A one-transistor tunnel static random access memory (SRAM) cell is proposed and analyzed. The new cell uses the bistability of a tunnel diode pair to latch the body voltage of a MOSFET that then shifts the threshold voltage and enables sensing of the state by the measurement of the MOSFET transistor current. Band-to-band tunneling is used to write the cell. This cell offers more than 10 000× reduction in static power compared to the 6-transistor (T) SRAM at the 32-nm technology node. A cell size of 48F2 is shown, which is comparable to a 6-T SRAM. Access times should be similar to high performance a 6-T SRAM given the same transistor technology.


A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case latch is further constructed for greater ease of case opening and closing, and for greater latch hold strength.


Oxidation studies of hemoglobin by Cu(II) indicate that for horse hemoglobin, up to a Cu(II)/heme molar ratio of 0.5, all of the Cu(II) added is used to rapidly oxidize the heme. On the other hand, most of the Cu(II) added to human hemoglobin at low Cu(II)/heme molar ratios is unable to oxidize the heme. Only at Cu(II)/heme molar ratios greater than 0.5 does the amount of oxidation per added Cu(II) approach that of horse hemoglobin. At the same time, binding studies indicate that human hemoglobin has an additional binding site involving one copper for every two hemes, which has a higher copper affinity than the single horse hemoglobin binding site. The Cu(II) oxidation of human hemoglobin is explained utilizing this additional binding site by a mechanism where a transfer of electrons cannot occur between the heme and the Cu(II) bound to the high affinity human binding site. The electron transfer must involve the Cu(II) bound to the lower affinity human hemoglobin binding site, which is similar to the only horse hemoglobin site. The involvement of beta-2 histidine in the binding of this additional copper is indicated by a comparison of the amino acid sequences of various hemoglobins which possess the additional site, with the amino acid sequences of hemoglobins which do not possess the additional site. Zn(II), Hg(II), and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) are found to decrease the Cu(II) oxidation of hemoglobin. The sulfhydryl reagents, Hg(II) and NEM, produce a very dramatic decrease in the rate of oxidation, which can only be explained by an effect on the rate for the actual transfer of electrons between the Cu(II) and the Fe(II). The effect of Zn(II) is much smaller and can, for the most part, be explained by the increased oxygen affinity, which affects the ligand dissociation process that must precede the electron transfer process.


System dynamics modelling (SDM) was used and process researched as a case to investigate its utility as a systems‐based evaluation (SBE) approach. A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to evaluate the potential requirements and implications on the health systems of the ambitious antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale‐up strategy in Lusaka, Zambia. Research on SDM for strategic evaluation provided insights and principles for future application of SBE. The SD diagrams readily inspired new insights while practical constraints limited use of the model for action planning. Research suggests that utility of SBE begins with engaging stakeholders to share and align their views on a representation of the system and progresses to their reinterpretations of the system that they inhabit, ultimately moving towards transformative change. Evaluators must balance two purposes in managing for utility of SBE approaches: producing a defensible representation of the system(s) and facilitating transformative change appropriately with and for system stakeholders.


Background: Microbiological characterisation of co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 is lacking, while antimicrobial usage is high. We aimed to describe microbiologically-confirmed co-/secondary infections, and antimicrobial usage, in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Methods: Hospitalised patients in England, Scotland, and Wales with confirmed/high likelihood SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited to the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC) WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK) prospective cohort study. Patients admitted between 6th February–8th June 2020 with a recorded outcome 28 days after admission were included. Organisms considered clinically insignificant were excluded. Findings: Microbiological investigations were recorded for 8649/48 902 patients, with significant respiratory or bloodstream bacterial/fungal infections recorded for 1107 patients. These were mostly secondary infections diagnosed g2 days after admission (70·6%, 762/1080 with known sample timing). Staphylococcus aureus then Haemophilus influenzae were the most common pathogens causing respiratory co-infections (diagnosed ≤2 days after admission), with Enterobacteriaceae and S. aureus most common in secondary respiratory infections. Bloodstream infections were most frequently caused by Escherichia coli then S. aureus. Among patients with available data, 37·0% (13 390/36 145) received antimicrobials prior to admission and 85·2% (39 258/46 061) in hospital, highest in critical care. We identified frequent use of broad-spectrum agents and use of carbapenems over carbapenem-sparing alternatives. Interpretation: In hospitalised patients with COVID-19, microbiologically-confirmed bacterial/fungal infections are rare, and more likely to be secondary infections. Gram-negative organisms and S. aureus are the predominant pathogens. The frequency and nature of antimicrobial usage is concerning, but tractable targets for stewardship interventions exist. Funding: This work is supported by grants from: the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) [award CO-CIN-01], the Medical Research Council [grant MC_PC_19059] and by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU)in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at University of Liverpool in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the University of Oxford [award 200907], NIHR HPRU in Respiratory Infections at Imperial College London with PHE [award 200927], Wellcome Trust and Department for International Development [215091/Z/18/Z], and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation[OPP1209135], and Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (Grant Reference: C18616/A25153), NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Imperial College London [IS-BRC-1215-20013], EU Platform foR European Preparedness Against (Re-) emerging Epidemics (PREPARE) [FP7 project 602525] and NIHR Clinical Research Network for providing infrastructure support for this research. LT is supported by a Wellcome Trust fellowship [205228/Z/16/Z]. PJMO is supported by a NIHR Senior Investigator Award [award 201385]. This research was funded in whole, or in part, by the Wellcome Trust. For the purpose of Open Access, the authors have applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the DHSC, DID, NIHR, MRC, Wellcome Trust or PHE. Conflict of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at www.icmje.org/coi_disclosure.pdf and declare: support from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at University of Liverpool, NIHR HPRU in Respiratory Infections at Imperial College London, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at ImperialCollege London, and NIHR Clinical Research Network for the submitted work; ABD reports grants fromDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC), during the conduct of the study, grants from Wellcome Trust, outside the submitted work; PJMO reports personal fees from consultancies and from European RespiratorySociety, grants from MRC, MRC Global Challenge Research Fund, EU, NIHR BRC, MRC/GSK, WellcomeTrust, NIHR (Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Respiratory Infection), and is NIHR senior investigator outside the submitted work; his role as President of the British Society for Immunology was unpaid but travel and accommodation at some meetings was provided by the Society; JKB reports grants from MRC UK;MGS reportsgrants from DHSC NIHR UK, grants from MRC UK, grants from HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections,University of Liverpool, during the conduct of the study, other from Integrum Scientific LLC, Greensboro, NC, USA, outside the submitted work. Ethical Approval: Ethical approval was given by the South Central-Oxford C Research Ethics Committee in England (13/SC/0149), the Scotland A Research Ethics Committee (20/SS/0028), and the WHO Ethics Review Committee (RPC571 and RPC572, April 2013).


Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a new standard of care for patients with breast carcinoma, and allows enhanced pathologic analysis with serial sections and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratins to be performed on a routine basis. However, the significance of SLN micrometastases detected only by IHC is uncertain. Are these tumor cells truly markers of metastatic potential, or simply evidence of passive displacement by preoperative instrumentation of the tumor site? Here we evaluate whether the pattern of SLN metastasis in breast carcinoma is related to the degree of manipulation at biopsy before surgery, independently of other known predictors.


In recent years, artemisinin (1) has remained an effective drug to treat malaria. Numerous approaches have been adapted to
increase the efficacy of (1) against antibiotic resistant malarial parasite. Microbial biotransformation of (1) has been used recently to produce promising derivatives of (1) on a large scale with low costs. During the last decade several biotransformation studies on (1), by using microorganisms, have been reported. This literature review focuses on the most recent microbial transformation studies on artemisinin and its derivatives.


Fecal samples are an obvious choice for metabolomic approaches, since they can be obtained noninvasively and allow one to study the interactions between the gut microbiota and the host. The use of ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap HRMS) in this field is unique. Hence, this study relied on Orbitrap HRMS to develop and validate a metabolic fingerprinting workflow for human feces and in vitro digestive fluids. After chemometric sample extraction optimization, an aqueous dilution appeared necessary to comply to the dynamic range of the MS. The method was proven "fit-for-purpose" through a validation procedure that monitored endogenous metabolites in quality control samples, which displayed in both matrices an excellent linearity (R(2) > 0.990), recoveries ranging from 93% to 105%, and precision with coefficients of variation (CVs) < 15%. Finally, feces from 10 healthy individuals and 13 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease were subjected to metabolomic fingerprinting. 9553 ions were detected, as well as differentiating profiles between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by means of (orthogonal) partial least-square analysis ((O)PLS)-DA (discriminate analysis) models. Additionally, samples from the dynamic gastrointestinal tract simulator (SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) platform) were analyzed resulting in 6446 and 5010 ions for the proximal and distal colonic samples, respectively. Supplementing SHIME feed with antibiotics resulted in a significant shift (P < 0.05) of 27.7% of the metabolites from the proximal data set and 34.3% for the distal one. As a result, the presented fingerprinting approach provided predictive modeling of the gastrointestinal metabolome in vivo and in vitro, offering a window to reveal disease related biomarkers and potential insight into the mechanisms behind pathologies.


Kotagede is one of six cultural heritage areas in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, located 6 kms from the center of Yogyakarta city, and the centerpiece of Yogyakarta and Solo. In 2019, CNN International added Kotagede to a list of the 13 most beautiful towns in Asia. The uniqueness and historical and cultural heritage of areas in Kotagede's make it a potential tourist destination. However, Kotagede does not have any visual identity that projects it as a unique tourist destination and historical witness of the Islamic Kingdom of Mataram. This study used Morgan, Pritchard and Pride's methods to develop a destination brand and visual identity for Kotagede. By developing this visual identity design, the authors aim to push Kotagede's image as a historical and cultural destination that may be popular among tourists such that it can have an impact on the tourism and economics sector of Kotagede.


