Neonatal isolation is a widely accepted model to study the long-term behavioral changes produced by the early life events. However, it remains unknown whether neonatal isolation can induce autistic-like behaviors, and if so, whether pharmacological treatment can overcome it. Here, we reported that newborn rats subjected to individual isolations from their mother and nest for 1 h per day from postnatal days 1–9 displayed apparent autistic-like symptoms including social deficits, excessive repetitive self-grooming behavior, and increased anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors tested in young adult (postnatal days 42–56) compared to normal reared controls. Furthermore, these behavioral changes were accompanied by impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced the ratio of excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmissions, as reflected by an increase in spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) and normal spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron. More importantly, chronic administration of lithium, a clinically used mood stabilizer, completely overcame neonatal isolation-induced autistic-like behaviors, and restored adult hippocampal neurogenesis as well as the balance between excitatory and inhibitory activities to physiological levels. These findings indicate that neonatal isolation may produce autistic-like behaviors, and lithium may be a potential therapeutic agent against autism spectrum disorders (ASD) during development.


Screening and identifying a disease-specific novel drug target is the first step towards a rational drug designing approach. Due to the advent of high throughput data generation techniques, the protein search space has now exceeded 24,500 human protein coding genes, which encodes approximately 1804proteins. This work aims at mining out the relationship between target proteins, drugs, and diseases genes through a network-based systems biology approach. A network of all FDA approved drugs, along with their targets were utilized to construct the proposed Drug Target (DT) network. Further, the experimental drugs were mapped into the DT network to infer the functional relationship by utilizing the respective network attributes. Similar to the DT network, a network of disease genes was created through OMIM Gene Map and Morbid Map, to link the binary associations of disorder-disease genes. In the proposed model of Human Interactome Network, shortest path length between the target protein and disease gene was used to infer the correlation between 'Drug Targets' and 'Disease-Gene'. This network-based study will help researchers to analyze, infer and identify disease-specific novel drug targets through harnessing the graph theory based network attributes.


The properties of the white layer in the surface grinding are described. The influences of heat treatment, carbon content and grinding conditions on the white layer formation are discussed. It is found that the white layer in the hardened steel is thicker and harder than that in the annealed steel, and there is not a softer transition zone in the annealed steel. Higher carbon content tends to increase white layer thickness at the larger cutting depth, while no difference is observed at the smaller cutting depth. Increased carbon content tends to increase white layer hardness. The white layer thickness increases as the cutting depth increases. The white layer thickness increases with the rise of the table speed until a certain critical speed value is reached, beyond which the white layer thickness decreases with the increase of the table speed. The white layer in the central zone of the workpiece is thicker than that in the entrance zone, but it is thinner than that in the exit zone.


For pt.I see ibid., p.919-24, (2000)). This paper continues part I to develop models and solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly sequence and feeder assignment problems in the case of Tchebyshev robot arm motion. The problem is decomposed into sub-problems of feeder assignment and assembly sequence separately and the combined one under different scenarios of machine settings. The analysis of the problem leads to a number of nonlinear multiple objective decision making (MODM) models. These models are linearized and solved by heuristics using the solution procedure in part I and some standard techniques.


We successfully controlled nanoscale morphology of ZnO, SnO2 and TiO2 grown in aqueous solution systems. Nanograins, nanorods and nanosheets of the metal oxides were obtained with variation of the preparation conditions including the concentration of the precursor reagents, pH and addition of various organic molecules and inorganic ions. The morphological evolution of wurtzite-type ZnO crystals from hexagonal nanorods to nanoplates and nanosheets was induced by the coexistence of phosphate anions and specific carboxylates. An increase in the concentration of SnF2 and pH changed the nanoscale morphology of crystalline SnO2 from grains into rods, flakes and sheets. Nanorods of anatase and rutile were deposited in the solutions of TiF4 and TiOSO4 by controlling pH and addition of urea. Nanosheets of titanate were prepared with ammonia anions in agar gel containing TiF4 and easily transformed into nanosheets of anatase.


Rangelands ('pastures') constitute a large and valuable natural resource in Afghanistan. Millions of rural people shape their agro-pastoral or pastoral livelihoods around this asset. In many ways, the territorial history of Afghanistan may be written through the lens of ancient and continuing battles between ethnic groups for possession of alpine pastures. In more recent times, this battle has centred on control of the Hindu Kush, the rich highland pastures of central Afghanistan. This paper focuses on the worsening conflict over this resource and the diminishing opportunities for its resolution, as new pressures mount. Despite numerous government initiatives, the Karzai Administration has failed to get to grips with the ownership issues underpinning this contestation and the associated seasonal armed conflict. As rangelands are made more available for purchase in the marketplace and as a surge in mining developments eats into pastures, more conflict may be expected, deepening divisions not only between ethnicities, but also between rich and poor, and between the people and the state.


have a smaller proportion of their curriculum allotted to bacteriology and virology than most of their Canadian and American confreres. Postgraduate students and practitioners who wish to be familiar with both the scope and the limitations of virology will find it a convenient source of reading and of reference. To aid the latter there is an excellent index running to over 30 pages and helpful lists for further reading. The standard of production is high.


This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of an integrated microturbogenerator utilizing permanent magnets and microball bearings. The key components of this generator are the following: 1) a silicon microturbine rotor housing thick magnetic components; 2) encapsulated microball bearings providing a simple actuation scheme and a robust support structure; and 3) wafer-thick stator coils. The microturbogenerator was designed and fabricated to have a ten-pole rotor and a ten-pole three-turns-per-pole stator. The impedance of the stator coils was shown to be a purely resistive 220 Ω up to 10 kHz. The spin-down characterization of the rotor revealed a dynamic friction torque of 33 μN·m at a rotational speed of 16 kilo rotations per minute (krpm), corresponding to 6% turbine efficiency. The maximum per-phase ac open-circuit voltage and power were measured to be 0.1 V and 5.6 μW on a matched load at 23 krpm, respectively, in full agreement with theoretical analysis and performance estimations. The microturbogenerator presented in this paper provides a flexible design platform for further improvement and will lead to the development of next-generation integrated microturbogenerators offering high power, simple operation, and robust mechanics.


This paper presents the development of a new course conducted by the School of Microelectronic Engineering at the Northern Malaysia University College of Engineering or Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia (KUKUM) in the area of microfabrication. Two related courses offered by the School are namely, semiconductor process technology and microelectronic fabrication. The course consists of a lecture and laboratory component. It is a new approach, as compared to the conventional undergraduate program, which is designed with 60% of the students' contact time, is dedicated to laboratory and workshop work, while the other 40% is for lectures. Therefore, a new 115m2 c/eanroom was developed and equipped with all basic tools that is necessary to fabricate and test microelectronic devices. The setup is mainly to expose the student with actual c/eanroom operation environment. The course content and the format of the courses are presented. The detailof the synopsis and the list of custom designed experiment for both courses are a/so provided. Such curriculum developed and offered by KUKUM is geared towards promoting the National Industrial Master Plan, especially in the semiconductor industry


Based on the improved equation of concrete heat-generation rate and an improved calculation method of temperature stress, the temperature effect of concrete hydration heat is simulated successfully in ANSYS. Comparison between the numerical simulation results and test results of a scaled model of blast furnace foundation indicates that the calculated temperature field based on the improved equation and method is much closer to that of test than which obtained by the old equation and method. By using the stress superposition principle, the temperature-stress field can be calculated with considering the change of material behavior with temperature and time.


The continent that produced great civilisations such as those of Ghana,Benin, the Pharaonic of Egypt and Timbuktu of Mali could rise again andface the challenges of the twenty-first century.This is exactly what the then deputy president, Thabo Mbeki, meantwhen he said in his speech in Japan in April of last year. We are our ownliberators and we must have confidence in ourselves. What other words couldbe more inspiring and stimulating for us as Africans embarking on the roadof the African Renaissance? Yes, it is a long road and a difficult one, but wehave started it and there is no going back.The Egyptian view of the African Renaissance does not differ muchfrom the South African view. We agree on the objective and the ultimate goal,even if we may vary on the mechanisms and tactics to reach our commongoal. My emphasis will be on the socio-economic aspects of the AfricanRenaissance as I consider these the most difficult of challenges.


I study how interbank lending network structures affect financial fragility. Interbank lending is beneficial but subject to coordination failure. With interbank wholesale funding, banks' balance sheets become inflated, and give the senior retail depositors a sense of safety to allow more illiquid assets. In interbank runs, banks run on banks as they mutually reinforce each other to withdraw interbank lending. Banks' individually precautionary liquidity hoarding strategies are connected by the pairwise lending relationships. Mean-field analysis extracts the systemic behavior from the network of strategic interactions. I show such dispersed and indirectly linked interactions also lead to discontinuous and system-wide liquidity crunches, as if the interactions are centralized. Local insolvency shocks trigger the interbank run if the network is unraveled beyond a critical point. The model is applied to identify the optimal capital injection targets of government bailouts, and study the systemic effects of the proposed regulations on restraining the highly connected banks.


Objectives: To evaluate the percentage of interest in receiving orthodontic treatment and factors of positive perception in order of importance for thinking of receiving orthodontic treatment and negative barriers in order of importance for thinking of not receiving orthodontic treatment yet, amongst dental professionals according to age and sex. Methodology: participants included 425 dental professionals divided into five groups i.e. 21-30....61-70. After taking necessary permissions and informed concert, participant information sheet and questionnaire wereprovided to them through Google forms. All the filled questionnaires were then statistically analysed to conclude results. Results: Rate of positive perception towards orthodontic treatment was 57.9% amongst dental professionals. Malaligned teeth and Unesthetic were the first chief complaint of the partakers in their second, third and fourth decade; spacing was highly prevalent among fifth and sixth decade of their chronologic age , time and treatment fees were the reasons why patients not received orthodontic treatment yet in their 20s, 30s and 40s while periodontal complications and difficulties in chewing were the barriers in their 50s and 60s. Conclusion: Middle and old aged patients require precise understanding regarding the possibilities, advances and limitations of different orthodontic treatment modalities.


