BACKGROUND
Little is known about how influenza infections caused by B/Victoria and B/Yamagata virus lineages compare with respect to disease course and susceptibility to antiviral therapy.

METHODS
Data from patients with influenza B infections from the first 5 years (2009-2013) of the prospective Influenza Resistance Information Study (IRIS, NCT00884117) were evaluated. Cultured viruses were phenotypically tested for neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) sensitivity, and sequenced to determine virus lineage (B/Victoria or B/Yamagata). Differences in clinical outcomes (viral clearance and symptom resolution) between virus lineages were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS
In all, 914 patients were positive for influenza B by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (

RT-PCR
B/Victoria, 586; B/Yamagata, 289; not subtyped, 39); 474 were treated with antivirals. No phenotypic resistance to oseltamivir or zanamivir was found in B/Victoria or B/Yamagata viruses. Of 15 predefined resistance mutations, 2 were detected by neuraminidase sequencing: I221T had reduced sensitivity to oseltamivir, and I221V was sensitive to NAI inhibition. No consistent differences between virus lineages in times to viral clearance or to symptom or fever resolution were found in adults and adolescents or in children.

CONCLUSIONS
Influenza B virus lineage had no notable effect on disease outcomes or antiviral susceptibility in this population.


Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the diagnosis of velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) in a patient presenting with schizophrenia and hypocalcaemia. Screening of deletion 22q11 in patients with schizophrenia is discussed. Clinical picture: We report a schizophrenic patient presenting with hypocalcaemia as the only feature of VCFS. Deletion 22q11 was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH). Treatment: The patient was treated with haloperidol 3 mg/day with resolution of psychotic symptoms. Outcome: The patient harboured some residual psychotic symptoms probably related to her irregular compliance. Conclusions: The wide range of phenotypic variability of VCFS makes screening of 22q11 deletion in schizophrenia difficult. It is proposed that screening of 22q11 deletion in schizophrenia should be selectively targeted only at patients with specific features of VCFS highly predictive of the presence of 22q11 deletion.


Mathematical (linear diffusion) equations are presented for two pseudoreservoir regions intersected by fault that describe the effects of partial communicating fault on pressure transient behaviour for each fault block. Green's and source function technique solve these equations. A two-well system is considered for the reservoir, on one block is the active well, which is producing at constant rate and the second well, the observation well on the other side of the fault, is shut in at all times. An analytical solution is presented for each block, and parametric group that uniquely determines specific transmissibility ratio of the fault to reservoir is identified. They are initially developed for well testing with measured sand face flow rate, but can be extended, using convolution integral that can be deconvolved by Laplace transformation, to correct for storage capacity of the well bore and near well bore complexities. These solutions can improve design and analysis of interference testing. Type curves are presented to characterize flow regime as predicted by Boudet et al. from which reservoir parameter can be estimated.


Southern Africa has been witnessing an upsurge in the departure of technical expertise in virtually allsectors over the last five years (Stilwell, 2003). This has resulted in qualified personnel seeking greenerpastures abroad. Movement of people from developing countries towards the developed worldespecially Europe and the Americas has been conspicuous. Anecdotes show that during the 1990s,total migration of professionals towards Western Europe and North America accounted for 30% of theflows registered throughout the world (ILO, 1996). It is estimated that in the year 2000 approximately175million people, or 2.9% of the world's population, were living outside their country of birth,compared to 100 million, or 1.8% of the total population, in 1995(Stilwell, 2003).


The issue of the use of signed language dictionaries in the standardization of signed languages is discussed with reference to the Australian Sign Language (Auslan) dictionaries. First I describe language standardization as broadly understood in the context of written and unwritten languages, on the one hand, and signed and spoken languages on the other. I then describe the distinctive situation of deaf community signed languages and the types of dictionaries that have recently been produced of these languages and the limitations. I detail the structure of the Auslan dictionaries and argue that bilingual, bidirectional dictionaries of this type must be produced first if communities are to encourage language standardization in a meaningful and informed way. I conclude that the Internet provides a means of recording and displaying signed language lexicons in widely dispersed signing communities in a way that may facilitate language standardization in a grassroots manner, rather than being imposed on the community in the form of a prescriptive publication.


In this study, aqueous solutions containing mixtures of heavy metals namely Zn (II), Pb (II), Cr (III), and Cr (VI) were treated by polymer‐enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) using unmodified starch as binding biopolymer. The performance of starch in removing these heavy metals was compared with that of polyethylene glycol (PEG) a commonly used polymer in PEUF processes. Rejection coefficients and flux were studied under different values of pH solution and metal ion concentrations maintaining the transmembrane pressure constant at 1.5 bar. At pH 7, and starch concentration of 0.05%, the rejection was the highest at around 90%. As metal ion concentration increased from 10 to 50 mg/L, the rejection of metal ions decreased. It was found that starch gave higher rejection for Zn (II) and Cr (III) at 0.05 g/L of polymer concentration, whereas 1 g/L of PEG concentration gave higher rejection for Cr (VI) at 10 mg/L. The influence of metal ion concentration on Pb (II) rejection is not significant for the two selected polymers. The rejection of these metal ions by starch in this study is found to be influenced by granule structure that generally behaved in a non‐ionic manner. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 359–367, 2015


Background: The association between pretreatment skeletal muscle index (SMI) and long-term survival of pancreatic carcinoma patients remains unclear up to now. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases were searched up to March 1, 2022 for relevant studies. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival and progression-free survival, respectively. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the relationship between pretreatment SMI and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma patients. All statistical analysis was conducted by STATA 15.0 software. Results: Twenty retrospective studies involving 3765 patients were included. The pooled results demonstrated that lower pretreatment SMI was significantly related to poorer overall survival (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.25–1.62, P < .001) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08–1.84, P = .012). Besides subgroup analysis based on the treatment (non-surgery vs surgery) and tumor stage (advanced vs early stage) showed similar results. Conclusion: Pretreatment SMI could serve as a promising and reliable prognostic factor for pancreatic carcinoma patients and lower pretreatment SMI predicted worse prognosis.


Buruli ulcer (BU) is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and the pacific mainly with high prevalence in West Africa. There is an increasing recognition of BU/HIV co-infection as an important challenge for treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, mainly in tropical regions. Because of its difficult management, BU/HIV co-infection due to IRIS or paradoxical reactions occurrence, and based on Tuberculosis/HIV co-infection management experience, at the initiative of WHO, some expert issued a preliminary guide to manage BU/HIV co-infection. We conducted a literature review based on current scientific articles and practice experiences to summarize information and guidance principles to make these following suggestions to health care practitioner: Before commencing BU treatment and before starting ART, all HIV/MU co-infected patients should be actively screened for tuberculosis. BU treatment should be commenced before commencing ART and provided for 8 weeks duration. And for the common sense, based on TB management experience HIV, TB and BU control programs should work together in a cooperative framework, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions where the prevalence of these 3 diseases seems high. As, HIV/BU co-infection is increasing in tropical regions, more study should be initiated to determine the cumulative effect of IRIS and paradoxical reactions in BU/HIV co-infected patients on ART and anti-mycobacterial agents, in order to set up recommendation as it was done in TB/HIV co-infection for proper management.


There is strong variation in glacier mass balances in High Mountain Asia. Particularly interesting is the fact that glaciers are in equilibrium or even gaining mass in the Karakoram and Kunlun Shan ranges, which is in sharp contrast with the negative mass balances in the rest of High Mountain Asia. To understand this difference, an in-depth understanding of the meteorological drivers of the glacier mass balance is required. In this study, two catchments in contrasting climatic regions, one in the central Himalaya (Langtang) and one in the Karakoram (Shimshal), are modeled at 1 km grid spacing with the numerical atmospheric model WRF for the period of 2011–2013. Our results show that the accumulation and melt dynamics of both regions differ due to contrasting meteorological conditions. In Shimshal, 92% of the annual precipitation falls in the form of snow, in contrast with 42% in Langtang. In addition, 80% of the total snow falls above an altitude of 5000 m a.s.l, compared with 35% in Langtang. Another prominent contrast is that most of the annual snowfall falls between December and May (71%), compared with 52% in Langtang. The melt regimes are also different, with 41% less energy available for melt in Shimshal. The melt in the Karakoram is controlled by net shortwave radiation (r = 0.79 ± 0.01) through the relatively low glacier albedo in summer, while net longwave radiation (clouds) dominates the energy balance in the Langtang region (r = 0.76 ± 0.02). High amounts of snowfall and low melt rates result in a simulated positive glacier surface mass balance in Shimshal (+0.31 ± 0.06 m w.e. year−1) for the study period, while little snowfall, and high melt rates lead to a negative mass balance in Langtang (−0.40 ± 0.09 m w.e. year−1). The melt in Shimshal is highly variable between years, and is especially sensitive to summer snow events that reset the surface albedo. We conclude that understanding glacier mass balance anomalies requires quantification and insight into subtle shifts in the energy balance and accumulation regimes at high altitude and that the sensitivity of glaciers to climate change is regionally variable.


: Purpose: The article deals with a division of a large electronics company. The disvison intends to improve its product profitability using Time-driven Activity-based Costing. It also aims at aligning the incentives of executives by setting feasible transfer prices and motivating targets. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article illustrates how variance analysis and Activity-based Costing help managers to understand the different profitability of products better. Findings: The case study can serve both as a discussion basis in class as well as an exam for students in management, operations, and accounting. Practical Implications: Students will need to reflect on how a mechanical application of incentive systems can lead to dysfunctional decisions that run counter to a company's business model. Originality/Value: The open questions at the end of the article serve the purpose of raising students' awareness of the limits of cash-based incentive systems.