A recording and reproduction apparatus includes an information signal recording section configured to record an information signal on a recording medium; a reproduction section configured to read/reproduce the information signal; a feature amount detection section configured to detect feature amounts of the information signal to be recorded and/or the reproduced information signal; a division detection section configured to detect divisions of the information signal; a keyword obtaining section configured to obtain a keyword; a keyword recording section configured to record the keywords obtained by the keyword obtaining section; a user operation input detection section configured to detect operation input by a user; a user evaluation value generator configured to generate a user evaluation value; a keyword evaluation value accumulation and storage section configured to accumulate the user evaluation value for each of the keywords and store the accumulated evaluation value; and a recommendation section.


Cyclostratigraphy must contend with the unknowns in the relationship between strata and time. These include the unquantifiable and highly variable short-term rates of accumulation and the frequency and scale of the gaps in the record. High-resolution cyclostratigraphic time calibrations, especially of the 'floating' kind, must rely on the sequence recognizably encoding the 'beats' of a periodic influence on sedimentation, such as orbitally forced climatic variation. Spatial cyclicity in stratigraphic data series provides the most compelling reasons for assuming such periodic influences, but only if the analytical methods used to establish the cyclicities are reliable (see Vaughan et al. 2011).

In their analysis of the later Carboniferous stratigraphy of the Pennine Basin, Waters & Condon (2012) suggest that the Namurian and Westphalian sections are cyclic and that the basin's well-known marine flooding episodes were …


The social transformation of Eastern Europe has proceeded much faster, and the destruction of communism's legitimacy and efficacy has been more complete, than was deemed possible even a few years ago. A common tenet among the economies now emerging from communism is the lack of significant private wealth, even though there are capital assets that are used in production and have the potential to generate profits. However, since there is no relevant history of profits in the emerging economies, there is no way to meaningfully assess values of capital assets. The financial system provides for linkages through time: Exchanges of money for well-defined claims to future-money flow are made daily. Thus, the financial structure and the physical capital assets of a capitalist economy link the present and the past to the future. The options available to the emerging economies with respect to their financial structure are limited-the lack of significant private wealth leads to weak market for financial instruments and poor prospects for market-based financing. The initial choice of a financial structure is constrained to universal banks or public holding companies. Special venture capital holding companies and local independent banks should be integrated into the financial structure to facilitate entrepreneurial spirit. The public holding company is favored as a transitional instrument to foster the development of information and private wealth, and should be modeled after the Reconstruction Finance Corporation of the New Deal era.


Recent advances in Deep Learning (DL) for speaker recognition have improved the performance but are constrained to the need of labels for the background data, which is difficult in prac-tice. In i-vector based speaker recognition, cosine (unsuper-vised) and PLDA (supervised) are the basic scoring techniques, with a big performance gap between the two. In this thesis we tried to fill this gap without using speaker labels in several ways. We applied Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) vectors for the tasks of speaker clustering and tracking in TV broadcast shows. The experiments on AGORA database show that using this approach we gain a relative improvement of 12% and 11% for speaker clustering and tracking tasks, respectively. We also applied DL techniques in order to increase the discriminative power of i-vectors in speaker verification task, for which we have proposed the use of autoencoder in several ways, i.e., (1) as a pre-training for a Deep Neural Network (DNN), (2) as a nearest neighbor autoencoder for i-vectors, (3) as an average pooled nearest neighbor autoencoder. The experiments on VoxCeleb database show that we gain a relative improvement of 21%, 42% and 53%, using the three systems respectively. Finally we also proposed a self-supervised end-to-end speaker verification system. The architecture is based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), trained as a siamese network with multiple branches. From the results we can see that our system shows comparable performance to a supervised baseline.


ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the presence of Speech-Language and Hearing (SLH) professionals in the teams of Workers' Health Reference Centres (Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador - CEREST) in Brazil, their distribution and features related to inclusion and activities. Methods: a descriptive, epidemiological study, in which all the CERESTs in the country were units of observation. Primary data were collected by applying a questionnaire to the CEREST Coordinator or one of their designated representatives. Results: 158 of the 199 eligible CERESTs participated in the research. In 2014, 48.1% of these CEREST had an SLH professional on their team, with the highest number in the Southeast and the lowest in the North Region. When present, statutory contracts were the most common form of employment. Approximately 75% of the CEREST with a SLH professional in the team reported surveillance activities in general, as well as actions specific to noise-induced hearing loss and work-related voice disorders. However, in 7.9% of these units, the SLH professionals were exclusively dedicated to clinical care. Conclusion: this study describes and examines the incipient inclusion of SLH professionals in CEREST, providing evidence that indicates regional inequalities and reveals that, despite generally working in health surveillance activities, there remain units where the SLH professionals are only dedicated to specialized care.


Lumpy skin disease (LSD) caused by LSD virus (LSDV), is a member of the poxvirus genus Capripoxvirus. It is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) based on its potential for rapid spread and global economic impact. Due to these characteristics, the mode of LSDV transmission has prompted intensive research efforts. Previous experimental studies using the virulent vaccine-derived recombinant LSDV strain Saratov/2017, demonstrated that this strain has the capacity for transmission in a vector-proof environment. This study demonstrated that a second novel recombinant vaccine-derived LSDV strain Udmurtiya/2019, can infect bulls in contact with diseased animals, in the absence of insect vectors. Bulls were housed in an insect proof animal biosafety level 3 facility, where half the animals were inoculated intravenously with the recombinant LSDV (Udmurtiya/2019), whilst the remaining five animals were mock-inoculated but kept in contact with the inoculated group. Both the infected / inoculated group (IN) and uninfected / incontact group (IC), were monitored for 41 days with continuous registration of body temperature, observations for clinical signs and collection of blood samples and nasal swabs for testing of LSDV presence using real-time PCR. Results indicated that cohabitation of animals from both groups was sufficient to transmit the virus from the IN to the IC-group, with the onset of clinical signs including pyrexia (~41°C) and classical LSD nodular skin lesions starting at 10 dpi for the IN group and 16 dpi for the IC-group. Additionally, the presence of LSDV genomes as well as anti-LSDV antibodies were detected in swabs, blood and serum samples from animals belonging to both groups. These results provides additional evidence of LSDV transmission in a controlled environment without direct contact between diseased and healthy animals, yet in the absence of vectors. Based on these observations, the question concerning a hypothetical relation between mutations in the virus genome and its mode of transmission gains more importance and requires additional investigations with direct comparisons between classical and novel recombinant LSDV strains.


The effects of dietary 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on the incidence and severity of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) were assessed in broiler fowl selected for TD (high-TD line) and against TD (low-TD line). Assessment was by examination with a portable Lixiscope to identify lesions in live birds, gross pathology and histopathology. Eighty broilers in four groups of 20 were examined. When fed on standard diets the low-TD line had a 15% incidence whereas the high-TD line had a 63% incidence. The chicks in the high-TD line, when fed on a diet supplemented with 5 mug or with 10 mug 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol/kg diet, showed a marked reduction in the incidence of TD, to 21% and 0% respectively. The growth plate in the proximal tibiotarsi of the high-TD line showed accumulations of transitional chondrocytes, supporting the hypothesis that a failure of chondrocyte differentiation is the cause of dyschondroplasia. This hypothesis is further supported by studies which indicate 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol has a major role in chondrocyte differentiation.


The detection of environmental gases, 12CO2, 13CO2, and CH4, using near-infrared semiconductor lasers with a short laser path length is studied by means of wavelength-modulation spectroscopy. The developed system is compact and has high sensitivity enough to detect the absorption peaks of isotopic 13CO2 of a 3-% CO2 gas at 2 μm with a path length of 2.4 m, where its peak size is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the ordinary 12CO2 peaks. In addition, the detection of 12CO2 peaks of a 385-ppm (0.0385-%) CO2 gas in the air is made at 2 μm with a path length of 1.4 m. Furthermore, in pursuing the detection of an ancient environmental CH4 gas confined to a bubble in ice at the polar regions, measurements of the absorption spectrum for a trace gas of CH4 in a small area are attempted. For a 100-% CH4 gas trapped in a ∼ 1 mm glass container, the absorption peaks of CH4 are obtained at 1.65 μm with a path length of 3 mm, and also the gas pressure is extrapolated from the measured data. Keywords—Environmental Gases, Near-Infrared Laser Detection, Wavelength-Modulation Spectroscopy.


We propose a treatment of relaxation of nuclear polarization in electronically poor systems, such as heterostructures, based on the consideration of electrons as provisional spin holders but not as the spin bath. In this case the rate T1(-1) of decay of polarized states of nuclei is determined by the spin-orbital electron-phonon interaction and the conductivity of the electron gas (in open systems). The developed theory can be applied to experiments on nuclear magnetic relaxation in the quantum Hall effect regime.