Rooney proposed a formula to minimise drug wastage when delivering inotropes via a syringe pump (Anaesthesia 1992; 47: 83). His formula gives a final volume of solution from a known drug dose and patient body weight, which will then deliver the drug at a concentration such that 1 pg.kg-'.min-l = 1 m1.h-'. I would like to suggest a much simpler solution. This gives final volume (ml) = 0.25 x drug dose (mg). Body weight is excluded. This simple equation can be used for all adults, although 1 m1.h-I will deliver precisely 1 pg.kg-l.rnin-l for a 66.7 kg patient. However, inotropes are not strictly administered as predetermined doses according to precise body weights, but are instead titrated to the clinical response. The requirements of dobutamine or dopamine in adult patients usually range from 2-15 pg.kg-'.min-l, and this delivery range of 2-15 ml.h-' allows easy adjustments. Also, since most patients who require inotropes are not weighed daily (or perhaps even at all), body weight equations are imprecise anyway. The above simple equation will also work quickly 'in reverse' i.e. derive the dose needed to make up a solution of required final volume, since the ratio of final volume (in ml) to dose (in mg) is always a simple 1 to 4.


Asymptotic behavior of qualitative variation statistics, including entropy measures, can be modeled well by normal distributions. In this study, we test the normality of various qualitative variation measures in general. We find that almost all indices tend to normality as the sample size increases, and they are highly correlated. However, for all of these qualitative variation statistics, maximum uncertainty is a serious factor that prevents normality. Among these, we study the properties of two qualitative variation statistics; VarNC and StDev statistics in the case of maximum uncertainty, since these two statistics show lower sampling variability and utilize all sample information. We derive probability distribution functions of these statistics and prove that they are consistent. We also discuss the relationship between VarNC and the normalized form of Tsallis (α = 2) entropy in the case of maximum uncertainty.


Gold & Stoljar's attempt to disentangle the body-mind problem in time for the end of the decade of the brain deserves praise for its diligence and courage in moving onto the treacherous ground of interdisciplinary discourse. In making their point, they should not have stopped half-way: a more clearly defined experimental paradigm seems necessary to solve this exciting and substantial problem.


We consider the problem of finding the optimal time to switch between two measurable cash-flow streams. A complete characterization of the set of solutions is obtained in terms of adjoint variables which measure the available gain from deviations. An iterative procedure for the computation of the adjoint variables is provided. The results are generalized to multiple switching times, multiple cash-flow streams, switching costs, as well as switch-triggered cash-flow streams that arise in equipment-replacement problems.


Selective pressure overload of the right ventricle in guinea pigs resulted in early and sustained reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activities in the right ventricle. No changes in tyrosine hydroxylase activity were detected in stellate ganglia sinoatrial (SA) nodal region, atrioventricular (AV) nodal region, or left ventricle. Reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase activity in stressed right ventricle were similar regardless of duration of pulmonary artery constriction, extent of hypertrophy, presence or absence of hepatic congestion, and preservation or depletion of catecholamines. The changes may represent localized loss of sympathetic nerve fibers; factors involved directly in the process of pressure-overload-induced hypertrophy may be responsible. However, sympathetic nerves remaining in hypertrophied ventricle respond normally to cold-induced sympathetic activation. The reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase activity and the maintenance of norepinephrine turnover in residual innervation to hypertrophied right ventricle support the concept that sympathetic neural regulation of hypertrophied cardiac tissue is altered but not lost.


Background: Tea consumption is associated with lower post-infarct mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction. We previously found preliminary evidence that tea consumption may also be associated with lower risk of infarct-related ventricular arrhythmias. Methods: Between 1989 and 1996, 3882 subjects with AMI were enrolled in the two phases of the Determinants of Myocardial Infarction Onset Study a median of four days after admission. Trained interviewers assessed self-reported usual tea and coffee consumption during the year prior to infarction with a standardized questionnaire. We examined the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias in the two phases of the study separately and together. Results: Among the 1912 patients with complete information in the first phase, the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias was 16% among abstainers from tea, 11% among moderate tea drinkers (<14 cups per week), and 14% among heavier tea drinkers (≥14 cups per week) (p homogeneity = 0.03). Among the 1791 patients with comparable information in the second phase, the corresponding prevalence rates were 11%, 8%, and 8%, respectively (p = 0.06). When the phases were combined, the adjusted odds ratios for VA were 0.7 (95% confidence interval, 0.6–0.9) among moderate tea drinkers and 0.9 (95% confidence interval, 0.7–1.2) among heavier tea drinkers. The findings were of similar direction for both ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. In contrast, there was higher risk of VA with increasing coffee intake (odds ratio for >14 cups per week 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.7; p trend 0.02). Conclusions: Moderate tea intake is associated with a lower prevalence, and higher coffee intake with a slightly higher prevalence, of ventricular arrhythmias among patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction. If the association with tea intake is confirmed, it may suggest new approaches to prevention of ischemia-related arrhythmias.


This work focuses on the friction and temperature behavior of thermo-elastohydrodynamically lubricated (TEHL) contacts under rolling-sliding conditions. For this purpose, a twin-disk test rig is used with a hybrid setup of plain and fiber-reinforced polyamide (PA) 66 and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) disks paired with case-hardened steel disks and three different lubricants. Experimental investigations include various lubrication regimes by varying sum velocity and oil temperature as well as load and slip ratio. The measured friction in thermoplastic TEHL contacts is particularly very low in the area of high fluid load portion, which refers to the large deformation of the compliant polymer surface. Newtonian flow behavior mainly determines fluid friction. The low thermal effusivity of polymers insulates the contact and can further reduce the effective lubricant viscosity, and thus the fluid friction. For low sum velocities, solid friction influences the tribological behavior depending on the solid load portion. Although the interfacial contact friction is comparably small, material damping strongly contributes to power losses and increases bulk temperature, which in turn affects the TEHL contact. Thus, loading frequency and the resulting bulk temperature are identified as one of the main drivers of power losses and tribological behavior of lubricated thermoplastic polymer contacts.


Abstract
The
purpose
of
this
research
is
a
comparative
analysis
of
the
lithic
collections
coming
from
the
archaeological
surface
sites
of
Orentano
(PISA),
referring
to
the
Middle
Palaeolithic.
The
project
has
three
main
topics:
1. the
techno-‐economic
and
typological
analysis
of
the
lithic
material,
paying
particular
attention
to
the
Levallois
finds;
2. the
identification
and
study
of
products
resulting
from
debitage
Kombewa;
3. the
taphonomical
approach,
the
analysis
of
the
preservation
state,
the
modification
of
surfaces
and
the
observation
of
the
techno-‐typological
characteristics
of
all
the
lithic
material.
The
final
goal
is
to
have
a
complete
picture
of
the
similarities
and
differences
between
the
two
debitage
(Levallois
and
Kombewa)
and
the
real
involvement
of
debitage
Kombewa
in
the
Middle
Palaeolithic.
Regarding
the
finds
derived
from
debitage
Kombewa,
the
observation
was
based
exclusively
on
those
materials
that
showed
remains
of
the
ventral
face
referable
to
this
method,
recovered
in
the
surface
lithic
mass
(cores,
flakes
retouched
and
not
retouched).
Were
omitted
from
the
analysis
all
those
finds
considered
as
debris.
The
techno-‐economic
study
has
allowed
us
to
advance
a
number
of
very
important
considerations
to
determine
the
relationships
between
the
various
surface
collections:
the
definition
of
the
methods
used
and
the
products
researched,
within
the
individual
surface
collections,
allowed
us
to
emphasize
a
technical
behaviour
constituted
by
an
uniform
basis,
essentially,
that
of
debitage
S.S.D.A.
and
some
variants
rather
significant,
such
as
those
of
debitage
Levallois,
discoid
and
Kombewa
sensu
lato.
The
main
term
of
techno-‐typological
comparison
is
represented,
above
all,
by
the
other
surface
collections
of
Cerbaie,
subsequently,
from
Mousterian
stratigraphic
sites
of
the
regional
context
and,
for
the
debitage
Kombewa
sensu
lato,
comparisons
are
made
only
at
the
national
level,
since
that
this
method
was
not,
for
the
moment,
yet
addressed
in
studies
of
Mousterian
lithic
industries
of
Tuscany.
The
industries
of
Orentano
found
plenty
evidences,
especially,
in
the
industries
of
Cerbaie,
all
surface
stations,
refer
to
the
Mousterian
but
with
different
distinctions:
all
these
different
features,
probably,
may
be
charged
with
an
attendance
of
Cerbaie
at
different
times;
less
likely,
however,
it's
the
hypothesis
of
artefacts
differentiation
linked
to
the
activities
in
the
various
sites.
Exclusively
for
Kombewa
materials,
it
appears
that
the
industries
of
Orentano
find
plentiful
evidence
in
the
Italian
Mousterian
industries
where
this
debitage
existents
with
this
amount
and
percentages,
sometimes
really
scarce,
but
it
takes,
always,
a
position
complementary
and
non-‐
intentional
(secondary
chaine
operatoire)
in
the
methods
of
exploitation
of
the
raw
material.
Abstract
The
"debitage
S.S.D.A."
or
"opportunist"
is
the
method
that
represents
the
best
strategy
for
the
production
of
flakes
at
not-‐predetermined
morphology
and
it
indicates
the
production
method
much
more
significant
in
the
lithic
production
of
Orentano.
The
debitage
Levallois
has
been
used
lesser
and
its
products
have
not
been
retouched
so
regularly.
The
negligible
presence
of
discoid
method
could
prove
its
unintentional
research
by
those
who
knaps
but,
rarely,
the
final
consequence
of
a
Levallois
production.
Regarding
the
debitage
Kombewa
sensu
lato,
the
arisen
data
have
been
satisfactory
to
affirm
the
non-‐intentional
production
of
such
material:
in
fact,
it
appears
to
be
a
secondary
chaine
operatoire,
existent
with
percentages
not
really
significant
in
all
sites.