Synthetic Aperture Radar convener:Yu Morishita(Geospatial Information Authority of Japan), Shoko Kobayashi(Tamagawa University), Youhei Kinoshita(一般財団法人リモート・センシング技術センター, 共同), Takahiro Abe(Earth Observation Research Center, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Mon. May 21, 2018 5:15 PM 6:30 PM Poster Hall (International Exhibition Hall7, Makuhari Messe) ALOS-2 and Sentinel-1, which have highly enhanced capacity compared to previous SAR satellites, were launched in 2014, and their utilization has been widely expanding as the data has accumulated. Now we are facing a new and abundant era of the satellite SAR, along with a worldwide trend to an open and free data policy of satellite data, and with next-generation advanced SAR satellite plans by several countries. In addition, SAR technologies with other platforms, such as ground-based SAR with high temporal resolution and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) SAR with flexible operability, have also been developed and used for various targets. These facts indicate that the SAR utilization data has become widespread in both basic researches (e.g., earth science) and diverse applications (e.g., disaster prevention and forest monitoring). In this session, we would like to share a broad knowledge and information regarding SAR. A wide range of research topics from basic researches to advanced applications will be welcomed.


Background
To evaluate the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the myocardium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods
Thirty-two 7-8-week-old female Wistar albino rats (300-350 g) were equally divided into 4 groups: nondiabetic untreated animals (control), diabetes mellitus (DM), NSO, and DM+NSO groups. For the induction of diabetes, 45 mg/kg streptozotocin was applied to the rats in the DM and DM+NSO groups as a single intraperitoneal dose. NSO (400 mg/kg) was orally administered through an intragastric catheter once a day over 21 days. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the myocardium were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically.

Results
Compared to the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups, the myocardial tissue samples from the rats in the DM group had significantly higher myositis, hyaline degeneration, and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, the Bcl-2 expressions were significantly higher in the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups than in the DM group.

Conclusion
NSO has a protective effect on the myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, most likely via suppressing apoptosis.


Building a composite web service as per the user"s complex need requires using the multiple online web services available. Selecting the best web service for composition will become combinatorial problem leads to be the NP complete problem. To solve this problem we are proposing a framework for composite web service using ant colony optimization algorithm. For choosing the proper path selection in ACO, we are negotiating with individual web service to select it for the participation during composite web service. For negotiation we are using intelligent agents for analyzing web services for based on semantic, WSDL and QOS description. As per the profile of the users the negotiation agents are built for building composite web services.


An enrichment culture producing methane from cellulose was studied. The culture is a system of changing microbial populations realizing various pathways of methane formation. This change of microbial associations is expressed in three phases of growth; each phase is characterized by its maximum of methane production. The first maximum is related to accumulation and utilization of propionic acid. The second maximum is due to methane formation from acetate by Methanosarcina. One of the possible pathways regulating the methanogenous ecosystem is the action of concentrations of the main metabolites--glucose and the products of its fermentation.


We describe combined analytic and experimental methods for determining reproductive statistics from time-series data. Our computational methods derive four fundamental measures from laboratory experiments: (i) average number of viral daughters; (ii) mean viral cycle time; (iii) standard deviation of the viral cycling time; and (iv) viral doubling time. Taken together, these four reproductive statistics characterize "age-specific fertility," a quantity that provides complete information on the reproduction of the average viral particle. In this paper, we emphasize applications relating to HIV and experiments for assessing cellular tropism, viral phenotypes, antiviral drugs, humoral immunity, and cytotoxic cellular immunity. Nevertheless, our method is quite flexible and applicable to the evaluation of drugs against bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, antineoplastic agents against cancer cells, and perturbations involving pest and wildlife releases in ecosystems.


This book gives a detailed mathematical and statistical analysis of the cointegrated vector autoregresive model. This model had gained popularity because it can at the same time capture the short-run dynamic properties as well as the long-run equilibrium behaviour of many non-stationary time series. It also allows relevant economic questions to be formulated in a consistent statistical framework. Part I of the book is planned so that it can be used by those who want to apply the methods without going into too much detail about the probability theory. The main emphasis is on the derivation of estimators and test statistics through a consistent use of the Guassian likelihood function. It is shown that many different models can be formulated within the framework of the autoregressive model and the interpretation of these models is discussed in detail. In particular, models involving restrictions on the cointegration vectors and the adjustment coefficients are discussed, as well as the role of the constant and linear drift. In Part II, the asymptotic theory is given the slightly more general framework of stationary linear processes with i.i.d. innovations. Some useful mathematical tools are collected in Appendix A, and a brief summary of weak convergence in given in Appendix B. The book is intended to give a relatively self-contained presentation for graduate students and researchers with a good knowledge of multivariate regression analysis and likelihood methods. The asymptotic theory requires some familiarity with the theory of weak convergence of stochastic processes. The theory is treated in detail with the purpose of giving the reader a working knowledge of the techniques involved. Many exercises are provided. The theoretical analysis is illustrated with the empirical analysis of two sets of economic data. The theory has been developed in close contract with the application and the methods have been implemented in the computer package CATS in RATS as a result of a rcollaboation with Katarina Juselius and Henrik Hansen.


Globally, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), notably methicillin-resistant S. aureus, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Vancomycin is considered a drug of last resort for severe MRSA and other resistant Gram-positive infections. Vancomycin enjoyed a high level of success for decades following MRSA outbreaks until recent reports of increasing S. aureus MICs culminating in high-level vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), first reported in 2002. Since then, there have been selected case reports of VRSA disease in the US and other countries. The resistance mechanism of VRSA is mediated by the VanA operon carried on the mobile genetic element Tn1546 acquired from vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus; co-infections with VRE have occurred in all cases. There has been no documented person to person VRSA transmission. The prolonged interval between exposure to vancomycin and VRSA development and the limited number of cases are reassuring; whether this translates to the needed extended period of clinical quiescence before a global epidemic is unknown. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), S. aureus pathogenicity and resistance patterns pose a significant threat to human health worldwide; MRSA, vancomycin intermediate-resistant S. aureus (VISA) and VRSA are currently classified as bacteria of high priority with potential to cause significantly devastating worldwide mortality in the absence of effective containment and therapeutic solutions. There are limited choices of drugs that are effective against VRSA; several promising therapeutic options are in research and development phases. VISA and VRSA have also been isolated in animal husbandry from pigs, goats, and cattle. We review VRSA history and evolution, clinical spectrum and management. We also speculate on future trends.


We determined the effects of day relative to parturition and prepartum plane of nutrition on hepatic partitioning of palmitate metabolism to CO2, acid-soluble products (ASP), and esterified products (EP). Multiparous Holsteins (n=74) were fed different amounts of nutrients during the dry period in a 3 (far-off period diet)×2 (close-up period diet) factorial arrangement. During the far-off period (d -60 to -25) cows received a low-energy control diet fed ad libitum (100NRC) to meet National Research Council (NRC) requirements, a moderate-energy diet fed ad libitum to exceed NRC recommendations for net energy of lactation (NEL) by >50% (150NRC), or the same diet fed at restricted intake to provide 80% of NEL requirements (80NRC). During the close-up period (d -24 until parturition), cows were fed a diet for ad libitum intake to meet NRC recommendations or in restricted amounts to provide 80% of calculated NEL requirements. After parturition, all cows had ad libitum access to a lactation diet. Liver slices from biopsies on d -30, -14, 1, 14, and 28 relative to parturition were used to determine conversion of [1-(14)C] palmitate to CO2, ASP, and EP. Across diets, oxidation of palmitate to CO2 was decreased postpartum, whereas oxidation to ASP was increased at d 1 postpartum compared with other times. Conversion of palmitate to EP increased markedly postpartum, with the greatest rates at d 1 postpartum. Conversion of palmitate to CO2 and ASP on d 1 postpartum was lower and the proportion of palmitate metabolism as EP was greater for cows fed 150NRC than for those fed 100NRC or 80NRC. Hepatic triacylglycerol concentration at d 1 postpartum was greatest for cows fed 150NRC. Palmitate metabolism did not differ between close-up diets. Hepatic triacylglycerol was negatively correlated with tissue metabolism of palmitate to CO2 and ASP but positively correlated with metabolism to EP. Hepatic triacylglycerol was highly correlated with NEFA concentrations on the day of calving and d 1 postpartum but not with NEFA prepartum. In contrast, plasma BHBA postpartum was not correlated with hepatic palmitate metabolism by liver slices but was highly correlated with NEFA concentration prepartum. Excessive energy intake during the far-off dry period decreased hepatic palmitate oxidation and shifted palmitate metabolism toward greater esterification, consistent with greater hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation postpartum.


