At IBD in the exacerbation phase was detected the increase of fecal calprotectin (FC) level in 98% of patients. With increasing of clinical disease activity in patients with UC as well as CD was marked a significantly increased content of calprotectin in stool samples, which was accompanied by increase of indicators of inflammation acute phase: rising RRF, leukocytosis, an increase of frequency of stool with blood and mucus, fever and abdominal pain. In the phase of exacerbation the increase in concentration of CRP depends on the degree of inflammatory activity, rather than on lesion localization. The highest concentration of CRP was revealed at a high degree of IBD activity with stool frequency up to 8 10 times / day with impurity of blood and abdominal pain. At moderate activity of IBD, it is less expressed diarrhea (stool frequency 2 3 times a day), without blood, detected lower lever of PCF concentration from 250 to 380 ug / g. A study of calprotectin concentrations in stool samples is considered to be reliable and sensitive method for evaluation of inflammatory activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.


Objective:Microvascular dysfunction is a key element in the development of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Although the mechanisms for this response are unclear, RBC adhesion to endothelium may initiate intravascular occlusion leading to ischemic tissue injury. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that trauma-hemorrhage induces RBC-endothelial cell adhesion. Design:Prospective in vivo and in vitro animal study and analysis of patient blood samples. Setting:University research laboratory and hospital emergency and trauma units. Intervention:We initially assayed RBC adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro using RBCs obtained from rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhagic shock or sham shock as well as from severely injured trauma patients. Subsequently, we measured the role of putative RBCs and endothelial cell receptors in the increased RBC-endothelial cell adhesive response. Main Results:In both rats and humans, trauma-hemorrhagic shock increased RBC adhesion to endothelium as well as increasing several putative RBC surface adhesion molecules including CD36. The critical factor leading to RBC-endothelial cell adhesion was increased surface RBC CD36 expression. Adhesion of trauma-hemorrhagic shock RBCs was mediated, at least in part, by the binding of RBC CD36 to its cognate endothelial receptors (&agr;V&bgr;3 and VCAM-1). Gut-derived factors carried in the intestinal lymphatics triggered these trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced RBC changes because 1) preventing trauma-hemorrhagic shock intestinal lymph from reaching the systemic circulation abrogated the RBC effects, 2) in vitro incubation of naïve whole blood with trauma-hemorrhagic shock lymph replicated the in vivo trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced RBC changes while 3) injection of trauma-hemorrhagic shock lymph into naïve animals recreated the RBC changes observed after actual trauma-hemorrhagic shock. Conclusions:1) Trauma-hemorrhagic shock induces rapid RBC adhesion to endothelial cells in patients and animals. 2) Increased RBC CD36 expression characterizes the RBC-adhesive phenotype. 3) The RBC phenotypic and functional changes were induced by gut-derived humoral factors. These novel findings may explain the microvascular dysfunction occurring after trauma-hemorrhagic shock, sepsis, and other stress states.


Contextual bandit algorithms are applied in a wide range of domains, from advertising to recommender systems, from clinical trials to education. In many of these domains, malicious agents may have incentives to attack the bandit algorithm to induce it to perform a desired behavior. For instance, an unscrupulous ad publisher may try to increase their own revenue at the expense of the advertisers; a seller may want to increase the exposure of their products, or thwart a competitor's advertising campaign. In this paper, we study several attack scenarios and show that a malicious agent can force a linear contextual bandit algorithm to pull any desired arm $T - o(T)$ times over a horizon of $T$ steps, while applying adversarial modifications to either rewards or contexts that only grow logarithmically as $O(\log T)$. We also investigate the case when a malicious agent is interested in affecting the behavior of the bandit algorithm in a single context (e.g., a specific user). We first provide sufficient conditions for the feasibility of the attack and we then propose an efficient algorithm to perform the attack. We validate our theoretical results on experiments performed on both synthetic and real-world datasets.


Aluminum nitride (AlN) films were grown on off-axis, Si-terminated 4H-SiC substrates by hot-wall CVD and sublimation techniques. The films were investigated by Infrared reflectance, Optical microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis and Cathodoluminescence in a Scanning Electron Microscope with respect to their thickness, morphological, compositional and luminescence properties, in order to examine the influence of the growth cell pressure in either of the two deposition methods. Good quality thick AlN films were obtained by hot-wall CVD at temperature of 1200degreesC and reduced pressure of 100 mbar as reflected in the near stoichiometric N/Al ratio in these layers and in the appearance of the characteristic AlN near band edge emission. The AlN sublimation grown films at temperature of 2100degreesC suffered from island growth irrespective of the background pressure. The supersaturation conditions that affect strongly the growth mode became more favorable when the temperature was reduced to 1900degreesC.


Oryza rhizomatis is an endemic wild rice species in Sri Lanka with some unique characteristics of biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Hence characterization of desirable novel genes found in Oryza rhizomatis will be useful for transferring traits to commercial varieties. Therefore, in this study, a species-specific cDNA library was constructed from the wild rice species O. rhizomatis to isolate and characterize novel genes which are specifically present in this species but absent in cultivated rice ( Oryza sativa ). Forty recombinant clones were randomly selected from the cDNA SSH library and the inserts were sequenced. Sequence analysis of all forty clones indicated that the suppression and hybridization procedures in the library construction were successful as most of the clones have significant alignment with other wild rice species than O. sativa used as a reference cDNA for construction of subtraction library in this study. Therefore the genes which were specifically expressed in the wild rice species O. rhizomatis enriched in the SSH library. From this study it was possible to characterize O. rhizomatis nsLTP1 proteins (non specific Lipid Transfer Protein 1) super family AAI_LTSS which are found to be involved in control of pathogen attack related responses in plants. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(2): 133-140


While studies on the experimental photolytic and thermolytic extrusion of nitrogen from tert-butyldiazomethane and tert-butyldiazirine and the decomposition of other precursors have shown a mixture of C-H and C-C insertion products depending on conditions, the analogous trimethylsilyldiazomethane undergoes solely Si-C insertion. Description of the singlet tert-butylmethylene intermediates potentially involved in the C-H and C-C insertion reactions and were addressed through computational means by Armstrong et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 3685-3689). In addition to re-examining singlet tert-butylmethylene at a higher level of theory [CCSD/6-311+G(d,p)], we have studied the silicon and germanium analogues trimethylsilylmethylene and trimethylgermylmethylene. A computational atoms-in-molecules and atomic-basin-delocalization-indices analysis established that the singlet carbenes, while exhibiting varying degrees of delocalization, are not bridged species based on the fact that none possess a pentacoordinate methyl group. In addition, from the results, we are able to make a prediction of solely a Ge-C insertion product for the extrusion of nitrogen from trimethylgermyldiazomethane. Most importantly, we demonstrated that a combination of quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) molecular graphs, the evaluation of delocalization indices, and a visualization of the closeness of atomic basins [Formula: see text] a QTAIM-DI-VISAB analysis [Formula: see text] should be considered as the method of choice for unambiguously characterizing the bonding between pairs of atoms not only of carbenes but of other reaction intermediates such as carbocations, carbanions, and radicals.


This work is presented in the context of the Eighth International Conference of The Austrian School of Economics in the 21st Cen- tury, held in Vienna. Throughout it, I reflect on the concept of entrepreneurial function (which is the well-known backbone of the Austrian school of economics' entire theoretical arsenal) and propose a redefinition that best fits the state of current thinking about it.
The redefinition is based on two basic pillars: (1) the evolution that has taken place throughout thought within the Austrian school of economics and (2) theoretical reconsiderations on some of the fundamental characteristics of entrepreneurial function (creativity, human action as a function, and its relationship with ethics).


Raising a family in a society where the culture, values, and beliefs differ from one's 'home country', is a challenge for most immigrants. This is especially true for Black West Indian mothers as they try to raise their children in a society where race, class, and gender are forces of oppression and marginalization. This qualitative study examined the experiences of a small group of single Black West Indian mothers raising their children in a large urban Canadian city. Black Feminist thought was used as the theoretical framework to analyze critically the social barriers and supports impacting this group. The results revealed that while these women experienced negative attitudes when working with government workers, and differences in childrearing practices between West Indian and Canadian cultures; attending community parenting programs were a source of social support and relevant parenting information. Implications for health promotion initiatives and recommendations for future research are discussed.


A new format for presenting uncertainty in the results of multiple epidemiologic studies of the same outcome is suggested. A set of 95% confidence intervals for relative risk, RR, is transformed to a frequency distribution of the normalized deviations, ln(RR)/SE(ln(RR)), from the null value In(RR)=0 (RR=1). It is assumed that deviations from RR=1 are due to unaccounted residual biases and we compare the distribution of these deviations with the distributions of the actual errors in physical measurements where the true values have subsequently become known, and the incidence of large errors can be estimated. Comparison of these distributions can, by analogy, help to understand how convincing is the evidence of elevated risk in observational studies.


A panel of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 trans-activator tat protein were characterized. The anti-tat MAbs were mapped to the different domains of the tat protein by Western blot (immunoblot) and Pepscan analyses. One-half of the MAbs tested mapped to the amino-terminal proline-rich region, and one-third of the MAbs tested mapped to the lysine-arginine-rich region of tat. The individual MAbs were tested for inhibition of tat-mediated trans activation, using a cell-based in vitro assay system. MAbs which mapped to the amino-terminal region of the tat protein demonstrated the highest degree of inhibition, whereas MAbs reactive to other portions of the molecule exhibited a less pronounced effect on tat function.