The crossover from an exciton gas to an electron-hole plasma is studied in a GaN/(Al,Ga)N single quantum well by means of combined time-resolved and continuous-wave photoluminescence measurements. The two-dimensional Mott transition is found to be of continuous type and to be accompanied by a characteristic modification of the quantum well emission spectrum. Beyond the critical density, the latter is strongly influenced by band-gap renormalization and Fermi filling of continuum states. Owing to the large binding energy of excitons in III-nitride heterostructures, their injection-induced dissociation could be tracked over a wide range of temperatures, i.e., from 4 to 150K. Various criteria defining the Mott transition are examined, which, however, do not lead to any clear trend with rising temperature: the critical carrier density remains invariant around 1012cm−2.


Purpose: The p63 gene, located on chromosome 3q2728, is a member of the p53 gene family. The product encoded by the p63 gene has been reported to be essential for normal development. Experimental Design: In this study, we examined the expression pattern of p63 in human normal and tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody (clone 4A4) that recognizes all p63 splice variants, and by reverse transcription-PCR using isoform-specific primers. Results: We found that p63 expression was restricted to the nucleus, with a nucleoplasmic pattern. We also observed that the expression was restricted to epithelial cells of stratified epithelia, such as skin, esophagus, exocervix, tonsil, and bladder, and to certain subpopulations of basal cells in glandular structures of prostate and breast, as well as in bronchi. Consistent with the phenotype observed in normal tissues, we found that p63 is expressed predominantly in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as transitional cell carcinomas, but not in adenocarcinomas, including those of breast and prostate. Interestingly, thymomas expressed high levels of p63. Moreover, a subset of nonHodgkin's lymphoma was also found to express p63. Using isoform-specific reverse transcription-PCR, we found that thymomas express all isoforms of p63, whereas the nonHodgkin's lymphoma tended to express the transactivationcompetent isoforms. We did not detect p63 expression in a variety of endocrine tumors, germ cell neoplasms, or melanomas. Additionally, soft tissue sarcomas were also found to have undetectable p63 levels. Conclusions: Our data support a role for p63 in squamous and transitional cell carcinomas, as well as certain lymphomas and thymomas.


: The acute intoxication in 4 sheep, due to an extract from a Byssochlamys nivea culture containing patulin is attained by administering per os with a syringe or with an esophagal tube doses of patulin varying from 15 to 50 mg per kg of bodyweight. A dose of 20 mg/kg, given with a syringe, brought on the death of a sheep within 5 hours following the administration, while a dose of 50 mg/kg given by an esophagal tube, only led to some temporary and slight problems. Intoxication brings on such symptoms such as nasal discharge, the stoppage of ruminating, a painful sensitivity in the retro-sternal area, weight loss, and prolonged loss of appetite. With an autopsy, a sero-fibrinous peritoneal exsudate and considerable hemorrhaging in the abomasum can be found. Anatomo-pathological examinations pinpoint lesions in the liver and kidneys. Biochemical examinations revealed hemoconcentration followed by anemia, and a considerable drop in serum proteins. The urea level increases 24 hours after and attains a notable maximum at the 30th hour (50 to 200 per cent). During these acute intoxications, no disorder whatsoever in the nervous system was observed.


This paper presents a review of the basic concepts of swarm intelligence and some views regarding the future of research in this area aimed at establishing a starting point for future work in different engineering fields. A bibliographic search of the most updated databases regarding classic articles on the subject and the most recent applications and results was used for constructing this review, especially in the areas of automatic control, signal and image processing and robotics. The main concepts were selected and organised in chronological order. A taxonomy was obtained for evolutionary computing techniques, a clear differentiation between swarm intelligence and other evolutionary algorithms and an overview of the different techniques and applications.


This paper develops a two-country multi-frictional model where the freeze on liquidity access to commercial banks in one country raises unemployment rates via credit rationing in both countries. The expenditure-switching channel, whereby asymmetric monetary shocks traditionally lead to negative comovements of home and foreign outputs, is considerably weakened via opposite forces driving the exchange rate. Meanwhile, it is proved that financial market integration forms a transmission channel per se, without resorting to international cross-holdings of risky assets. The search and :


Background To develop cancer antigen-targeted immunotherapeutic strategies for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), we investigated the individual and coexpressions of the cancer-associated antigens mesothelin (MSLN), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) in both epithelioid and non-epithelioid MPM. Methods All available hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from patients who were diagnosed with MPM (1989-2010) were reviewed. We constructed tissue microarrays from 283 patients (epithelioid = 234; non-epithelioid = 49). Intensity and distribution for each antigen were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Positive expression of MSLN, CA125, and WT1 were demonstrated in 93%, 75%, and 97% of epithelioid MPM cases, and 57%, 33%, and 98% of non-epithelioid MPM cases, respectively. Triple- and double-positive antigen coexpressions were demonstrated in 72% and 23% of epithelioid MPM cases and 29% and 33% of non-epithelioid MPM cases, respectively. Complete absence of expression for all three antigens was demonstrated in <2% of MPM cases. More than two-thirds of MPM cases had ≥50% distribution of MSLN-positive cells and, among the remaining third, half had ≥50% distribution of WT1-positive cells. CA125/MSLN coexpression was observed in more than two-thirds of epithelioid MPM cases and one-third of non-epithelioid MPM cases. Conclusion A limited number of cancer-associated antigens can target almost all MPM tumors for immunotherapy.


The aim of this study was to compare two methodologies employed by the British Cycling talent identification program. Specifically, the authors investigated cyclists selected to represent GB cycling team at the London 2012 Olympics using (a) a traditional talent identification methodology (British Cycling Olympic Development Program), where selection is based upon race results and (b) a detection talent identification methodology (U.K. Sport Talent Team Program), which is a multi-Olympic event initiative that identifies athletic potential from physical and skill-based tests. To facilitate this comparison, the authors calculated the speed with which expertise was acquired. A Mann–Whitney U test (U = 16.0, p = .031) indicated that the speed of acquiring expertise was quicker in detection talent identification (Mdn = 5.4) than traditional talent identification (Mdn = 7.2). Practice started later with detection talent identification than with traditional talent identification (14.12 years vs. 11.23 years, respectively), which affected the period to excellence. Thus, detection talent identification resulted in an absence of early specialization, which suggests a critical period for attaining cycling expertise. The authors hypothesize a genetic basis of talent and propose that critical periods are important in detection talent identification programs.


2-36 mmol/l (1-6 mg/100 ml) if the 12-hour steady-state serum lithium level was maintained at 1 mmol/l." i The mean dosage of Priadel required to maintain this level would be 1643 mg. Comparison of these results suggests that the peak serum lithium level would be certainly above 2 mmol/l (1-4 mg/100 ml) and probably considerably above this in the patient described, as the patient was receiving a higher dosage of lithium. If the blood samples were taken just before administration of the whole dose of lithium, the peak serum lithium level would be even higher than this. We still do not know how best to give lithium to maintain prophylaxis, but in view of the recent reports of renal damage following lithium toxicity7 8 it is prudent to give lithium in such a way as to avoid levels in the toxic range. The majority of patients should receive lithium in at least a divided dose schedule.


The main source of data on birth weight in developing countries is statistics from health facilities, although most developing countries do not produce annual estimates of the incidence of low birth weight from these data. Such estimates would be subject to selection bias as the data are usually limited to babies born within health facilities, and therefore are representative of a subgroup that is markedly different from the overall population of neonates. Since 1990 the Demographic and Health Surveys programme has included questions on recalled birth weight and relative size at birth in 15 national surveys. In this article, we show that these cross-sectional surveys can provide a useful data source for making national estimates of mean birth weight and the incidence of low birth weight. The extent of misclassification of birth weight is, however, too large to use the data on relative size as birth as an indicator of low birth weight at the individual level.


Purpose: The treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is challenging based on a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery, radiosurgery, and interventional neuroradiology. The embolization of brain AVMS was for a long time performed using particles and glue. Onyx has been recently introduced in the armamentarium for AVM embolization, but large, multicenter evaluation is lacking. BRAVO study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and anatomical results of brain AVM embolization with Onyx. Materials and Methods: BRAVO (Brain ArterioVenous malformations embolization with Onyx) was a multicentric, prospective, consecutive study conducted in 11 neurointerventional centers in Europe. 117 patients harbouring brain AVMs embolized with Onyx were included. Clinical presentation was mostly hemorrhage (30.8%) and epilepsy (27.4%). AVM size was less than 3cm in 52.1% of cases and more than 3cm in 47.9% of cases. A mean number of 2.05 embolization sessions / patient were performed with injection of a mean of 2.4 ml Onyx / session. Results: Complete occlusion was obtained with Onyx embolization alone in a high percentage of cases (23.5% of all cases and 36.7% of AVM smaller than 3cm). Intra and post-operative bleeding related to the treatment was observed in 9.4% leading to death in 3.4% and neurologic worsening in 1.7%. Non-hemorrhagic permanent deficits were observed in 6.0% of cases. Treatment related morbidity (mRS>2) and mortality were respectively 5.1% and 4.3%. Conclusion: Embolization of brain AVMs with Onyx is associated with a high rate of complete occlusion with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Onyx has to be used as the first line embolization agent for the treatment of brain AVMs.