Porosity detection and quantification has been difficult to achieve with seismic methods, particularly in carbonate rocks. The Upper Devonian (Frasnian), Nisku Formation dolomite in Joffre field (south-central Alberta, Canada) is a reservoir where compressional seismic data has not detected porosity. Additionally, P-wave seismic data does not image an oil productive Leduc reef in the study area. Geologic core studies of this reservoir revealed depositional and diagenetic heterogeneities, which influence production. The existing well spacing does not adequately characterize its complexity. With these observations in mind, a multicomponent 3-D (3-D, 3-C) seismic survey was collected over the northeastern limit of Joffre field by the Colorado School of Mines Reservoir Characterization on Project. Shear wave technology has characterized the variability of Nisku reservoir porosity and imaged the productive reef. Velocity ratio (Vp/Vs) mapping of 3-D, 3-C seismic data is a powerful lithologic and porosity discrimination tool. Vp/Vs ratios exhibit a linear correlation with Nisku reservoir porosities and were used to map porosity within the survey area. Significant Nisku reservoir heterogeneities are depicted by the results. Improved hydrocarbon recoveries will be achieved by utilizing the integrated reservoir model which links the Vp/Vs data through geostatistical analysis with detailed geologic facies and reservoir engineeringmore » data.« less


Aim

Connectivity structures populations, communities and ecosystems in the sea. The extent of connectivity is, therefore, predicted to also influence the outcomes of conservation initiatives, such as marine reserves. Here we review the published evidence about how important seascape connectivity (i.e. landscape connectivity in the sea) is for marine conservation outcomes.

Location

Global.

Methods

We analysed the global literature on the effects of seascape connectivity on reserve performance.

Results

In the majority of cases, greater seascape connectivity inside reserves translates into better conservation outcomes (i.e. enhanced productivity and diversity). Research on reserve performance is, however, most often conducted separately from research on connectivity, resulting in few studies (< 5% of all studies of seascape connectivity) that have quantified how connectivity modifies reserve effects on populations, assemblages or ecosystem functioning in seascapes. Nevertheless, evidence for positive effects of connectivity on reserve performance is geographically widespread, encompassing studies in the Caribbean Sea, Florida Keys and western Pacific Ocean.

Main conclusions

Given that research rarely connects the effects of connectivity and reserves, our thesis is that stronger linkages between landscape ecology and marine spatial planning are likely to improve conservation outcomes in the sea. The key science challenge is to identify the full range of ecological functions that are modulated by connectivity and the spatial scale over which these functions enhance conservation outcomes.


Source separation consists of separating a signal into additive components. It is a topic of considerable interest with many applications that has gathered much attention recently. Here, we introduce a new framework for source separation called Kernel Additive Modelling, which is based on local regression and permits efficient separation of multidimensional and/or nonnegative and/or non-regularly sampled signals. The main idea of the method is to assume that a source at some location can be estimated using its values at other locations nearby, where nearness is defined through a source-specific proximity kernel. Such a kernel provides an efficient way to account for features like periodicity, continuity, smoothness, stability over time or frequency, and self-similarity. In many cases, such local dynamics are indeed much more natural to assess than any global model such as a tensor factorization. This framework permits one to use different proximity kernels for different sources and to separate them using the iterative kernel backfitting algorithm we describe. As we show, kernel additive modelling generalizes many recent and efficient techniques for source separation and opens the path to creating and combining source models in a principled way. Experimental results on the separation of synthetic and audio signals demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.


The foreign exchange market is the largest, fastest-growing financial market in the world. Yet conventional macroeconomic approaches do not explain why people trade foreign exchange. At the same time, they fail to explain the short-run determinants of the exchange rate. These nine innovative essays use a microstructure approach to analyze the workings of the foreign exchange market, with special emphasis on institutional aspects and the actual behavior of market participants. They examine the volume of transactions, heterogeneity of traders, the time of day and location of trading, the bid-ask spread, and the high level of exchange rate volatility that has puzzled many observers. They also consider the structure of the market, including such issues as nontransparency, asymmetric information, liquidity trading, the use of automated brokers, the relationship between spot and derivative markets, and the importance of systemic risk in the market. This timely volume will be essential reading for anyone interested in the economics of international finance.


BACKGROUND. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 170 million people worldwide and may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically infected individuals. Treatment is rapidly evolving from IFN-α-based therapies to IFN-α-free regimens that consist of directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs), which demonstrate improved efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials. Virologic relapse after DAA therapy is a common cause of treatment failure; however, it is not clear why relapse occurs or whether certain individuals are more prone to recurrent viremia. METHODS. We conducted a clinical trial using the DAA sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF/RBV) and performed detailed mRNA expression analysis in liver and peripheral blood from patients who achieved either a sustained virologic response (SVR) or relapsed. RESULTS. On-treatment viral clearance was accompanied by rapid downregulation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in liver and blood, regardless of treatment outcome. Analysis of paired pretreatment and end of treatment (EOT) liver biopsies from SVR patients showed that viral clearance was accompanied by decreased expression of type II and III IFNs, but unexpectedly increased expression of the type I IFN IFNA2. mRNA expression of ISGs was higher in EOT liver biopsies of patients who achieved SVR than in patients who later relapsed. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that restoration of type I intrahepatic IFN signaling by EOT may facilitate HCV eradication and prevention of relapse upon withdrawal of SOF/RBV. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01441180.


Population geneticists are often interested in inferring a population's history from observed patterns of diversity. Natural selection affects both: accordingly, it should distort a population's genealogy in measurable ways, and it should therefore be possible to infer selection based on a population's genealogy. Classical methods for inferring selection, such as Tajima's D and Fay and Wu's H, rely on noisy branch length estimates, depend strongly on demography, or become powerful only when many genealogies corresponding to different parts of the genome are available: on the other hand, classical tree "imbalance" metrics, such as the Sackin and Colless indices, are not sensitive to the types of distortions induced by selection. We have developed three novel metrics for quantifying the effects of selection on a population's genealogy. Because they depend only on the topology of a particular tree, they are not subject to the pitfalls of classical methods. We develop statistical tests and demonstrate that selection can robustly be inferred based on one genealogy rather than a suite thereof. In coalescent theoretical terms, a neutrally evolving population's genealogy is well described by the Kingman coalescent, whereas that of a rapidly adapting population is better described by the Bolthausen-Sznitman coalescent: populations between these two extremes can be thought of as arising from a Beta coalescent process, of which these two coalescents are specific instances. We regress against our statistics to determine which Beta coalescent process best describes a given population. We apply our method to the highly imbalanced genealogies characteristic of influenza: in general, this method should be appropriate for a range of asexual and facultatively sexual organisms.


To The Editor: Gender re-assignment after attainment of puberty is a challenging exercise. The problem is further compounded in places with limited diagnostic and counseling facilities. We report on a teenager who was raised as a boy until he started to have regular menstruation. The difficulties encountered in the management of this case are highlighted.


Collagen VI is significant in the progression of numerous types of cancer. Type VI collagen consists of three α-chains and collagen VI α3 (COL6A3) encodes the α3 chain. The overexpression of COL6A3 has been demonstrated to correlate with high-grade ovarian cancer and contributes to cisplatin resistance; however, its role in human gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Using microarray meta-analysis, COL6A3 was observed to be frequently overexpressed in the GC tissues, furthermore, this overexpression was identified in five GC cell lines. A microarray‐based co‐expression network analysis was conducted and identified a total of 62 genes that were co-expressed with COL6A3, with the majority of the genes being involved in cancer-related processes, such as cell differentiation, migration and adhesion. Network analysis of these 62 genes demonstrated that fibronectin 1, a well-characterized oncogene, was located at the center of the COL6A3 co‐expression network. Therefore, COL6A3 may act as an oncogene in human GC and the antagonism of COL6A3 may be an effective therapeutic treatment for GC.


BACKGROUND
Digestive discomfort after meals is common in the community, especially during the festive season. It is uncertain whether this is related to intake of either high-calorie or high-fat foods or, alternatively, intake of specific foods. This prospective, cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis that the risk of reflux or dyspepsia is associated with the fat content of the meal independent of caloric load in a 'real-life' setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four festive meals were served to delegates attending a conference on four consecutive days. Test meals had the same volume, but varied in calorie and fat content. Study procedures and symptoms were monitored using a mobile application (SymTrack). The effect of alcoholic compared with nonalcoholic drinks was also assessed. Primary outcome was the occurrence of reflux or dyspeptic symptoms. Fullness was documented by a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS
A total of 84/120 (70%) delegates aged 22-69 years consented to participate. At screening, 22 (31%) participants reported at least mild symptoms on the Leuven Dyspepsia Questionnaire. Specific ingredients did not appear to impact on postprandial symptoms. All high-calorie dinners [British, German, Italian (with alcohol)] induced more symptoms than the low-fat, low-calorie Czech dinner [odds ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-6.9 (P=0.058), 1.5 (0.3-3.8), and 2.8 (0.7-10.5), respectively]. Self-reported fullness after the high-fat, high-calorie British dinner was higher by 23/100 (95% CI: 4-42, P=0.016) with respect to low-fat, low-calorie Czech and German dinners.

CONCLUSION
Study participants tolerated a range of food and drink well. Reflux or dyspeptic symptoms were least likely after the low-fat, low-calorie meal. Fullness was increased after the high-fat, high-calorie dinner, but not low-fat meals. These results will help the public to make evidence-based dietary choices during the carnival season!


The mission of the center is to develop and promote living-cell-based microdevices as key technologies in medicine and biological sciences. By integrating engineering methods and biological research into novel microsystem technologies, we aim to provide unique capabilities to biomedical investigators to probe, manipulate, engineer, and analyze biological cells for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic advances and basic biology discovery. This brief review describes our recent work in microchips for blood analysis, microfabricated living cell arrays, and microfluidic gradient generators for studies of cellular chemotaxis.