In this paper we share findings from our effort to build practical machine translation (MT) systems capable of translating across over one thousand languages. We describe results in three research domains: (i) Building clean, web-mined datasets for 1500+ languages by leveraging semi-supervised pre-training for language identification and developing data-driven filtering techniques; (ii) Developing practical MT models for under-served languages by leveraging massively multilingual models trained with supervised parallel data for over 100 high-resource languages and monolingual datasets for an additional 1000+ languages; and (iii) Studying the limitations of evaluation metrics for these languages and conducting qualitative analysis of the outputs from our MT models, highlighting several frequent error modes of these types of models. We hope that our work provides useful insights to practitioners working towards building MT systems for currently understudied languages, and highlights research directions that can complement the weaknesses of massively multilingual models in data-sparse settings.


Randomly selected samples of cyanobacterial mats growing on wetted walls of two distinct localities (Barranco de las Augustias, and Los Tilos) in La Palma (the Canary Islands) were collected. The collected samples contained twelve cyanobacteria morphotypes (determined according traditional system). Populations of both localities were dominated by coccoid cyanobacteria (Aphanothece pallida and Aphanothece cf. saxicola) and in some sampling sites by filamentous cyanobacteria Nostoc spp. and Leptolyngbya spp. In spite of the fact that the Canary Islands are characterized by a high level of species endemism mainly in terrestrial plants, most of the isolated cyanobacteria are considered to be cosmopolitan or widespread. But also some unknown morphotypes, e.g. Calothrix sp., were found to be common. Morphological changes in Calothrix were studied using light microscope and remarkable morphological changes in the type of branching and filament morphology were found.


The use of beta‐emitting therapeutic radionuclides carried within nanoparticles for brachytherapy potentially offers significantl advantages over sealed sources. By using an active trapping technique, both therapeutic radionuclides, 186Re and 188Re, and diagnostic radionuclides, 99mTc, can be encapsulated in liposomes with high efficiency and high specific activity. 186Re and 188Re are beta emitters with appropriate ratio and energies of gamma emission which enable the imaging of in vivo distribution with a clinical gamma camera. The 90% absorbed dose deposit distances in soft tissue of beta ray from 186Re and 188Re are 1.8 mm and 4.2 mm respectively. To study the potential of using therapeutic radionuclides carried within liposomes for tumorbrachytherapy, the intratumoral distribution and retention of 99mTc‐liposomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts in nude rats were determined using imaging with a dedicated dual modality animal micro‐SPECT / CT scanner. Using an intratumoral administration technique developed in our lab, the volume of administered radioactivity up to over 40 % of tumor volume can be delivered to tumor with a high local retention. The 99mTc‐liposome studies show that about 40 % of injected activity remained in tumor with a very slow clearance. The cleared activity was not retained in the nearby critical organ. Using pin‐hole collimators with a spatial resolution of 1 mm, the 99mTc‐activity had a broad diffusion throughout the tumor even though the injection was at one point within the tumor. This study has shown the potential of using beta‐emitting therapeutic radionuclides carried within nanoparticles for tumorbrachytherapy. The high intratumoral retention enables a high intratumoral radiation absorbed dose, while the penetration of beta‐particles within only a few mm decreases the toxicity to nearby critical organs, and the intratumoral diffusion makes the intratumoral administration simpler and provides for a better intratumoral absorbed dose homogeneity.


Translocation of Escherichia coli among beef loins processed with a mechanical tenderizer was evaluated. Two beef striploins were inoculated on the lean side with 6.4 to 7.2 ml of a nalidixic acid-resistant E. coli at 8.2 to 10.1 log CFU/ml. Total E. coli inoculated onto striploins ranged from 1.12 × 10(9) to 9.10 × 10(10) CFU. Striploins were passed once (lean side up, anterior end first) through a mechanical blade tenderizer. After the inoculated striploins had been tenderized, uninoculated beef striploins (n = 5) were passed once (lean side up, anterior end first) through the same mechanical tenderizer. This procedure was repeated twice for a total of 12 striploins. Six core samples were taken from each striploin starting with the anterior end. Each core was cut into six sections; sections 1 through 4 represented the top 4 cm of the core sample, and sections 5 and 6 represented the remaining part of the core split in half. After tenderization, E. coli levels were highest (P < 0.05) in loin 1. Loin 2 had higher levels (P < 0.05) than did loins 4, 5, and 6. No differences in E. coli levels (P > 0.05) were found among loins 3, 4, 5, and 6, for which levels were below the limit of detection. Levels of E. coli from section 1 were higher than those for all other sections. Section 2 had higher levels (P < 0.05) than did sections 3, 4, 5, and 6. E. coli recovery from section 6 was higher (P < 0.05) than that from sections 3, 4, and 5. No differences in E. coli recovery (P > 0.05) were found among sections 3, 4, and 5. Data indicate that even after inoculation of E. coli a high initial levels, contamination from one loin to another is quickly reduced to < 10 CFU/g.


BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) is well validated prognostic tool in coronary artery disease (CAD). The data on the prevalence of myocardial ischemia on Myocardial Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (MPS) in symptomatic patients with zero CACS and low to intermediate risk probability is lacking and controversial.
PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the capability of zero CACS to exclude myocardial ischemia on MPS.
METHODS: A total 157 patients (mean age 53 +/- 10 years; 88 (56%) female patients,69 (44%) male patients who were suspected to have CAD and having low to intermediate pretest likelihood for CAD underwent CACS on dedicated CT scanners, CACS was reported as zero in all patients, subsequently all patients underwent MPS. Patients with abnormal MPS underwent additional imaging with CCTA.
RESULTS: All patients had zero CACS, 122 (78%) had normal MPS, and 35 (22%) had abnormal MPS, abnormal MPS includes fixed defect 22 (13%), equivocal 10 (6%), and reversible defect 4 (3%). All patients with abnormal MPS had further imaging with CTCA, CTCA was normal in 30 (85%) patients, one patient had coronary artery stenosis more than 50%, one patient had coronary artery stenosis less than 50%, one patient had anomalous origin coronary artery, and 2 patients had myocardial bridging. Patients with abnormal MPS and normal coronary artery had dilated Cardiomyopathy 14 (40%), asymmetrical septal hypotrophy, 1 (3%), and mitral valve disease 3 (9%).
CONCLUSION: Zero CACS in stable patients with low or intermediate risk indicate very low likelihood of obstructive CAD, less than 1%. Patients with Zero CACS and normal MPS most likely will not benefited from further testing; however, patients with abnormal MPS will need further imaging with CCTA. CCTA is helpful in this group of patients for evaluation of coronary artery and cardiac morphology.


Conversion to combine harvesters has resulted in Louisiana sugarcane growers delivering a more perishable product to raw sugar factories. Dextran formation increases as the time between harvest and milling is extended. Milling of freshly cut sugarcane reduces the formation of dextran and associated economic losses. One approach available to factories to reduce dextran formation is to extend the harvested sugarcane delivery schedule to the mill. A simulation model was developed to evaluate alternative delivery schedules at raw sugar factories. Economic losses in product value associated with dextran formation were estimated and compared for various extended delivery schedules.


Summary The feeding value of lespedeza hay was compared with that of alfalfa hay in feeding trials with dairy cows and dairy heifers. The lespedeza hay was somewhat less palatable than the alfalfa hay. The particular lot of lespedeza hay fed to dairy cows proved practically equal pound for pound to the alfalfa hay fed, as judged by milk yields and gain in weight of the cows. Slightly lower grades of both lespedeza hay and alfalfa hay were found practically equal pound for pound for gain in weight of growing dairy heifers. In both trials, however, it is likely that adequate amounts of protein were supplied, so that the lower protein content of the lespedeza hay was not a limiting factor. No differences in the laxative properties or conditioning effects of lespedeza hay and alfalfa hay were observed. The lespedeza hay was found to be lower than the alfalfa hay in its content of protein, fiber, total ash, and lime.


The major operas of Mozart--Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute, Cosifan Tutte--are well known to music listeners everywhere, having secured a permanent place in the repertoire of companies throughout the world. But how much do you know about La Clemenza di Tito, Idomeneo, L'Oca del Cairo, Zaide? Charles Osborne here provides detailed descriptions of all of these and fourteen others in a volume that serves both a first-rate biography and an exhaustive critical guide to the Mozart oeuvre. Charles Osborne is obviously in command of the literature: He quotes copiously from the mountain of letters, contemporary journals, and the most recent scholarship dealing with the period. His fourfold approach--linking biography with musical, textual, and dramatic analysis--is uniquely satisfying for those seeking an integrated understanding of opera's many dimensions. With a plot summary and character listings of each work, The Completes Operas of Mozart can be read in one sitting for a panoramic sweep of Mozart's operatic genius or for reliable reference by the phonograph or radio.


In recent years, traffic congestion has become a major problem in transport networks particularly in peak periods. The congestion problem has become worse in large cities, particularly in the CBDs over the last few decades and the problem intensifies every year. Traffic congestion results in longer travel times, larger delays, more fuel consumptions and more emission. Australian Bureau of infrastructure, transport and regional economics estimates that the avoidable social costs of congestion will be more than doubled in 2020. This research intends to propose a solution to reduce traffic congestion and consequently traffic delay for a congested corridor in Melbourne metropolitan area. To achieve this, a number of strategies are introduced and their influence in traffic congestion is evaluated. Dedicated bus /tram lane, Bus/tram stop location change, Parking restriction, Bicycle lane restriction, Passenger car movement restriction, Lane configuration Advanced Green Signal and Extended Green signal will be applied to reduce congestion strategies. The site selected for this research is a corridor from inner suburbs of Melbourne.


Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are unique systems capable of converting the chemical energy of organic waste including low-strength wastewaters and lignocellulosic biomass into electricity or hydrogen/chemical products in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) or microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) respectively, or other products formed at the cathode by an electrochemical reduction process. As compared to conventional fuel cells, BESs operate under relatively mild conditions, use a wide variety of organic substrates and mostly do not use expensive precious metals as catalysts. The recently discovered use of BES for product synthesis via microbial electrosynthesis have greatly expanded the horizon for these systems. Newer concepts in application as well as development of alternative materials for electrodes, separators, and catalysts, along with innovative designs have made BESs very promising technologies. This article discusses the recent developments that have been made in BESs so far, with an emphasis on their various applications beyond electricity generation, resulting performances and current limitations.


The water-soluble ellagitanin punicalagin has been reported to be toxic to cattle. Taking into account that this antioxidant polyphenol is very abundant in pomegranate juice (> or =2 g/L), the present study evaluated the possible toxic effect of punicalagin in Sprague-Dawley rats upon repeated oral administration of a 6% punicalagin-containing diet for 37 days. Punicalagin and related metabolites were identified by HPLC-DAD-MS-MS in plasma, liver, and kidney. Five punicalagin-related metabolites were detected in liver and kidney, that is, two ellagic acid derivatives, gallagic acid, 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one glucuronide, and 3,8,10-trihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one. Feedstuff intake, food utility index, and growth rate were lower in treated rats during the first 15 days without significant adverse effects, which could be due to the lower nutritional value of the punicalagin-enriched diet together with a decrease in its palatability (lower food intake). No significant differences were found in treated rats in any blood parameter analyzed (including the antioxidant enzymes gluthatione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) with the exception of urea and triglycerides, which remained at low values throughout the experiment. Although the reason for the decrease is unclear, it could be due to the lower nutritional value of the punicalagin-enriched diet with respect to the standard rat food. Histopathological analysis of liver and kidney corroborated the absence of toxicity. In principle, the results reported here, together with the large safety margin considered, indicate the lack of toxic effect of punicalagin in rats during the 37 day period investigated. However, taking into account the high punicalagin content of pomegranate-derived foodstuffs, safety evaluation should be also carried out in humans with a lower dose and during a longer period of intake.


Craving is a diagnostic criterion for substance use disorders. It is referred to as a subjective desire of relapsing to the use of a psychoactive substance after a time period of abstinence and it affects physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral parameters. Craving is inextricably linked to heroin addictive patients and usually known in the literature Heroin Craving Questionnaire (HCQ) is used for assessing their progress. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the multidimensional HCQ that measures five items (i.e., desire to use heroin, intentions and plans to use heroin, the anticipation of a positive outcome, relief from withdrawal or dysphoria and lack of control over use) by examining its internal consistency and the concurrent validity.
In total 258 Greek patients who were under substitution treatment for drug dependency were included in the investigation. This is the first study to implement the HCQ in the evaluation of craving in former heroin patients under methadone and buprenorphine administration. Our findings indicate that the specific HCQ in the Greek language has been successfully validated exerting reliability and validity. Thus, its implementation in research settings is advocated. Most importantly, it can constitute a useful tool for clinicians as a comprehensive method for the detection of craving symptoms, thus helping in better identifying former opioid using patients in an enhanced risk for relapse.


The aim of this thesis was to illuminate the management and leadership of nurse managers within Swedish health care organizations and to recognize influencing factors of importance for the nurse managers in exercising and developing their management. The interviewees were all active in their positions at the time of the interviews. The nurse managers served at top management levels in either executive or staff positions. The results are based on open-ended interviews with nurse managers (n=30), chief physicians (n=11), hospital directors (n=3) and politicians, chairmen of the local health board (n=3) in three Swedish cities. A number of nurse managers (n=205) from all over the country answered a self-reported questionnaire focusing on professional/social networks, job/social support, demand/control at work and self-rated health. Data were analysed through qualitative and quantitative methods.

Power was the overall factor and was related to power within the organization, acceptance in power position, and freedom to act. Four different leadership styles were identified among the nurse managers, which were directed towards the formations of hierarchical authority, hierarchical adjustment, career approach and devotional approach. Nurse managers with a composite leadership style experienced more management problems than nurse managers with a clear leadership style. There was a change in management direction and role from operational level towards adjustment and development levels in nurse managers over a period of three years. Nurse managers who completed a post basic education increased their management focus in relation to research and nursing development. Nurse managers who worked full-time in leading positions for a period of three years increased their communication channels outside health care and distributed power down the organization. Nurse managers with high demand at work in combination with low job support, low emotional support and with no affiliation to professional network showed increased odds for low self-rated health. Nurses in management position constituted a group under pressure influenced by traditional hierarchical power structure, with a high demand at work in relation to changing processes within health care organizations.


Accurate assessment of land-cover/land-use change is essential for understanding the impacts of global change and necessitates the use of satellite data. Satellite change detection requires large volumes of multitemporal images to be precisely registered. Image registration is particularly difficult in dynamic (i.e., rapidly time varying) landscapes since the changes themselves interfere with the process of tie-point identification. Despite the existence of sophisticated registration algorithms, it is still problematic to register images acquired over such areas due to a dearth of stable features. Hence, we propose an automated image registration method using tie points derived from pseudoinvariant features (PIFs) and apply the method to register satellite images for hydrologic change detection in the Arctic, where abundant shallow lakes dominate the landscape but change significantly over time. A key to the method is the identification of ldquoshape-stablerdquo lakes as PIFs, which preserve their geometric shape even though the shorelines may migrate significantly. The proposed method automatically identifies PIFs based on scale-invariant shape descriptors and employs their center points for establishing the registration model. Our method thus consists of water-body feature extraction, PIF detection based on feature shape criteria, and image registration using tie points derived from the PIFs. The approach is used to register 1978 and 2000 Landsat images in Alaska, where lakes dominate the landscape and change significantly over time. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated quantitatively, and a high subpixel registration accuracy of 0.66 pixel at Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus resolution (i.e., 19 m) is achieved. A comparative evaluation indicates that the proposed approach outcompetes the conventional manual tie-point selection method and automated image registration techniques based on fast Fourier transform.


Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the decision usefulness of key audit matters (KAMs) disclosures from the perspective of financial analysts.

Design/methodology/approach
Using data from two groups of Chinese-listed firms subject to different audit standards, the authors use a quasi-natural experiment and the difference-in-differences approach to examine the impact of KAMs on analyst forecasts. The authors also conduct a textual analysis on management disclosures as well as on the content of KAM disclosures.

Findings
The results of this study show that both forecast errors and dispersion have significantly declined for the firms disclosing KAMs compared to the firms without such disclosures. Further analysis presents evidence that KAM disclosures have resulted in simultaneous increase in management disclosures and audit quality. In addition, auditor characteristics, such as auditor's dependence on client fees and its industry specialization, and firm's characteristics, such as its ownership structure and its social connection with the auditor, appear to affect the informativeness of KAM disclosures. The authors also perform content analysis of KAMs to provide additional insight.

Research limitations/implications
As AH firms are required to adopt the expanded audit report one year before A shares firms, by design, there is only one year in which these two types of companies differ. Therefore, the results without overgeneralizing the impact of KAM disclosures should be interpreted. In addition, this study involves the Chinese market alone and, therefore, may be affected by factors peculiar to the functioning of the Chinese economy and financial markets.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this study lies in highlighting the salience of KAM context in shaping the relationship between auditors, managers and analysts and its collective impact on information environment. The findings of this study are significant in that they help establish the importance of KAM disclosures in helping to assure that higher quality financial information is available to capital markets, as well as information that is otherwise unavailable given disclosure mandates in China. This study adds to the literature on the importance of providing additional means of safeguarding auditor independence and on the value of auditor expertise in providing useful content in audit disclosures. Moreover, the findings suggest that the expanded audit report can help reduce the level of asymmetric information, especially for state-owned entities. They provide insight on how the new audit rule influences managers and auditors communicating complex accounting matters as well as the moderating effect of the social connections between auditors and firm executives.


PurposeThis research is aimed to better understand what characteristics of family firms create a context in which family governance systems are more frequently adopted.Design/methodology/approachWe analyse a sample of 490 Spanish family businesses using cluster analysis, and we identify four different types of family businesses whose characteristics are associated to the adoption of different family governance systems, i.e. family councils and family protocols. The comparison between clusters of the baseline parameters was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for parametric variables, the χ2 test for parametric variables and Kruskal-Wallis for nonparametric variables. By conducting between-profile analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we tested for differences in the dependent variables (i.e. the existence of family councils and/or existence of family protocols) between the clusters, using cluster membership as the independent variable.FindingsTaking into account the characteristics of family firms in terms of ownership structure, management involvement, and family and organizational complexity, we identify four different contexts that create different communication needs and are related to the use of different family governance mechanisms. We characterize the different contexts or types of family firms as: founder-centric, protective, consensual and business-evolved. Our findings show that family protocols are associated to contexts with high family involvement in management and family complexity, while family councils are more frequent when there is a separation of managerial and ownership roles and there is a high organizational and family complexity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the value of social systems theory in order to explain the association between the characteristics of different firm types and contexts, and the use of family councils and family protocols to govern the relationship between the owner family and the business.Practical implicationsFamily governance mechanisms are widely recommended by practitioners and scholars. However, they are usually adopted only by a small percentage of family firms. This study helps to better understand what family governance systems may be more appropriate in different contexts and relativize the necessity of these governance mechanisms in function of the communication needs created within each context.Social implicationsThe improvement of family governance mechanisms helps to increase the likelihood of survival and durability of family firms. These firms contribute to more than 60% of employment in most developed countries. Consequently, good governance in family firms has social implications in terms of labour conditions and stability.Originality/valueMost family firms don't use family protocols or family councils to govern the relationship between the owner family and the firm. However, little is known about the reasons for this lack of structuration of the family-firm relationship. Using social systems theory, our research contributes to better understand the conditions in which business families are more prone to use structured forms to manage this relationship, as well as the reasons that may be constraining their adoption.


