OBJECTIVE
COPD is often underdiagnosed in a primary care setting where the spirometry is unavailable. This study was aimed to develop a simple, economical and applicable model for COPD screening in those settings.

METHODS
First we established a discriminant function model based on Bayes' Rule by stepwise discriminant analysis, using the data from 243 COPD patients and 112 non-COPD subjects from our COPD survey in urban and rural communities and local primary care settings in Guangdong Province, China. We then used this model to discriminate COPD in additional 150 subjects (50 non-COPD and 100 COPD ones) who had been recruited by the same methods as used to have established the model. All participants completed pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and questionnaires. COPD was diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of the discriminant function model was assessed.

RESULTS
THE ESTABLISHED DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION MODEL INCLUDED NINE VARIABLES: age, gender, smoking index, body mass index, occupational exposure, living environment, wheezing, cough and dyspnoea. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, accuracy and error rate of the function model to discriminate COPD were 89.00%, 82.00%, 4.94, 0.13, 86.66% and 13.34%, respectively. The accuracy and Kappa value of the function model to predict COPD stages were 70% and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.50 to 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS
This discriminant function model may be used for COPD screening in primary care settings in China as an alternative option instead of spirometry.


Embedded systems and wireless sensor networks (WSN) are found today in increasingly critical areas of applications. They have become integrated and embedded in nearly all aspects of everyday life, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, critical infrastructure, and entertainment. The number of connected devices continues to grow, and due to the insecure nature of these devices, the amount of risk continues to grow as well. These risks, however, can be mitigated with the creation and adoption of WSN security standards developed to create an environment of safety, security, and confidence in the technology. Designing the security policy for WSNs requires asking some preliminary questions. These questions are particularly important in the case of WSNs because their use is highly decentralized. Blockchain's ability on governing decentralized networks makes it especially suitable for designing a self‐managing system on WSN devices. This article proposes a routing protocol that uses Blockchain technology to offer a shared memory between the network's nodes. The simulation results have shown that this solution could be applicable and could resolve the issues cited above.


the same position and phase within the crystal each time the laser pulse was fired.  This synchronization minimized the blurring of the resultant image in the crystal. As a result c 8 this illumination, a diffraction pattern was observed  when light was shone  through  the  LiNb03.  This  pattern  had a. periodicity corresponding  to  an acoustic  wavelength of the 10 MHz rf wave which had interacted with the laser pulse. [ t was also demonstrated that this stored image could be used subsequently for correlation with a "live" rf acoustic wave. This was accomplished by illuminating the crystal perpendiclllar to the Z-axis with a 3-mW CW He-Ne laser beam, arlci focusing the transmitted light onto a PIN detector diode. 4 correlation signal was observed at the output terminal of tke photodetector diode when a "live" acoustic wave, identical IO the original waveform, propagated  in the material. Tlnis correlation signal results from modulation of the low-powcr laser beam by both the stored image and the ''live'' rf signil via the acousto-optic Bragg interaction. The correlation output signal was observed to decay as a function of time with a time constant of about 5 hours. After the correlation outplxt had decayed, it was necessary to  anneal  the crystal rt 200 hours "C for about an hour before a new image could I j l e stored.  These  results indicate that  the acoustophotorefractive effect can be used to construct an acoustooptic memory correlator having many applications in the fiad of signal processing.


With boron-rich slag, silica fume, bauxite chalmette and carbon black as starting materials, α-sialon/AlN/BN powder was prepared by carbothermal reduction-nitridation. The powder was attrition milled to submicron size and suspended in water. The effects of yttrium oxide as a sintering aid, pH, and addition of deflocculant on the suspensions were studied. Optimum slip casting properties, i.e. lowest viscosity values, the highest absolute zeta potential values, the smallest floc size and sediment volume were found at pH=10 for the powder. The suspensions were used to slip cast discs which were sintered in a high purity nitrogen atmosphere at 1700 °C for 2 h. The strength was about 230 MPa, the toughness 3.6 MPa•m1/2 and the hardness about 13.8 GPa.