In order to determine the ductility features of steel structures, several approaches have been introduced in the bibliography. In this paper a certain method is proposed which considers the actual form of the moment‐rotation curve, including the possible softening branches. Moreover, stability phenomena are also taken into account as they significantly influence the overall response of the structure. For the effective application of the considered method, a solution algorithm was developed, mainly based on the nonconvex optimization theory. The numerical applications that follow demonstrate the applicability of the adopted approach.


Background: The immunofluorescence pattern of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) called rings and rods (RR) has only recently been described. This pattern has been associated with patients with Hepatitis C at treatment. There are few studies that demonstrate their appearance in healthy individuals or with other health conditions. This study reports positivity of this autoantibody in a patient never exposed to the HCV virus, in order to understand its clinical significance. Case summary: A 10-year-old male patient was admitted to a university hospital with suspected bronchopneumonia. A carrier of chronic lung disease, he underwent several tests including ANA, that was reagent for the nucleus (fine speckled pattern) and cytoplasm (RR pattern). The serological results for hepatitis and HIV were negative. The patient was discharged after 22 days in hospital and is being followed-up by the outpatient clinic. There was a subsequent suspicion of immunodeficiency and cystic fibrosis, but there remains no established diagnosis. The presence of the pattern without the coexistence of Hepatitis C or the use of drugs such as RBV/IFN is scarce in the literature. No correlation between the RR pattern and the patient's clinical presentation is clear, but some studies have reported the appearance of this pattern in individuals with polymedicinal therapies and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Conclusion: This report demonstrated that the anti-RR pattern cannot be exclusively related to HCV and more studies are required to understand it.


Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been recognized as a potential energy crop. The effect of its plantation on marginal land was investigated in Inner Mongolia. This study determined the dynamics of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) for six soil layers to 90 cm (35.4 in) depth and bulk density of 0 to 20 cm (0 to 7.9 in) soil layer under switchgrass compared to native grasses in a semiarid region of Inner Mongolia. Soil samples were collected under switchgrass stands established in 2006 (SG2006), 2008 (SG2008), and 2009 (SG2009), and native grasses as a control, during 2012 and 2013. At 0 to 15 cm (0 to 5.9 in) soil layer, soil pH decreased significantly from 8.9 for the control to 8.4, 8.5, and 8.6 for the SG2006, SG2008, and SG2009 stands, respectively. The average EC of the six soil layers declined from 141.6 μS cm−1 for SG2006 to 125.4 μS cm−1 for SG2009. The average SOC increased from 6.59 g kg−1 for SG2009 to 7.73 g kg−1 for SG2006, compared with 8.79 g kg−1 for the native grasses. The average TN decreased from 0.34 g kg−1 for the control to 0.27 g kg−1, 0.28 g kg−1, and 0.30 g kg−1 for SG2009, SG2008, and SG2006, respectively. Although switchgrass planting resulted in a decline of SOC and TN three to four years after being established, there was an obvious increasing SOC and TN trend with plantation period. This study elucidated the importance of switchgrass planting on marginal lands in order to improve soil chemical components that will be related to soil stability and improvement of primary production for energy usage in the future.


Abstract Multichannel seismic and potential field data shed light on the final rifting stage in the southern South Atlantic. This was associated with major episodes of magmatism during the Early Cretaceous continental break-up. An asymmetrical simple shear-dominated variable strain rifting model is proposed with the margin asymmetry visible in shelf width, amplitude of magnetic anomalies, orientation of break-up-related sedimentary basins and basement slope angle. Along-margin rotation in spreading- and later rifting-direction from north–south to west–east are of great importance for the asymmetries. Such rotational opening may also explain why the southernmost segments of the South Atlantic are magma starved, with a sharp transition to a volcanic-rifted margin type northwards. Interpretation of pre-M5 (c. 130 Ma) magnetic seafloor spreading lineations constrains the timing of excess break-up-related volcanism and transition to 'normal' seafloor spreading. Termination of magnetic anomalies within seaward-dipping reflector sequences points towards a deposition of the volcanics from south to north prior to and during the early rift and opening stages. Identification of previously unknown pre-M5 magnetic lineations offshore Argentina completes the lineation pattern in the southern South Atlantic. The oldest magnetic anomaly related to oceanic spreading is M9 (c. 135 Ma). Older anomalies, previously identified as M11 (c. 137 Ma) offshore Cape Town, are related to structural or magnetization variations within seaward-dipping reflector sequences.


Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. Current diagnostics have low sensitivity or specificity to incremental progression of mineralization, especially at early time points. Without accurate and reliable early diagnosis and intervention, HO progression often results in incapacitating conditions of limited range of motion, nerve entrapment, and pain. We hypothesized that non‐invasive near‐infrared (NIR) optical imaging can detect HO at early time points and monitor heterotopic bone turnover longitudinally. C57BL6 mice received an Achilles tenotomy on their left hind limb in combination with a dorsal burn or sham procedure. A calcium‐chelating tetracycline derivative (IRDye 680RD BoneTag) was injected bi‐weekly and imaged via NIR to measure accumulative fluorescence for 11 wk and compared to in vivo microCT images. Percent retention of fluorescence was calculated longitudinally to assess temporal bone resorption. NIR detected HO as early as five days and revealed a temporal response in HO formation and turnover. MicroCT could not detect HO until 5 wk. Confocal microscopy confirmed fluorophore localization to areas of HO. These findings demonstrate the ability of a near‐infrared optical imaging strategy to accurately and reliably detect and monitor HO in a murine model. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1416–1423, 2014.


LDPC code and digital image watermarking technology, which is an effective method of digital copyright protection and information security, has been widely used. But this is a multi-disciplinary, multi technology application scheme. In order to realize FPGA design of LDPC decoder in the application scheme, an effective implementation method of digital watermarking application system must be found. In this paper, MATLAB software and Qt development environment are combined to achieve the digital watermarking application software design. It could get real-time input data for the LDPC decoder. Then the hardware of the LDPC decoder is primarily implemented by FPGA in the digital image watermarking system. And the serial port is used to make the output data of the decoder back to computer for verification. Through the simulation results, the Modelsim time simulation diagram is given, and the watermark image compared with the original image is got. The results show that the resource usage of our system is few, and the decoding rate is fast. It has a certain practical value.


We design a new efficient strategy synthesis method applicable to adversarial patrolling problems on graphs with arbitrary-length edges and possibly imperfect intrusion detection. The core ingredient is an efficient algorithm for computing the value and the gradient of a function assigning to every strategy its"protection"achieved. This allows for designing an efficient strategy improvement algorithm by differentiable programming and optimization techniques. Our method is the first one applicable to real-world patrolling graphs of reasonable sizes. It outperforms the state-of-the-art strategy synthesis algorithm by a margin.


AIMS
To study the toxicological profile and antihyperlipidemic effects of Spondias mombin leaves methanolic extract in experimental rats.backgroundThe prevention of high levels of lipids or its reappearance is presently one of the key aims of clinical and experimental studies.

OBJECTIVE
This study was carried out to investigate the toxicological profile and antihyperlipidemic effects of methanolic extract of leaves of Spondias mombin.

METHOD
The acute toxicity study was carried out where the limit dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight was administered to five rats at 48 h intervals. The interpretation was prepared and recorded for 24 h. In the sub-acute toxicity study, rats were treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses of the extract at every 24 h for 28 days. The hematological, biochemical and histopathological tests of treated animals were carried out at the end of the test. The antihyperlipidemic activity of plant extract (100, 200 mg/kg) was studied on Triton-X-100 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Histopathological alters in the liver of rats were examined.

RESULT
For acute and subacute treatment, the extract did not reveal any signs of toxicity or mortality and any significant effects on hematological, biochemical parameters and histopathology of organs. The extract demonstrated an important antihyperlipidemic result by decreasing the serum levels of cholesterol, TGs, LDL, VLDL and enhance in HDL.

CONCLUSION
Taking up the evidence of the experimental study, we can conclude that the methanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves helps in declining hyperlipidemia in rats and it can be safely used for a period of 28 days to treat hyperlipidemia.


Histomorphometry method, the quantitative study of histology, is a useful method to estimate age of death in the present and ancient skeletal remains by measurable morphology of osteon. This method, which reduces individual bias and difference in the level of experience for estimation of age, is useful for constructing paleodemographic models and forensic identifications when adult fragmentary skeletal remains are encountered. Most parts of skeletons that are studied by histomorphometry method are femur, tibia, rib, and clavicle. Clavicle bone has been poorly studied except for Caucasian populations. Moreover, clavicle is a very interesting bone because it is a non-weight bearing bone, is usually found as entire bone and has different bone development from other long bones. Thus, the interest of this review article is on the age estimation by histomorphometry method of clavicle. This review article also describes the histomorphometry method, clavicle bone, bone remodeling, and forensic application of clavicle with histomorphometry method.


Two of the major themes in this book are "everything has been invented" and "copy/paste" in order to redesign our cities for the better. However, it might be relevant to highlight an important disclaimer and to squeeze in some thoughts about what is transferable. There are some unique aspects to a cycling life in Copenhagen and Denmark that may not be applicable to other cities or countries.