The monthly return distributions of many hedge fund indices exhibit highly unusual skewness and kurtosis properties as well as first-order serial correlation. This has important consequences for investors. Although many hedge fund indices are highly attractive in mean-variance terms, this is much less the case when skewness, kurtosis and autocorrelation are taken into account. Sharpe ratios will substantially overestimate the true risk/return performance of (portfolios containing) hedge funds. Similarly, mean-variance portfolio analysis will overestimate the benefits of including hedge funds in an investment portfolio and therefore overallocate to hedge funds. We also find substantial differences between indices that aim to cover the same type of strategy. Investors' perceptions of hedge fund performance and value added will therefore strongly depend on the indices used.


Conversion disorder (CD), also known as a functional neurological symptom disorder, is a somatoform disorder involving an unconscious, involuntary process in which psychosocial needs, conflicts, and internal stresses are expressed as somatic symptoms without an anatomical or physiological explanation. The signs and symptoms are involuntary and appear with no underlying physical cause. Various triggers and psychologic stresses may result in the sudden clinical manifestations of the disorder. We present a 14-year-old adolescent who developed a CD following anesthetic care for a partial lateral meniscectomy. Previous reports of postoperative CDs are reviewed, etiologic considerations during the postoperative period are discussed, and management options are presented. J Med Cases. 2017;8(10):326-329 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2905w


In this paper, we propose a new texture analysis method using the deterministic partially self-avoiding walk performed on maps modified with thresholds. In this method, two pixels of the map are neighbors if the Euclidean distance between them is less than $\sqrt{2}$ and the weight (difference between its intensities) is less than a given threshold. The maps obtained by using different thresholds highlight several properties of the image that are extracted by the deterministic walk. To compose the feature vector, deterministic walks are performed with different thresholds and its statistics are concatenated. Thus, this approach can be considered as a multi-scale analysis. We validate our method on the Brodatz database, which is very well known public image database and widely used by texture analysis methods. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method presents a good texture discrimination, overcoming traditional texture methods.


Developing Asia has the world's fastest greenhouse gas emissions growth. This study uses an economy–energy–climate model to assess the effects of Paris Agreement pledges on Asia, in comparison with business as usual (BAU) and more ambitious scenarios. Results confirm that pledges must be strongly increased in ambition to achieve the Paris Agreement's goal of less than 2 degrees Celsius (2°C) warming. The policy costs of Asia's pledges are found to be less than 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) through 2050, while 2°C scenarios may cost less than 2% of GDP. However, costs are sensitive to assumptions about international carbon markets and mitigation timing, with costs for 2°C scenarios doubling in the absence of carbon trade, and increasing the later that mitigation is initiated. Under the 2°C scenarios, annual average energy supply investments are about $300 billion above the BAU levels through 2050. Mitigation policy may substantially reduce air pollution mortality, with up to 600,000 fewer deaths in Asia annually by 2050. When costs, benefits of avoided climate change, and cobenefits are considered together, investment in mitigation policy is found to have substantial economic returns for the region—if action is taken rapidly and international carbon market mechanisms are implemented.


Serum amyloid A1 (SAAI), one of the two isotypes of acute phase SAA, is the predominant precursor to amyloid A (AA) protein, the chief constituent of fibrillar deposits in reactive (AA) amyloidosis. Prolonged hyperexpression of SAA protein accompanying chronic inflammation is critical to, but seems not to be sufficient for, the development of AA amyloidosis. Several previous studies have investigated the possibility of linkage between SAAI exon 3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to amyloidosis. While the SAAI. I allele was found to have a negative association with amylodosis in Japanese subjects, it showed a positive association in Caucasians. Moriguchi and colleagues recently showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -13 in the SAAl S' flanking region was more strongly associated with amyloidosis than was the exon 3 polymorphism. To test whether this SNP may be an amyloidogenic factor common to Japanese and Caucasians, we have analyzed the SAA l gene in amyloid and non-amyloid patients of both ethnic groups for the presence of T or C at position -13 and for exon 3 polymorphisms (SAAI. I, 1.3 or 1.5). The frequency of the -13T allele was 0.708 and 0.521 in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients with and patients without AA amyloidosis, respectively, and 0.536 and 0.196 in American Caucasian patients with AA amyloidosis and control subjects, respectively. In Caucasians, the -I3Tallele had a stronger association with amyloidosis than did the SAAI.I allele. These findings suggest that -13T is a genetic background for AA amyloidosis in both Japanese and Caucasians and the difference in prevalence of AA amyloidosis in the two ethnic groups may be due, at least in part, to a difference in the frequency of the -13T SAAI allele.


Arrested feeding of the Asiatic rice borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) by the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner formulations Dipel and Thuricide was tested in the laboratory. Larvae were fed B. thuringiensts incorporated into artificial diet for 48 h, after which they were transferred to diet free of B. thuringiensis . The relative amount of B. thuringiensts ingested was determined by weighing the larvae and diet. The endotoxin inhibited feeding after an initial dose was ingested, but some larvae recovered after 36, 60, and 84 h on the diet free of B. thuringiensis . Mortality was low even after 180 h. Probit analysis based on arrested feeding rather than mortality showed no significant differences in toxicity between the products. Measuring feeding activity of Asiatic rice borer on artificial medium provides a method of comparing effectiveness of B. thuringiensis materials for this insect.


Abstract Novice darts throwers completed a dart‐throwing task using either control (no additional instruction), external, or internal attentional focusing instructions. Ratings of the experience of using the instructions were collected post‐task (e.g., instructional difficulty). Participants using the external and control instructions performed significantly more accurately than those using the internal focus instructions but did not differ themselves. The control instructions were rated as significantly easier and less mentally demanding to use than the external instructions. The external and internal conditions did not differ in ratings of mental demands, but the external instructions were rated as more successful than the internal instructions. These results support previous research advocating the use of instructions that emphasize external goal‐related information and that novices can benefit immediately from such instruction.


University. $75.00. (Study guide available.) A valuable film for use in teacher-training classes, faculty committees and/or any other organization where one is training persons for leadership and group participation or interested in self-improvement. The setting is a nurses' staff meeting. This relatively unfamiliar situation has been chosen so that viewers' attention may be focused on process and personalities rather than content. The film presents some of the common pitfalls of small group activity and shows how groups of this kind can learn to work together more effectively. It stresses dynamics of group work and the role of the individual in making the group an effective working unit. The study guide gives the story of the film, questions for further consideration, and also suggestions for use of the film. A good film educationally and technically.


The Bondi-van der Burg-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) group, which uniquely describes the symmetries of asymptotic infinity and therefore of the gravitational waves that propagate there, has become increasingly important for accurate modeling of waveforms. In particular, waveform models, such as post-Newtonian (PN) expressions, numerical relativity (NR), and black hole perturbation theory, produce results that are in different BMS frames. Consequently, to build a model for the waveforms produced during the merging of compact objects, which ideally would be a hybridization of PN, NR, and black hole perturbation theory, one needs a fast and robust method for fixing the BMS freedoms. In this work, we present the first means of fixing the entire BMS freedom of NR waveforms to match the frame of either PN waveforms or black hole perturbation theory. We achieve this by finding the BMS transformations that change certain charges in a prescribed way -- e.g., finding the center-of-mass transformation that maps the center-of-mass charge to a mean of zero. We find that this new method is 20 times faster, and more correct when mapping to the superrest frame, than previous methods that relied on optimization algorithms. Furthermore, in the course of developing this charge-based frame fixing method, we compute the PN expression for the Moreschi supermomentum to 3PN order without spins and 2PN order with spins. This Moreschi supermomentum is effectively equivalent to the energy flux or the null memory contribution at future null infinity $\mathscr{I}^{+}$. From this PN calculation, we also compute oscillatory ($m\not=0$ modes) and spin-dependent memory terms that have not been identified previously or have been missing from strain expressions in the post-Newtonian literature.


When we discovered that crown gall induction on plants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural event of genetic engineering, we were convinced that this was the dawn of a new era for plant science. Now, more than 30 years later, I remain overawed by how far and how rapidly we progressed with our knowledge of the molecular basis of plant growth, development, stress resistance, flowering, and ecological adaptation, thanks to the gene engineering technology. I am impressed, but also frustrated by the difficulties of applying this knowledge to improve crops and globally develop a sustainable and improved high-yielding agriculture. Now that gene engineering has become so efficient, I had hoped that thousands of teams, all over the world, would work on improving our major food crops, help domesticate new ones, and succeed in doubling or tripling biomass yields in industrial crops. We live in a world where more than a billion people are hungry or starving, while the last areas of tropical forest and wild nature are disappearing. We urgently need a better supply of raw material for our chemical industry because petroleum-based products pollute the environment and are limited in supply. Why could this new technology not bring the solutions to these challenges? Why has this not happened yet; what did we do wrong?