The ability of Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum strains from serotype groups O1 and O2 to reduce Fe3+ in the form of different chelates was investigated. All strains, grown in M9 minimal medium supplemented with 0.2% Casamino acids, reduced Fe3+ complexed by citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid and EDTA. In whole cells, the degree of reduction was dependent on the Fe3+ ligand and on the strain, with the greatest values corresponding to ferric dicitrate and serotype group O1 strains, respectively. The ferric-reductase activity increased, over the basal levels, when the cells were grown with iron added as ferric dicitrate, haemin or haemoglobin. All strains also reduced ferricyanide, a compound that is not transported into the bacterial cells. Ferricyanide reduction was also increased when the cells were grown in the presence of an iron source. All of the cell fractions (periplasm, membranes and cytoplasm) showed Fe3+-reducing activity, with the highest values observed in the presence of Mg2+, NADH and FAD in the assay buffer. Cytoplasmic ferric-reductase could be visualized using native polyacrylamide or starch gel electrophoresis, whereas the periplasmic and membrane reductase(s) could only be detected on starch gels. The results indicate the presence of different ferric-reductase activities in V. anguillarum, which could be involved in the different iron-acquisition systems present in this micro-organism, i.e. siderophore-mediated systems and siderophore-independent mechanisms.


The development of intestinal dysbacteriosis in white mice, caused by the administration of ampyox in large doses, was shown to be accompanied by a considerable decrease in cell-mediated and humoral antiendotoxin immunity, which was manifested by a decrease in the titers of antiendotoxin antibodies and in the content of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, capable of binding endotoxin.


The species recently described as Acanthostomum macroclemidis possesses the gonotyl in the form of a solid muscular pad uniquely diagnostic for species of Proctocaecum and is accordingly transferred to that genus. An artificial key to the 5 acanthostomine genera, as well as an updated phylogenetic hypothesis for the 10 known species of Proctocaecum, based on 11 characters and including 2 species described since the last phylogenetic analysis, are presented. The single most parsimonious phylogenetic tree with a consistency index of 87.5% suggests that Proctocaecum originated in Africa and spread to North America and South America before the breakup of Pangaea. As a result, the 2 North American and 1 South American species are most closely related to different African members of the genus. African and Indo-Pacific species inhabit crocodylids; hence, the occurrence of North American species in alligatorids and chelonians and a South American species in alligatorids are the result of host switches.


A skin burn model using variable thermophysical properties as a function of water content is studied as it is subjected to a heat flux at the skin surface. The model employs the finite element method to solve Pennes' [1] bio-heat equation as it is subjected to heat fluxes modeled from actual sensor test data. The model assesses burn damage using the burn integral of Henriques [2] using burn-threshold criteria Ω at both the epidermal-dermal and dermal-subcutaneous tissue interface. The model's times-to-degree burn, cumulative burn damage Ω, and peak temperatures are studied as the blood perfusion rate and water contents for the respective layers of skin are separately and arbitrarily varied. Results from the variable- and constant-property Pennes' models are compared.


Introduction Music therapy is becoming increasingly common as an adjunct therapy to support symptom management in palliative care settings. There is a small but promising research body identifying the effect of music therapy on patient reported outcomes, including health related quality of life. However, studies to date have paid little attention to the processes which lead to these changes in patient outcomes. Aims To explore the processes involved in the implementation of music therapy as part of a feasibility randomised control trial to an inpatient specialist palliative care setting in the United Kingdom. Methods A realist evaluation approach was used. A mixed-methods qualitative approach involved three focus groups with a range of healthcare professionals (n=19) and a music therapist in addition to an analysis of open-text in a quality of life questionnaire with patients (n=11). Results Music therapy contains multiple mechanisms that can provide physical, psychological, emotional, expressive, existential and social support. There is also evidence that the hospice context, instilled by a holistic approach to health care, is an important facilitator of the effects of music therapy. Examination of patients' responses helped identify specific benefits for patients with particular characteristics. Conclusions There is a synergy between the therapeutic aims of music therapy and those of palliative care, which appealed to a significant proportion of participants, who perceived it as effective.


While computed tomographic angiography using multidetector-row computed tomography has made a great innovation, magnetic resonance angiography(MRA) may enable demonstration of more adequate diagnostic information on such as the artery of Adamkiewicz. The advent of time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics(TRICKS)has permitted 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced MRA to obtain dynamic information. It is expected that the super high field magnetic resonance imagine equipment( ex. 3 tesla), new type acquisition coil and dedicated contrast media for MRA will play an important role in diagnosing great vessels.


Background: Clinical trials have indicated a weak correlation between HER2 expression levels and HER2 targeted therapy benefit. Other biological factors, such as HER2 signaling activity, may be important to measure, in addition to expression and amplification of HER2, when identifying patients eligible for HER2 therapies. To measure the HER2-driven signaling activity of a patient9s tumor cells, a new assay using an impedance biosensor, the CELx HER2 Signaling Profile (CELx HSP) Test, was developed. This study set out to provide an initial assessment of the CELx HSP Test, specifically to: 1) quantify HER2-driven signaling activity (HER2S) in cell lines and primary epithelial cells; 2) assess the correlation between HER2 expression levels and HER2 signaling activity; 3) define a preliminary cut-point between normal and abnormal HER2 signaling; and 4) estimate the proportion of HER2- primary breast cancer tumors with abnormal HER2 signaling. Methods: A training set of de-identified fresh breast tissue specimens was obtained from 50 patients, 34 with HER2- breast cancer (IHC 0 or 1+) and 16 healthy patients. Cell samples were comprised of epithelial cells extracted and cultured from each specimen. Reference human breast cancer cell lines (9 HER2+, 10 HER2-) were also tested, including two cell lines used as controls in IHC HER2 tests. Real time live cell response to specific HER2 agonists (NRG1b or EGF) and with or without an antagonist (pertuzumab, an FDA-approved HER2 dimerization inhibitor) was measured and quantified using an xCELLigence RTCA impedance biosensor (ACEA Biosciences, San Diego, CA). From these responses, the net amount of HER2 participation in HER2 signaling initiated by the HER2 agonists ("HER2S") was determined. Fluorescence cytometry was used to measure HER2 expression levels of each cell sample. Results: Of the HER2– breast tumor cell samples tested, 7 of 34 patients (20.5%; 95% CI=10%-37%) had net HER2 signaling activity that was greater than the median HER2S of the HER2+ cell lines. There was no categorical correlation between HER2 IHC status (+ or -) and HER2 signaling activity (abnormal or normal) (Pearson9s Chi-Square = 3.68; Phi Max = -0.78, Contingency Coefficient 0.28). The median HER2S, or net HER2 signaling activity, was comparable for the HER2- tumor, HER2- cell line, and the healthy patient samples (Md = 100, 117, 77, respectively). The median HER2S in HER2+ cell lines (Md = 248) is approximately 2.5-3.0 fold greater than the median of the other groups. A HER2S above 250 was considered abnormal or test positive, and was defined as the cut-point. The HER2S for the two IHC HER2 test control cell lines, SKBR3 for HER2+ and MDA-MB231 for HER2-, was 544 and 0. Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence that measurement of HER2 signaling activity may provide clinically relevant information, particularly for HER2- breast cancer patients. These results suggest a new group of HER2- breast cancer patients with abnormal HER2-driven signaling may benefit from anti-HER2 therapy. Additional studies are underway to confirm these findings and to analytically validate the CELx HSP test. Citation Format: Laing L, Burns D, MacNeil I, Rich B, Huang Y, Myhre S, Soltani S, Sullivan B. New method to measure functional HER2-driven signaling activity in primary tumor cells identifies HER2-negative breast cancers with abnormal HER2 signaling activity: New group of patients may benefit from anti-HER2 therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-14.


Background: Baclofen is the only clinically available metabotropic GABAB receptor agonist. Several reports has been discussed the efficacy of baclofen but the available data on its effect of the behavior and brains' histology are still limited. Objectives: This work aims to assess the effects of long term exposure to baclofen (8weeks) on behavior and brains' histology in rats Methods: Analysis of data of Twenty five healthy male Albino rats were performed. Rats weighing about 200–210 g with mean age of 65 days were randomly selected and categorized into three groups: Group 1(LD50 group): included five rats that gavaged with single dose of baclofen to test the LD50 of drug (145mg per Kg) .Group 2. (control group):included eight rats were gavaged with distilled water for 2 months. Group 3.(baclofen group): included 12 rats gavaged with 15mg/kg of baclofen (1/10th LD50) for 2 month. Behavioral Tests were conducted on all animals in group 2 and 3 including: Open-field test ,Open -field habituation task ,and object recognition(Novel) to examine the influence of drug on the cognition of rats. All animals were euthanized with ether after 24hours of last day of treatment. Brains were excised and collected from rats of group 2 and 3.Fixation of tissues was done using buffered solution of ten percent of formalin for twenty four hours with paraffin wax embedding. Sectioning and staining by hematoxylin and eosin protocol (H&E) and prepared to be examine histologically. To differentiate between the data of group 2 and 3 ,statistical analysis was performed by 1way analysis of variance (ANOVA) .Least significant difference test with Duncan test was used . Value of P of equal or less than 0.05 means the difference is significant . Results: This study revealed that the rats of baclofen group traveled a greater total distance(in both sessions) when compared with those of control indicating their hyperactivity. The zone specific analysis showed that the rats that were administered with baclofen consumed markedly greater time nearby the walls in the peripheral Received 5.11.2020 Accepted 15.11.2020