The effect of cytokines on astrocytes cultured from mature bovine brain was determined both in a serum-containing medium and in a chemically-defined medium. The results showed that in serum-free medium, human TNF and, to a lesser degree, IL-6 and lymphotoxin, were mitogenic for astrocytes. Increased uptake of [3H]thymidine could be detected within 36 h in vitro and its presence in astrocytes was confirmed by autoradiography. In contrast, neither IL-1 alpha nor IL-1 beta induced astrocyte proliferation in serum-free medium but showed some synergistic effect with serum after 72 h. The proliferative effect of TNF and IL-6 was confirmed by cell counting. None of the cytokines tested was toxic for astrocytes as measured by 51Cr release. No mitogenic effect for oligodendroglia, purified from the same source, was detected. The results support a role for products of activated inflammatory cells in the development of astrocyte proliferation that may contribute to the reactive gliosis found in white matter diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.


Every country's law permits medical experimentation on animals. While some countries protect particular kinds of animals from being subject to experimentation—notably great apes and endangered species—very few place concrete limitations on what researchers may cause animals to suffer, given sufficient scientific justification. What laws do, instead, is establish standards for the humane treatment and housing of animals in labs, and they encourage researchers to limit or seek alternatives to the use of animals, when doing that is consistent with the scientific goals of their research.

The system that has evolved in the United States combines elements of sometimes competing regulatory philosophies. The result is a complex, multilayered system that addresses the most important concerns, but, partly because of historical accident, also leaves some gaps. Even proponents of medical research on animals can see obvious ways in which the regulatory structure could be changed to benefit animals. Perhaps more important, though, is the fact that the existing regulatory structure, imperfect though it may be, is elastic enough to accommodate substantial changes that could reduce unnecessary animal suffering.


The formation of microbial biomembranes complicates clinical course of infectious diseases. The review deals with the problem of interaction between immune system and specific components of microbial biofilms. The immune mechanisms which may destroy biomembranes and damage biomembrane-associated microorganisms are analyzed. The vulnerable spots of immune defense against microbal biomembranes are described. This review also issues future prospects of immune-based control of microbal biomembrane processes.


Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results from functional ovarian hyperandrogenism due to dysregulation of androgen secretion. Cultured theca cells from polycystic ovaries of women with the most common form of PCOS overexpress most androgen producing enzymes, particularly CYP450c17. In this study, a murine model was used of PCOS induced by chronic feeding with a high-fat diet that exhibits the reproductive, hyperandrogenic, and metabolic constellation of PCOS symptoms seen in women. Oral administration of KDT501, a hops-derived bitter taste receptor (Tas2R 108) isohumulone ligand resulted in resolution of PCOS-associated endocrine and metabolic disturbances and restored reproductive function. Pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, also improved metabolic and reproductive function, though not to the same degree as KDT501. Specifically, treatment of the murine PCOS model with KDT501 resulted in reduced testosterone and androstenedione levels in the absence of significant changes in LH or FSH, improved glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, and reduced hepatic lipid infiltration and adiposity. There was significant improvement in estrous cyclicity and an increase in the number of ovarian corpora lutea, indicative of improved reproductive function after exposure to KDT501. Finally, ex vivo exposure of murine ovaries to KDT501 attenuated androgen production and ovarian expression of CYP450c17. Interestingly, the ovaries expressed Tas2R 108, suggesting a potential regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis through this chemosensory receptor family. In summary, a therapeutic strategy for PCOS possibly could include direct influences on ovarian steroidogenesis that are independent of gonadotrophic hormone regulation.


Abstract This chapter provides the conclusions/outlines of the tectonics, affecting the Southeastern Oman Mountains, including the Jabal Akhdar and Saih Hatat domes. The main tectonic events include amongst others (1) Neoproterozoic rifting, (2) two distinct early Paleozoic compressive events, (3) large-scale open 'Hercynian' folding and formation of a pronounced unconformity during the late Paleozoic, (4) rifting preceding the opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean during the late Paleozoic, (5) late Cretaceous obduction of the Semail Ophiolite and the response of the Arabian lithosphere as well as (6) post-obductional tectonics. Also of major geological significance are the three major glaciations (Sturtian, Marinoan and Late Paleozoic Gondwana glaciation) which have been recorded in the rocks of northern Oman. Moreover, major lithological, structural and metamorphic differences exist between the Jabal Akhdar and Saih Hatat domes. It appears likely that a major fault, striking parallel to the eastern margin of the Jabal Akhdar Dome, probably originating during Neoproterozoic terrain accretion, acted as a divide between both domes until present. This fault was multiple times reactivated and could explain the differences between the two domes. A catalogue of unanswered questions is included in chronological order to express that many geological aspects need further investigation and future research projects.


ABSTRACT Objective: Mobile apps provide opportunities for innovative, accessible and attractive support of adolescent mental health. Although preliminary research evaluates the effectiveness of specific apps for various conditions, the way in which apps are being used to support adolescent mental health and the role of particular app functions are not well understood. This study presents a systematic scoping review exploring app functionality and delivery method used in treating adolescent mental health concerns. Method: A systematic search of health sciences databases including Medline, PubMed and PsycInfo was undertaken in March, 2017. Seven studies were identified totalling 806 participants (531 females, 253 males, and 22 identifying as trans/intersex, or other) with a combined Mage of 16.06 years, and a range of mental health issues and conditions including anorexia nervosa, obesity, emotional and general mental health concerns. Results: App functionality included monitoring, assessment, psychoeducation and skills practice. Apps were used independent of ongoing practitioner support in all studies. Apps were used for intake, assessment and intervention. Overall, app use was reported as beneficial. Discussion: Function-based categorisation of apps permits practitioners to consider and select apps that 'fit' best with individualised, evidence-based practice approaches. Limitations of independent use are identified and discussed, and recommendations for adjunctive use (i.e. alongside ongoing practitioner support) are presented. Clinical recommendations and suggestions for future research are provided.


In order to investigate the effect of loading rate on the tensile performance, the uniaxial tensile experiments were conducted on universal testing machine under different loading rates (5 mm/min, 10mm/min, 50 mm/min, 100 mm/min and 150 mm/min), and a constant gage length equal to 200mm, resulting in loading strain rate of 4.17×10-4, 8.33×10-4/s, 4.17×10-3/s, 8.33×10-3/s,1.25×10-2/s, and the tensile stress-strain curves were obtained. The experimental results show that the tensile properties of the conveyor belt exhibit obvious rate-dependent behavior. In this paper, the rate sensitivity coefficient varied with loading rate, was calculated, and the nonlinear rate-dependent behavior was also investigated.


The article presents a discussion of issues of human resource diversity and diversity climates in organisations and develops a conceptual model of a "positive climate for diversity" (PCFD). This refers to the degree to which there is an organisational climate in which human resource diversity is valued and in which employees' from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and included. It presents a model of the indicators of a positive climate for diversity and the outcomes for organisations and individuals of such a climate, especially individual career and organisational attitudes and perceptions. It also presents variables which have a moderating effect in the model. The results of research from both private and public sector organisations, with emphasis on service, indicate that climates for diversity do impact significantly on a range of career and organisational attitudes and perceptions. The research and managerial implications are discussed.


Several zero-dimensional box-models with different levels of chemical complexity, based on the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM), have been used to study the chemistry of OH and HO2 in a coastal environment in the Northern Hemisphere. The models were constrained to and compared with measurements made during the NAMBLEX campaign (Mace Head, Ireland) in summer 2002. The base models, which were constrained to measured CO, CH4 and NMHCs, were able to reproduce [OH] within 25%, but overestimated [HO 2] by about a factor of 2. Agreement was improved when the models were constrained to oxygenated compounds (acetaldehyde, methanol and acetone), highlighting their importance for the radical budget. When the models were constrained to measured halogen monoxides (IO, BrO) and used a more detailed, measurements-based, treatment to describe the heterogeneous uptake, modelled [OH] increased by up to 15% and [HO2] decreased by up to 30%. The actual impact of halogen monoxides on the modelled concentrations of HO x was dependant on the uptake coefficients used for HOI, HOBr and HO2. Better agreement, within the combined uncertainties of the measurements and of the model, was achieved when using high uptake coefficients for HO 2 and HOI (γHO2=1, γHOI=0.6). A rate of production and destruction analysis of the models allowed a detailed study of OH and HO 2 chemistry under Correspondence to: M. J. Pilling (email@example.com) the conditions encountered during NAMBLEX, showing the importance of oxygenates and of XO (where X=I, Br) as coreactants for OH and HO 2 and of HOX photolysis as a source for OH.