The article presented for this dossier includes an analysis and reflections based on the study: "Training policies and practices for the conduction of state educational institutions at the kindergarten, primary and secondary levels". This is a research that has been carried out since 2017 in IV Educational Region in Buenos Aires Province (corresponding to Quilmes, Berazategui and Florencio Varela districts), within the framework of the Arturo Jauretche National University, on the policies for the training of directors and their link with school conduction from a historical, political, institutional and experiential perspective. From our point of view, topics concerning school leading, in the sense of school conduction, have long been discussed and recognized as matters of great importance both at the level of school operations and in terms of the application and implementation of educational policies. During the 1990s, the concern for the conduction and administration of education in our country was expressed in a debate that was dominated by the economic tone that is characteristic of neo-liberal policies and their education reform programs. These conceptions, located within a framework of efficiency, administration, and the market, emphasized aspects associated with the ideas of management, and were highly criticized both at that time and subsequently, when educational policy was assumed to be based on the idea of a state guaranteeing the right to education. At the turn of the century (2005-2015), the focus of the issue was placed on school directors as educational conductors and pedagogical agents of institutions, emphasizing the ethical and political responsibility that the managerial function entails. Since the assumption of a new neo-liberal government (2015 and onwards), public policies guaranteeing rights, which were characteristic of the previous period, have been brutally discontinued and the ideas of neo-liberalism have been recovered, introducing some novelties, both in discursive terms, such as the emphasis on emprendedurismo (an incorrect translation of the English term "entrepreneurship"), and in relation to the forms of privatization of teacher training for school authorities with public funds. The different conceptions of the role and function of school conduction undoubtedly refer to a framework of education policy meaning, contextualized in time and space; they also involve different ways of considering the training and qualification of those who occupy or will occupy school authority positions. In this article we will present an analysis of the political and pedagogical meanings displayed at the discursive level of education and training offerings aimed to school conduction teams and also, as a counterpoint, an analytical approach to the discursive and experiential constructions of school directors in their daily realities.


Organic chemicals are used in all types of industries including but not limited to automotive and engine repair, dry cleaning, asphalt operations, dye manufacturing, agricultural activities, and food processing. The usage of organic chemicals is of increasing concern to regulators because of the contamination of soil and groundwater resulting from the mishandling and disposal of these chemicals. Typically, drums, underground and aboveground tanks are used to store these organic chemicals. The presence of large amount of chemicals, gasoline, and diesel fuel on-site is considering an indicator of the potential for soil and groundwater contamination.

Due to leaking UST or surface spills of organic chemicals and its constituent it becomes the common culprits of soil and groundwater contamination. The first step toward implementing a remediation is to provide for [...] a better understanding of the physical properties of the organic chemicals themselves.

This study reviews the chemistry of hydrocarbon and the fundamental concepts and principles of geology and hydrogeology, since the media where the contamination is taking place, and followed by a discussion of the fate and transport of contaminants in the subsurface, from an industry and regulatory point of view. The types and design of remediation system was overlooked and applied in a real case of study of Phase I, II and [III] Environmental Site Assessment.

This study concluded with an overview of the application of the remote sensing in the environmental industry and its future potential involvement in the environmental site assessments, Phase I through Phase III audits.


Steven Weinberg (2018) says:

(1) new theories that target new observations should be constrained to agree with observations successfully represented by existing theories; and

(2) preserving successes of earlier theories helps to discover unanticipated understandings of yet other phenomena.

Weinberg's advice helps us to answer the question: how do higher risks of skill losses coinciding both with involuntary layoffs ("layoff turbulence") and with voluntary quits ("quit turbulence") affect equilibrium unemployment rates? An earlier analysis that had included only layoff turbulence had established a positive relationship between turbulence and the unemployment rate within generous welfare states, but the absence of that relationship in countries with stingier welfare states. A subsequent influential analysis found that even very small amounts of quit turbulence would lead to a negative relationship between turbulence and unemployment rates. But that finding was based on a peculiar calibration of a productivity distribution that generates returns to labor mobility that make the model miss the positive turbulence-unemployment rate relationship that has been a theoretical basis for explaining the persistent trans-Atlantic unemployment divide that emerged in post-1970s data and also miss observations about labor market churning. Repairing the faulty calibration of that productivity distribution not only brings models with quit turbulence into line with those observations but also puts the spotlight on macro-labor calibration strategies and implied returns to labor mobility.


The chromatographic properties of peptides ranging in length from 2 to 65 residues have been compared on reverse-phase packings in three buffer systems at low pH. Of the buffers examined, two are widely used in connection with u.v. detection [(i) phosphate/acetonitrile or (ii) phosphate/propan-2-ol] and the third for fluorescence detection [(iii) pyridine/formate-pyridine/acetate/propan-1-ol]. The addition of a chaotropic salt, NaClO4, to the phosphate buffers, as first described by Meek (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77, 1632-1636, is shown to significantly improve the chromatographic behaviour of more hydrophobic peptides. The two most commonly used detection systems, u.v. and fluorescence, are compared in terms of ease of use and sensitivity.


For economies in transition, the issues of property rights protection provided by the state and implications for economic performance are very important. The paper develops an endogenous growth theory model with incomplete capital markets and the level of public protection of property rights determined by voting (possibly different from the majority voting) and verifies the implications using cross-section data on Russian regions. During transition (since 1992), Russian regions demonstrated enormous differences in growth rates. It is found that these differences may be explained by initial conditions and effectiveness of institutions. Also, positive impact of inequality on the level of public protection of property rights is found and a theoretical explanation for this phenomenon in the framework of the model is provided.


Abstract Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide and, despite improvements in treatment options for late-stage metastatic cancer, there are still questions surrounding how best to treat early-stage disease patients. Some recent advances have been made in the staging of cancer and improving the risk assessment of strategies for patient treatment. A number of high-risk features have been proposed that may help to stratify stage II cancer patients into groups that will truly benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Diagnostic tests are becoming available to measure these biomarkers, utilizing both currently available and novel technologies. This review will describe the challenges in treatment decisions for early-stage colon cancer and how personalized medicine can assist clinicians in making the best treatment choices for patients with stage II colon cancer in particular.


Software development increasingly depends on libraries and frameworks to increase productivity and reduce time-to-market. Despite this fact, we still lack techniques to assess developers expertise in widely popular libraries and frameworks. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of unsupervised (based on clustering) and supervised machine learning classifiers (Random Forest and SVM) to identify experts in three popular JavaScript libraries: facebook/react, mongodb/node-mongodb, and socketio/socket.io. First, we collect 13 features about developers activity on GitHub projects, including commits on source code files that depend on these libraries. We also build a ground truth including the expertise of 575 developers on the studied libraries, as self-reported by them in a survey. Based on our findings, we document the challenges of using machine learning classifiers to predict expertise in software libraries, using features extracted from GitHub. Then, we propose a method to identify library experts based on clustering feature data from GitHub; by triangulating the results of this method with information available on Linkedin profiles, we show that it is able to recommend dozens of GitHub users with evidences of being experts in the studied JavaScript libraries. We also provide a public dataset with the expertise of 575 developers on the studied libraries.


Abstract. Submarine landslides are known to occur disproportionately in a limited number of environments including fjords, deltas, canyons, volcanic islands and the open continental slope. An evaluation of the progress that has been made in understanding Pacific Ocean submarine landslides over the last 15years shows that mapping technologies have improved greatly, allowing a better interpretation of landslide features. Some features previously identified as landslides are being reinterpreted by some as sediment waves. Previously underappreciated environments for landslides such as deep-sea trenches are being recognized and lava deltas are being found to be landslide prone. Landslides are also being recognized much more commonly as a potential source of tsunamis. Landslides that have produced tsunamis in the past are being mapped and in some cases modeled. The flow characteristics of turbidity currents produced by landslides in canyon heads have recently been monitored and the source of these failures has been identified using repeated multibeam mapping. Finally, some landslide deposits are being dated as part of assessing risk to coastal cities from landslide-tsunamis.


After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the status of the Russian language in the new-born Republics became a central issue. In the Southern Caucasus, all the Constitutions promulgated by the three Republics opted for ethnocentric language policies that accepted the titular language as the only State Language. However, the role of the Russian language as a lingua franca remained crucial for international communication and everyday interaction. It followed that it continued to play an important role also in education. The present study focuses on Georgia, where a strong derussification policy has taken place in the last decades and aims at understanding to what extent the use of Russian among the young generations has contracted. In particular, we present an analysis conducted on data collected via (i) a survey for young people consisting of questions on their sociolinguistic background and a proficiency test in Russian, and (ii) semi-structured interviews for teachers of Russian and English as Foreign Languages on the research topics.


Anthropomorphic robots that aim to approach human performance agility and efficiency are typically highly redundant not only in their kinematics but also in actuation. Variable-impedance actuators, used to drive many of these devices, are capable of modulating torque and impedance (stiffness and/or damping) simultaneously, continuously, and independently. These actuators are, however, nonlinear and assert numerous constraints, e.g., range, rate, and effort limits on the dynamics. Finding a control strategy that makes use of the intrinsic dynamics and capacity of compliant actuators for such redundant, nonlinear, and constrained systems is nontrivial. In this study, we propose a framework for optimization of torque and impedance profiles in order to maximize task performance, which is tuned to the complex hardware and incorporating real-world actuation constraints. Simulation study and hardware experiments 1) demonstrate the effects of actuation constraints during impedance control, 2) show applicability of the present framework to simultaneous torque and temporal stiffness optimization under constraints that are imposed by real-world actuators, and 3) validate the benefits of the proposed approach under experimental conditions.


Measurements of the response of a nonlinear system to one or more inputs can be used to obtain an approximate mathematical statement of the way in which the response depends upon the input. Such a statement can be used to predict the response of the system to inputs other than those used in the measurements. A general approach is presented in which the response is approximated by a linear combination of responses of known systems. The coefficients in this combination are the parameters that are to be determined. Choice of these parameters to minimize the mean-square value of the difference between the linear combination and the actual response is shown to lead to a set of equations that are linear in the system parameters. The quantities that must be measured are the values of the cross-correlation of the response with the responses of the known systems. Methods proposed by Singleton and Weiner are presented as specific examples. Methods more general than the least-mean-square approach are described briefly. The criteria by which any of these measurement and characterization procedures can be evaluated are discussed.