The present study attempts to define the concept and dimensions of intercultural social mediation in the educational world. It also provides information about the goals, field work, results and action proposals. This study has been used for the production of resources for the training of educators in intercultural social mediation that are being used in a distance training course within the Open Teaching Program of the UNED. PALABRAS CLAVE: mediacion social, educacion intercultural, educacion formal


Kidney and urinary tract involvement has been well described in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). Sterile pyuria is the most common abnormal finding in patients with KD who have kidney and urinary tract involvement. Although pyuria can also originate from the bladder, cystitis has rarely been reported in patients with KD. We described here a case of acute cystitis in a patient with KD. A 5-year-old boy with KD had abdominal pain, miction pain and sterile pyuria. A computed tomography of the abdomen showed diffuse thickening of the urinary bladder, which was compatible with a diagnosis of acute cystitis. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy rapidly improved the signs of KD and miction pain. Healthcare providers should be aware of acute cystitis as a complication of KD if patients have pyuria and/or bladder symptoms. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/ijcp102w


Norwegian distribution power systems are often composed of long distribution lines supplying households, communities and small industrial customers. When a significant amount of load contains power electronics devices, the harmonic pollution of these grids becomes semnificative. As the share of distributed generators in these power systems is increasing their impact on the power quality provided to end users has become evident. This paper will present an example of instantaneous compensation of harmonics based on a shunt active filtering solution in a Norwegian power distribution system. The impact of the increasing amount of distributed generation on harmonic content of supplied currents will be also assessed.


This paper discusses how far the poem 'Wogs' shows the representation of multiculturalism in Australia. The analysis of the poem shows that the establishment of The Australia Multicultural Policy that was planned to create harmony among the Australia plural society, on the other hand,  has caused some tensions particularly between the majority of Anglo-Celtic Australians (referred as AKA in this analysis) and the migrants of non-Anglo-Celtic descendants in Australia (referred as n-AK). The majority class represents  the non-Anglo-Celtic migrants in their country as a threat towards their life-- a threat towards the purity of Anglo-Celtic's blood, a threat in the job fields, a threat that can lower the Australian high living standard even as a threat that is ambitious to invade the nation. However, at the same time, the poem itself also tries to construct this representation made by the Anglo-Celtic by showing alternative representations, for example: the Anglo-Celtic Australians as lazy citizens, the Anglo-Celtic Australians that are racists and the Anglo-Celtic Australians as the invader of Australia. Thus, by constructing meanings in the poem, we can see that the realities represented by the representative is not real, or not the same as those made by the represented.


[1] We analyzed wideband electric field waveforms of 265 first and 349 subsequent return strokes in negative natural lightning. The distances ranged from 10 to 330 km. Evolution of first- and subsequent-stroke field waveforms as a function of distance is examined. Statistics on the following field waveform parameters are given: initial electric field peak, opposite-polarity overshoot, ratio of the initial electric field peak to the opposite polarity overshoot, zero-to-peak risetime, initial half-cycle duration, and opposite polarity overshoot duration. The overwhelming majority of both first and subsequent return-stroke field waveforms at 50 to 330 km exhibit an opposite polarity overshoot. At distances greater than 100 km, electric field waveforms, recorded under primarily daytime conditions, tend to be oscillatory. Using finite difference time domain modeling, we interpreted the initial positive half-cycle and the opposite-polarity overshoot as the ground wave and the second positive half-cycle as the one-hop ionospheric reflection. The observed difference in arrival times of these two waves for subsequent strokes is considerably smaller than for first strokes, suggesting that the first-stroke electromagnetic field caused a descent of the ionospheric D-layer. We speculate that there may be cumulative effect of multiple strokes in lowering the ionospheric reflection height. Return-stroke peak currents estimated from the empirical formula, I = 1.5–0.037DE (where I is considered negative and in kA, E is the electric field peak considered positive and in V/m, and D is distance in km), are compared to those reported by the NLDN.


The use of new technology must be combined with modern teaching practices to be effective. Collaborative learning is a general term employed for a variety of classroom practices designed to foster shared responsibility for a course. The teaching/learning process of software/database modeling subject areas can be greatly improved through the application of collaborative learning, but there are some difficulties for using this kind of practice in conventional classrooms. In this paper, we introduce a cooperation model based on distributed and written communication among collaborative partners through the use of a computersupported environment. The cooperation model provides a general framework for structuring collaborative learning activities in modeling courses in general, and for developing computerbased supporting environments. A prototype targeted at OO design courses illustrates a computer-supported learning environment based on the cooperation model.


Objective: To establish the prevalence among women of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) in Birmingham, UK. Methods: Eight hundred and forty‐six female Caucasians from two general practitioner lists were invited to complete a questionnaire that included a screening question on dry eyes and mouth. Individuals who responded positively were evaluated further. Results: Overall, 65% of individuals who were sent a questionnaire responded. Two had possible PSS, but were negative for anti‐Ro/La antibodies. Our estimates of the prevalence of PSS ranged from < 0.1% up to 0.4%, depending on the assumptions used. Conclusion: Our data support previous studies suggesting a prevalence of PSS in the community of 0.1–0.6% rather than those suggesting a higher figure.


The brightness of bleached bamboo chemo-mechanical pulp (CMP) is often too low to be used as a furnish in value-added paper products. In this study, preliminary optimization of various parameters of a modified hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching procedure for bamboo CMP pulps was performed using the inclusion of ethanol in the bleaching medium (IEBM). Compared with a conventional bleaching method, this modified process is aimed at improving bleaching efficiency and brightness ceiling of bamboo CMP with the proper usage of chemicals. The CMP was bleached to a brightness of 74.2% ISO at the usage level of 12% H2O2, which shows it increased by 7.4% ISO compared with the conventional method. For a brightness target of 72.0% ISO, bleaching with the IEBM method reduced the H2O2 consumption by approximately 60%. In addition, a higher activation energy of H2O2 for the IEBM method was calculated to be 23.3 kJ/mol, which was increased by 3.3 kJ/mol compared with the conventional method.


Sodium aluminate, NaAlO2• xH2O, is an important comercial chemical used in water treatment, as a source of aluminium in the preparation of zeolites and other catalytic materials and as an additive in paper manufacturing. Sodium aluminates were synthesised in this work by using the Al(NO3)3 • 9H2O- NaOH system's controlled precipitation method. Using the controlled precipitation method enabled identifying the process's different stages from potentiometric titration of Al(NO3)3 • 9H2O dissolved in water and using NaOH as precipitating agent to ensure control and reproducibility and also identify final product characteristics. Powders were characterised by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (GDTA). The results indicated that NaAlO2 crystallised well at 1,000°C (obtained as the main crystalline sodium aluminate phase) and that β-alumina treatment began to form at 1,500°C.


The commonly used Standards of Care for people with gender dysphoria, including those of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, as well as those standards used in many other countries, usually require that two signatures of approval from qualified mental health professionals be provided before genital reconstructive surgery (GRS) – sometimes called sexual reassignment surgery or gender confirmation surgery – is undertaken. This is different from surgeries which are similarly irreversible and remove reproductive capacity carried out on cisgender people. This paper explores the trans-specific issues from a standpoint of medical ethics and argues that, provided sufficient safeguards are in place, including assessment within a multidisciplinary team, a nuanced approach utilising a single signature may instead be appropriate.


One manifestation of Nigeria's crisis of governance since the advent of civil rule in 1999 is the spate of youth violence that has characterized the electoral process. From the plains up north to the creeks in the south, Nigeria's electoral process within the past decade has been mired in violence so much as to make mockery of the democratization process. A lot of works (Bangura: 1997, Momoh: 2000, Yau: 2000) have studied how Nigeria's economic crisis and the attendant structural adjustment programme of the 1980s resulted in the alienation and marginalization of the youth, thereby exacerbating the whole phenomenon of youth restiveness in general. However, very few works have attempted to study the relationship between competition for political power and youth restiveness under the current "democratic era". This paper is an effort in this regard. With insights from the situation in Rivers and Gombe state, the paper demonstrates how the electoral process has been subverted by hijacking the state machinery and through the exploitation of the youtha process which has served as an impetus for the escalation of not only electoral violence but youth restiveness in general. Finally the paper advocates for a comprehensive nationally coordinated youth empowerment programme as a viable panacea for arresting the negative trend of youth restiveness in general. Key terms: State, Youth and Electoral violence. A paper presented at the International Conference on the Nigerian Youth, Political Participation and National Development. Organized by the Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House, Bayero University, Kano, August 5 th -6 th 2008


This paper studies the effect of competition on firm innovation by developing a discrete-time endogenous growth model where multi-product firms do two types of innovation subject to friction in technology spillovers. Firms improve their existing products through internal innovation while entering others' product markets through external innovation. We introduce novel friction termed imperfect technology spillovers, which refers to friction in learning others' technology in the process of external innovation. In contrast to existing models, this friction allows incumbent firms to defend themselves from competitors by building technological barriers through internal innovation. Using firm-level data from the U.S. Census Bureau integrated with firm-level patent data, we find regression results consistent with the model predictions. Our counterfactual analysis shows that rising competition leads incumbent firms to undertake (i) more (less) internal innovation for the products they have a (no) technological advantage in, and (ii) less external innovation. This compositional change in firm innovation affects overall innovation in the aggregate economy in different directions depending on the costs of external innovation. Specifically, the shift in innovation composition in response to rising competition decreases overall innovation in the U.S. while increasing that in an economy with high external innovation costs. These findings highlight that the change in innovation composition resulting from firms' strategic choices is an important margin to understand the heterogeneous effect of increasing competition on overall innovation across different countries.


In the clinical diagnosis of tumors, the final decision as to the nature of the growth often can be determined only when a piece of the tumor, or a part of its contents, is obtained for pathological examination. Many questions can be definitely settled when biopsy material is once obtained in sufficient amount, and in unchanged condition. Some of these are: whether the tumor is inflammatory, benign, or malignant; the type of the tumor; the grade of malignancy, and the degree of radiosensitivity. Based on this information, further deductions may be made relative to the prognosis and to the treatment of choice. Knowing these facts, one can decide whether surgery or radiation alone, or a combination of both, offers most for the patient.