This report is about women in Morocco who continue to face obstacles in social, economic, and political participation. These obstacles are a result of discriminatory legislative frameworks, social norms that restrict legal rights, and limited economic participation. Women's economic participation in Morocco was at 26 percent which is among the lowest in the world, and has not changed since 1990. The ultimate objective is to promote women's empowerment as a means to achieve a more inclusive, open, and prosperous society. This report is arranged as follows :(a) chapter one will present the progress thus far and the remaining important challenges for women in Morocco.; (b) chapters two and three focus on economic empowerment and employment outcomes and on the remaining legislative and or social discrimination that continue to restrict women agency in chapter four; and (c) chapter five will conclude by presenting some key areas of strategic intervention for the government and other development actors which are not only of greater potential impact but also a prerequisite for women's agency and empowerment. The main findings in the report are as follows: (i) unequal access to education and resources continue to hinder women's human development progress; (ii) gender segregation in terms of employment is pervasive, with women mostly working in low productivity sectors; (iii) demographic factors and social norms also affect women's decisions to join the labor force; (iv) only fifteen percent of women in urban areas are employed, against sixty two percent of men, and this gap has remained virtually unchanged in the past; (vi) there is a substantial wage gap between men and women, even when controlling for education and professions; and (vii) traditional explanations for Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) long-term trends account only partially for Morocco's observed outcomes. Agency has a role, often a strong one, in contributing to women's human development and economic opportunities, and opening opportunities for greater participation in social and political life. Despite important reforms, gaps remain in the legal framework, negatively impacting economic, social, and political development for women. The main conclusions and recommendations are follows: (a) much has been done but much remains to be done to improve women's access to economic opportunities and individual empowerment; (b) women can actively contribute to Morocco's economic growth only if the remaining barriers that still prevent women from working in high productivity sectors are removed; (c) removing regulatory barriers and easing the access to credit for female entrepreneurs is key to creating more jobs; (d) further reforms of the Labor code could be designed taking into account specific obstacles to women's economic participation; (e) government action to level the playing field across the lifecycle would strengthen women's opportunities and ultimately socio-economic outcomes; (f) the Goverment of Morocco (GoM) has taken considerable steps in closing gender equality gaps in law, but action is needed to ensure consistency throughout legislative frameworks; and (g) mainstreaming gender into policy action is key to achieving gender equality and women empowerment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical significance of using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) in monitoring cytomegalovirus infection in allogenic hemopoietic stem-cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients.

METHODS
A total of 318 patients who received allo-HSCT in the past 2 years were analyzed retrospectively. RQ-PCR was performed to monitor CMV viremia twice a week after transplantation.

RESULTS
CMV-DNA was detected in the plasma of 136 patients. The median time for the occurrence of CMV-DNA was 42 days after HSCT. The highest CMV-DNA load was 1.5 x 10(4) copies/ml while the CMV-DNA load at onset of reactivation was 4.5 x 10(3) copies/ml. CMV pneumonia or CMV enteritis occurred in 23 patients and the incidence of these CMV diseases is 7.2%. The CMV-DNA was detectable before CMV disease among 14 patients and after the clinical manifestation of CMV disease in 4 patients, while 5 patients were diagnosed with CMV disease having no plasma CMV-DNA positive at all. The highest CMV-DNA load was higher in the CMV patients than those with no CMV disease (4.3 x 10(4) copies/ml and 1.3 x 10(4) copies/ml, P = 0.009) although the initial load had no difference (3.7 x 10(3) copies/m vs 4.7 x 10(3) copies/ml, P = 0.63). The highest CMV-DNA load also rose with the occurring frequency of CMV infection occurred from 1 to 4 times. The median values of CMV-DNA were 82.6 x 10(2), 261.3 x 10(2), 440.8 x 10(2) and 10,659.0 x 10(2) copies/ml (P < 0.01) respectively. Meanwhile, the incidence of CMV disease also increased markedly from 2.7% (5/182) to 50% (2/4) (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION
Detection of CMV-DNA in plasma by RQ-PCR appears to be an effective prognostic predictor of CMV diseases. High CMV-DNA load and repeated viremia indicate a high incidence of CMV diseases.


The interface adhesion, nano-indentation and friction/wear properties of the CNx films in CNx/SiC (carbon nitride/silicon carbon) double layer films (SiC as interlayer) deposited on Mg alloy (AZ91D) substrate by using magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature were investigated. The results show that the interface between CNx film and SiC film and the interface between SiC film and Mg substrate both showed obvious and gradual element diffusions as well as high adhesion. The CNx films exhibited low nano-hardness (3.85 GPa) and Young's modulus (30.46 GPa) but high hardness-to-modulus ratio (0.126). As sliding against Si3N4 (silicon nitride) ball (4 mm in diameter) using ball-on-disc friction and wear tester under dry sliding condition at 200g load, the CNx films exhibited the friction coefficient of about 0.20 and the special wear rate in the order of magnitude of 10−6 mm3 m−1 N−1 without film cracking and interface delaminating.


A study of levels of non-marital fertility and its implication to the mothers and their children was c onducted in Makueni District which is arid and semi-arid district of Ke nya; prone to droughts and feminine that occurs per iodically each year. More than 75% of the population live below poverty line ; majority (>51%) of whom are women who are severely affected due to marginalization in terms of access to owners hip of assets and other sources of income thus pron e to non-marital sex, pregnancies and childbearing . A rural-peri-urban a ppraisal survey was adopted targeting women aged between 15-49 years who had non-marital fertility. Data on non-marital fertility characteristics were obtained from a rand om sample of 120 unmarried women using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD's). Through FGDs majority (75%) of the women admitted that poverty made them look for financial assistance from men as rewards for sexual relationship that resulted in un wanted pregnancies. Consequently levels and implication of non-marital fertility is important in creating awareness to the community of the consequences and policy making process aimed at reduction of non-marital pregnancies especially to mothers who are not able to provide their children with basic needs for their well being.


THE TITLE of this discourse struck me as somewhat unusual when it was assigned to me. I am not accustomed to thinking of ground rules in connection with specialization or education. The title was not changed, in spite of an invitation to do so, for, on second thought, the phrase "ground rules" seemed a fortunate one. When one thinks of ground rules in connection with a sport, the implication is that they are local ground rules and may vary from place to place, depending on local conditions. Medical specialties and specialist training is becoming increasingly formalized, and standards are being raised. However, the problems of the different specialties are different, and each one requires different standards. Ground rules therefore seems a good term to describe these diverse standards generally. Further, the facilities and capabilities of different advanced educational centers vary, and it is important that we do not force different


This thesis provides a comparative analysis of UK and Spanish approaches to counter-terrorism between 2004 and 2014. The aims of this study are to identify and examine comparable counter-terrorism approaches in the United Kingdom and Spain, using both theoretical and legal frameworks to underpin the statistical analysis applied.

Whereas international counter-terrorism has been readily studied in the context of important events such as the September 11th attacks, very little work has been conducted regarding individual European comparatives. This is seen particularly in respect to comparative studies of counter-terrorism development and application, whereby the respective experiences of the UK and Spain are relevant.

To do so, this study chooses three indicators of counter-terrorism: policing numbers, security spending, and criminal prosecutions, and undertakes statistical examination using national comparatives, and associations with terrorism incidents. Using the period 2004-2014, it views the analysis through the lens of historical institutionalism and measures such events through the roles of institutions, exemplified by attacks in Madrid (2004) and London (2005) respectively.

It argues that while police numbers show little comparable data between the two nations, security spending is heavily influenced by economic and external factors in the UK and Spain. Similarly, and when correlated with terrorism events, conviction rates expose interesting divergences – the use of the criminal justice system in Spain suggest a number of historically-institutionalised issues not seen in the UK, particularly through the use of the nation's constitutional reform.

Finally, it therefore offers a contribution to existing knowledge through suggesting that further understanding of historical events and their impact on legislation could have great influence on national counter-terrorism approaches. This could be furthered through a focus on alternative counter-terrorism strategies, which may show similarly institutionalised issues.


Aim/Purpose The present study investigated and compared students' attention in terms of time-on-task and number of distractors between using a touchscreen and a pen tablet in mathematical problem solving activities with virtual manipulatives. Background Although there is an increasing use of these input devices in educational practice, little research has focused on assessing student attention while using touchscreens or pen tablets in a mathematics classroom. Methodology A qualitative exploration was conducted in a public elementary school in New Taipei, Taiwan. Six fifth-grade students participated in the activities. Video recordings of the activities and the students' actions were analyzed. Findings The results showed that students in the activity using touchscreens maintained greater attention and, thus, had more time-on-task and fewer distractors than those in the activity using pen tablets. Recommendations for Practitioners School teachers could employ touchscreens in mathematics classrooms to support activities that focus on students' manipulations in relation to the attention paid to the learning content. Recommendation for Researchers The findings enhance our understanding of the input devices used in educational practice and provide a basis for further research. Student Attention: Touchscreen vs. Pen Tablet 92 Impact on Society The findings may also shed light on the human-technology interaction process involved in using pen and touch technology conditions. Future Research Activities similar to those reported here should be conducted using more participants. In addition, it is important to understand how students with different levels of mathematics achievement use the devices in the activities.


Background and Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of OSA in myocardial infarction patients in the CCU of Karaj Hospitals, 2009. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted , via convenience sampling , on 140 acute myocardial infarction patients in two cardiac care units of Shariati and Rajaei hospital in Karaj, 2009. We assessed demographic data, history of cardiovascular risk factors, STOP-Bang questionnaire through interview, information related to the type of myocardial infarction and laboratory parameters from medical records, and also we measured anthropometric indices with balance scale and meter tap. Results: Mean score of STOP-BANG questionnaire was 4.9 ± 1.2 in the range of 2 to 8 points and in 64% of the participants was higher than 4 points. The Score of STOP-BANG questionnaire was statistically significant considering age, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, extensive infarction, BMI, waist-to-height ratio, Waist to Hip Ratio, Waist Circumference, neck circumference, cholesterol and left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.001), sex (P=0.044), Diabetes(P=0.019), inferior infarction (P=0.006), anterior wall (P=0.048) and triglyceride levels (P=0.031). Conclusion: OSA is common among patients with myocardial infarction and is associated with anthropometric indices, cardiovascular risk factors, the location of infarction and left ventricular ejection fraction. Thus, Screening, evaluating the symptoms of OSA and referring for counseling and treatment is necessary.