Abstract: A 6-year-old male child presented with a discharging sinus on the left cheek 3 cm lateral to left oral commissure in our outpatient department. A provisional diagnosis of parotid fistula was considered. CT sinogram ruled out this diagnosis. Histopathology after excision showed it to be the first branchial cleft sinus.After extensive literature search, we found that this sinus was present at an abnormal location. The site of the sinus was out of the triangle described by Triglia where most of the first branchial cleft sinuses are located, hitherto unreported in world medical literature. Keywords: First branchial cleft sinus; Triangle of Triglia Introduction Otorhinolaryngologists commonly diagnose branchial cleft anamolies. Most of these anamolies are present in second branchial cleft. First branchial cleft anamolies form less than eight percent of these [1]. Due to rare presentation of first cleft anamolies, the diagnosis is generally delayed and treatment inappropriate [2]. The abnormal closure of ectodermal portion of the first branchial cleft is the reason for the formation of sinus, fistula or cysts in the neck. The locations of these anamolies are the most important key point in the diagnosis of these lesions. Most of these anamolies are present in the triangle described by Triglia [3]. We are hereby describing a case of first branchial sinus present outside this above described triangle, thus mimicking a congenital parotid fistula. This is a unique case reported for the first time at this site in English medical literature.

Case Report: A 6-year-old boy presented with a discharging pit in the left cheek since birth. There was no history of swelling, pain or any prior surgical intervention in that area. On examination, a cutaneous pit was seen 3 cm lateral to the left oral commissure (Figure 1). Clear watery discharge could be expressed from the opening. Surrounding skin was normal in colour. No other abnormality was detected in oral cavity, oropharynx and ear examination. Facial nerve function was normal. CT sinogram revealed the presence of a blind-ended contrast filled sinus of 4.3 mm caliber and 3.7 cm length extending superomedially in subcutaneous plane with terminal pooling of contrast lateral to ipsilateral masseter muscle. No communication with the parotid gland was seen. (Figure 2) Based on the clinical examination and CT findings the diagnosis of parotid fistula was ruled out. After taking written informed consent patient underwent a complete surgical excision of the sinus tract under general anaesthesia. Parotid tissue and facial nerve did not need any dissection. The postoperative period was uneventful. Histopathology report of the excised sinus was suggestive of an inflamed branchial sinus partially lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and partly by squamous epithelium with wall showing presence of chronic inflammation. Postoperative period was uneventful with no untoward complication or recurrence reported until date.

Discussion: First branchial arch anomalies have previously been sub-classified as aplasia, atresia, stenosis and duplication. Our case was a duplication anomaly. Typically, duplication anomalies demonstrate a normally developed external auditory canal along with a sinus tract extending from the external auditory canal to the skin of face or neck.
First branchial arch anomalies are often located close to the parotid gland, especially the superficial lobe that overlies the lesion. Its relationship with facial nerve is variable. The tract may run superficial to, deep to or in between the branches of the facial nerve. It is generally accepted that optimal treatment of these lesions is surgical with complete excision of the tract. In our case, the CT sinogram did not show any communication with parotid or facial nerve and hence these structures were not explored. This case posed a diagnostic dilemma due to its similarity to congenital parotid fistula [4,5], which itself is a very rare entity.
However, CT sinogram in our case showed no communication with parotid or any other salivary gland and there were no associated salivary cysts hence this diagnosis was ruled out. In a retrospective review of 39 cases by Triglia, it was observed that all patients' cutaneous defects occurred within a triangle. The apex of the triangle was located at the external auditory meatus and its base as a line between the tip of the chin and middle of the hyoid bone. Its two-remainder sides curving from the external auditory meatus to the tip of the chin along the body of the mandible and from the greater cornu of the hyoid bone.3 In the present case, the cutaneous defect was present outside this triangle and first of this kind of case reported in medical literature. Most common complications after such excisions include infection, damage to the facial nerve and lower cranial nerves. Recurrence rates vary from 3% in primary cases to 20% in revision cases [6]. However, patient is fine after 2 years of surgery without any recurrence and is on regular follow up. To conclude, we recommend keeping first branchial cleft anamoly to be considered in differential diagnosis at the location of cheek also. CT sonogram is very useful investigation in these cases.


Enumerates and compares a number of security‐enabling architectures for network clients. These architectures, either proposed as methodologies or currently implemented in software and/or hardware, are capable of protecting the client's software integrity and its environment. The most important methodologies include the reference monitor model, firewalls, and virtual machines. Software implementations are the Java Sandbox, and the code signing concept. Hardware that can be used includes smart cards, and the TCPA/Palladium security initiative. Describes their most important features and provide a review and comparative study based on a number of criteria. Believes that ongoing research can empower these mechanisms for protecting network clients in a more effective way.


In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mRNA transcripts with premature termination codons are targeted for deadenylation independent decapping and 5′ to 3′ decay in a quality control pathway termed nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Critical factors in NMD include Upf1, Upf2, and Upf3, as well as the decapping enzyme, Dcp2/Dcp1. Loss of Upf2 or Upf3 leads to the accumulation of not only Upf1 and Dcp2 in P-bodies, but also of the decapping-activators Pat1, Dhh1, and Lsm1. An interaction between Upf1 and Dcp2 has been identified, which might recruit Dcp2 to the NMD decapping complex. To determine the nature and significance of the Dcp2-Upf1 interaction, we utilized the yeast two-hybrid assay to assess Upf1 interactions with various mRNA decapping factors. We find that although Dcp2 can interact with Upf1, this interaction is indirect and is largely dependent on the Edc3 protein, which interacts with the N-terminal domain of Upf1 at an overlapping, but not identical, site as Upf2. We also found that Pat1 has an independent two-hybrid interaction with the N-terminus of Upf1. Assessment of both reporter and endogenous NMD transcripts suggest that the decapping stimulators, including Edc3 and Pat1, as well as Edc1 and Edc2, are not essential for NMD under normal conditions. This work defines a larger decapping complex involved in NMD, but indicates that components of that complex are not required for general NMD and might either regulate a subset of NMD transcripts or be essential for proper NMD under different environmental conditions.


This paper selects 21 cities and prefectures of Sichuan Province as the research object, adopts 12 comprehensive indicators, establishes a linear model through correlation analysis, carries out regression analysis to modify the model, and uses factor analysis and cluster analysis to study the level of urban economic development. The results show that the GDP of all regions in Sichuan Province has a strong correlation with the three indicators of total retail sales of social consumer goods, passenger volume, and urbanization rate, and plays a positive role in promoting the economic development of all cities in Sichuan Province. Chengdu ranks the highest in the comprehensive ranking of urban economic development level in Sichuan Province.


It has been shown previously that abnormal placental growth, i.e., hyper- and hypoplasia, occurs in crosses and backcrosses between different mouse (Mus) species. A locus that contributes to this abnormal development has been mapped to the X chromosome. Unexpectedly, an influence of fetal sex on placental development has been observed, in that placentas attached to male fetuses tended to exhibit a more pronounced phenotype than placentas attached to females. Here, we have analyzed this sex dependence in more detail. Our results show that differences between male and female placental weights are characteristic of interspecific matings and are not observed in intraspecific Mus musculus matings. The effect is retained in congenic lines that contain differing lengths of M. spretus-derived X chromosome. Expression of the X-linked gene Pgk1 from the maternal allele only and lack of overall activity of two paternally inherited X-linked transgenes indicate that reactivation or lack of inactivation of the paternal X chromosome in trophoblasts of interspecific hybrids is not a frequent occurrence. Thus, the difference between male and female placentas seems not to be caused by faulty preferential X-inactivation. Therefore, these data suggest that the sex difference of placental weights in interspecific hybrids is caused by interactions with the Y chromosome.


Vegetation is one of the main factors affecting the composition and structure of ant communities. The effect of vegetation is both by offering food resources and by modifying the proportion of ground cover exposed to shade conditions. However, it is difficult in field studies to uncouple the effects of food resources and shade on animal communities. The goal of this study was to analyze experimentally the effects of vegetation through food and shade supply on the structure and composition of a Mediterranean ant community. We have crossed these two factors in a factorial design where we have eliminated vegetation in experimental treatments and we have simulated the effects of vegetation by manipulating separately the supply of food resources and shade. The expected decrease in ant abundance and richness in plots without food resources but with shade was only partially confirmed by the results, because there was a decrease in the number of ant species but not a significant decrease in overall ant abundance in plots without food resources. We did not confirm the second hypothesis that the decrease in shade while maintaining food resources resulted in an increase of heat-tolerant, subordinate species and, consequently, ant richness. Species composition differed in the different experimental treatments. Stress-tolerant species were abundant in areas without shade and without food resources. Heat-tolerant species were mainly present in plots without shade but with food resources. Finally, species with high requirements of shade and/or food resources were associated to control plots with both shade and food resources from vegetation. Overall, this study provides an experiment that uncouples experimentally shade and food resources and dissects their effects on the whole ant community, and shows that the effects of the two factors are independent and affect different components of ant community structure and composition.


Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant cancers resulting from abnormal metabolism alterations. As one of the essential amino acids, tryptophan has a variety of physiological functions, closely related to regulation of immune system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal nervous system and intestinal microflora. Colorectal cancer, a type of high-grade malignancy disease, stems from a variety of factors and often accompanies inflammatory reactions, dysbacteriosis, and metabolic disorders. Colorectal cancer accompanies inflammation and imbalance of intestinal microbiota and affects tryptophan metabolism. It is known that metabolites, rate-limiting enzymes, and ARH in tryptophan metabolism are associated with the development of CRC. Specifically, IDO1 may be a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer treatment. Furthermore, the reduction of tryptophan amount is proportional to the poor quality of life for colorectal cancer patients. This paper aims to discuss the role of tryptophan metabolism in a normal organism and investigate the relationship between this amino acid and colorectal cancer. This study is expected to provide theoretical support for research related to targeted therapy for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, strategies that modify tryptophan metabolism, effectively inhibiting tumor progression, may be more effective for CRC treatment.