The satellite scene that we used is ALOS-PALSAR PRI mode fully-polarimetric data (polarizations: HH, VV, VH and HV). Polarimetric SAR data possess a high potential for classification of the Earth surface [1]. H-A-alpha decomposition that is one of the most frequently used ones and Freeman-Durden decomposition that has been proved ideal for vegetation analysis and classification according to many studies. H-A-alpha decomposition extracts 3 basic parameters: Entropy, Anisotropy and alpha angle. Parameters that give different information for the scene. Entropy is a measure that indicates scattering characteristics of land and the higher values it gets the more intense the backscattering is. Alpha angle, usually, gives the same results with entropy. It gets different values from entropy parameter and each value gives important information about the scatterer type. Anisotropy parameter is an additional one, which, combining to the other 2 parameters offers a better classification.


First EV has been made in in 1837. This type of motor vehicles has dominated throughout the whole 19th century. In the early 20th century the faster and more robust vehicles with ICE overcame them until late 20th century, when ecological and economic problems of further application of these vehicles have emerged. The interest in EV has risen sharply. Researches are working in several directions in order to reduce the need for oil derivatives considering that the EV's are weak primarily due to inferior "reservoir of energy" to fully meet the current driving habits. Savings can be achieved in two ways, by making more economic motor vehicles or by the use of alternative fuels. Combining an electric propulsion and IC engine drives a hybrid vehicle is obtained, with a greater amount of batteries and "plug in" that is to some extent possible to reduce fossil fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Intensive research work on exploring new battery is still to come. Today promising results with Li air batteries, fuel cells and super capacitors, as well as the efforts of major car manufacturers indicate that the EV could soon appear massive in the streets of cities. This paper deals with the development of EV, following the development of powertrain and can conclude the fact that in the near future this type of drive could return.


In this study we aimed to create and validate a computational model of the radius bone to characterize its behavior under mechanical loading. This enables to circumvent any of the uncertainties realized in an experimental setting to make accurate predictions along with reducing the cost and effort. In the first step, a three – dimensional model of a radial bone was developed using SolidWorks. Subsequently, validation of the model was accomplished using Finite Element (FE) analysis software ABAQUS where a flexural test with implicit integration scheme under transient loads and constraints was replicated to simulate the experimental results. Successively, a verified model was used to calculate the response under loading after the addition of fixation plate using screws interface. Currently this research is in its preliminary phase although a working model under the forearm plate and screws interface will assist in testing optimized designs of the compression forearm plate commonly used during forearm fixation orthopedic surgeries.


Nanoindentation is a commonly used technique in materials science that allows for the determination of the mechanical properties (e.g. hardness, elastic modulus, and creep) of single crystals and polycrystalline aggregates, but it has been severely underutilized for the study of geologic materials. In this dissertation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of nanoindentation for measuring the rheological behavior of a wide range of geologic materials. For all materials tested, including single crystals, polycrystalline samples, and two different natural fault surfaces, we identify an 'indentation size effect,' whereby the strength of the material increases with decreasing size of the indent. We explore the implications of this size effect for the scale-dependent surface roughness of faults and the plastic deformation of asperities in Chapter 2, and extrapolate the size effect to the relatively large grain size of the mantle to predict the peak strength of oceanic lithosphere in Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, we investigate the effect of relative humidity on the room temperature deformation of quartz in order to constrain the physical mechanism that gives rise to time-dependent increases in the static friction of quartz rocks. Our results demonstrate that there is no effect of relative humidity on the yield stress or creep behavior of quartz, in stark contrast with observations from macroscopic friction experiments on quartz rocks that show a dramatic effect of humidity on friction. This contrast demonstrates that asperity creep, the canonical explanation of the increase in static friction with time, is incorrect. Finally, in Chapter 5, we present a detailed nanoindentation study of the hardness and long duration creep behavior of halite. We demonstrate that creep parameters derived from our nanoindentation tests, when properly treated, are in quantitative agreement and can be directly compared to creep parameters derived from more traditional experimental geometries. This dissertation demonstrates the utility of using nanoindentation to determine physical properties and rheological behavior of rocks and minerals. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Earth & Environmental Science First Advisor David L. Goldsby