Fluoride (F) is capable of promoting abnormal proliferation and differentiation in primary cultured mouse osteoblasts(OB cells), although; the underlying mechanism responsible remain rare. This study aimed to explore the roles of Wingless and INT-1(Wnt) signaling pathways and screen appropriate doses of calcium (Ca2+) to alleviate the sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced OB cells toxicity. For this, we evaluated the effect of Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and Ca2+ on mRNA levels of wingless/integrated 3a (Wnt3a), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), Dishevelled 1 (Dv1), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), β-catenin, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (cMYC), as well as Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1) in OB cells challenged with 10-6 moL/L NaF for 24 h. Data demonstrated showed that F significantly increased the OB cells proliferation rate. Ectogenic 0.5 mg/L DKK1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of OB cells induced by F. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt 3a, LRP5, Dv1, LEF1, β-catenin, cMYC and Ccnd1 were significantly increased in F group, while significantly decreased in 10-6 moL/L NaF+0.5 mg/L DKK1 (FY) group. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a, LRP5, β-catenin and cMYC were significantly decreased in 10-6 moL/L NaF+2 mmoL/L CaCl2 (F+CaII) group. The proteins expression levels of Wnt3a, Cyclin D1, cMYC and β-catenin were significantly increased in F group whereas decreased in the F+CaII group. However, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GSK3β were significantly decreased in the F group while significantly increased in the F+CaII group. In summary, F activated the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, changed the related genes expression and β-catenin protein location in OB cells, promoting cell proliferation. 2 mmoL/L Ca2+ supplementation reversed the expression levels of genes and proteins related to the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.


Subjects in this study were asked to infer an attribute of a target person on the basis of his report about himself: Two informational determinants of such inferences were varied: (a) reliability of the report, i.e. the belief that the target person would correctly report events that had actually occurred and (b) diagnosticity of the actual events, i.e. the belief that the actual events are indicative of the attribute. Normative considerations require that the effect of diagnosticity be dependent on reliability so that as reliability increases, judgment should become less regressive, i.e. vary more as a function of events' diagnosticity. The results indicate that subjects employed a simple but inappropriate averaging rule in combining reliability and diagnosticity information. This rule, like many other simplifying judgmental heuristics, resulted in inferences that were more extreme than warranted by normative models. The inappropriate combination of reliability and diagnosticity information may thus contribute to observers' tendency to over-attribute personal characteristics to others.


Abstract Background Although it has been possible for many people to make a gradual transition to normal life or routine activities, the same seems far off for healthcare professionals. The current study examines in depth how the occupational balance of healthcare professionals has changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods The current study has a mixed design, which involves collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. In the first stage of the study, which is the quantitative one, Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11‐T) was used to collect data, whereas the second stage of the study, which is the qualitative one, was designed to explore occupational balance and the related issues via using semi‐structured interviews. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare parameters between the groups (working in active–passive contact with COVID patients). On the other hand, qualitative data were evaluated via consensual qualitative data analysis. Results The level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the study group was found to be significantly lower than the level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the control group (P = .005). Although there was no clear problem in self‐care activities of healthcare professionals, the balance between productivity and leisure time activities was disrupted. Conclusions Occupational balance and leisure time use of healthcare professionals, especially those who have active contact with COVID patients, have been affected. A further investigation can be carried out according to gender, age, and other demographic qualities.


Since its adoption in 1994 in the United States (U.S.), Monsanto's rBST product, Posilac®, has been very rapidly adopted by the commercial dairy industry. It has been shown in repeated studies to be safe for cows and to be both effective and profitable if used in adequately managed dairies. It has been widely affirmed as safe for consumers of dairy products. The economic value of rBST is exerted by increasing the production of existing cows. The prinicpal cash costs for using this technology are the cost of the product and the additional feed needed to produce the milk, with some additional labor or capital costs on some dairies. Under typical conditions, the use of Posilac® in adequately managed dairy herds returns well over 50% profit over the expenses at typical prices for milk and feed. By increasing production in existing cows, the technology spreads fixed costs over more production, increasing the margin and profits for the farm. The use of rBST is generally scale neutral and has a positive environmental impact by reducing the amount of manure produced per gallon of milk.


Abstract. The hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater evolution in the
Daweijia area of Dalian, northeast China, were characterised using
hydrochemistry and isotopes of carbon and sulfur (δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4). The aim was to distinguish anthropogenic impacts as distinct from natural processes, with a particular focus on sulfate, which is found at elevated levels (range: 54.4 to 368.8 mg L−1; mean: 174.4 mg L−1) in fresh and brackish groundwater. The current investigation reveals minor seawater intrusion
impact (not exceeding 5 % of the overall solute load), in contrast with
extensive impacts observed in 1982 during the height of intensive
abstraction. This indicates that measures to restrict groundwater abstraction
have been effective. However, hydrochemical facies analysis shows that the
groundwater remains in a state of ongoing hydrochemical evolution (towards
Ca–Cl type water) and quality degradation (increasing nitrate and
sulfate concentrations). The wide range of
NO3 concentrations (74.7–579 mg L−1) in the Quaternary aquifer indicates considerable input of fertilisers and/or leakage from septic
systems. Both δ13C (−14.5 to −5.9 ‰) and
δ34SSO4 (+5.4 to +13.1 ‰) values in groundwater show increasing trends along groundwater flow paths. While carbonate minerals may contribute to increasing δ13CDIC and δ34SSO4 values in deep karstic groundwater, high
loads of agricultural fertilisers reaching the aquifer via irrigation return
flow are likely the main source of the dissolved sulfate in Quaternary
groundwater, as shown by distinctive isotopic ratios and a lack of evidence
for other sources in the major ion chemistry. According to isotope mass
balance calculations, the fertiliser contribution to overall sulfate has
reached an average of 62.1 % in the Quaternary aquifer, which has a strong
hydraulic connection to the underlying carbonate aquifer. The results point
to an alarming level of impact from the local intensive agriculture on the
groundwater system, a widespread problem throughout China.


We focus on how different global temperature increases represented in IPCC reports have shifted over time. While the first four assessment reports had a roughly equal focus on temperatures above and below 2°C, the more recent fifth and sixth assessment reports have a considerably stronger focus on warming below 2°C. This is concerning as warming above 2°C is more likely given current emissions trajectories and is more influential on climate risk assessments.


Photometric observations of occultations of transiting exoplanets can place important constraints on the thermal emission and albedos of their atmospheres. We analyse photometric measurements and derive geometric albedo (Ag) constraints for five hot Jupiters observed with TESS in the optical: WASP-18 b, WASP-36 b, WASP-43 b, WASP-50 b and WASP-51 b. For WASP-43 b, our results are complemented by a VLT/HAWK-I observation in the near-infrared at 2.09 μm. We derive the first geometric albedo constraints for WASP-50 b and WASP-51 b: Ag < 0.445 and Ag < 0.368, respectively. We find that WASP-43 b and WASP-18 b are both consistent with low geometric albedos (Ag < 0.16) even though they lie at opposite ends of the hot Jupiter temperature range with equilibrium temperatures of ∼1400 K and ∼2500 K, respectively. We report self-consistent atmospheric models which explain broadband observations for both planets from TESS, HST, Spitzer and VLT/HAWK-I. We find that the data of both hot Jupiters can be explained by thermal emission alone and inefficient day-night energy redistribution. The data do not require optical scattering from clouds/hazes, consistent with the low geometric albedos observed.


Kinetics and products of the reaction of HONO with solid films of Fe2O3 and Arizona Test Dust (ATD) were investigated using a low pressure flow reactor (1 - 10 Torr) combined with a modulated molecular beam mass spectrometer. The reactive uptake of HONO was studied as a function of HONO concentration ([HONO]0 = (0.6 - 15.0) × 10(12) molecules cm(-3)), relative humidity (RH = 3 × 10(-4) - 84.1%) and temperature (T = 275 - 320 K). Initial reactive uptake coefficients were found to be similar under dark conditions and in the presence of UV irradiation (JNO2 = 0.012 s(-1)) and independent of the HONO concentration and temperature. In contrast, the relative humidity (RH) was found to have a strong impact on the uptake coefficients: γ (ATD) = 3.8 × 10(-6) (RH)(-0.61) and γ (Fe2O3) = 1.7 × 10(-6) (RH)(-0.62) (γ calculated with BET surface area, 30% conservative uncertainty). In both reactions of HONO studied, NO2 and NO were observed as gaseous products with yields of (60 ± 9) and (40 ± 6) %, respectively, independent of relative humidity, temperature, concentration of HONO and UV irradiation intensity. The observed data point to minor importance of the HONO uptake on mineral aerosol compared with other known sinks of HONO in the atmosphere, which are its dry deposition and photolysis in night-time and during the day, respectively.


For a detailed study of chromosome morphology in meiotic prophase stages of Beta species, a special double staining technic has been developed. It consists of combined maceration-staining in an ethanol-hydrochloric acid-carmine mixture followed by poststaining of the squashed material in a diluted Giemsa solution. The technic yields well-spread prophase meiotic nuclei showing detailed structures both in weaker stained chromosome segments and in threadlike chromatin structures. This technic proved to be especially favorable for stages which are difficult to interpret, such as pachytene, schizotene and diffuse stages.