Present methods of obtaining biopsy material include: (1) excision by scalpel, cautery, or endotherm knife; (2) aspiration; (3) various punch methods, making use of cylindrical punches, barbed hooks, "harpoons," punch forceps, gouges, dental broaches. The disadvantages of each of these methods may be briefly mentioned.

Excision by scalpel affords a method of obtaining a specimen readily enough, but has the serious disadvantage that it creates a relatively large breach in the capsule of the tumor, and prepares a route along which a malignant tumor may rapidly spread. Recurrences of such tumors in surgical incisions amply demonstrate this fact. A further disadvantage is that an incision of greater or less extent is necessary. Not only does this mean a surgical exposure under aseptic conditions, with a more or less elaborate set-up in the operating room, but subsequent suture of the wound, a sequence of surgical dressings, and a greater cosmetic blemish by reason of the larger scar.


The larger social turn enabled writing process theory in composition and legitimated collaborative writing practices among conscious, present individual authors who exist ahead of the text they write and so collaborate in a certain way. In this article, the author describes a different collaboration enabled by a different ontology in post-humanism when writers are neither authors, nor individual, nor present but always already entangled in an assemblage of reading, writing, and the world.


Pot experiments were conducted in glasshouse to ascertain the damage potential of an Ethiopian population of Meloidogyne javanica on tomato and pepper. Tomato cv. Marglobe and pepper cv. Marekofana seedlings were planted in 500 cm3 soil in pots and inoculated with initial population levels (Pi) of 0, 1,2,4, 8 or 16 second stage juveniles/cm3 soil according to a completely randomized design. Nematode population densities were negatively correlated with tomato and pepper growth while root galling increased with the increase of the inoculum level of the nematode. Seinhorst's model fitted the data for tomato (r2 = 0.96) and pepper (r2 = 0.94) and tolerance limits (D of 0.28 and 0.36 juveniles/cm3 soil, respectively, were estimated. The minimum yield (m) was 0.4 for both plant species.


Spin-capable multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized on a Fe catalyst film in a He environment by using thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The effect of He on the growth behavior of the MWCNTs was investigated. In addition, the variation of the Fe surface during the pre-annealing and MWCNT growth processes was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. It was surmised that the presence of He gas did not help in the formation of Fe nanoparticles on the substrate during the pre-annealing or the growth processes; however, He gas did appear to help activate and/or assist carbon to diffuse into the surface of the Fe nanoparticles. We note that MWCNT forests grew well on the Fe catalyst film even without the pre-annealing process. The characteristic dimension of the MWCNTs was found to be the same as the particle size and the crystallite size of the nanoparticles formed on the substrate. We also found that spin-capable MWCNTs could be grown by controlling the density of nanotubes on the substrate.


Objectives: Predicting the post-dilution hematocrit is an important tool to avoid preventable anemia or unnecessary transfusion. Simplified empirical formulas currently used for such a prediction may lead to large errors. We aimed to improve the accuracy of these formulas by a better estimation of the dilution volume and the patient circulatory blood volume. Methods: We compared the estimation accuracy of two formulas, using fixed (formula A) versus estimated (formula D) dilution volume and patient circulatory blood volume for 100 cardiac interventions. The difference between predicted and measured HctT1 was considered as "good" if less than 0.5%, "moderate" between 0.5 and 2% and "poor" if higher than 2%. The influence of the body mass index (BMI) on patient blood volume estimation was explored by categorized groups' comparison. Results: The mean difference between predicted and measured HctT1 differed significantly between formulas A and D. Formula A didn't differ from HctT1 (p=0.19, IC95% [-0.89-0.18]), but a significant and higher underestimation was observed in the BMI⩽25 group compared to the other BMI groups (p<0.001). Formula D overestimated HctT1 (p<0.001, IC95% [1.01-1.93]) without a difference between the BMI groups. No difference was observed in their overall proportions of good (11 vs 10%), moderate (44 vs 46%) and poor predictions (47 vs 44%) (p=0.117). Conclusions: Formulas used for post-dilution hematocrit prediction lead to major estimation errors and a risk of inadequate transfusion practices. Estimations performed by experienced clinicians could not minimize these biases in all clinical cases as significant errors remain, with potential clinical impact. No estimation formula should be used as a hard tool for transfusing patients, but rather as a guide to predicting the probability of transfusion requirement.


The ultrasonic findings in 10 patients with diffuse leukemic infiltration of the kidneys are described. The findings are analogous to those seen pathologically and include enlargement of the kidneys, diffuse leukemic infiltration of the renal cortex with sparing of the adjacent medullae, loss of definition and distortion of the renal sinus echo complex and a focal mass. The ultrasound findings correlated well with those seen with intravenous urography making it the preferable screening modality for the initial detection of renal involvement. subseauent follow‐up, and response to therapy in leukemic patients.


Using a slitless spectroscopy method with (1) the 8.2 m Subaru telescope and its FOCAS Cassegrain spectrograph and (2) the ESO Very Large Telescope unit 1 (Antu) and its FORS2 Cassegrain spectrograph, we have detected 326 planetary nebulae (PNs) in the giant Virgo elliptical galaxy NGC 4649 (M 60) and measured their radial velocities. After rejecting some PNs more likely to belong to the companion galaxy NGC 4647, we have built a catalog with kinematic information for 298 PNs in M 60. Using these radial velocities, we have concluded that they support the presence of a dark matter halo around M 60. Based on an isotropic, two-component Hernquist model, we estimate the dark matter halo mass within 3Re to be 4 × 1011 M☉, which is almost one-half of the total mass of about 1012 M☉ within 3Re. This total mass is similar to that estimated from globular cluster, XMM-Newton, and Chandra observations. The dark matter becomes dominant outside. More detailed dynamical modeling of the PN data is being published in a companion paper. We have also measured the m(5007) magnitudes of many of these PNs and built a statistically complete sample of 218 PNs. The resulting PN luminosity function (PNLF) was used to estimate a distance modulus of 30.7 ± 0.2 mag, equivalent to 14 ± 1 Mpc. This confirms an earlier PNLF distance measurement based on a much smaller sample. The PNLF distance modulus remains smaller than the surface brightness fluctuation distance modulus by 0.4 mag.


The reductive removal of aromatic hydroxyl functions plays an important role in the anaerobic metabolism of many phenolic compounds. We describe a new enzyme from a denitrifying Pseudomonas sp., 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA reductase (dehydroxylating), which reductively dehydroxylates 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA to benzoyl-CoA. The enzyme plays a role in the anaerobic degradation of phenol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, p-cresol, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, and other aromatic compounds of which 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA is an intermediate. The enzyme is therefore induced only under anoxic conditions with these aromatic substrates, but not with benzoate or under aerobic conditions. A similar enzyme which reductively dehydroxylates 3-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA is induced during anaerobic growth with 3-hydroxybenzoate. The soluble enzyme 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA reductase was purified. It has a molecular mass of 260 kDa and consists of three subunits of 75, 35, and 17 kDa. The subunit composition is likely to be a2b2c2. The enzyme contains 12 mol iron/mol and 12 mol acid-labile sulfur/mol and exhibits a typical ultraviolet/visible spectrum of an iron-sulfur protein. The reaction requires a reduced electron donor such as reduced viologen dyes; no other co-catalysts are required, the product is benzoyl-CoA and oxidized dye. The reductase is rapidly inactivated by oxygen. The inactivation by low concentrations of cyanide or azide in a pseudo-first-order time course suggests that it may contain a transition metal in an oxidation state which reacts with these ligands. 4-Hydroxybenzoyl-CoA reductase represents a type of enzyme which is common in anaerobic aromatic metabolism of phenolic compounds. A similar enzyme is demonstrated in Rhodopseudomonas palustris anaerobically grown with 4-hydroxybenzoate. The biological significance of reductive dehydroxylation of aromatics and a possible reaction mechanism similar to the Birch reduction are discussed.


The pupillary light reflex is reported to be reduced in amplitude in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether this effect is measurable under conditions typical of clinical rather than laboratory settings. A head-mounted infra-red videopupillometer was used to measure the amplitude of pupillary constriction in 12 patients with probable AD, 12 healthy age-matched older adults and 12 young adults. The constriction to the onset of bright light relative to the resting amplitude was significantly reduced in AD compared with both control groups. This result is consistent with an acetylcholine-related deficit in AD and supports the findings of Prettyman et al. and Fotiou et al. The impairment is likely to be caused by degeneration in relays in the midbrain but cholinergic deficits in the peripheral parasympathetic pathway cannot be excluded. The variation in pupillary response between individuals may preclude its use for diagnostic purposes. However, if the changes in pupillary response in AD are related to change in neurotransmitter status, then the value of such a technique may be in its use in providing an objective, non-invasive monitor of physiological abnormality with which to follow disease progression and treatment efficacy.


Single-crystalline Ge p-channel thin-film transistors with Schottky-barrier source/drain (S/D) on flexible polyimide substrates are fabricated by a simple low-temperature process ( ¿ 250°C), which preserves the high mobility of Ge channel. Adhesive wafer bonding and Smart-Cut techniques were utilized to transfer the single-crystalline Ge thin film onto polyimide substrates. The Schottky-barrier S/D is formed by using Pt/n-Ge contact, showing a low hole barrier height. The device has a linear hole mobility of ~ 170 cm2·V-1·s-1 and a saturation current of ~ 1.6 ¿A/¿m at Vd = - 1.5 V for the channel length and width of 15 and 280 ¿m, respectively.