This is a descriptive analysis of the angiographic characteristics of leptomeningeal infections in 36 children and a correlation of these angiographic observations with anatomopathologic changes. Vascular, meningeal and parenchymal changes are described and discussed. In the normal situation, tracer protein particles injected into the subarachnoid space perfuse easily through the extracellular spaces but stop at the outer continuous arachnoidal layer. The parenchymal layer, pia-arachnoid, on the other hand, consists of a uni or pluricellular layer which is regularly crossed by tracer particles. Though the internal carotid, vertebral and basilar arteries have some anatomical characteristics: thinner tunica media and adventitia, the absence of vasa vasorum and the presence of a fluid cushion (CSF) in which they are bathed. The most striking angiographic observation in leptomeningitis is the transmural extravasation of the contrast meding 'halo' formation. Long after the cerebral circulation time, one may identify contrast media 'pooling' within the cisterns and sulci.


The ideal body sizes for men and women in the United States have decreased significantly over the last 50+ years, while average body sizes increased. This discrepancy has been accompanied by elevated levels of body dissatisfaction in both women and men. In turn, body dissatisfaction can predict unhealthy eating habits and weight loss behaviors such as dieting. Body image research has found a relationship between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. The present cross-sectional study aimed to test if depressive symptoms moderated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating patterns. The Center for Epidemiological StudiesDepression scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1977) measured depressive symptoms, the Body Dissatisfaction Scale (BDS; Mutale et al., 2016) measured body dissatisfaction, and the Starting the Conversation: Diet assessment (STC; Paxton et al., 2011) measured eating patterns. The three hypotheses were: (1) higher depressive symptom scores would have a larger impact on body dissatisfaction and eating patterns in women, (2) women would have worse body dissatisfaction scores than men, and (3) depressive symptoms would moderate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating patterns. I conducted an online self-report survey of 18–24-year-old adults (N = 88). The survey assessed demographics, depressive symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and eating patterns. Linear regression analyses showed that higher depressive symptom scores did not have a larger impact on body dissatisfaction or eating patterns in women. A t-test for independent means only showed significant gender differences in body dissatisfaction when I accounted for the direction of body dissatisfaction. There were no significant correlations between body dissatisfaction and eating patterns. There was a small positive correlation between CES-D score and going for periods of eight hours or more without eating anything. Overall, the results did not show a link between depressive symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and eating patterns.


Metacomputing allows the exploitation of geographically seperate, heterogenous networks and resources. Most metacomputers are feature rich and carry a long, complicated installation, requiring knowledge of accounting procedures, access control lists and user management, all of which differ from system to system. Metacomputers can have high administrative overhead, and a steep learning curve which restricts their utility to organisations which can afford these costs. This paper describes the Compeer system, which attempts to make metacomputing more accessible by employing an implicitly parallel computing model, support for programming this model with a Java-like language and the construction of a dynamic ad hoc metacomputer that can be temporarily instantiated for the purpose of executing applications.


Raising a higher share of the value added in an economy for the public purpose is associated with state building, modern economic growth and development. From 2002-3 to date, low- and lower-middle income countries raised total tax and non-tax revenue from 11-12 per cent and 18-19 per cent of GDP up to 17-18 per cent and 25-26 per cent of GDP in 2014-15. Continuing to improve tax systems is key to realising the development dividend available today through improved technology and institutions, whereby it is possible to raise living standards faster and at lower cost. The remaining development challenges are significant for the majority of the world's population and therefore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were agreed in 2015 to address these challenges. The majority of the financing for the SDGs must come from domestic sources (as it did with the Millennium Development Goals, with a 77 per cent share). This being the case, it is surprising that in 2015 only 0.13 per cent of global official development assistance was utilised to promote improved tax and revenue systems. With the Addis Ababa Agenda and the Addis Tax Initiative, this is changing, and several donors and partners are in the process of scaling up support to domestic resource mobilisation and tax system reforms. Therefore, it is of relevance to share some thoughts on the underlying objectives and justification for raising domestic revenues, experiences with revenue and tax-related aid, and a first-level layer framework for assessment of potential partner countries (low- and lower-middle). A ranking exercise is presented, utilising some key economic indicators such as income, poverty, financing levels of expenditure and investment (domestic and foreign), tax effort, tax aid, and a political and institutional assessment. This paper finds a significant group of developing countries that receive limited assistance and have both large needs and large potential in terms of tax and revenue. The top ten countries are in sub-Saharan Africa. Links are provided to the Norwegian partner country categorisation to illustrate the correlation between these two types of country ranking/prioritisation. Finally, other factors relating to donor-partner analysis and dialogue are discussed, including political and administrative prioritisation of revenue reforms, absorptive capacity in institutions, and the likelihood of particular interventions delivering results.