We advance theorizing on the governance of the commons through a configurative comparative analysis (CCA) of community control in the housing commons. We focus our analysis on community land trusts (CLTs), which are increasingly recognised as a potential governance mechanism for collective access to housing provision for low-income communities. Through systematic comparative analysis of CLTs in the US and UK, we extend the existing evidence base and develop a conceptual typology of community control in the housing commons. The typology suggests that whilst some social purposes for CLTs may align with notions of the commons – enrichment of community politics, conservation of community life, or creation of participatory governance – other CLTs focus on housing provision as a means of making a broader contribution to the social economy, or as an asset-lock to enable wider provision for affordable housing. By understanding this differentiation, we challenge the assumption that design principles or governance mechanisms are sufficient for or inherently offer a singly clear route to community control, and recognise that community control is achieved through different pathways informed by the multiple configurations of dynamics between different aspects of governance, as usefully illuminated by CCA. Our approach demonstrates the value to scholarship and activism on the commons of systematic comparative analysis in order to interrogate the expansion of the commons not only in practice but in spirit.


1. Some kinetic properties of aspartate transcarbamoylase (EC 188.8.131.52), that had been purified approx. 20-fold from wheat germ, were studied. 2. A plot of enzyme activity against pH showed a low maximum at pH8.4 and a second, higher, maximum at pH10.5. A plot of percentage inhibition by 0.2mm-UMP against pH was approximately parallel to the plot of activity against pH, except that between pH6.5 and 7.5 the enzyme was insensitive to 0.2mm-UMP. 3. Kinetics were studied in detail at pH10.0 and 25 degrees C. In the absence of UMP, initial-rate plots were hyperbolic when the concentration of either substrate was varied. UMP decreased both V(max.) and K(m) in plots of initial rate against l-aspartate concentration, but the plots remained hyperbolic. However, UMP converted plots of initial rate against carbamoyl phosphate concentration into a sigmoidal shape, without significantly affecting V(max.). Plots of initial rate against UMP concentration were also sigmoidal. 4. The theoretical model proposed by Monod et al. (1965) gave a partial explanation of these results. When quasi-equilibrium conditions were assumed analysis in terms of this model suggested a trimeric enzyme binding the allosteric ligands, carbamoyl phosphate and UMP, nearly exclusively to the R and T conformational states respectively, and existing predominantly in the R state when ligands were absent. However, the values of the Hill coefficients for the co-operativity of each allosteric ligand were somewhat less than those predicted by the theory. 5. Some of the implications of these results are discussed, and the enzyme is contrasted with the well-known aspartate transcarbamoylase of Escherichia coli.


We use quantum Monte Carlo method to study the indirect coupling between two magnetic impurities on the zigzag edge of graphene ribbon, with respect to the chemical potential $\mu$. We find that the spin-spin correlation between two adatoms located on the nearest sites in the zigzag edge are drastically suppressed around the zero-energy. As we switch the system away from half-filling, the antiferromagnetic correlation is first enhanced and then decreased. If the two adatoms are adsorbed on the sites belonging to the same sublattice, we find similar behavior of spin-spin correlation except for a crossover from ferromagnetic to antiferromagentic correlation in the vicinity of zero-energy. We also calculated the weight of different components of d-electron wave function and local magnet moment for various values of parameters, and all the results are consistent with those of spin-spin correlation between two magnetic impurities.


OBJECT
In vascular smooth-muscle cells, the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is involved in the regulation of [Na+]i, pHi through [H+], and cell volume. Recently, investigations have determined that this exchanger contributes to ischemia and reperfusion injury in coronary circulation. Nonetheless, there is limited information on this glycoprotein in cerebral circulation, especially microcirculation. Thus, the authors in the present study examined the role of NHE in the regulation of cerebral arteriolar tone and its related mechanisms in vitro.

METHODS
The internal diameter of isolated pressurized intracerebral arterioles in rats was monitored with the aid of a microscope. To examine the basal activity of NHE two kinds of Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors (FR183998 and 5-[N,N-hexamethylene]amiloride) were administered in the arterioles. Furthermore the authors studied the effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor (NG methyl-L-arginine), Na+/K+ -adenosine triphosphatase (NKA) inhibitor (ouabain), and the Na+/Ca++ exchange inhibitor (SEA0400) on the vascular response induced by either of the Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors. Both of the Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors constricted the arteriole. Subsequent application of NO synthase inhibitor further decreased the diameter of the arterioles. The Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor-induced constriction was completely abolished in the presence of ouabain and SEA0400.

CONCLUSIONS
The NHE is active in the basal condition and regulates cerebral arteriolar tone through NKA and the Na+/Ca++ exchanger. Endogenous NO is not related to the activity of NHE in basal conditions.


Subacute lead perforation of the right ven-tricle caused acute, reactive, acalculous cholecystis, which initially distracted the attention of physicians from the develop-ment of hematopericard. Implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator in a young patient after sudden cardiac arrest, but be-fore treatment of significant stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery, resulted in a life-threatening condition only 36 days after arrest. After removing the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, there was no sign of pathological cardiac rhythm disorders.


ABSTRACT With increasing evidence and concern over human impacts on planetary systems, children are more likely to be exposed to such changes, and be affected by them, over their lifetime. This qualitative multiple case study explores the ways in which young Maltese children (aged 3–7 years) perceive the environment. Preliminary data were collected via observations in two state schools and one household. Document analysis and semi-structured conversational interviews with 9 children, including children's drawings and their interpretations of them provided breadth and depth to the data collection process. Findings indicate that children perceived the environment as nature; in terms of a human-environment relationship; as an asset to humanity; and, as a sense of place and identity. While they held misconceptions, they also exhibited protective dispositions. The implications of these findings for policy and practice, and some of the directions for future research that stem from this study, are discussed.


The present work highlights the impact of the working dielectric fluid on the flow and the thermal parameters of an axially grooved flat mini heat pipe (FMHP) submitted to Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effects. Three dielectric working fluids are considered: pentane, R123, and R141b. A model is developed by considering the Laplace-Young, mass, momentum, and energy balance equations. The numerical results show that the electric field affects the liquid distribution along the heat pipe and helps the condensate to flow back to the evaporator section. Moreover, under the electric field conditions, the vapor pressure drop increases, however, the liquid pressure drop decreases. The effect of the electric field on the liquid velocity depends on the FMHP zone, and the vapor velocity is hardly affected by the EHD effects. Furthermore, lower capillary driving pressures are required to provide the necessary capillary pumping under EHD conditions. Besides, pentane allows for higher vapor pressure drops compared to those obtained with R123 and R141b, while the liquid pressure drops are highest for R123. It is found that with R123, the liquid velocity is higher than that reached with R141b and pentane. It is also demonstrated that the capillary limit increases under EHD conditions, and for R141b, the capillary limit is the highest either in zero-field and EHD conditions. Best heat pipe thermal performances are observed for wide and deep grooves with R141b. Finally, the optimum fill charge allowing the maximum heat transfer capacity is determined for each working fluid and different groove dimensions. It is shown that the optimum fill charge is hardly affected by the electric field whatever the working fluid. R123 requires the highest optimum fill charge, however, the heat transport capacity of the FMHP is the lowest when using this working fluid.


A runway incursion prevention system (RIPS) was evaluated in a full mission simulation study at the NASA Langley Research center in March 2002. RIPS integrates airborne and groundbased technologies to provide (1) enhanced surface situational awareness to avoid blunders and (2) alerts of runway conflicts in order to prevent runway incidents while also improving operational capability. A series of test runs was conducted in a high fidelity simulator. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the RIPS airborne incursion detection algorithms and associated alerting and airport surface display concepts. Eight commercial airline crews participated as test subjects completing 467 test runs. This paper gives an overview of the RIPS, simulation study, and test results.


Efficient and reliable protoplasting, regeneration, and fusion techniques were established for the prototrophic strain Bacillus stearothermophilus NUB36. Auxotrophic mutants were isolated, and protoplast fusion was used to construct isogenic mutant strains and for chromosomal mapping. Markers were mapped using two-, three-, and four-factor crosses. The order of the markers was hom-1-thr-1-his-1-(gly-1 or gly-2)-pur-1-pur-2. These markers may be analogous to hom, thrA, hisA, glyC, and purA markers on the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. No analogous pur-1 marker has been reported in B. subtilis. The relative order of three of the markers (hom-1-thr-1-gly-1) was independently confirmed by transduction.


Background: Extensive malaria control measures have been implemented on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea over the past 16 years, reducing parasite prevalence and malaria-related morbidity and mortality but without achieving elimination. Malaria vaccines offer hope for reducing the burden to zero. Three Phase 1/2 studies have been conducted successfully on Bioko Island to evaluate the safety and efficacy of whole Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite (SPZ) malaria vaccines. A large, pivotal trial of the safety and efficacy of the radiation-attenuated Sanaria® PfSPZ Vaccine against Pf is planned for 2022. This study assessed the incidence of malaria at the Phase 3 study site and characterized the influence of socio-demographic factors on the burden of malaria to guide trial design. Methods: A cohort of 240 randomly selected individuals aged 6 months to 45 years from North Bioko Province, Bioko Island, was followed for 24 weeks after clearance of parasitemia. Assessment of clinical presentation consistent with malaria and thick blood smears were performed every two weeks. Incidence of first and multiple malaria infections per person-time of follow-up was estimated, compared between age groups, and examined for associated socio-demographic risk factors. Results: 58 malaria infection episodes (malaria) were observed during the follow up period, including 47 first and 11 repeat infections. The incidence of malaria was 0.25 [95% CI (0.19, 0.32)] and of first malaria was 0.23 [95% CI (0.17, 0.30)] per person per 24 weeks (0.22 in 6-59-month-olds, 0.26 in 5-17-year-olds, 0.20 in 18-45-year-olds). Incidence of first malaria with symptoms was 0.13 [95% CI (0.09, 0.19)] per person per 24 weeks (0.16 in 6-59-month-olds, 0.10 in 5-17-year-olds, 0.11 in 18-45-year-olds). Multivariate assessment showed that study area, gender, malaria positivity at screening, and household socioeconomic status independently predicted the observed incidence of malaria. Conclusion: Despite intensive malaria control efforts on Bioko Island, local transmission remains and is spread fairly evenly throughout age groups. These incidence rates are sufficient to support the planned future trial of PfSPZ Vaccine. The long-term goal is to conduct mass vaccination programs to halt transmission and eliminate Pf malaria.


