic approach aiming to examine the role of proximal socialization outcome profiles for distal outcomes. This approach is novel to organizational socialization research, contrasting the variable-centered approach dominating the field. Data from new police officers in Sweden (N = 430) were analyzed using latent profile analysis (LPA). Three proximal outcome profiles – a vulnerable (n = 151), a troublesome (n = 47), and a successful (n = 232) – were identified, with distinct patterns in the proximal outcome indicators role conflict, task mastery, and social integration. Complementary analysis showed subgroup differences in some antecedents and distal outcomes, which emphasized the role of personality and psychosocial working conditions. Thus, the findings show that proximal socialization outcome indicators may yield profiles characteristic of subgroups of newcomers who follow different socialization paths. Importantly, the findings show that a person-centered approach can add nuance to the understanding of how socialization processes differ among newcomers. While these results are promising, their generalizability to other professions and organizations remains to be investigated, which calls for continued person-centered research of organizational socialization processes.


This essay analyzes micha cárdenas's Sin Sol/No Sun, an augmented reality game that calls attention to gendered and racialized violence, environmental destruction, and colonial violence. It surveys the role that feminist, trans, and queer artists and theorists have occupied in the domain of digital technologies and how utopian post-identitarian approaches within cyberculture led to digital materialist perspectives, thus recentering their discourses on the relationship between the body and the hardware. From there, it explores how cárdenas's "transreal aesthetics," informed by trans embodiments and Black feminist practice, draws attention to multi-dimensional ecologies (virtual and physical) while raising pressing issues around marginalized identities and the environment. The essay concludes with an analysis of how cárdenas's avatars guide players through processes of collective grief in order to unmake the space-time categories imposed by Western colonial capitalism and speculate (or "afro-fabulate") the possibilities of new worlds.


In the low cost application of vacuum casting in rapid prototyping, a mould cavity with high modulus is necessary for producing plastics parts in small quantity. In this work, a silicone matrix was reinforced with natural fibers to improve the modulus of composites to mould and to reduce the cost of silicone materials. Sisal fiber with different compositions was reinforced with silicone in a compression moulding process. Mechanical properties were studied. An increase in tensile strength, tear strength, and better hardness was observed in sisal fiber composites . The silane-treated fiber improved the adhesion between fiber and matrix and enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. The swelling method was adopted to determine the cross-linking density of composites through the Flory-Rehner equation. The flexibility of silicone composites decreased for higher fiber loading and there was an increase in cross-linking of the fiber network to improve modulus of the composites. A morphological study was conducted using X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to predict the defects, orientation, debonding, fractography, and interfacial adhesion of fiber/matrix composites.


ABSTRACT This article investigates the social media content of women who are affiliated with the Islamic State. Throughout one year, ninety-three Twitter accounts were tracked to explore the patterns of engagement by pro–Islamic State women online and examine how these patterns illuminate the roles that pro–Islamic State women occupy on social media networks. The study reveals that women who associate with the Islamic State mostly preserve the traditional gendered role of support in the online realm. However, support is not their exclusive role and some women are active in the organization, using Twitter to recruit, promote, and even commit terrorist violence.


ABSTRACTWe have analysed the information in 342 police reports of stranger sexual offences recorded in 2010. We have carried out a multiple correspondence analysis and a cluster analysis using modus operandi variables to identify differential profiles in these types of sexual offences. We have come up with three profiles of stranger sexual offences, which concur in the two techniques used. By analysing the personal variables of the offenders with such profiles, we have found differences in terms of the offender's country of origin and age. We will discuss the consequences of these results on the police investigation of stranger sexual offences.


Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase that was initially identified in bovine brain extracts and plays an important role in normal neuron development and neurodegenerative diseases. This molecule has recently been shown to possess many cellular functions in non-neuronal tissues as well. Using a kinome siRNA screen, we identified CDK5 as a kinase that modulates paclitaxel sensitivity in human ovarian cancer cells. The aim of this report is to identify mechanisms by which CDK5 regulates paclitaxel sensitivity in human ovarian cancer cells. Despite nucleotide sequence homology with human CDK1, a role of CDK5 in regulating the cell cycle remains unclear. Here we demonstrate dual roles of CDK5 in regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis. We have found that knockdown of CDK5 with multiple siRNAs markedly inhibits cell proliferation and increases paclitaxel sensitivity in several p53 wild type ovarian cancer cell lines using assays for cell viability and clonogenic growth. CDK5 knockdown with or without paclitaxel treatment induces G1 arrest of the cell cycle and apoptotic cell death linked to a significant induction of p53, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 proteins. Induction of G1 arrest following CDK5 knockdown depends on induction of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, since silencing p21Cip1 and/or p27Kip1 dramatically reduces CDK5 knockdown-induced G1 arrest. A CDK5 knockdown-induced increase of p53 expression contributes both to CDK5 knockdown-induced G1 arrest and to apoptosis, as silencing p53 markedly diminishes CDK5 knockdown-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. As expected, a CDK5 knockdown-induced increase in p21Cip1 expression depends on p53-mediated transcriptional activation demonstrated by QRT-PCR and reporter luciferase assays. CDK5 knockdown activates caspase-3 and a pan-caspase inhibitor completely blocks CDK5 knockdown-induced apoptosis. Significant Inhibition of Bcl-2 expression is found in CDK5 knockdown-induced apoptosis and additional inhibition of Bcl-2 expression is found with combined CDK5 and paclitaxel treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that CDK5 can modulate paclitaxel sensitivity through regulating both the cell cycle and apoptosis. CDK5 inhibition can potentiate paclitaxel activity in human ovarian cancer cells with wild-type p53 function, providing a novel approach for enhancing the efficacies of paclitaxel-based regimens for low grade ovarian cancer in the clinic. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3057. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3057


Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts with various crystal sizes were prepared via competitive ion-exchange, followed by a slow activation procedure. Even when using very large ZSM-5 crystals, highly dispersed Pt nano-clusters were contained within the zeolite crystal's voids, as ascertained by 2D pressure-jump IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO and focussed ion-beam transmission electron microscopy. The shape-selective properties of the Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts were evaluated in the partial hydrogenation of soybean oil. Unique hydrogenation selectivities were observed, as the fatty acids located at the central position of the triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules were preferentially hydrogenated. The resulting oil has therefore high levels of intermediately melting TAGs, which are compatible with biolubricants due to their improved oxidative stability and still appropriate low-temperature fluidity. The TAG distribution in the partially hydrogenated soybean oil samples was independent from the zeolite crystal size, while the hydrogenation activity linearly increases with the crystal's external surface area. This trend was confirmed with a Pt loaded mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite, obtained via a mild alkaline treatment. These observations imply and confirm a genuine pore mouth catalysis mechanism, in which only one fatty acid chain of the TAG is able to enter the micropores of ZSM-5, where the double bonds are hydrogenated by the crystal encapsulated Pt-clusters.


Significance Animals eject fluids for waste elimination, communication, and defense from predators. These diverse systems all rely on the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics, which we use to predict urination duration across a wide range of mammals. In this study, we report a mathematical model that clarifies misconceptions in urology and unifies the results from 41 independent urological and anatomical studies. The theoretical framework presented may be extended to study fluid ejection from animals, a universal phenomenon that has received little attention. Many urological studies rely on models of animals, such as rats and pigs, but their relation to the human urinary system is poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the hydrodynamics of urination across five orders of magnitude in body mass. Using high-speed videography and flow-rate measurement obtained at Zoo Atlanta, we discover that all mammals above 3 kg in weight empty their bladders over nearly constant duration of 21 ± 13 s. This feat is possible, because larger animals have longer urethras and thus, higher gravitational force and higher flow speed. Smaller mammals are challenged during urination by high viscous and capillary forces that limit their urine to single drops. Our findings reveal that the urethra is a flow-enhancing device, enabling the urinary system to be scaled up by a factor of 3,600 in volume without compromising its function. This study may help to diagnose urinary problems in animals as well as inspire the design of scalable hydrodynamic systems based on those in nature.