Governance in online communities is an increasingly high-stakes challenge, and yet many basic features of offline governance legacies-juries, political parties, term limits, and formal debates, to name a few-are not in the feature-sets of the software most community platforms use. Drawing on the paradigm of Institutional Analysis and Development, this paper proposes a strategy for addressing this lapse by specifying basic features of a generalizable paradigm for online governance called Modular Politics. Whereas classical governance typologies tend to present a choice among wholesale ideologies, such as democracy or oligarchy, Modular Politics would enable platform operators and their users to build bottom-up governance processes from computational components that are modular and composable, highly versatile in their expressiveness, portable from one context to another, and interoperable across platforms. This kind of approach could implement pre-digital governance systems as well as accelerate innovation in uniquely digital techniques. As diverse communities share and connect their components and data, governance could occur through a ubiquitous network layer. To that end, this paper proposes the development of an open standard for networked governance.


People with psoriasis are known to engage in high levels of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours which may lead to poorer psoriasis outcomes and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, helping individuals with psoriasis understand the link between behaviours and health risks, that is health risk communication, and direct support for lifestyle behaviour change (LBC) are important aspects in optimal management of psoriasis, a long-term inflammatory skin condition.There are two aspects of the literature that remain unclear. First, whether adequate support is given to patients to enable them to understand the links between lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes is part of psoriasis patient management strategies. Second, whether there is agreement around effective health risk communication techniques. This programme of research aimed to examine these gaps in the literature using four related studies. The first study used content analysis to examine general and dermatology-specific healthcare professionals? core training competencies for evidence of skills relating to LBC. An important finding was the lack of explicit skills relating to LBC and changing understanding of health risks. There was little or no reference to recognised LBC techniques that could be used to support and facilitate LBC with patients.The second study used observational techniques to examine messages about the links between behaviour and health outcomes and LBC signposting (such as leaflets or posters about healthy living) for patients with psoriasis in primary and secondary care patient waiting areas. There was little evidence of psoriasis-specific information about healthy living. Generic information (not specifically about psoriasis) was often of poor quality and was poorly displayed, and did not conform to evidence-based recommendations for effective LBC signposting.The third study combined observational and qualitative techniques to examine how healthcare professionals communicate information about CVD risk to patients and the role of LBC in reducing risk in the context of primary care risk assessments with people with psoriasis. A key finding was that interpretation of risk information was not always linked to specific advice about how to modify each risk factor. Discussion was mostly instructional rather than a shared collaborative discussion about behaviour change and risk reductionThe fourth study used experimental methods to examine the effects of message framing theory as a health risk communication strategy on reported behavioural intentions (BIs) in people with psoriasis. An important finding was that for messages about psoriasis symptom reduction, gain-framed (positively-framed) messages were more effective in increasing BIs for alcohol reduction. Conversely, for messages about CVD risk reduction, loss-framed (negatively-framed) messages were more effective for increasing BIs to reduce alcohol consumption. The body of work presented in this thesis demonstrated that much needs to be done to increase the skill sets of healthcare professionals in order to help people with psoriasis recognise the specific links between their own health behaviours and health outcomes. In addition specific recommendations have been suggested as a way of improving risk communication strategies, such as using theory-based personally-relevant health information for people with psoriasis.


Image‐Based Rendering allows users to easily capture a scene using a single camera and then navigate freely with realistic results. However, the resulting renderings are completely static, and dynamic effects – such as fire, waterfalls or small waves – cannot be reproduced. We tackle the challenging problem of enabling free‐viewpoint navigation including such stationary dynamic effects, but still maintaining the simplicity of casual capture. Using a single camera – instead of previous complex synchronized multi‐camera setups – means that we have unsynchronized videos of the dynamic effect from multiple views, making it hard to blend them when synthesizing novel views. We present a solution that allows smooth free‐viewpoint video‐based rendering (VBR) of such scenes using temporal Laplacian pyramid decomposition video, enabling spatio‐temporal blending. For effects such as fire and waterfalls, that are semi‐transparent and occupy 3D space, we first estimate their spatial volume. This allows us to create per‐video geometries and alpha‐matte videos that we can blend using our frequency‐dependent method. We also extend Laplacian blending to the temporal dimension to remove additional temporal seams. We show results on scenes containing fire, waterfalls or rippling waves at the seaside, bringing these scenes to life.