Punitive damages were described by one early court as "an unsightly and an unhealthy excrescense." While the views toward punitive relief have changed over the years, the debate over the availability of exemplary damages in the judicial system has remained controversial. No place is that controversy more aptly demonstrated than in employment discrimination law, where punitive damages first became available in an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 after a bitter Congressional debate. Almost a decade ago, in Kolstad v. American Dental Association, the Supreme Court provided guidance on how punitive damages should be applied in discrimination cases brought under Title VII. Kolstad has only generated more confusion concerning the proper standard for exemplary relief, and recent district and appellate court decisions reflect this uncertainty. Attempting to determine the impact of punitive damages in Title VII cases after Kolstad, I performed an analysis of all federal district court decisions during the calendar years of 2004 and 2005. The study examined over six hundred relevant district court opinions issued during this time frame. Of these cases, there were only twenty-four district court decisions either awarding punitive damages under Title VII or upholding a jury's award of punitive relief. An additional study performed during this time frame further revealed that slightly over 17% of those Title VII cases that went to a jury during this time frame resulted in a punitive damage award by the jury, and approximately 29% of those juries that found in favor of the plaintiff also awarded punitive damages. This paper explores the basic foundations of punitive damages in the American judicial system, and examines the goals of providing this form of relief in employment discrimination cases. While public perception suggests that punitive damages have been instrumental in helping to eradicate employment discrimination, the numerical data paint a different picture. After analyzing this data, this paper suggests one alternative way of better achieving the original deterrent purpose behind the addition of punitive damages to Title VII. The paper proposes a three-part framework for analyzing all cases of intentional discrimination and recommends adopting a new scheme for remedial relief under Title VII. The paper then explores the implications of adopting the proposed approach and examines how the proposal fits within the contours of the academic scholarship. The paper concludes by urging that the Congressional intent of deterring unlawful discrimination can more properly be achieved through the proposed form of relief.


Background and Aim: The standard of care for patients with gliomas should follow established guidelines. In real-world management, however, the management sometimes deviates from these guidelines. We organized a discussion of real-world clinical cases and summarized different considerations from Chinese and European specialists.Case Presentation: A multidisciplinary team comprising experts from Europe and China discussed two patients with glioma treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, China. Patient 1 was a 43-year-old man with a recurrent oligodendroglioma in the left frontal lobe diagnosed based on histology alone. He had undergone a biopsy and was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma 3 years previously. He underwent chemoradiotherapy followed by 12 cycles of chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), and complete remission was achieved. However, the tumor recurred within a short period of time and was resected by a second surgery. The pathologic diagnosis of the recurrent tumor was a glioblastoma because 1p/19q was intact when detected by sequencing. Pathologic consultation from another hospital still considered an anaplastic oligodendroglioma based on the positive result of 1p19q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Patient 2 was a 50-year-old man with a left temporal glioblastoma. He underwent tumor resection but no radiotherapy. After seven cycles of TMZ (5/28-day regimen), his symptoms deteriorated, and his treatment was changed to a TMZ dose-dense regimen (7 days on/7 days off) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg every 2 weeks), plus tumor-treating field therapy. Consultation Results: The pathological diagnosis based on biopsy for Patient 1 was an oligodendroglioma (World Health Organization Grade II), whereas the result of the second surgical sample was glioblastoma or anaplastic oligodendroglioma (questionable). Although the accuracy of fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of 1p/19q LOH requires improvement, 1p/19q LOH is typically not reconstituted in oligodendroglioma. More likely, it was due to sampling; a positive observation field may be missed with consequent negative results, and both oligodendroglioma (with 1p/19q co-deletion and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation) and astrocytoma (without 1p/19q co-deletion) may exist. With respect to further treatment for cases such as Patient 1, both Chinese and European experts agree that procarbazine + lomustine chemotherapy is appropriate, while re-irradiation is suggested only if the tumor recurs outside the original radiotherapy field or within the radiotherapy field in the future. Considering the medical history, the rapid tumor regrowth without postoperative radiotherapy in Patient 2 was not surprising. After application of a rescue treatment regimen, the general condition of the patient improved, which may have resulted from the bevacizumab. A consensus was reached between the Chinese and European experts regarding subsequent treatment of Patient 2. Continuation of TMZ and bevacizumab was suggested until further deterioration. Whether tumor-treating field therapy should play a role in this patient could not be evaluated. However, some other molecular targeted agents (e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as regorafenib or apatinib) after bevacizumab failure, the effectiveness of these drugs remains unclear. Conclusion: In clinical practice, although we should follow established guidelines, the final treatment regimen requires informed consent from the patient. Thus, some real-world cases may deviate from the established guidelines. When patients reach end-stage disease with a marked decrease in their performance status and no standard treatment options, active antitumor treatment might be more likely to be attempted in China, while symptomatic treatment is more frequently performed in Europe. Although treatment philosophies for patients with glioma are slightly different between Eastern and Western medical experts, any treatment strategies should satisfy these patients.


This paper presents a data–driven model for the estimation of the performance of an aircooled steam condenser (ACC) with the aim to develop an efficient online monitoring, summarized by the condenser pressure (or vacuum) as Key Performance Indicator. The estimation of the ACC performance model was based on different dataset from three different combined cycle power plants with a gross power of above 380 MWe each, focusing on stationary condition of the steam turbine. The datasets include both boundary (e.g. Ambient Temperature, Wind Speed) and operative parameters (e.g. steam mass flow rate, Steam turbine power, electrical load of the ACC fans) acquired from the power plants and some derived variable as the incondensable fraction, which calculation is here proposed as additional parameter. After a preliminary sensitivity analysis on data correlation, the paper focuses on the evaluation of different ACC Condenser models: Semi-Empirical model is described trough curves typically based on steam mass flow rate (or condenser load) and the ambient temperature as main parameters. Since monitoring based on ACC design curves Semi-Empirical models, provides biased poor results, with an error of about 15%, the curves parameters were estimated basing on training data set. Other two data driven models were presented, basing on a neural network modelling and multi linear regression technique and compared on the base of the reduced number of input at first and then including aldo the other process variables in the prediction of the condenser back pressure. Estimate the parameters of the Semi-Empirical model, results in a better prediction if just steam mass flow rate and ambient temperature are available, with an error of the 7%, thanks to the knowledge contained within the "curves shapes", with respect to linear regression (8.3%) and Neural Network models (7.6%). Higher accuracy can be then obtained by considering a larger number of operative parameters and exploiting more complex data-driven model. With a higher number of features, the neural network model has proved a higher accuracy than the linear regression model. In fact, the mean percentage error of the NN model (2.6%), in all plant operating conditions, is slightly lower than the error of the linear regression model, but presents and much lower than the mean error of the Semi-Empirical model thanks to the additional data-based knowledge.


Existing methodological efforts subsume the interview into broad epistemological abstractions, neglecting actual mechanics of the interview as practice, and dismiss linguistic and cultural asymmetry in the interview as a matter of (in)adequate resources. Reflecting on 24 semi-structured interviews exploring social media use among Hong Kong youth, this article develops a culturally sensitive approach that democratically exposes the way cultural norms surface in communication, using strategies which (a) transform the dialogical mechanics of an interview—reflecting back and encouraging; (b) transform the positionality of the researcher—building intersubjectivity and emotional rapport; (c) transform the context of the interview—making shifts in space, language, and presentation. In doing so, a culturally sensitive approach generates practical recommendations for (a) humanizing the researcher to dismantle power imbalances and social distances and (b) naturalizing the interview into a more conversational form, both of which combine to expose the cultural logics that govern action and interpretation whilst constructing results into intimate narratives of people's life-worlds.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of whey protein on insulin resistance in model rats.

METHODS
Insulin resistance model rats were established by feeding high-fat diet in Wistar rats. Model rats were then randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each and fed on 0% whey protein (WP), 5% WP and 15% WP. After 8 weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FINS) were determined. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and glucose area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Also, plasma total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione hormone (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined.

RESULTS
Whey protein intake did not affected FBG and glucose AUC. FINS and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in 15% WP group than in 0% WP group. For antioxidant index,plasma level of T-AOC, SOD and GSH were significantly higher in 15% WP group than in 0% WP group (T-AOC : P < 0.01; SOD, GSH : P < 0.05); however, MDA was significantly lower in 15% WP group than in 0% WP group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Whey protein improves insulin resistance. This effect is related to the increase of antioxidant capacity in insulin resistance model rats.


The reign of Justinian (527-565 ce) was a period of significant legal activity: his administration produced two versions of the Justinian Code , the first in 529, and a second, revised version in 534. This code was designed to bring together all the laws which had been collected in earlier codes and those enacted since the last, the Theodosian Code of 438. In the process of compilation, obsolete or duplicate laws were removed, while the remaining laws were substantially edited. The Justinian Code remained in force in the Eastern Empire until the ninth century, while in the West it became influential in the twelfth century as the primary source of information about Roman law. The Justinian Code contains thirty-three laws relating to Jews. Additional laws are found in the Digest compiled in 533, which condensed and ordered the work of the Roman jurists, and in the Novels (new laws) of Justinian issued during his reign. Modern accounts of the status of the Jews under Justinian tend to


Volume of 19 right ventricular canine casts and 11 right ventricular human casts were obtained by water displacement and compared to three different mathematical models for estimating right ventricular volumes by biplane cineangiography. In the canine studies, significant linear correlation coefficients were obtained using the longest measured length method (r = 0.92), the triangular modification of Simpson's rule (r = 0.93), and the elliptical modification of Simpson's rule (r = 0.93). The human studies resulted in similar significant correlation coefficients of 0.96, 0.97, and 0.97, respectively. Although the highest correlation with the lowest standard error of estimate was obtained using the triangular model, all three mathematical models produced volume estimations that fell within acceptable biological limits of accuracy.