A thorough investigation of the failure mechanisms of composite sandwich beams under four- and three-point bending and cantilever beams was undertaken. The beams were made of unidirectional carbon/epoxy (AS4/3501-6) facings and a PVC closed-cell foam (Divinycell) core. Two types of core material H100 and H250 with densities 100 and 250 kg/m3, respectively, were used. The failure modes investigated are face sheet compressive failure, core failure and facing wrinkling. The various modes have been studied separately and both initiation and ultimate failure have been determined. Initiation of a particular failure mode and triggering and interaction with other failure modes was also investigated.


Drawing on hospital reports, committee minutes and the local press, this article examines the changing landscape of urban civic culture and challenges the pessimistic accounts of charitable financial support for voluntary hospitals in inter-war England.Through case studies of hospitals in four of the largest cities in the country, it assesses the extent to which voluntary resources of time and money continued to underpin day-to-day institutional income, stimulate the development of the hospitals' estates and investments, and enable hospitals to cut costs through the receipt of gifts in kind. It argues that by broadening the bases of charitable income, hospitals were freed from their dependence on the wealthy thus ensuring their transformation to modern community resources for all.


Arterial stiffness increases with age. This process is accelerated by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) increases with arterial stiffness. In this study, PWV of 133 healthy individuals (6–23 y of age) and 11 patients on dialysis was measured to establish the normal values of PWV and to compare them with those in ESRD. Age-matched (A-C) and height- and weight-matched (H/W-C) control groups were used. Thereafter, PWV was indexed to height and the data were reevaluated. The role of the risk factors including serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the time on dialysis was analyzed using a score system. PWV correlated with age, weight, height, blood pressure, and heart rate. ESRD patients were smaller than A-C and older than H/W-C. PWV of patients with ESRD did not differ from A-C; however, it was elevated in comparison to H/W-C. In both healthy and ESRD patients, the PWV/height ratio was independent of age. PWV/height was increased in ESRD. There was a correlation between PWV/height and the risk factor score. Controls matched for height and weight or PWV/height should be used in cases of growth failure. A number of risk factors responsible for increased arterial stiffness are present in ESRD.


A new calibration curve for the conversion of radiocarbon ages to calibrated (cal) ages has been constructed and internationally ratified to replace IntCal98, which extended from 0–24 cal kyr BP (Before Present, 0 cal BP = AD 1950). The new calibration data set for terrestrial samples extends from 0–26 cal kyr BP, but with much higher resolution beyond 11.4 cal kyr BP than IntCal98. Dendrochronologically-dated tree-ring samples cover the period from 0–12.4 cal kyr BP. Beyond the end of the tree rings, data from marine records (corals and foraminifera) are converted to the atmospheric equivalent with a site-specific marine reservoir correction to provide terrestrial calibration from 12.4–26.0 cal kyr B P. A substantial enhancement relative to IntCal98 is the introduction of a coherent statistical approach based on a random walk model, which takes into account the uncertainty in both the calendar age and the 14C age to calculate the underlying calibration curve (Buck and Blackwell, this issue). The tree-ring data sets, sources of uncertainty, and regional offsets are discussed here. The marine data sets and calibration curve for marine samples from the surface mixed layer (Marine04) are discussed in brief, but details are presented in Hughen et al. (this issue a). We do not make a recommendation for calibration beyond 26 cal kyr BP at this time; however, potential calibration data sets are compared in another paper (van der Plicht et al., this issue).


Permian limestones occur widely within the clastic units of the "Karakaya Complex" and are interpreted as allochthonous bodies or olistoliths. In the Kadirler area to the south of Geyve, however, Upper Permian (Midian) quartz sandstones and carbonates with a rich foraminifer fauna disconformably overlie a crystalline basement complex. This basement complex comprises metaclastic rocks, recrystallised limestones, metacherts, and metadiabases, and is intruded by granodiorites. The overlying basal conglomerates and quartzitic sandstones are dominated by pebbles from the basement complex and are followed upward by medium- to thick-bedded dolomites, dolomitic limestones and limestones. The foraminiferal assemblage with Neoschwagerina haydeni Dutkevitch and Khabakov, Neoschwagerina ex. gr. ventricosa Skinner, Charliella rossae Altiner and Ozkan-Altiner, Hemigordiopsis renzi Reichel, Yabeina sp., Pseudokahlerina sp. and Kahlerina sp. in these carbonates is indicative of deposition in a shelf-lagoon during the Midian stage of the Late Permian. This new finding constitutes further support for models that suggest a composite character for the Sakarya Terrane, and that the "Karakaya basin" in NW Anatolia opened above a Variscan-consolidated crustal basement and its Permian platform, whence the limestone olistoliths of the "Karakaya Complex" were mainly derived. Moreover, the Midian transgression and the foraminiferal assemblage in the studied successions are typical features of the northern Tauride-Anatolide Platform, indicating that the Sakarya Composite Terrane was attached to the latter prior to the opening of the Izmir-Ankara branch of Neotethys.


The author reflects on the disadvantages and potential of clinical educational supervision. He attributes the flaw of traditional forms of supervision to their conceptualization as a delivery of service to those who need it. He points out that clinical supervision is sometimes used as a sinister form of teacher surveillance. He stresses the need to improve clinical supervision in a way that will assist teachers to achieve forms of teaching that contribute to realistic and practical learning for students.


Purpose. To explore the factors that contribute to children's screen-related sedentary (S-RS) behaviors. Settings. Elementary schools. Subjects. A random sample of children in grades five and six and their parents. Measures. The outcome measure was children's S-RS activity level measured by a self-administered questionnaire. A full spectrum of potential contributing factors for children's S-RS behaviors was obtained through surveys. Multilevel linear regression methods were used to determine the associations between these factors and children's screen time (hours per day) and results were expressed as regression coefficients (g). Results. Of 955 child-parent pairs in 14 participating schools, 508 pairs (53%) completed the surveys. At an intrapersonal level, protective factors included being a girl (g = − .71); belonging to a sports team inside (g = −.56) or outside (g = −.49) of school; having a negative attitude toward S-RS activities (g = −.13); and having a positive attitude toward physical activity (g = −.48). At the interpersonal and social levels, parental leisure S-RS behaviors (g = .32) were positively associated, whereas strict parental rules on computer use (g = −.27) and family income (g = −.32) were inversely correlated with S-RS behavior. At the environmental level, the presence of TVs in children's bedrooms (g = .44) and owning videogame devices (g = .58) increased the risk of S-RS behaviors, whereas after school programs (g = −.86) and schools' participation in the Turn Off the Screen Week campaign (g = −.91) decreased the risk. Conclusions. Public health interventions should target multilevel factors, including increasing children's awareness, promoting parental involvement in healthy lifestyle pursuits, and creating less screenogenic environments.


To design the mechanical structure of a dental restoration system, which working parameter should be understand clearly in first, especially the grinding force, so, the experiment using the orthogonal method is employed to find out and analysis it. The orthogonal array and range analysis were employed to study the effect of the process parameter had on the grinding force when the dental CAM system is on working, all machining parameters used in the experimental process are referring to the technical requirements for dental restoration. A high accuracy machining center, a new dental bur used only for dentistry, and a zirconia block which have excellent properties for dental restoration, are been employed to conducted the experiment, made it's results believable. The experimental results demonstrated that the depth of cut, be the major parameter on cutting force, followed by width of cut. According to the result of analysis, the stress situation of mechanical structure of the CAM dental restoration system can be established. At the last part of this paper, a model for predict the grinding force is developed based on the experiment by means of linear regression analysis, which can be used to estimate the values of grinding force given certain grinding parameters. All of these indicated the direction for design the structure of system.


A unit-cube geometry model is proposed to characterize the internal structure of porous carbon foam. The unit-cube model is based on interconnected sphere-centered cubes, where the interconnected spheres represent the fluid or void phase. The unit-cube model is used to derive all of the geometric parameters required to calculate the heat transfer and flow through the porous foam. An expression for the effective thermal conductivity is derived based on the unit-cube geometry. Validations show that the conductivity model gives excellent predictions of the effective conductivity as a function of porosity. When combined with existing expressions for the pore-level Nusselt number, the proposed model also yields reasonable predictions of the internal convective heat transfer, but estimates could be improved if a Nusselt number expression for a spherical void phase material were available. Estimates of the fluid pressure drop are shown to be well-described using the Darcy-Forchhiemer law, however, further exploration is required to understand how the permeability and Forchhiemer coefficients vary as a function of porosity and pore diameter.


This paper investigated the risk and time preference of the University of Zimbabwe students in response to the proposed degrees structure change in the faculties of Arts and Science. Overall, 70.76% of the students were riskloving, expressing their willingness to embrace the proposed specialization degree program structure. Overall, 51.46% were lowly discounting on time, preferring an extra year of study and hence a delay in entry onto the job market. There were insignificant associations between the preferences and the demographic factors, faculty, gender and academic year of study; however, a statistically significant association between the two preferences was observed. The logistic regression model and its multinomial form showed that risk preference and time preference were two-way dependent and hence reliable indicators of each other.


Once again Professor Hoppock provides his annual, discriminating advice to BULLETIN readers on the more significant books on voca tional guidance that have appeared in the last twelve months.