Minority ethnic students are well represented in undergraduate and postgraduate taught study, but over a sustained period, representation in postgraduate research (PGR) study has been significantly lower. Various barriers to participation in PGR study have been suggested, however, it is not clear if these barriers are similar across different hierarchies of higher education institution within the UK. Our study explored specifically the perceived barriers that may exist towards PGR study for minority ethnic students at a post-1992 university. Our findings showed that one third of minority ethnic students did not learn about PGR study. To gain more insight into PGR study, minority ethnic students would approach academic staff. The perceived key barriers to participation in PGR study were associated with understanding the application process and feeling if they would not be selected by a research-intensive university. To address these barriers, the solutions that were proposed where to have PGR role models which can provide mentorship on the application process and highlight the career benefits of conducting PGR study. Our findings provide vital insight into key challenges faced by minority ethnic students at a post-1992 university and help identify approaches which can be implemented to address these barriers.


A Routh-Padé approximation method to derive a two-dimensional (2-D) reduced-order model for a class of 2-D separable-denominator continuous-time system is presented. The proposed method preserves initial power-series-expansion-coefficients/Markov-parameters of the system as well as minimizes the errors of subsequent power-series-expansion-coefficients and/or Markov-parameters of the 2-D system and those of the model while preserving stability. VEGA is used for optimization.


: The autopsy finding on an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency was marked thymic mast cell hyperplasia. The clinical immune status showed a deficit in T (thymus derived) lymphocytes and low immunoglobulin levels. The autopsy showed the histologic pattern designated thymic alymphoplasia and a marked lack of development of the reticuloendothelial organs. The mast cell hyperplasia may be the result of an antigenic stimulus early in embryonic life and/or the result of mast cell differentiation at the expense of normal thymic lymphoid development caused by a genetic defect.


Psychosis has direct impacts on the psychopaths' family. Relations between the psychopaths and their family will be a complicated ones. The members of psychopaths' family is often failed to know what to do. The family's prestige is threatened by possibility that the family members are facing difficulties in getting spouses. Therefore, family as a smallest unit of society should be involved in recovering the psychopaths. In rehabilitating their mental health, the psychopaths' family plays an important role using educational approach in its broad meaning. The psychopaths' family, for example, can provide a normal treatment, build the psychopaths' self-concept as a human being, "inoculate" religious educations, and activate the psychopaths in productive and recreative activities.


The development of the Austrian Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) market, as well as the Austrian parceled goods market has been affected by the various economical, technical and legal developments during the last 25 years. Globalization and consolidation process within the European CEP and parceled goods market have affected the Austrian market. In the past, the major part of the European CEP and parceled goods market was covered by small and medium sized companies. Nowadays, both markets are dominated by major enterprises. For example, in the last 5 to 10 years, five global players (La Poste/DPD, The Post Office/GLS, Deutsche Post/ DHL, TNT Post Group, UPS) have emerged on the European CEP market. These five own an overall market share of approximately 54 percent. Transportation cooperatives and alliances will become more important in the future, especially for small and medium - sized companies. The Austrian CEP market, which has developed since the late eighties, presents itself as a dynamic market. In the nineties, double digit rates of economic growth characterized this market. In the last few years the growth has slowed down. During 2004 the growth rate amounted to a total of 3.2 percent in contrast to the previous year. Although there aren't any accurate numbers for the Austrian parceled goods market, the amount of parceled seems to be growing. In summary, there exists on both markets a highly destructive competition combined with a massive price decline. Value - added - service and the further development of the various information technology methods (e.g. RFID) will be crucial for companies of the CEP and the parceled goods market's future success. (author's abstract)


Adenovirus (Ad) vectors are widely used in human clinical trials. However, at higher dosages, Ad vector-triggered innate toxicities remain a major obstacle to many applications. Ad interactions with the complement system significantly contribute to innate immune responses in several models of Ad-mediated gene transfer. We constructed a novel class of Ad vectors, genetically engineered to "capsid-display" native and retro-oriented versions of the human complement inhibitor decay-accelerating factor (DAF), as a fusion protein from the C-terminus of the Ad capsid protein IX. In contrast to conventional Ad vectors, DAF-displaying Ads dramatically minimized complement activation in vitro and complement-dependent immune responses in vivo. DAF-displaying Ads did not trigger thrombocytopenia, minimized endothelial cell activation, and had diminished inductions of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses. The retro-oriented display of DAF facilitated the greatest improvements in vivo, with diminished activation of innate immune cells, such as dendritic and natural killer cells. In conclusion, Ad vectors can capsid-display proteins in a manner that not only retains the functionality of the displayed proteins but also potentially can be harnessed to improve the efficacy of this important gene transfer platform for numerous gene transfer applications.


The study examined married couples not living together and the risks of contracting HIV. More specifically, the study examined four aspects, namely, awareness of HIV/AIDS among married couples, factors influencing married couples not to live together, effects of married couples not to live together and the challenges encountered. The study used survey qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The total sample size of 114 respondents was selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The respondents included 100 couples not living together, 8 group's Representatives and 6 leader (Ministry/village) officials. The study used questionnaires, in-depth face-to-face interviews and focus group discussion as data collection methods. Study findings revealed that 23.7 percent of respondents were unaware of ways in which HIV is transmitted, and had wrong information concerning the disease. Also 73.7 percent of respondents reported that job responsibility was the main factor that made the married couples not to live together. Then 72.8 percent of respondents reported that the main benefit the married couples got for not living together was an increase in family income. However, the main challenge reported involved temptations, responded by 42.2 percent of the respondents. Finally, the study recommended that the government should keep a strong policy, which should require married couples to work together in the same location so as to avoid not living together.


Although infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is common in HIV-infected patients with CD4+ T cell counts less than 100/mm3, localized infection of the breast is uncommon. A brief literature review of mastitis from atypical mycobacteria is presented, along with the first reported case of localized MAC infection of the nonaugmented breast in an HIV-infected woman taking highly active antiretroviral therapy.


ABSTRACT Exploring an emerging trend in contemporary theatre and performance to utilize and respond to journeys and travel, this article focuses on Hitch by Kieran Hurley and The Boat Project by Lone Twin. As with many journey-based performances, these examples share a concern with meeting people and building meaningful relationships with different communities. As such, they are understood within the context of Nicolas Bourriaud's influential model of 'relational aesthetics', which was developed towards the end of the twentieth century. Responding to an increasingly globalized version of modernity, Bourriaud has since responded to shifts in the field of relational art, tracing its evolution as 'a site of navigation, a portal, a generator of activities' that connects to an expanded, global relational realm. This article argues that a wide range of contemporary performance practice uses the journey form as a conduit for a new type of social engagement with space and place that develops the concerns of the site-based relational artworks and performances of the 1990s.


Subcutaneous injection of 10 micrograms desglycilargininvasopressin (DG-AVP) does not alter the mean frequency of background unit activity of sensorimotor cortical neurons. However, the pattern of impulse activity is essentially changed. At the same time the reactions of sensorimotor cortical neurons to microiontophoretic administration of acetylcholine and noradrenaline experience definite changes. It is suggested that the DG-AVP-induced changes in chemoreactive properties of neurons underlie the effect of this peptide on the learning and memory.


Electrical efficiency is an important factor for most of the owners of gas engines. To reach a high electrical efficiency, engine manufacturers use four valve cylinder head technology on new designed engines. The change from two valve to four valve technology, in combination with optimized charge motion, can achieve an increase of electrical efficiency up to 2.5%. A significant number of engines in the market are only equipped with two valve cylinder heads, thus leaving potential to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
 The scope of the paper applies to the modernization of an already well established gas engine series available on the market with a power range of 500–1100kW [1].
 In the first step, the potentials were considered purely in the context of a change in configuration of the spark plug, to pre-chamber spark plug. As second step an optimization of the ports was examined. Due to the pre-existing high level of development of the combustion stage, combined with an adaption of the boost charging system, an improvement of almost 2.5% was achieved. According to data sheets, modern gas engines within this power range have efficiencies in the range of ηe ∼ 44%. The project team therefore proceeded to develop a new cylinder head along with new design leading to a better combustion. Minimizing changes around the periphery of the engine was a prerequisite in order to complete these on site as part of the 30.000-hour service. Intake- as well as exhaustport geometries were optimized with the aid of CFD tools, such that swirl and flow capacity values achieved their specified objectives. The geometries of the water jacket and valve train were also optimized through a similar methodology. These changes led to a 7% reduction in gas exchange work, which directly reflect within improved efficiency levels. Altogether, the various measures (including combustion optimization) resulted in an efficiency improvement of about 2.5% leading to an electric efficiency of 42.9%. The first endurance run shows that the mechanics match the expected technical requirements. Very low wear rates despite the increased masses of the valve train could be reached due to higher qualities in terms of materials.
 The paper focuses particularly on the flow optimization in conjunction with the variables surrounding the mechanic design. Finally, the test results of the pilot engines are presented alongside an economic analysis.