—There has been considerable controversy regarding the lineage relationship between smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and myofibroblasts, because they express a number of common cell-selective markers including smooth muscle (SM) (cid:1) -actin. We have shown previously that MCAT elements within the SM (cid:1) -actin promoter confer differential activity in cultured SMCs versus myofibroblasts. In the present study, to determine the role of MCAT elements in vivo, we generated transgenic mice harboring an SM (cid:1) -actin promoter–enhancer–LacZ reporter gene containing MCAT element mutations and compared transgene expression patterns with wild-type SM (cid:1) -actin promoter–enhancer–LacZ transgenic mice. Results showed no differences in LacZ expression patterns in adult SMC-containing tissues. However, of interest, mutations of MCAT elements selectively abolished transgene expression in myofibroblasts within granulation tissue of skin wounds. In addition, mutations of MCAT elements caused a delay in the induction of transgene expression in SMCs, as well as loss of expression in cardiac and skeletal muscles during embryogenesis. Results of small interfering RNA–induced knockdown experiments showed that RTEF-1 regulated SM (cid:1) -actin transcription in myofibroblasts, but not in differentiated SMCs. Moreover, quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that RTEF-1 bound to the MCAT element–containing region within the SM (cid:1) -actin promoter in myofibroblasts, whereas transcriptional enhancer factor (TEF)-1 was bound to the same region in differentiated SMCs. These results provide novel evidence that, although both SMCs and myofibroblasts express SM (cid:1) -actin, they use distinct transcriptional control mechanisms for regulating its expression. Results also indicate that the MCAT element-mutated SM (cid:1) -actin promoter–enhancer is a useful tool to direct gene expression selectively in differentiated SMCs. ( Circ Res . 2007;101:883-892.)


Iceberg ploughmarks are common features of glaciated continental margins worldwide. They form when iceberg keels plough through sediments on the ocean floor. They occur in various sizes and shapes, but generally exhibit a linear or curvilinear geometry. The SW Barents Sea is a heavily glaciated margin and its seafloor shows numerous ploughmarks among other glacial landforms (Andreassen et al. 2008). We present seafloor features formed during the late Weichselian glaciation (Solheim et al. 1990) imaged using high-resolution P-Cable 3D seismic data. P-Cable 3D seismic data have a spatial resolution of 6×6 m which is better than many hull-mounted multibeam systems, particularly in deep water. However, the cumulative seismic response of the seafloor is slightly different due to the lower-frequency bandwidth (30–350 Hz) of P-Cable compared to multibeam systems (up to 500 kHz). In addition, amplitude information is readily available and complements grid-based interpretations.

Numerous linear and curvilinear depressions occur on the seafloor near …


Plots of dip measurements taken from syntectonic deposits in extended terranes provide a simple and useful technique that can help to unravel complex deformation histories. In the Castaneda Hills-Signal area of west-central Arizona, dip analysis has enabled us to identify an unconformity that is at best equivocally displayed in the field. This unconformity marks the inception of extension that formed the highly extended terranes (HET). The technique also highlights a later unconformity that marks the onset of basin-range (BR) extension, and one that formed because extension ceased and through-flowing drainage developed. Northeastward decrease of dips related to HET-type extension is evidence for a decrease in deformation toward the Colorado Plateau. Conversely, a mild increase of dips of younger basin-fill deposits in that direction suggests that the locus of strongest deformation shifted toward the Colorado Plateau in BR time. The variability in amount and timing of tilting displayed by the dip data supports listric and "rolling-hinge" models of extensional tectonism more than the "domino" model of upper-plate, HET-type, normal faults. Dip data and stratigraphic data enable us to construct a sequence of events for middle Tertiary extension in the Castaneda Hills-Signal area. The first phase started ca. 27 Ma and consisted of upwarp of the area now occupied by the Buckskin-Rawhide metamorphic core complex. No rotation of blocks or volcanism accompanied this phase. The second phase (19 to 13 Ma) is characteristic of HET-type extension and was marked by movement on a basal detachment fault and upper-plate normal faults, rotation of blocks along near-horizontal axes, and widespread basalt-rhyolite volcanism. The third phase (about 13 to 7.5 Ma) is characteristic of BR extension and was marked by movement on high-angle normal faults, minor rotation of blocks, and basaltic volcanism. The fourth and final phase (ca. 7.5 to 0 Ma) saw the waning of tectonism, the inception of through-flowing drainage related to the Colorado River, and the effusion of thin megacryst-bearing basalt flows. The early uplift (probably dome-like and thermally driven), the areal variability of rotation, and the migration of deformation toward the northeast do not support the concept that the extended terranes result from simple shear along a low-angle fault of crustal dimensions or from a rolling-hinge mechanism. A more attractive mechanism is a thermal welt in the upper mantle and lower crust that moves northeast with time in a manner analogous to that proposed for the Tyrrhenian Sea-Apennine system.


For a long time now, the media representations of British Muslims, in particular, are the central focus of academic studies. Especially, the terror attacks often receive bias coverage that connects Islam as a faith to such incidents. Notably, the attack on the Manchester arena in May 2017 by an ISIS recruit by the name of Salman Abedi shocked the nation. In the aftermath of the crisis, UK and Western media dominated national and international press coverage. However, little attention was given and received in relation to the coverage provided by British Muslim media by 5Pillars.
This article aims to provide a case study of the 5Pillars media coverage of the attack on the Manchester arena in May 2017. Also, it examines the increasing role and impact of ethnic media as a challenger to the mainstream media. Furthermore, it asks significant questions including: Can Muslim media ownership makes their representation better? And is the media really that powerful that it causes harm to the reputation of Muslims worldwide? It proposes to establish alternative news media platforms alongside the mainstream media that dominate news and often either misrepresents or underrepresents the British Muslims.


The article deals with Nietzsche's philosophy as a radical critique of the classical thinking paradigm. Nietzsche used the will to power concept to separate himself from the dualism of classical thinking and especially from A. Schopenhauer's concept of the "will to live", which leads to passivity. The category of "life" for Nietzsche does not mean inactive seclusion, but activity: possessing, subduing the weaker dominance of individual shapes, annexation. So the will to power was built on a dynamic, antagonistic foundation. The will to power in Nietzsche's thinking is not a "thing in itself", as opposed to "phenomenon" (I. Kant), or else "a will" as opposed to "an image" (A. Schopenhauer). It is inseparable from its realisation, similarly as lightning is inseparable from its luminescence. The will to power decides upon an approach which allows no substance of "will" outside of phenomenon or existence of "an object in itself"; it is an approach that does not accept any "facts in themselves", only interpretations. Therefore, Nietzsche's philosophy holds many associations with the postmodern paradigm that allows only an interpretative understanding of the world, i.e., understanding that creates only an interpretation of the interpretation. There is no absolute primordiality which would lend itself to interpretation, because anything can be the basis for interpretation. Therefore, "the will to power", as non-substance, is inseparable from the basis of self-demonstration and, in the long run, is only an interpretation and an interpretation of the interpretation, i.e., a phenomenalistic understanding of the world. The essence of this phenomenalistic understanding is that "the world which we are capable of appropriating is only surface, generalized by oversimplified signs. It accepts only total appearance (Scheinbare). The will to power is inseparable from realisations which take place through the agency of two different types of forces: active and reactive. It indicates the difference between the forces and also is manifest in this "difference". The will to power foresees not identity but difference, it shows, determines and manifests difference. With respect to the genesis of power or its generation, the will to power determines the relation between forces, but in its own tum is determined by the activity of these forces. It is at the same time both determined and determiner. Nietzschean "slave" and "master" moralities are based upon active and reactive forces. The active force is different from the reactive force in that in the active point we start with assertive and positive assumptions. Nietzsche created a theoretical construct based on the principle Wille zur Macht, where he emphatically praised "assertive" forces, and accused all classical thinking of turning away from life and associated it with reactive, negative forces. This construct is characterised by independently manifested speculative forms: genealogising, typology and symptomology. This means that every phenomenon we discuss springs from the will to power. Since it is determined by different forces, all phenomena are either associated with active or with reactive forces. In the long run, all typologically different phenomena must be determined according to symptoms. If the force is active, all phenomena related to it will be associated with symptoms of a full-blooded and healthy life. If the power is reactive, the phenomena associated with it will be related to symptoms of crisis, depression, weakness and sickness. These three forms of reasoning: genealogisation, typology and symptomatics that encompass the will to power and the construct, ultimately became known as semiology. This means that for Nietzsche, understanding the world is totally full of signs and totally interpretative. There are no "substances", "essences", "things in themselves", etc.; there are only signs and their differentiated interpretations. This conception Nietzsche was named "perspectivism". Therefore, Nietzsche's philosophy, based on the power of will, denies the exceptionally unique true opinion of the world and offers instead a variety of interpretations; foresees the possibility to look at the world through different eyes, i.e., determines a perspectivist approach to the world.


BACKGROUND
To care for patients with complex health problems, nurses need a strong knowledge base and critical thinking skills. Critical thinking enables the nurse to process and analyze information, solve clinical problems, and decide on actions to take. Teaching and evaluation, however, often focus on memorizing facts and details about clinical care rather than on critical thinking.

METHOD
Context-dependent test items are designed to evaluate critical thinking and may be used in orientation, in competency testing, and by preceptors and others who work with beginning nurses for formative evaluation and discussions with them. A context-dependent item presents introductory material to analyze and determine a course of action. The introductory material may be a clinical scenario, an issue nurses might face in their practice, patient data, graphs or flow sheets, and other types of material for analysis. Carefully planned questions for assessing critical thinking are then asked.