AIM
To determine if there is a relationship between maternal methadone dose in pregnancy and the diagnosis or medical treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and PsychINFO were searched for studies reporting on methadone use in pregnancy and NAS (1966-2009). The relative risk (RR) of NAS was compared for methadone doses above versus below a range of cut-off points. Summary RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses explored the impact of limiting meta-analyses to prospective studies or studies using an objective scoring system to diagnose NAS.

RESULTS
A total of 67 studies met inclusion criteria for the systematic review; 29 were included in the meta-analysis. Any differences in the incidence of NAS in infants of women on higher compared with lower doses were statistically non-significant in analyses restricted to prospective studies or to those using an objective scoring system to diagnose NAS.

CONCLUSIONS
Severity of the neonatal abstinence syndrome does not appear to differ according to whether mothers are on high- or low-dose methadone maintenance therapy.


Contrary to the claims of pessimists and soothsayers who would have us believe that the area of research on teaching is essentially barren and unproductive with few consistent findings that are usable in classrooms, this paper seeks to dispel some of this gloom by focusing on an area that not only has a well established research tradition, but which is generating considerable interest at the moment. Recent research has substantiated what classroom practitioners have long believed about the relationship between pupil engagement and achievement. Furthermore, consistent teaching behaviours and classroom variables are beginning to emerge that are associated with pupil engagement on learning tasks. Systematic and detailed analysis of the related variables incorporated under "academic learning time" represent one of the most hopeful leading edges at the moment in research on teaching.


This paper presents an implementation of a platform independent embedded web server and its integration into a network of wireless sensor nodes. The embedded web server is designed and built as an expansion module for one of the nodes in the wireless sensor network (WSN). It allows authorized Internet users to establish two-way communication with the sensor network. The server uses limited available hardware resources to implement an interface to the WSN node and to serve dynamic HTML pages to the remote user. This allows the user to monitor the operation of the WSN remotely, to periodically download the sensed data, and to change the operation mode of the network. In addition to providing monitoring and data collection services, the embedded web server can generate email alerts about critical issues in the WSN, provide secure access to modules that change the operation of the WSN, shut down sensor nodes, and log data from the network into an on-board flash memory.


This paper presents a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technique, Acoustic Emission (AE) to classify pitting corrosion severity in austenitic stainless steel 304 (SS304). The corrosion severity is graded roughly into five levels based on the depth of corrosion. A number of timedomain AE parameters were extracted and used as features in our classification methods. In this work, we present practical classification techniques based on Bayesian Statistical Decision Theory, namely Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) classifiers. Mixture of Gaussian distributions is used as the class-conditional probability density function for the classifiers. The mixture model has several appealing attributes such as the ability to model any probability density function (pdf) with any precision and the efficiency of parameter-estimation algorithm. However, the model still suffers from model-order-selection and initialization problems which greatly limit its applications. In this work, we introduced a semi-parametric scheme for learning the mixture model which can solve the mentioned difficulties. The method was compared with conventional Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) and Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) to evaluate its performance. We found that our proposed methods gave much lower classificationerror rate and also far smaller variance of the classifiers.


In this paper, signal integrity analysis of traces between two parallel planes with an electromagnetic-bandgap (EBG) structure is made. It is shown that, within the stopband, the signal transmission quality is excellent, traces in the EBG structure are free from cavity resonances, and behave as regular standard transmission lines. It is shown that the high-impedance surface behaves as a solid continuous reference plane within the stopband. The impedances of the traces between the high-impedance surface and the reference planes are extracted. It is found that the extracted impedances are exactly the same as striplines with the same parameters. It is shown that the traces between the high-impedance surface and the reference planes are regular standard striplines within the stopband. In addition, a novel four-via EBG structure is proposed to broaden the stopband for simultaneous switching noise suppression in high-speed digital printed circuit boards and packages. This four-via EBG structure has a higher relative bandwidth and lower center frequency. Compared with one-via EBG structure with the same parameters, the stopband is broadened three times and relative bandwidth is increased 1.3 times, while there is very little additional cost since there is no more change than number of vias. Two test boards with four-via EBG structure were fabricated to verify the signal integrity of the traces and the impedances extraction. Good agreements are observed between the simulations and measurements


Diploma thesis deals with digitized, computerized flight control system »Fly-by-wire« and security aspects of the computer system of an aircraft Airbus A330. As for space and military aircraft structures is also in commercial airplanes, much of the financial contribution devoted to reliability. Conventional aircraft control systems have, and some are still, to rely on mechanical and hydraulic connections between the controls on aircraft operated by the pilot and control surfaces. But newer aircrafts are in most using the "Fly-by-wire" system, where the commands in the flight deck are generating signals which are then interpreted by computers in the output commands, and are then driven by hydraulic systems which operate the control surfaces.
In the introductory chapter, I introduced the very concept of avionics and the main features of »Fly-by-wire« system. Then in the second chapter I presented the system extensively, including its history, security and benefits such as reducing the burden pilots and aircraft weight reduction and the difference between Boeing 777 and Airbus standard »Fly-by-wire« system. I also examined the situation in the field of avionics and flight control systems. In the third chapter I examined closely reliability aspects of an aircraft including the Airbus A330 primary flight control system, air traffic controls, computer architecture, redundancy, fault tolerance, navigation and communication. The main analysis of the reliability considerations is made in the fourth and fifth chapter, where I first examined and described the theory of reliability in computer systems and then with the calculations showed a likelihood of systemic activity of individual units of air craft.


1. The processes of osmotic regulation in the larvae of Aedes aegypti and of A. detritus have been studied by determination of the freezing-point of samples of fluid collected from different parts of the gut.

2. In A. aegypti , kept in fresh water (its normal environment), the fluid passing down the intestine to the rectum is isotonic with the haemolymph. In the rectum it becomes strongly hypotonic before being eliminated.

3. In A. detritus , kept in sea water (its normal environment), the opposite process is observed, the fluid in the rectum becoming hypertonic to the haemolymph and approximately isotonic with the external medium before being eliminated.

4. In A. detritus , which is able to live in dilute media as well as in sea water, the only two specimens from fresh water available for examination were found to have the rectal fluid hypotonic to the haemolymph.

5. The ability of A. detritus , not possessed by A. aegypti , to produce an hypertonic fluid in the rectum is tentatively associated with a region in the anterior part of the rectum and lined with an epithelium distinctly different from that in the remainder of the rectum. This anterior region has not been found in A. aegypti .


Using a mechano-luminescent(ML) paint, which allows the visualization of fast propagating crack under conventional loading conditions, a catastrophic fracture mechanism associated to crack tip melting and wake bridging in bulk metallic glass, is described in this paper. Fracture occurs in two steps with, first, crack initiation from the mechanically machined sharp notch tip in a rectangular shaped compact tension specimen and melting of its tip due to intense shear deformation within very few deformation bands. Then, the crystalline phase in the glass matrix gradually converts the molten crack into a conventional bridged crack as it propagates.


The pace of tree microevolution during Anthropocene warming is largely unknown. We used a retrospective approach to monitor genomic changes in oak trees since the Little Ice Age (LIA). Allelic frequency changes were assessed from whole-genome pooled sequences for four age-structured cohorts of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) dating back to 1680, in each of three different oak forests in France. The genetic covariances of allelic frequency changes increased between successive time periods, highlighting genome-wide effects of linked selection. We found imprints of convergent linked selection in the three forests during the late LIA, and a shift of selection during more recent time periods. The changes in allelic covariances within and between forests mirrored the documented changes in the occurrence of extreme events (droughts and frosts) over the last three hundred years. The genomic regions with the highest covariances were enriched in genes involved in plant responses to pathogens and abiotic stresses (temperature and drought). These responses are consistent with the reported sequence of frost (or drought) and disease damage ultimately leading to the oak dieback after extreme events. Our results therefore provide evidence of selection operating on long-lived species during recent climatic changes.


In SSL general illumination, there is a clear trend to high flux packages with higher efficiency and higher CRI addressed with the use of multiple color chips and phosphors. However, such light sources require the optics provide color mixing, both in the near-field and far-field. This design problem is specially challenging for collimated luminaries, in which diffusers (which dramatically reduce the brightness) cannot be applied without enlarging the exit aperture too much. In this work we present first injection molded prototypes of a novel primary shell-shaped optics that have microlenses on both sides to provide Köhler integration. This shell is design so when it is placed on top of an inhomogeneous multichip Lambertian LED, creates a highly homogeneous virtual source (i.e, spatially and angularly mixed), also Lambertian, which is located in the same position with only small increment of the size (about 10-20%, so the average brightness is similar to the brightness of the source). This shell-mixer device is very versatile and permits now to use a lens or a reflector secondary optics to collimate the light as desired, without color separation effects. Experimental measurements have shown optical efficiency of the shell of 95%, and highly homogeneous angular intensity distribution of collimated beams, in good agreement with the ray-tracing simulations.