Tool-supported proofs of security protocols typically rely on abstractions from real cryptography by term algebras, so-called Dolev-Yao models. However, until recently it was not known whether a Dolev-Yao model can be implemented with real cryptography in a provably secure way under active attacks. For public-key encryption and signatures, this was recently shown, if one accepts a few additions to a typical Dolev-Yao model such as an operation that returns the length of a term. Here we extend this Dolev-Yao-style model, its realization, and the security proof to include a first symmetric primitive, message authentication. This adds a major complication: we must deal with the exchange of secret keys. For symmetric authentication, we can allow this at any time, before or after the keys are first used for authentication, while working only with standard cryptographic assumptions.


Mineralization and magmatism in subduction zones are intimately controlled by the thermal structure and hydrous and magmatic fluid dynamics in the underlying mantle. Most of studies dedicated to the spatial and temporal distribution of ore deposits and related magmatism along different active margins, consider the present-day tectonic plates configuration. However, in regions where subduction zones are laterally constrained, the 3D geometry of the slab evolves quickly, leading to fast kinematic changes at the surface. Integration of kinematic reconstructions is thus necessary to visualize the evolution of subduction zones and to better understand the interactions between subduction dynamics, magmatism and mineralization. We have applied this approach in the eastern Mediterranean, where the Tethyan active margin is characterized by successive subductions of oceanic and continental ribbons, slab retreat episodes and possible slab tearing processes since the late Cretaceous. Using G-Plates software, we modeled the paleogeographic evolution of the eastern Mediterranean, accounting for paleomagnetic rotations, the tectono-metamorphic history, displacements along large-scale structures, ages of metamorphism and magmatism. We propose a geodynamical evolution of this subduction zone since 120 Myr, with a temporal resolution of 1 Myr. From late Cretaceous to lower Paleocene, calc-alkaline magmatism and porphyry Cu deposits emplaced in the Balkans. The active margin was then similar to the Andean one with the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere subducting along a long linear trench. Afterward, a barren period occurred from late Paleocene to Eocene while the Pelagonian microcontinent was buried within the subduction zone. Since the Oligocene, Au-rich deposits and related K-rich magmatism emplaced in the Rhodope, the Aegean and western Anatolian domains, where extension dominated in response to fast slab retreat. Asthenospheric flow and back-arc warmer environment induced partial melting of subduction-modified lithospheric mantle where Au was previously stored. The raising of magmas was then often controlled by large-scale active structures such as detachments (e.g. Au-rich deposits along the Strymon detachment). Finally, large-scale block rotations, alkaline volcanism and westward migration of magmatism and mineralization emplacement in the Menderes massif and the Cyclades occurred since the middle Miocene. These events are a possible consequence of slab tearing and related mantle flow, as suggested by tomographic models below western Anatolia. These results highlight the importance of mantle flow on the emplacement of mineralization and magmatic bodies. We performed 3D thermo-mechanical numerical modeling to further test the effects of slab retreat and tear-off on the flow and thermal field within the mantle. Preliminary models suggest that the asthenospheric flow induced by slab tear-off may affect the location, the timing of emplacement and the origin of potentially fertile magmas within the upper plate.


We optimize and characterize the preparation of 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate (TPM) colloidal suspensions for three-dimensional confocal microscopy. We revisit a simple synthesis of TPM microspheres by nucleation of droplets from prehydrolyzed TPM oil in a "zero-flow" regime and demonstrate how precise and reproducible control of particle size may be achieved via single-step nucleation with a focus on how the reagents are mixed. We also revamp the conventional dyeing method for TPM particles to achieve uniform transfer of a fluorophore to the organosilica droplets, improving particle identification. Finally, we illustrate how a ternary mixture of tetralin, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene may be used as a suspension medium which matches the refractive index of these particles while allowing independent control of the density mismatch between particle and solvent.


OBJECTIVES
This exploratory study aimed to assess COVID-19-related changes in abortion service availability and use in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

DESIGN
Data came from a convenience sample of eight abortion clinics in this region. We implemented a cross-sectional survey and collected retrospective aggregate monthly abortion data overall and by facility type, abortion type, and patient characteristics for March 2019-August 2020. We evaluated changes in the distribution of the total number of patients for March-August in 2019 compared to March-August 2020. We also conducted segmented regression analyses and produced scatter plots of monthly abortion patients overall and by facility type, abortion type, and patient characteristics, with separate fitted regression lines from the segmented regression models for the pre- and during-COVID-19 periods.