CONCLUSION
The article describes how to develop and use context-dependent items in nursing continuing education.


Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of cancer occurring in 15-20% of breast cancer patients, with most patients relapsing on currently approved therapy. Recent studies have shown activity of platinum chemotherapy in this class of patients. IO-125 is a novel platinum (II) chemotherapeutic agent with an unique coordination environment. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of IO-125 in pre-clinical models of TNBC. The coordination environment in IO-125 facilitates supramolecular assembly and releases diaminocyclohexane (DACH)-platinum in a sustained pH-dependent manner. In vitro cell viability studies using an array of breast cancer cell lines shows IO-125 exerts increased potency compared to carboplatin or oxaliplatin. The maximum tolerated (platinum-equivalent) dose (MTD) of IO-125 in mice was 8-fold higher than the MTD (platinum-equivalent) dose of oxaliplatin. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profile of IO-125 in plasma and tumor revealed preferential tumor accumulation, significantly increased area-under-the-curve (AUC), a reduction in clearance (CL) and a longer terminal half-life (42 hours) in comparison to oxaliplatin (18 hours). In addition, DNA-Pt adduct formation in tumors was significantly higher for IO-125. When administered at their respective MTDs, IO-125 led to sustained regression of the tumor in a 4T1 syngeneic breast cancer model. Based on these observations, we conclude that IO-125 may emerge as a novel therapeutic against triple negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Sengupta A, Roy M, Sarkar A, Mylavarapu S, Modi S, Gupta N, B H, Hossain S, Ansari A, Pandey M, Yadav Y, Sengupta S. Designing a novel platinum chemotherapeutic (IO-125) for treatment of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-03-03.


Abstract – AHP is a method for ranking the best decision alternatives, when the decision maker has many objectives or criteria that must be met or consired. This method combines the strengths of the decision maker's feelings and logic, then synthesizes various considerations into result that match the decision maker's intuitive estimates as presented in the considerations that have been made. The end result of the AHP process is the priorities of the best criteria in decision making. This study aims to determine the results of decision making in determining the level of customer satisfactions using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. And the testing the calculations in this study using Expert Choice Software. Based on the results of the AHP analysis, it was concluded that sub-criterion D1, namely special attention to each customer, is the top priority for the sub-criteria with a value of 0,452 or 45,2%. And the lowest value is the Responsiveness criterion with a value of 0,156 or 15,6%.
Keywords — AHP, Analytical Hierarchy Process , Customes Satisfaction,


It is sometimes difficult to recognize precursors and early forms of malignant melanoma, even in histologic sections. Atypic melanocyte hyperplasia (AMH) occurs in the epidermal part of several benign pigment cell tumours and often evoke the suspicion of beginning malignancy. Probably there are some potentials for malignant transformation in AMH. Severe atypical melanocytic hyperplasia (SMH) corresponds to the concept of "early malignancy" in the meaning of McGovern. Severe melanocytic dysplasia (SMD) in the meaning of Clark et al. stands for an intraepidermal malignant melanoma (melanoma in situ). SMD occurs in SSM and in lentigo maligna. Sometimes it is impossible to assign it to a special type of melanoma. The importance to recognize histologically the differing behaviour of proliferating melanocytes within the epidermis for diagnosis of early malignant melanoma is accentuated.


Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate anti-obesity effect of Scutellariae Radix extract combined with metformin.
Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice, 4 weeks of age, were used to set high-fat diet induced obesity model. They were grouped NOR (normal control), HFD (high fat diet control), MET (metformin, 100 mg/kg/day), MH2 (metformin 50 mg/kg/day+Scutellariae Radix 200 mg/kg/day), and HG4 (Scutellariae Radix 400 mg/kg/day). MET, MH2, and HG4 were orally administered for 10 weeks. Body weight was measured every week. Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were measured before sacrifice. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed. Organ weight and internal fat weight were measured after sacrifice.
Results: MH2 group showed a reduction of body weight when compared with HFD group. MH2 group showed stable blood level control which was calculated areas under the curves by OGTT. TC, GOT, GPT level, internal fat, and organ weight in MH2 group reduced.
Conclusions: The combined treatment of Scutellariae Radix and Metformin has impact on treating obesity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Metformin and herbal medicine combination therapy.


We derive a general expression for the multipole expansion of the electromagnetic interaction in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, which can be employed in higher-order dynamical calculations of Coulomb excitation. The interaction has diagonal as well as off-diagonal multipole components, associated with the intrinsic and relative coordinates of projectile and target. A simple truncation in the off-diagonal components gives excellent results in first-order perturbation theory for distant collisions and for beam energies up to 200 MeV/nucleon.


Highly energetic jets are sensitive probes for the kinematics and the topology of nuclear collisions. Jets are produced in an early stage of the collision from hard-scattered partons, which fragment into a spray of charged and neutral particles. The measurement of jet spectra in p-Pb collisions provides an important way to quantify the effects of cold nuclear matter on jet production, fragmentation and hadronization. This is possible because the hot, dense medium produced in Pb-Pb collisions is not expected to form. Proton-Lead collisions also provide an important constraint for the nuclear parton density functions. The exact evaluation of the background from the underlying event is an important ingredient to correct the measured jet spectra. The system size in p-Pb collisions is much smaller than in Pb-Pb so that the methods for background estimation need to be refined. The analysis reported here is performed on p-Pb data taken at sqrt(s_NN) = 5.02 TeV by the ALICE detector at the LHC in the beginning of 2013. The focus of our analysis lies on the minimum bias charged jet spectra and their comparison to the spectra from pp collisions. For this analysis various estimates for the background and its fluctuations have been tested in p-Pb and PYTHIA simulations.


Objective:To prospectively assess the accuracy of gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for nodal staging and restaging in rectal cancer. Background:Accurate preoperative assessment of nodal disease in rectal cancer impacts treatment management. Staging with modern imaging techniques (computed tomography, MRI and endorectal ultrasound) is insufficiently accurate for clinical decision making. This study aims to assess the accuracy of MRI using a novel lymph node magnetic resonance contrast, gadofosveset, for nodal staging and restaging in rectal cancer using a per node comparison with histology as the reference standard. Methods:Sixty-eight patients underwent gadofosveset-enhanced MRI at 1.5T. Twenty-six patients (primary staging group I) were treated with total mesorectal excision (with or without preoperative 5 × 5 Gy) and 42 (restaging group II) underwent a long course of chemoradiation followed by a restaging MRI and resection. Nodes were scored as benign or malignant by 2 radiologists (experienced and junior reader) first on standard MRI, then on gadofosveset-enhanced MRI. For group I the primary staging MRI was compared with histology. In group II the second, restaging MRI was compared with histology. Results:For the experienced reader, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC-curve (AUC) improved from 76%, 82% and 0.84 on standard MRI to 80%, 97% and 0.96 on gadofosveset-MRI (P < 0.001). For the junior reader results improved from 69%, 85%, and 0.85 on standard MRI to 70%, 95%, and 0.93 on gadofosveset-MRI (P = 0.03). Interobserver agreement was good on both standard MRI (&kgr; 0.73) and gadofosveset-MRI (&kgr; 0.71). Conclusions:This study shows high reproducibility and significantly improved accuracy compared to standard MRI for gadofosveset-enhanced MRI for nodal staging and restaging in rectal cancer.


The interaction of the fibrinogen γ chain dodecapeptide (HHLGGAKQAGDV; γ12) with the αIIbβ3 binding pocket is required for fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 and the binding of other αIIbβ3 ligands that contain RGD sequences such as von Willebrand factor and fibronectin. Since the strength of fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 increases over time, it is possible that there are additional sites of interaction between αIIbβ3 and fibrinogen, and several studies have proposed potential candidate ancillary sites on fibrinogen, including γ316-322 and γ370-381 (Podolnikova et al. JBC 289;2371,2014 and Remijn et al. Br J Haematol 117;650,2002). If such fibrinogen sites interact with αIIbβ3 at regions separate from the γ12 (RGD) binding site, these αIIbβ3 sites may be attractive targets for developing pure αIIbβ3 antagonists that are specific for fibrinogen. To identify potential additional interaction sites on fibrinogen and αIIbβ3, we studied adhesion of HEK293 cells expressing normal αIIbβ3 (αIIbβ3-HEK) to either fibrinogen or the D98 plasmin cleavage fragment of fibrinogen (which lacks γ12) in the presence of 2 mM Ca2+/1 mM Mg2+. The D98 fragment did not contain the γ12 peptide as judged by both immunoblotting with mAb 7E9 (anti-γ12) and mass spectroscopy. We also studied HEK293 cells expressing αIIbβ3 containing: 1. The double αIIb F992A + F993A mutations (αIIb-FF), which causes constitutive activation and ligand binding 2. Other activating mutations of αIIbβ3, including αIIb truncation at 991, β3 N339S, and β3 truncation at 717, 3. The β3 D119A mutation, which disrupts the β3 metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) and eliminates adhesion of cells expressing normal αIIbβ3 to fibrinogen, or 4. Combined αIIb FF and β3 D119 mutations (FF+D119). αIIbβ3-HEK and αIIb-FF both bound to immobilized fibrinogen (10 µg/ml coating concentration). αIIbβ3-HEK did not adhere to immobilized D98 (10 µg/ml coating concentration), whereas αIIb-FF did adhere [αIIbβ3-HEK: 201 ± 295 vs. αIIb-FF: 8,221 ± 1,585 arbitrary fluorescence intensity units (AFU); n=7; p=0.003]. HEK cells expressing the other activating mutations also adhered to both fibrinogen and D98. HEK cells expressing the D119 mutation did not adhere to fibrinogen or D98 and adding the D119 mutation to the αIIb FF mutant led to loss of adhesion to both fibrinogen and D98. Adhesion of αIIb-FF to D98 was inhibited by mAb 10E5, which inhibits fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 and binds to the αIIb cap domain (89% ± 18%; n=7; p=0.003) and by mAb 7E3, which inhibits fibrinogen binding and binds to the β3 subunits of both αIIbβ3 and αVβ3 (95% ± 10%; n=7; p=0.006), but not by mAb 7E9 (28% ± 29%; n=7; p=0.299). Since cells expressing activated, but not unactivated αIIbβ3 were able to adhere to D98, our data are consistent with a model in which the initial interaction between αIIbβ3 and fibrinogen is mediated by γ12 binding to the αIIbβ3 ligand binding site followed by a conformational change that exposes additional site(s) on αIIbβ3 for another region or regions of fibrinogen. Refrences: Podolnikova NP, Yakovlev S, Yakubenko VP, Wang X, Gorkun OV, Ugarova TP. The interaction of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 with fibrin occurs through multiple binding sites in the alphaIIb beta-propeller domain. J Biol Chem. 2014;289:2371-2383. Remijn JA, Ijsseldijk MJ, van Hemel BM, Galanakis DK, Hogan KA, Lounes KC, Lord ST, Sixma JJ, de Groot PG. Reduced platelet adhesion in flowing blood to fibrinogen by alterations in segment gamma316-322, part of fibrin-specific region. Br J Haematol 2002;117:650-657. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Abstract We estimate the causal effects of education on the intergenerational transmission of violence against children by exploiting an extension of compulsory schooling in Turkey. Using a regression-discontinuity design, we find that the reform increased maternal education by one year, with stronger effects for women raised in rural areas. The increase in education among rural women led to a reduction in the perpetration of child physical abuse but only by mothers who were physically abused by their own families during childhood. Exploring potential channels, we document that these women were also more likely to experience improved mental health outcomes.