We study the transport of spin-polarized current induced by the Aharonov-Bohm and Aharonov-Casher phases in a mesoscopic ring with two leads in the presence of a cylindrically symmetric electric field and the magnetic flux at the centre of the same ring. An exact solution for the quantum transport is obtained. It is shown that the transport spin-polarized current and its polarizability can be controlled by the electric field and the magnetic flux as well.


Background The dosing of chemotherapy according to the body surface area (BSA) in obese adult patients, who present a BSA above 2 m2, is usually set to an established BSA maximum limit of 2 m2. The recent publication (April 2012): 'Appropriate chemotherapy dosing for obese adult patients with cancer' in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines (ASCO), considers the benefit of full dosing, without adjusting to a maximum BSA, especially when the goal of treatment is curative. Purpose To suggest recommendations for adult obese people according to the current ASCO guidelines and evaluate the medical prescribers' level of acceptance. Materials and Methods Prospective observational study of all patients from the oncology, haematology and palliative care services receiving chemotherapy from April to June 2012. In those obese patients where the cytostatic dose was adjusted to BSA 2 m², it was recommended to dose according to their actual BSA. The article was disseminated in these services and a spreadsheet was created to record the level of acceptance from the medical prescriber in each of the clinic units. Results 368 patients (56% female) were included: 82.3% from the oncology service, 16.6% from haematology and 1% from the palliative care service. The average ± standard deviation age was 61.2 ± 1.6 years, 69.3 ± 14.1 Kg and 1.7 ± 0.2 m². The number of patients with a BSA above 2 m² was 26 (7%): 50% were from the oncology service and none from the palliative service. Recommendations were made in 17 (65%) of the patients with a BSA >2 m², of which the haematology service was the largest cohort (58%). The acceptance level was 53% (66.6% haematology service). Recommendations were not made to 35% (66.6% oncology service) because the treatments were started after the article had been disseminated and full doses were prescribed. The use of full doses was well tolerated by all patients, no adverse outcomes were observed of the use of greater doses of chemotherapy. Conclusions Following the recommendations, full dosing in patients commencing treatment was observed. Those recommendations not followed were due to patients whose treatment was not curative or those where a dose increase would cause a degree of toxicity. The involvement of the Pharmacist responsible for updating the cytostatic unit led to a change in chemotherapy dosing in obese adult patients. No conflict of interest.


In this paper, a new cell Hybrid of single-electron transistor (SET) and MOS transistor called SET/FEED cell is proposed. In this new cell with connecting output to one of the single-electron transistors, the output voltage range is improved. Comparing SET/FEED cell, with SET/MOS cell, and NTT cell which the last two of them are carried out by Mahapatra and et al, based on this research the SET/FEED cell has a better INL and DNL in ADC circuits, and the output is very similar to square shape. All simulations were done at 65-nm technology and with 0.7V power supply using MIB model for the SET transistors by using H-SPICE simulator.


Statements are made in textbooks of medicine and in the literature concerning the possible relation between scleroderma and pathologic changes of the adrenal glands. This point has never been thoroughly settled, and the cause of scleroderma remains a mystery. In searching the literature of the past fifteen years I found only two reports specifically mentioning a relation of this disease to pathologic changes of the adrenal glands, and these were in the foreign literature. 1 For this reason, the following case is presented with the necropsy report. REPORT OF CASE A. K., a German-born widow aged 59, had lived in the United States for thirty-seven years. She came to the Englewood Hospital on Dec. 1, 1936, with chief complaints of pain in the chest for two weeks, dyspnea on exertion for one year or more and stiffness of the joints with discoloration of the skin, which had been progressive


In recent years there is an increase in frequency of systemic candidiasis cases caused by Candida parapsilosis. However there isn't any standardized genotyping method to be used in epidemiology of those infections. In this study we aimed to determine utility of morphotyping instead of genotyping to study the epidemiology of 53 C.parapsilosis strains isolated from blood (n= 40) and urine (n= 13) cultures of inpatients at Marmara University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. The isolates were morphotyped according to their surface and color properties on Sabouraud-triphenyltetrazolium agar (STTZ) and surface characteristics on malt extract agar (MA) media and 10 different subgroups were obtained. In order to genotype the strains, RAPD-PCR (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction) method was used and three different genotypes were obtained comprising mostly type II (90.6%). One of the putative virulence factors investigated in the isolates was phospholipase activity. Phospholipase production was not detected in any of the strains on egg-yolk agar (pH: 4.2). Esterase activity of the strains on Tween-80 agar was negative except for one. In order to observe acid proteinase activity, bovine serum albumin containing (pH: 5.0) agar was used and in 11.3% of the strains no acid proteinase activity was seen while in 75.5% moderate (+), in 13.2% strong (++) activity was detected. Slime production was investigated in 8% glucose containing Sabouraud broth (SB) medium and 67.9 % of the strains were found to be negative; while 20.7% were weakly (+), 7.5% were moderately (++) and 3.7% were strongly (+++) positive. Hydrophobicity of the strains was evaluated by using hexadecane hydrocarbon adherence assay and one isolate was weakly hydrophobic while the remaining strains were found to be moderately hydrophobic. We could not observe superiority of morphotyping over genotyping. Additionally no property was found to associate with a certain morphotype, in terms of virulence factors.


In order to research the seismic performance, eight joints with steel truss SRC beam and RC column under low-cyclic reversed load was conducted, and the failure process and patterns were observed. The test indicates that two types of failure patterns can be seen from specimens, including shear failure and bending failure. By the analysis of the failure characteristics and mechanism of joints, the load-displacement hysteretic curves and load-strain hysteretic curves are presented, and the formula for calculating ultimate shear capacity of joints is gained finally. The calculating results are in good agreement with those of tests.


Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecologic tumors. While the true etiology of leiomyomas remains unknown, their origin is thought to be multifactorial including genetic, hormonal, and tissue growth factor variations. Leiomyomas are predominantly found in women of reproductive age and are the leading indication for hysterectomy worldwide. Menstrual irregularities, pain, and fertility difficulties may arise from leiomyoma presence, although many women remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis can be made via ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, when precise mapping of the tissue is needed. Many treatment options are available ranging from surgical to medical and should be chosen depending on symptom severity, number and size of leiomyomas, patient age, fertility desires, and patient preferences. The objective of this article is to present a practical clinical perspective on uterine leiomyomas and an overview of contemporary treatment options.


Operatorless Prolog text is LL(1) in nature and any standard LL parser generator tool can be used to parse it. However, the Prolog text that conforms to the ISO Prolog standard allows the definition of dynamic operators. Since Prolog operators can be defined at run-time, operator symbols are not present in the grammar rules of the language. Unless the parser generator allows for some flexibility in the specification of the grammar rules, it is very difficult to generate a parser for such text. In this thesis we discuss the existing parsing methods and their modified versions to parse languages with dynamic operator capabilities. Implementation details of a parser using Javacc as a parser generator tool to parse standard Prolog text is provided. The output of the parser is an "Abstract Syntax Tree" that reflects the correct precedence and associativity rules among the various operators (static and dynamic) of the language. Empirical results are provided that show that a Prolog parser that is generated by the parser generator like Javacc is comparable in efficiency to a hand-coded parser.


Numerous recent papers have demonstrated a central role for genetic factors in the extinction process or have documented the importance of gene flow in reversing population declines. This prompted one recent publication to declare that a revolution in conservation genetics has occurred. Contemporaneously with this revolution are a series of papers demonstrating long‐term population persistence for several species despite having little or no detectable genetic variation. In a couple of notable cases, populations have been shown to have survived for centuries at small population size and with depleted levels of genetic variation. These contradictory results demand an explanation. In this review, I will show that these results do not necessarily fly in the face of theory as sometimes stated. The reconciliation of these two sets of observations relies on the incorporation of two major concepts. (1) Genetic factors do not act in a vacuum and it is their interaction with the environment, the strength and type of selection imposed, and the life history of the organism that determine the relative importance of genetic factors to extinction risk. (2) The relationship between molecular estimates of genetic variation and evolutionary potential, the relevance of genetic bottlenecks to adaptive genetic variation, and the nature of the stochastic process of extinction must be better integrated into expectations of population viability. Reports of populations persisting for hundreds of generations with very little detectable genetic variation provide us not only with valuable information but also with hope. However, recent studies suggest that we should not be sanguine about the importance of genetic diversity in the conservation of biodiversity.


Purpose To evaluate surgical outcomes of the four common procedures utilized for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods A retrospective study of survival rate in surgical management of PACG was conducted in a referral eye center. One hundred and ninety-nine eyes from 173 PACG patients were collected for chart review. The procedures used were phacoemulsification (PE), combined PE with goniosynechialysis (PE-GSL), combined PE with trabeculectomy (PE-Trab), and trabeculectomy alone. Failure was defined as postoperative IOP >21 mmHg in patients who needed second surgical intervention or those who had IOP <5 mmHg with loss of light perception. Cumulative survival rates, risk of surgical failure, and complications were analyzed. Results PE, PE-GSL, PE-Trab, and trabeculectomy were performed in 84 eyes (42.2%), 76 eyes (38.2%), 21 eyes (10.6%), and 18 eyes (9%), respectively. Cumulative survival rates at 60 months were 13%, 55%, 42% and 43%, respectively. Cox regression analysis indicated that each mmHg IOP increased, the risk of surgical failure decreased by 13% (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.87; 95%CI: 0.84–0.93, p<0.001). Conclusion Real-world surgical outcomes of PACG showed that PE alone had a low survival rate of 13% in 60-month follow-up whereas PE-GSL achieved the highest rate of 55%. PE-GSL should be initially considered for management of PACG, since it can restore and sustain the physiologic aqueous pathway and preserve the conjunctiva for future filtering surgery if needed.