RESULTS
Five clinics reported a reduced number of appointments early in the pandemic while four reported increased call volume. There were declines in the monthly abortion trend at hospital-based clinics at the outset of the pandemic. Monthly number of medication abortions increased from March 2020 through August 2020 compared to pre-COVID-19 trends while instrumentation abortions 11 up to 19 weeks decreased. The share of abortions to Black individuals increased during the early phase of the pandemic, as did the monthly trend in abortions among this group. We also saw changes in payment type, with declines in patients paying out-of-pocket.

CONCLUSIONS
Results revealed differences in abortion services, numbers, and types during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.


This paper proposes an extended secure data communication [1] by using the concept of underdetermined BSS problem and HC-128. The purpose of the HC-128 is to generate the pseudorandom sequence, which in turn is used for encryption and specific mixing. The proposed method has high security performance. The experimental results illustrate that performance of this is highly secured.


PURPOSE
To compare the usefulness of spiral computed tomography (CT), multiplanar transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection and arch vessel involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty-nine symptomatic patients with clinically suspected aortic dissection were examined with contrast material-enhanced spiral CT, multiplanar TEE, and 0.5-T MR imaging (T1-weighted, cardiac-gated, spin-echo sequences). Imaging results were confirmed at autopsy (five patients), intraoperative exploration (23 patients), angiography (nine patients), and follow-up (12 patients).

RESULTS
Sensitivity in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection was 100% for all techniques. Specificity was 100%, 94%, and 94% for spiral CT, multiplanar TEE, and MR imaging, respectively. In the assessment of aortic arch vessel involvement, sensitivity was 93%, 60%, and 67%, respectively, and specificity was 97%, 85%, and 88%, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Spinal CT and multiplanar TEE are as valuable as MR imaging in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection. In the assessment of the supraaortic branches, spiral CT is superior (P<.05).


Development and und validation of a short form of a patient questionnaire for assessing rehabilitational expectations and motivations (FREM-8) The original questionnaire for assessing rehabilitational expectations and motivations (FREM-17) was first developed in 1995 within a bi-national research project. In this study the influence of motivation on rehabilitation outcomes on several diagnostic groups was investigated. The questionnaire proved useful with respect to practical and methodological aspects. It consists of 17 items and 4 dimensions ("recreation", "health", "coping with disease", "retirement"). In most rehabilitational research the primary interest is not in patient motivation. Therefore there exists a certain demand for a short questionnaire which requires little time and effort. In an own study such a short instrument was needed, and a motivation questionnaire with 8 items was developed and tested on several diagnostic groups. The short form of the questionnaire shows the same dimensionality as the 17 items questionnaire, reliability proves to be lower than that of the long version. Several indicators of patients' health perception were used as validation criteria. Analysis showed assumed correlations as known from other studies. To conclude it can be said that the short form questionnaire (FREM-8) is comparable to the long version in its properties and can be used instead of the 17 items form in given situations.


Previous studies examined the impact of parenting on adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies. However, relatively few studies examined the potential mechanism underlying such a relationship. Thus, the present study further explored the mediation effect of self-control and the moderating effect of future time perspective between parenting and mobile phone addiction tendencies of Chinese adolescents. A sample of 1,349 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 15. 22 years, SD = 0.79) responded to the anonymous questionnaires regarding parenting, including parental control and parental care, self-control, future time perspective, and mobile phone addiction tendency. The results showed that (1) parental control was positively related to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies, while parental care was negatively related to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies; (2) self-control could mediate the pathway from both parental control and parental care to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies; and (3) the indirect pathway could be moderated by future time perspective. Specifically, a high future time perspective combined with high self-control predicted a low level of mobile phone addiction tendency. In contrast, low self-control was associated with a high tendency toward mobile phone addiction, regardless of their future time perspective. The present study revealed a complex interplay between family and individual factors contributing to adolescents' mobile phone addiction tendencies.