Annona muricata, as it is scientifically called but known in most parts of Nigeria as soursop. A fruit tree with various therapeutic uses, the plant belongs to the family of Annonaceae and has several medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of Annona muricata are well known, and they can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Effects of ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaves (EEAML) on the enzymatic antioxidants of the kidney and colon in Wistar rats induced with 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at 25 mg/kg bodyweight s.c. were investigated in this study. Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 110–170g were acclimated for two weeks and randomized into six groups (six per group). Group A (control), Group B (extract; 120 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of A. muricata), Group C (DMH only), Group D (DMH + EXTRACT), Group E (pretreatment), and Group F (posttreatment). The extract was administered daily via oral gavage, while the DMH was given subcutaneously at a dosage of 25 mg/kg bodyweight. This study reveals the carcinogenic effect of DMH induced oxidative stress were ameliorated by the administration of this leaf extract of EEAML at a dose of 120mg/kg b.w. The colon and kidney homogenates of rats administered EEAML (co-treated, pretreatment and post- treatment) showed increased enzymatic antioxidant; glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities and SOD activities. But a reduction in malondialdehyde levels was observed. These findings validate the use of Annona muricata in traditional medicine by showing that the ethanolic extract of the leaves can reduce DMH-induced oxidative stress and alter the enzymatic antioxidant profile in colon carcinogenesis.


Solid-state nanopores have been proposed for rapid and inexpensive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing and analysis. This technology is primarily based on characterizing the ionic current flowing through the pore as DNA translocates from one side of the pore to the other side under the influence of an electric field. The magnitude of the DNA-induced current blockade is an important analytical feature for these applications. However, it remains a challenging task to accurately determine the ionic current levels due to small signal-to-noise ratios. In order to facilitate reliable analysis it is necessary to understand the noise statistics and develop effective signal estimation techniques. In this paper, we conduct a molecular dynamics simulation of DNA translocations through a solid-state nanopore and reveal that the simulated ionic current signals contain both thermal and shot noise. We then develop a model for these signals and propose a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for estimating the ionic current levels. We show that the MLE has the potential to significantly outperform the classic sample mean estimator.


Avoiding of negative impact of slurry contact with productive sections by utilization of swellable pakers well completion systems as a key solution for depleted reservoirs. Results are compared to previously used classic well completion method with production casing cementing
 The new method of the well completion is based on a long period and many wells operations within Svyrydivske field in Dnipro-Donets Basin (here and after DDB). Precise selection of hybrid, oil and water based elastomers and correct placement in the appropriate hole zones for water and sectional isolation together with oil based mud utilization during drilling have provided stable production in depleted reservoirs and have minimized negative consequences from water filtration. The results achieved and the well completion method are described in detail to allow readers to replicate all results in a comparable geological conditions in DDB.
 Current well completion method has a couple of outstanding results achieved: –well integrity barrier is based on sufficient differential pressure provided by swellable packers;–reliable long term water isolation of all detected water contained intervals;–the production sections are not polluted by slurry filtrated water;–increased production rate comparing to cemented wells;–no risks of slurry loss during well cementing.
 This technology has been successfully implemented in both vertical and deviated wells on 4.5″ (114.3 mm) casing OD, in the interval 5100-5450 meters, bottom hole temperature 120-135°C. The differential pressure provided by swellable packer is up to 10,000 PSI (68.9 MPa). Fluid reactive packers are ready to expand and isolate highly cavernous hole sections and keep differential pressure sustainably. To achieve the best results with this well completion method, it is also important to use reliable gas tight casing connections and know precise reservoir characteristics. That is why the technology is recommended to be customized for well known brownfield reservoirs with high rate of depletion.
 The main benefit of the well completion method is a proved and safe technical solution for mainly depleted deep gas and condensate deposits in DDB (Ukraine) with sensitive economics


ABSTRACT
Diversification of red rice processing can increase utilization and consumption of red rice. Preliminary processing into flour can facilitate subsequent processing. One way of using the red rice flour is processing them into crackers. Crackers is a snack that has been known by Indonesian for a long time. The main material of crackers is tapioca that is replaced with red rice flour in this study. Substitution of tapioca with red rice flour affects the physicochemical (water content, expansion volume, level of hardness, color, oil absorption, and crude fiber content) and organoleptic properties (color, flavor, and crispness) of red rice crackers. The design of the study is a single randomized group design, spesifically proportion of tapioca and red rice flour which is made up of six levels of treatment, 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Each level is repeated four times. The results showed that proportion of tapioca and red rice flour significantly affect the water content of raw and fried crackers, expansion volume, hardness, color (lightness, redness, yellowness), oil absorption, crude fiber content, and organoleptic properties of red rice crackers (color, flavor, and crispness). The higher substitution rate of tapioca with red rice flour, the lower the moisture content of raw crackers, expansion volume, oil absorption, lightness of raw and fried crackers, and panelists preference (color), and the higher hardness, water content of fried crackers, redness, yelowness, and crude fiber content. The best treatment based on organoleptic properties is crackers with 20% substitution of red rice flour.


We introduce a horn antenna in a three-dimensional layer-by-layer photonic crystal that provides highly efficient transmission from a defect waveguide to free space. This device is physically realizable, thus providing a significant advance over an ideal two-dimensional photonic crystal horn antenna. Through numerical simulations we demonstrate the directional nature of the radiation pattern in the H -plane and its broader radiation characteristics in the E -plane. The antenna is shown to achieve a bandwidth that is almost equal to that of the defect waveguide, which illustrates that this horn antenna operates as an excellent output coupler for the photonic crystal waveguide. Further, the horn antenna may be easily integrated with other layer-by-layer photonic crystal components to form ultracompact devices for communication systems.


Volume I comprises of a systematic review and an empirical research paper. The systematic review examines the efficacy of media interventions in changing attitudes and intentions towards help-seeking for mental health difficulties. A systematic search of relevant databases identified sixteen studies that used a range of media approaches, including web-based, audio-visual and print interventions. Studies were limited by methodological and reporting issues, which severely limited confidence in the efficacy of media interventions in targeting help-seeking for mental health difficulties. The evidence, at best, suggests a small-to-moderate effect of interventions.
The empirical paper reports a qualitative study investigating the media's impact on recovery of men in forensic mental health settings. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate and nine subordinate themes were identified. One theme identified the media being simultaneously positive and negative. Two themes identified the media omitting important aspects of the participants' lives and endorsing stigmatising labels and stereotypes. One theme identified experiences arising from the media that encouraged recovery. However, the most significant influence on recovery depended on the idiosyncratic Transformative Nature of the Experience. The discussion focuses on theories encompassing narratives, stigma, and psychological flexibility, and reports clinical and research implications.


The present study investigates the features of lexical network in Australian learners of Chinese as a second language ( CSL) with the help of word association tests. Results show that as Chinese native speakers, the associations between words in Chinese learners ' mental lexicon are primarily semantic-based. As learners grow in proficiency , they share more commonalities with the native speakers in word association behaviours. Compared with ESL lexical network , the CSL lexical network shows some unique features. Pedagogical implications for CSL vocabulary teaching and learning are also discussed.


Prioritized planning is a widely used technique to coordinate motions of multiple robots along fixed paths. Velocity profiles are planned sequentially avoiding previously computed trajectories represented as dynamic obstacles. To derive these, the vehicle structures are usually approximated with simple shapes, which fails for complex robots like automated truck-trailer combinations. A novel method to derive the spatiotemporal conflict zones directly from arbitrarily complex geometries swept along pre-planned paths is proposed and it is shown that the resulting obstacles in the distance-time-space allow velocity planning with precise space utilization and short execution times.