Background and aims: Texture is an important, yet complex, quality attribute of food. Food structure and properties can be linked to texture perception during the first bite. However, the perception of attributes during chew down is more difficult to explain, as food requires to be broken down to be swallowed safely. Food oral processing, which is a recent discipline connecting food science to the physiology of the eating process, is considered to be the key for understanding dynamic food texture perception. The aim of this thesis is to understand the link between food properties and texture perception by investigating oral food breakdown, in simple model foods. Methods: Gels were used as a model for soft solid foods. Several properties of the gels were controlled by modifying the composition of gels, including fracture stress and fracture strain, oil droplets binding to the gels matrix, melting, serum release and mechanical contrast. The texture perception of the gels was measured using several sensory methods. Qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA), progressive profiling and temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) were compared in the assessment of dynamic texture perception. In order to link gel properties to texture perception, the oral processing of gels was measured through analyses on the gel bolus and measurements of chewing behaviour. Gel boli were expectorated at various stages of oral processing and were analysed for gel fragments size and number, mechanical properties and saliva incorporation. These analyses were used to quantify the degree of breakdown of gels and to relate bolus properties to changes in texture perception. Chewing behaviour was measured using Electromyography (EMG) to understand the role of oral processing behaviour in bolus formation and dynamic texture perception. Results: Dynamic texture perception of gels could be measured by QDA, progressive profiling and TDS which were complementary methods. Fracture properties of gels could predict the perception of first bite texture attributes. Fracture stress and fracture strain were correlated to first bite firmness and brittleness respectively. During chew down, the link between gel properties and texture perception became less clear. Nonetheless, fracture properties and other gels properties, such as melting and serum release, related to chew down perception. Bolus properties depended on gel properties, but related better to chew down texture perception than gel properties. Mainly changes in mechanical properties and fragmentation of the bolus could explained the perception of complex texture attributes, such as creaminess and graininess respectively. Chewing behaviour depended on products properties. In addition, chewing behaviour impacted the formation of the bolus and could result in differences in dynamic texture perception between groups of individuals. Conclusions: The oral breakdown of food is a valuable input to understand the perception of complex chew down texture attributes. Such an input could be used to design foods with a desired texture sensory profile for reformulation of foods fitting in a healthier diet or foods for target consumer groups.


Automatic defect classification methods are important to increase the productivity of the forest industry. In this respect, classification is also an important component of a pattern recognition system. Well designated classification algorithm will make recognition process more efficient and productive. Quality control is one of the most important steps among the applications that use classification. There are various techniques which are available in order to check quality of wooden material. However, display based quality control of wooden materials is still stands as a hard process. Although there are quality control methods, there are quality control problems because of the classification depending on the person's eyestrain. We aim the reduction of labor costs. Also, we aim to achieve a more accurate and reliable way to make automatic quality classification. In this article, we proposed a method for quality control of wood material. In order to determine quality control of wooden material, knot detection algorithm which is developed using image processing techniques. This knot detection algorithm consists of several steps. These steps are morphological preprocesses in the knot preprocessing step, knot features obtained from Wavelet Moment (WM) in the feature extraction step, k nearest neighbor method (KNN) classification technique in the classification step. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eie.22.6.17227


ABSTRACTPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of various complex organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen, and two or more condensed benzene rings. They are released into the atmosphere by the incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic matter. Some of the major sources of PAHs are burning of coal, wood, oil or gas, vehicle engines exhaust, and open burning. PAHs are of great concern to human health mainly because of their known carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Consequently, it is very important to study atmospheric PAHs, especially those associated with ultrafine particles. This study aims to identify the spectral features of PAHs in samples of particulate matter < 1 µm (PM1) using infrared spectrometry. Emissivity and transmittance spectra of PAHs were obtained by infrared spectroscopy. PAHs standards spectra contributed to effectively identify PAHs in PM1 samples. Emissivity and transmittance spectra in the range of 680–900 cm–1 exhibited the largest number of bands due to C–C out-of-plane angular deformations and C–H out-of-plane angular deformations. Bands of medium intensity in 2900–3050 cm–1 region were also observed due to C–H stretching typical of aromatic compounds, although with lower intensity. This study compared the emissivity and transmittance spectra acquired using two different infrared spectrometers in order to identify PAHs in samples of atmospheric particulate matter and analyzed the capability and advantages of each of the infrared spectrometers. In addition, it was confirmed that the PAHs under study can be distinguished by their infrared spectral fingerprints.


Pakistan's economy has grown faster on average than many other low- and middleincome countries over the past two decades. But several countries in Southeast Asia have fared even better. This paper focuses on factors that explain Pakistan's relative growth performance. In addition to more traditional factors believed to determine growth, this paper looks particularly at the role of differences in the quality of human capital. The cross-country empirical results suggest that accumulation of physical capital and improvements in the quality of institutions have the largest pay-offs in terms of achieving higher growth, but that better education and health care also have a significant impact. Investment in these areas will increase the possibility of Pakistan entering a virtuous cycle of high growth and improved living conditions for the population.


Coagulation analysis was performed on blood samples from 386 patients with acute myocardial infarction drawn before, during, and after a continuous intravenous infusion of 150 mg recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) (Activase). Plasma rt-PA rose to peak levels of 2.1 +/- 3.1 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SD). Fibrinogen levels measured by coagulation rate and by sulfite precipitation decreased from baseline levels of 3.0 +/- 0.9 and 3.2 +/- 1.0 g/l, respectively, to nadir levels of 1.4 +/- 0.75 and 1.8 +/- 0.92 g/l, respectively, and were associated with peak levels in serum of fibrinogen-degradation products (FDP) of 230 +/- 470 micrograms/ml. Forty percent of patients experienced a nadir functional-fibrinogen level of less than 1.0 g/l, whereas 20% fell below 0.5 g/l. Nadir fibrinogen levels did not correlate with patency of the infarct-related coronary artery at 90 minutes or with risk of coronary vessel reocclusion within 7-10 days. However, the risk of coronary artery reocclusion was inversely related to the baseline functional fibrinogen level (p = 0.0008), with the magnitude of its drop to nadir level (p = 0.0003) as well as to peak levels of FDP (p = 0.038). Quantitative blood loss correlated with all markers for systemic fibrinogenolysis including nadir fibrinogen level (r = -0.20, p = 0.0011), percent decrease of fibrinogen (r = 0.22, p = 0.001), and peak FDP levels (r = 0.14, p = 0.020). Both patients who experienced intracranial hemorrhage presented with high baseline fibrinogen levels and experienced extensive degradation of coagulable fibrinogen. Overall, patients at greatest risk of systemic fibrinogenolysis tended to be relatively older women with lower body weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


This case presents an overview of the challenges and issues I experienced when conducting a quantitative research program using survey-based methods to explore stress, coping, and burnout in Australian entrepreneurs. I focus on discussing data collection modes, namely, how I recruited participants through convenience and purposeful sampling (i.e., non-contracted data) as well as outsourcing participant recruitment to a panel management service (i.e., contracted data). Issues arose after statistical analysis showed that non-contracted and contracted data differed significantly, and as such could not be considered a single sample. The implication of this was that data from multiple sampling modes could not be aggregated for the main analysis. An a priori power analysis indicated that the number of participants in the non-contracted sampling group was not sufficient to obtain a desired level of statistical power to detect significant interaction effects in later analysis and these cases were subsequently abandoned—representing wasted efforts for myself and participants. In this case, I reflect on the research design, data collection, and analysis process and highlight several complexities associated with collecting data from entrepreneurs.


THE AGORAPHOBIC syndrome was first described one century ago, and many reports since then have dealt with one or another facet of the disorder. No comprehensive review has, however, integrated existing literature. This report has synthesized the available literature from the descriptive standpoint. Etiology and treatment will only be alluded to briefly, and have been reviewed in detail elsewhere in the bookFears and Phobias.1 Phobic disorders in general have been classified as a separate category in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classification since 1952, and in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) classification since 1947. These disorders include a variety of overlapping subgroups, which range from very specific fears of a single object not associated with any other symp tom to multiple phobias which are accompanied by many other psychiatric symptoms. The agoraphobic syndrome is the commonest and most distressing phobic disorder met with in adult patients. The


The concept of being true to works of music and how true a performer is to the composer's work has been an ongoing debate for many years. The idea of authenticity in the performance of musical works raises many questions, such as: what does it mean exactly to be authentic in music; how can one be authentic; to what exactly is one being faithful; which rules and conceptions should one follow to realise that authenticity; and can different performances of the same work both be authentic? Julian Dodd's Being True to Works of Music is a short but insightful book about musical authenticity and musical meaning. It will be an important source not only for philosophers and musicologists, but also for students, and, most importantly, performers and listeners. It may also be of interest to general music readers…


Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in hydrological cycle by linking land surface and atmosphere through water and energy transfers. Based on the data from the Landsat-8 satellite for typical days with clear sky condition from 2013 to 2016, a two-layer daily ET remote sensing framework was built, which includes four compartments: surface feature parameter estimation, evaporative fraction estimation, daily net radiation estimation, and daily ET extension. Based on the model, evaporation, transpiration, and daily ET in Shahe River Basin were estimated. The estimated daily ET showed a mean absolute percentage error of 8.7% in the plain areas, and 12.1% in the mountainous areas, compared to observations using large aperture scintillometer and eddy covariance system. The method gave higher accuracy than other remote sensing models applied in the same area previously, including the surface energy balance system and the ETWatch. By analyzing the relationship between land use types and surface water/heat fluxes, it was found that the surface energy balance components in the basin have prominent spatial-temporal features, and the soil component's features are more obvious. It indicated that the proposed two-layer approach is superior to others in terms of simulation accuracy, and applicable to daily scale ET estimations on complex terrains.