This article discusses three different perspectives of the electrical activity of the human heart based on three types of electrocardiographic recordings: the Surface ECG, the Subcutaneous ECG, and the Intracardiac Electrogram. Although all three types of recordings are generated by the same electrical activity, namely, the depolarization and repolarization of cardiac cells, the recordings have similarities and differences with regard to method of deployment, duration of implant, duration of recording, maximum long-term storage capacity, signal strength, and susceptibility to electrical noise. The article discusses the similarities and differences among the three types of recordings, as well as the engineering and clinical consequences of these similarities and differences. However, as the consequences include both advantages and disadvantages, the choice of any particular type of recording is eventually dependent on the user.


Creating a portrait in the style of a particular artistic tradition or a particular artist is a difficult and also an interesting problem in Non-photorealistic Rendering. This paper develops an automatic feature-based portrait generation system, which can transform the input facial photo into a portrait in the style of a given artist's finished work. First, we propose a new face model, which contains 64 feature points. Second, we extract the facial features using rules and geometric information. Based on the statistics, we divide the face into several small regions, each of which only contains one feature. The fixed-direction open active contour models are employed to extract corresponding feature points in each region. Finally, the system generates a portrait by feature-based morphing, which uses the artist's work as the source image. The results show that the system is capable of producing portraits in different styles effectively.


Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and therapy. Advances in protein engineering and materials science have contributed to novel nanoscale targeting approaches that may bring new hope to cancer patients. Several therapeutic nanocarriers have been approved for clinical use. However, to date, there are only a few clinically approved nanocarriers that incorporate molecules to selectively bind and target cancer cells. This review examines some of the approved formulations and discusses the challenges in translating basic research to the clinic. We detail the arsenal of nanocarriers and molecules available for selective tumour targeting, and emphasize the challenges in cancer treatment. Cancer remains one of the world's most devastating diseases, with more than 10 million new cases every year 1. However, mortality has decreased in the past two years 2 owing to better understanding of tumour biology and improved diagnostic devices and treatments. Current cancer treatments include surgical intervention, radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs, which often also kill healthy cells and cause toxicity to the patient. It would therefore be desirable to develop chemotherapeutics that can either passively or actively target cancerous cells. Passive targeting exploits the characteristic features of tumour biology that allow nanocarriers to accumulate in the tumour by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect 2. Passively targeting nanocarriers first reached clinical trials in the mid-1980s, and the first products, based on liposomes and polymer–protein conjugates, were marketed in the mid-1990s. Later, therapeutic nanocarriers based on this strategy were approved for wider use (Table 1) and methods of further enhancing targeting of drugs to cancer cells were investigated. Active approaches achieve this by conjugating nanocarriers containing chemotherapeutics with molecules that bind to overexpressed antigens or receptors on the target cells. Recent reviews provide perspective on the use of nanotechnology as a fundamental tool in cancer research and nanomedicine 3,4. Here we focus on the potential of nanocarriers and molecules that can selectively target tumours, and highlight the challenges in translating some of the basic research to the clinic. PaSSive anD aCtive targeting Nanocarriers encounter numerous barriers en route to their target, such as mucosal barriers and non-specific uptake 5,6. To address the challenges of targeting tumours with nanotechnology, it is necessary to combine the rational design of nanocarriers with the fundamental understanding of tumour biology (Box 1). General features of tumours include leaky blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage. Whereas free drugs may diffuse non-specifically, a nanocarrier can …