Background: Urinalysis is an important component in the assessment of acute kidney injury (AKI). Proteonomics is a rapidly developing approach in the analysis of physiological states. Several techniques have been developed to screen for protein populations. In this regard SELDI-TOF is a technique based on mass spectroscopy that is being utilized in proteonomics research. Methods: For this study, clean catch or catheterized urine was collected from normals (n=18) and patients referred to the renal service with AKI. Based upon urine and serum chemistries, clinical parameters, and microscopic urinalysis, the urines were separated into those consistent with prerenal azotemia (n=17) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) (n=29). Initially, 5 samples each were chosen from the pre-renal and ATN who had no preexisting renal disease. Other etiologies of AKI were not included in this analysis. The urine specimens were diluted 1:5 and deposited onto an H4 ProteinChip array using 50% acetonitrile as the binding buffer. This system captured the greatest spectral range with the SELDI-TOF evaluation (compared to SAX, WCX2, IMAC, and NP1 ProteinChips). Low (250) and high (300) laser intensities were utilized to ionize and desorb the protein molecules; the spectra were collected in a positive ion mode and analyzed with Ciphergen Peaks software (v 3.0). Results: Five peaks with the high laser power were identified as potential candidates to discriminate between AKI due to prerenal or ATN causes. Those urines from the prerenal subjects were associated with detectable masses at 22.6 and 44.8 kilodaltons (KD); whereas subjects with ATN were noted to have urine with substantial masses at 11, 11.7, and 14.6 KD. The intensity of these peaks were then added together and normalized with the individual components of the discriminate peaks representing a percentage of the total. The prerenal and ATN subjects were then randomized in a training set consisting of 23 subjects and a testing set consisting of 23 subjects. Multiple linear regression was performed on the training set, and this allowed for 65% accuracy when applied to the testing set. Feed forward neural networks with hidden neuron layers ranging from 2-10 achieved similar predictive capability on the training set and testing sets. Conclusions: Although the SELDI-TOF methodology may be a useful adjunct in the assessment of AKI and renal disease, we suggest that larger training sets will be necessary to effectively exploit this strategy.


Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) have proven to be effective tools for teaching and training. However, ITSs have not become common in industrial and organisational settings, in part because their complexity has proven difficult to manage outside of the research lab. Minimalist ITSs are an attempt to bridge the gap between research and practical application; they simplify research techniques while striving to maintain as much pedagogic intelligence as possible. This paper describes one such system, SWIFT, that is an example of how a minimalist ITS can be delivered as a commercial product. We outline some of the issues facing designers of a minimalist system, and describe the ways that research techniques have been incorporated into four modules of SWIFT: adaptive testing, course planning, guidance, and diagnosis.


The thesis is about the shift of UK public sector procurement from the current transactional and tactical procurement processes into a strategic commercial management function in order to create and retain value. Strategic Commercial Management being the adoption of the most appropriate and relevant procurement approach in determining supply chain management relationships i.e. transactional, relational or a combination of both approaches. This is informed by the influences that the structure and configuration of supply chain management has on value creation and retention. The study addresses two primary research issues. The structure and organisation of public sector procurement groups determines their ability to manage highly complex public sector procurement requirements and the type of procurement approach adopted is likely to determine their ability to deliver greater value. The methodology is based on cases of three UK Government Departments (Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs). In which quantitative analysis (multiple linear regression modelling) was used to determine the effect of procurement approaches on value creation and retention and qualitative analysis used in the identification and analysis of the critical success factors. The study concludes that a shift towards the procurement of standard services based on output or outcomes provides the optimum strategic commercial management. That the adoption of a combination of transactional and relational procurement approach provides the most effective basis for increasing the delivery of value and ensuring that it is not eroded. This thesis provides a framework for value creation and retention for practitioners. It also provides the basis for leveraging adopted procurement approaches and develops a number of critical success factors for implementation. The thesis offers up a theoretical model with specific predictions by predicting the effect that transactional, relational or the combination of both approaches has on value creatio


Multistep electrochemical anodization is an electrochemical experiment orderly conducting in different electrolytes. In this paper, TiO2 nanotube arrays have been firstly anodic grown in aqueous electrolyte (H3PO4/HF) and later anodic grown in organic electrolyte (glycerol/NH4F). Compared with separately anodizing in aqueous and organic electrolyte, the morphology of the resulting nanotube arrays can be optimized. SEM images showed that the obtained nanotubes have a length of more than 2 μm and single-pore diameter ranging from 120 to 150 nm. The current work indicates that the multistep electrochemical anodization has a contribution to the optimization of the morphology of TiO2 nanotube arrays.


At the recent meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Washington, DC, Theodore Staahl, Modesto, Calif, presented a method for reconstruction of the lower eyelid. He proposes a new technique for reconstruction of full-thickness lower eyelid defects, such as those occurring after excision of a basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the free margin of the lower eyelid. Modifying a technique used by Segal for ectropion repair, he develops a skin-muscle flap from the upper eyelid, being sure to maintain at least an 8-mm pedicle of muscle laterally. This bipedicled flap is swung inferiorly. The lining of the flap is created by a composite upper lateral nasal cartilage-plus-mucosa graft. The curve and thinness of this graft closely mimic the tarsal plate. The flap and graft are joined to the superior margin, and the rest of the flap and graft are sutured in place. The advantages


Universities in the UK have traditionally operated under a common system which institutionalises important restrictive practices. They have operated in a cartel whose output had been regulated by government. The individual firms (ie universities) are allocated quotas of students by government, and fees and salaries are set in ways that are typical of a classic cartel. The university cartel is underpinned by a further monopoly, granted as of right to each university. In the UK nobody can award degrees unless empowered to do so by royal charter. Professor Douglas Hague takes this argument a stage further by stating that current stage of economic development is strongly based on the acquisition, analysis and transmission of information and on its application. Universities will therefore be forced to share, or even give up, part of their role as repositories of information and as power bases for ideas transmitted through teaching and writing. In this richly original Hobart Paper, Professor Hague identifies the challenges which universities will have to meet and argues that, if these can be overcome, universities should be able to survive both as competitors and complements of the knowledge industries over the coming decades. First published in 1991, with a second impression in 1996, this book has stood the test of time and is remarkably prescient given technical change over the last ten years.


Soybean isoflavones have structures similar to that of estrogen and have received attention as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Daidzein, a major isoflavone found in soybean, is metabolized to equol by gut microflora, and the metabolite exhibits a stronger estrogenic activity than daidzein. However, there is no direct evidence that equol affects bone metabolism. In this study, we examined the effect of equol on the inhibition of bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Female mice (8 wk old) were assigned to 5 groups as follows: sham-operated (sham), OVX, OVX + 0.1 mg/d equol administration (0.1 Eq), OVX + 0.5 mg/d equol administration (0.5 Eq), and OVX + 0.03 microg/d 17beta-estradiol administration (E(2)). Equol and E(2) were administered s.c., using a mini-osmotic pump. At 4 wk after the intervention, uterine weight was less in the OVX mice than in sham-operated mice (P < 0.05). The weight was maintained in the E(2) group. In contrast, administration of equol at doses used in this study did not affect uterine atrophy in OVX mice. Bone mineral density (BMD) for the whole body in the OVX group measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was lower than that in the sham group, whereas administration of 0.5 mg/d Eq as well as E(2) maintained the BMD. The BMD of the femur and lumbar spine in the OVX group was also lower than those in the sham group, and treatment with 0.5 mg/d Eq maintained it. Notably, the BMD of the proximal femur in the 0.5 Eq group was the same as that of the sham group. E(2) inhibited bone loss from all regions induced by OVX. These results suggest that equol, a major metabolite of daidzein, inhibits bone loss apparently without estrogenic activity in the reproductive organs of OVX mice.


A lek is an aggregated male display that females attend for the purpose of fertilization. A male needs to climb the relative hierarchy to be available for mating when the peak of female estrus occurs. We analyzed the link between timing of lek use by males in relation to age, phenotype, territoriality, and mating success. For more than a decade, we collected radio-tracking data and behavioral observations of a lekking mammal, the fallow deer (Dama dama). Competitively stronger males (i.e., older and heavier males with larger antlers) moved to the lek before less competitive ones. However, an early arrival did not guarantee the territory defense for a longer period nor higher mating success. The early arrival seemed to be a necessary but not sufficient condition to be a successful male in a lek. In fact, the ability to defend a territory for longer was related to age, body mass, antler length but not arrival time. We accordingly argue that males move to the lek early because they need to engage in male–male interactions and scent-marking activities. Successful males left the lek later than unsuccessful ones. The latter did not attempt to compensate for their low mating success by remaining in the lek, likely adopting alternative strategies outside of it. Adult males seeking for a chance to defend the territory and mate have to move to the lek early and stay there until the end of the rut, though this does not guarantee them a higher mating success.


Aggression is part of South African society and has implications for the mental health of persons living in South Africa. If parents are aggressive adolescents are also likely to be aggressive and that will impact negatively on their mental health. In this article the nature and extent of adolescents' experiences of aggression and aggressive behaviour in the family are investigated. A deductive explorative quantitative approach was followed. Aggression is reasoned to be dependent on aspects such as self-concept, moral reasoning, communication, frustration tolerance and family relationships. To analyse the data from questionnaires of 101 families (95 adolescents, 95 mothers and 91 fathers) Cronbach Alpha, various consecutive first and second order factor analyses, correlations, multiple regression, MANOVA, ANOVA and Scheffe/ Dunnett tests were used. It was found that aggression correlated negatively with the independent variables; and the correlations between adolescents and their parents were significant. Regression analyses indicated that different predictors predicted aggression. Furthermore, differences between adolescents and their parents indicated that the experienced levels of aggression between adolescents and their parents were small. Implications for education are given. Keywords: adolescents, experience of aggression, families, multivariate differential analyses