Introduction: Hypertension is significantly contributing to global mortality and morbidity and has been identified as the most important modifiable risk factor for early development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of different combinations of antihypertensive therapy on blood pressure, arterial stiffness and peripheral resistance in patients with essential hypertension using the brachial oscillometric ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Methods: This study was designed as an observational, prospective, multi centric study conducted in eight primary care centers of the Health Center of Canton Sarajevo during the period of six months. The study included 655 participants, both genders, aged between 30 and 75, who were diagnosed with hypertension according to the ESC/ESH guidelines. Participants were divided into six treatment groups based on the hypertensive drug therapy they were using; lisinopril, losartan or valsartan alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (A, B and C group respectively) or combination of lisinopril, losartan or valsartan with/without hydrochlorothiazide together with amlodipine (D, E and F respectively). The participants were monitored at baseline, after 3 and 6 months (1st and 2nd follow-up). Brachial oscillometric ambulatory blood pressure monitor was used for measuring systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and peripheral resistance (PR). Results: SBP, DPB, PP, and PWV significantly decreased from baseline to 2nd follow-up in all treatment groups. The mean reductions in SBP were from -11.7 (95%CI; 9.3- 14.1) to -23.2 (95%CI; 18.3-28.1) mmHg and DBP reductions varied from -5.5 (95%CI; 3.9- 7.1) to -13.4 (95%CI; 7.7-19.1) mmHg. PWV decreased in all treatment groups (from -3.3% to -8.2%). Treatment regiment was not associated with significant differences in SBP, DBP, PP or PWV reductions or their values measured at 2nd follow-up. Peripheral resistance significantly decreased only in group C (p=0.011), group D (p=0.009) and group F (p=0.027). Conclusion: These data suggest that lisinopril/lisinopril + hydrochlorothiazide, losartan/losartan + hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan/valsartan + hydrochlorothiazide alone or in combination with amlodipine are equally effective and well tolerated for the reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improve arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension.


Phenotypes of individuals with the mitochondrial A3243G mutation and amount of mutant DNA in different tissues can be very variable, but the proportion of mutant DNA was consistantly lower in blood than muscle in previously studied patients. We detected the A3243G mutation in a 54-year-old patient with cardiomyopathy and hearing loss, where the amount of mutant DNA was higher in blood (19%) than in muscle (6%). This shows that the level of A3243G mutation is not always lower in rapidly dividing tissues such as blood than in muscle, as has been presumed until now.


The potential energy surface for the first excited singlet state (S(1)) of methane is explored using multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction calculations, employing a valence triple zeta basis set. A larger valence quadruple zeta basis is used to calculate the vertical excitation energy and dissociation energies. All stationary points found on the S(1) surface are saddle points and have imaginary frequencies for symmetry-breaking vibrations. By studying several two-dimensional cuts through the potential energy surfaces, it is argued that CH(4) in the S(1) state will distort to planar structures. Several conical intersection seams between the ground state surface S(0) and the S(1) surface have been identified at planar geometries. The conical intersections provide electronically nonadiabatic pathways towards products CH(3)((approximately)X (2)A"(2))+H, CH(2)((approximately)a (1)A(1))+H(2), or CH(2)((approximately)X (3)B(1))+H+H. The present results thereby make it plausible that the CH(3)((approximately)X (2)A"(2))+H and CH(2)((approximately)a (1)A(1))+H(2) channels are major dissociation channels, as has been observed experimentally.


In this study of Norway rats, we hypothesized that lifelong psychosocial experiences, social isolation or group living, trigger different developmental trajectories in the ovarian system, contributing to predisease pathways for spontaneous mammary tumors. Epidemiological studies indicate that early puberty and delayed menopause are risk factors for breast cancer. To that end, we took a cross-sectional, prospective approach and examined the ovarian system at two developmental points, young adulthood and middle age. We assessed ovarian function at both points, as well as mammary gland development at puberty and mammary tumor burden in middle age. Social isolation dissociated two components of puberty; it accelerated maturation of ovarian function while it simultaneously delayed mammary tissue development thereby increasing the exposure of developing breast parenchyma to high levels of estrogen. By mid-life, socially isolated rats had greater tumor burden despite having entered estropause prematurely, demonstrating that isolation did not increase tumorigenesis by prolonging ovarian function. These findings are discussed in the context of facultative lifespan strategies for rats born at different times of year and those living in isolation or in a large burrow community.


Manufacturing and integration of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices and integrated circuits (ICs) by wafer bonding often generate problems caused by thermal properties of materials. This paper presents a low temperature wafer direct bonding process assisted by O2 plasma. Silicon wafers were treated with wet chemical cleaning and subsequently activated by O2 plasma in the etch element of a sputtering system. Then, two wafers were brought into contact in the bonder followed by annealing in N2 atmosphere for several hours. An infrared imaging system was used to detect bonding defects and a razor blade test was carried out to determine surface energy. The bonding yield reaches 90%–95% and the achieved surface energy is 1.76 J/m2 when the bonded wafers are annealed at 350 °C in N2 atmosphere for 2 h. Void formation was systematically observed and elimination methods were proposed. The size and density of voids greatly depend on the annealing temperature. Short O2 plasma treatment for 60 s can alleviate void formation and enhance surface energy. A pulling test reveals that the bonding strength is more than 11.0 MPa. This low temperature wafer direct bonding process provides an efficient and reliable method for 3D integration, system on chip, and MEMS packaging.


. Radon ( 222 Rn) is a naturally occurring gas that represents a health threat due to its causal relationship with lung cancer. Despite its potential health impacts, several regions have not conducted studies, mainly due to data scarcity and/or economic constraints. This study aims to bridge the baseline information gap by building an interactive dashboard that uses inferential statistical methods to estimate indoor radon concentration's (IRC) spatial distribution for a target area. We demonstrate the 5 functionality of the dashboard by modeling IRC in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, using 30 in situ measurements. IRC measured were the highest reported in the country, with a geometric mean of 91 ± 14 Bq/m 3 and a maximum concentration of 407 Bq/m 3 . In 57% of the residences RC exceeded the WHO's recommendation of 100 Bq/m 3 . A prediction map for houses registered in Bogotá's cadaster was built in the dashboard by using a log-linear regression model fitted with the in situ measurements, together with meteorological, geologic and building specific variables. The model showed a cross-validation Root 10 Mean Squared Error of 56.5 Bqm 3 . Furthermore, the model showed that the age of the house presented a statistically significant positive association with RC. According to the model, IRC measured in houses built before 1980 present a statistically significant increase of 72% compared to those built after 1980 (p-value = 0.045). The prediction map exhibited higher IRC in older buildings most likely related to cracks in the structure that could enhance gas migration in older houses. This study highlights the importance of expanding 222 Rn studies in countries with a lack of baseline values and provides a cost-effective alternative 15 that could help deal with the scarcity of IRC data and


Laser-based preparation, manipulation, and readout of the states of quantum particles has become a powerful research tool that has enabled the most precise measurements of time, fundamental constants, and electromagnetic fields. Laser control of free electrons can improve the detection of electrons' interaction with material objects, thereby advancing the exploration of matter on the atomic scale. For example, temporal modulation of electron waves with light has enabled the study of transient processes with attosecond resolution. In contrast, laser-based spatial shaping of the electron wave function has not yet been realized, even though it could be harnessed to probe radiation-sensitive systems, such as biological macromolecules, at the standard quantum limit and beyond. Here, we demonstrate laser control of the spatial phase profile of the electron wave function and apply it to enhance the image contrast in transmission electron microscopy. We first realize an electron interferometer, using continuous-wave laser-induced retardation to coherently split the electron beam, and capture TEM images of the light wave. We then demonstrate Zernike phase contrast by using the laser beam to shift the phase of the electron wave scattered by a specimen relative to the unscattered wave. Laser-based Zernike phase contrast will advance TEM studies of protein structure, cell organization, and complex materials. The versatile coherent control of free electrons demonstrated here paves the way towards quantum-limited detection and new imaging modalities.


Hypertension Highlights. Arterial hypertension doubles the risk for coronary heart disease, chronic heart insufficiency, cerebral insult, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral arterial occlusion. According to the criteria of the latest guidelines, arterial hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure  140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure  90 mmHg. Several, randomised controlled studies have shown the advantage of the treatment and lowering of high blood pressure. In June 2013, the new guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) on blood pressure management were published. One of the most important insights is that blood pressure should be lowered in all patients < 140/90 mmHg irrespective of their risk profiles. The choice of treatment strategy depends on the severity of hypertension, comorbidities, side-effects, and patient compliance. Primary combinatory treatment is preferred in clearly elevated blood pressure or in case of comorbidities (renal diseases, coronary heart disease, diabetes etc). J Hypertonie 2014; 18 (2): 50–3.


Elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays crucial roles in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. X-Box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is one of the master regulators of ER folding function and is involved in the regulation of ER stress. Haploinsufficiency of XBP1 leads to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes even in mice on a background that is resistant to the development of obesity. To date, our understanding of the regulation of XBP1 in metabolic processes is still limited. In our previous work, we demonstrated that bromodomain containing protein 7 (BRD7) regulates glucose homeostasis by increasing the nuclear translocation of XBP1s through its interaction with the regulatory subunits of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p85s. We also showed that BRD7 protein levels are significantly reduced in the liver of genetically obese ob/ob and high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse models, and over-expression of BRD7 in the liver of ob/ob and HFD fed mice ameliorates hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance through increasing the activity of XBP1s. In our current unpublished work, we show that BRD7 heterozygous knockout mice are prone to developing obesity when they are challenged with a HFD. They display increased hepatic triglyceride levels with moderately severe steatosis. In addition, we generated a liver-specific BRD7 knockout mouse model (LBKO) to examine the effect of BRD7 specifically in the liver. LBKO mice fed on a HFD exhibit increased body weights compared to their wild type control mice. Downregulation of BRD7 in the liver led to lack of nuclear XBP1s in the liver in both the knockout mouse model and adenovirus-mediated knockdown system. Our results provide the first evidence that BRD7, which was originally reported as a tumor suppressor, is involved in the development of obesity as well as in the regulation of unfolded protein response (UPR) and glucose metabolism. Disclosure S. Park: None. Y. Han: None. M.A. Salazar Hernandez: None.


Objectives: We argue that the reasons court actors conform to or depart from sentencing guideline recommendations likely vary depending on whether the decision involves an alternative sanction or incarceration and that these reasons may have consequences for ethnoracial disparities in the sentencing of defendants and how these disparities are understood. Method: We use recent (2012–2016) Pennsylvania sentencing data to examine (1) the relationship between defendant race/ethnicity and court actors' decisions to depart downward and upward from the guidelines and (2) whether such relationships vary depending on whether they involve an alternative sanction, namely intermediate punishments (IPs). Results: We find that the association of defendant race/ethnicity with decisions to conform to the guidelines or to depart is greatly impacted by whether the sentence involves an IP. Blacks and, to a lesser extent, Latinos experienced greater disadvantage in guideline decision-making, whether conformity or departures, when the sentence involved an IP. Conclusions: Results suggest that the integration of IP into guideline systems may have (1) mobilized ethnoracial disparities in sentencing, (2) focused the location of sentencing disparities to sentences involving IP, and (3) changed the applicability of common interpretations of guideline decisions and disparities in their imposition.


Of the three melting peaks typical of a propylene–ethylene random copolymer (with 5.1 wt % ethylene) crystallized between 110 and 140 °C, the two higher peaks result from primary and secondary isothermal crystallization, whereas the material crystallized on cooling gives the lowest peak. In contrast to polypropylene homopolymers, which show strong morphological changes developing from the center of a spherulite, copolymer specimens are uniformly crosshatched. The highest melting peak is related to an open crosshatched framework of primary lamellae, and the next lower peak is related to later forming subsidiary lamellae filling the intervening space. The origin and nature of these double peaks are discussed in terms of the fractional crystallization and the ensuing constraints placed on isothermal lamellar thickening as a result of the exclusion of the comonomer from the polypropylene lattice. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3318–3332, 2004


One of the fears that are often perceived by the third trimester pregnant women that their perineal laceration during delivery. The soft tissues and structures around the perineum will be damaged. The damage is usually more common in primipara. Results of a preliminary study on BPM. Sri Wahyu Surabaya primigravid there are 78 people who gave birth in January to March 2015, the number of mothers who undergo perineal laceration many as 64 people (82%). One effort to prevent perineal lacerations that massage the perineum. Perineal massage is a massage technique perineum start 34/35 weeks gestation until just before delivery to increase blood flow and increases the elasticity of the perineum. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of perineal massage in preventing perineal lacerations and episiotomy in normal labor in BPM. Sri Wahyu Surabaya. The study was conducted for 8 months. The study design is Static-Group Comparison of design population is primigravida in BPM. Sri Wahyu Surabaya as many as 44 people. The research sample using techniques Quota sampling as many as 40 people consisting of a control group of 20 people and the treatment group of 20 people. The results of the analysis of Fisher's Exact test showed the value of p = 0.000 (<0.05), then massage the perineum affect the occurrence of perineal lacerations in normal labor between the intervention and control groups, so that perineal massage can be applied mainly on primigravidae to prevent episiotomy in normal labor.