Abstract Uranium sorption experiments were carried out at ~25 °C using natural samples of the lichen Peltigera membranacea. Thalli were incubated in solutions containing 100 ppm U for up to 24 h at pH values from 2 to 10. Equilibrium sorption was not observed at less than ~6 h under any pH condition. U sorption was strongest in the pH range 4-5, with maximum sorption occurring at a pH of 4.5 and an incubation time of 24 h. Maximum U uptake by P. membranacea averaged ~42 000 ppm, or ~4.2 wt% U. This appears to represent the highest concentration of biosorbed U, relative to solution U activity, of any lichen reported to date. Investigation of post-experimental lichen tissues using electron probe microanalysis (EPM) reveals that U uptake is spatially heterogeneous within the lichen body, and that U attains very high local concentrations on scattered areas of the upper cortex. Energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analysis reveals that strong U uptake correlates with P signal intensity, suggesting involvement of biomass-derived phosphate ligands or surface functional groups in the uptake process.


Reaction products of chlorophenols with laccase were investigated. Chlorohydroquinone and 4-chlorocatechol of reaction products in solution obtained from reaction of 2,4-dichlorophenol with laccase were identified by GC/MS and HPLC. Similarly, dichlorodihydroxybenzene and trichlorodihydroxybenzene were estimated as a reaction product of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol with laccase, respectively. The color of solution was changed to light pink after enzymatic reaction of 2,4-dichlorophenol with laccase. The color of solution disappeared after it was reduced by addition of sodium hydrosulfite. It was concluded the formation of chloro-p-benzosemiquinone caused light pink color in enzymatic reaction. This result was supported with calculated UV/VIS spectrum of chloro-p-benzosemiquinone by ZINDO program.


Summary Despite good achievements in prevention and control, cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide. The development of resistances against conventional treatment modalities is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of cancer. Radio- and chemotherapies fail frequently due to intrinsic or acquired resistances in apoptotic signalling pathways or alterations in DNA-repair processes. Targeted radiotherapies employing α-particle-emitting radionuclides and Auger-emitting electrons are a promising approach in cancer treatment to break radio- and chemo – resistance by overcoming DNA-repair mechanisms and reversing deficient activation of apoptotic pathways in cancer cells.


—The present paper is a brief account of the diseases of carps and ornamental fish observed in Punjab. Six species of cultured cyprinids namely, Labeo rohita (rohu), Catla catla (catla), Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (silver carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp), Hypophthalmichthys noblis (bighead carp) and six ornamental fish species namely, Carassius auratus (goldfish, comet, shubunkin, oranda, black moor, fantail), Cyprinus carpio (koi carp), Poecilia reticulata (guppy), Poecilia sphenops (molly), Xiphophorus maculatus (platy) and Xiphophorus helleri (sword tail) were examined and were found to bear a range of mild to serious parasitic, fungal and bacterial infections. Parasitic infections were caused by: protozoans ( i.e. , Ichthyophthirius multifiliis , Trichodina sp., Chilodonella sp., Ichthyobodo sp., Piscinoodinium pillulare, Tetrahymena sp., Epistylis sp.); monogeneans ( i.e. , Dactylogyrus sp., D. vastator , D. extensus ; Gyrodactylus sp., G. turnbulli ); dige-neans ( i.e., Posthodiplostomum cuticula ; Cryptocotyle sp.), nematodes ( i.e., Camallanus sp., Capillaria sp.); crustaceans ( Lernaea cyprinacea , L. polymorpha , L. oryzophila , L. ctenopharyngodonis , Argulus foliaceus ), and water mold/fungal infections ( i.e. , Saprolegnia sp., Achyla sp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp., Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Blastomyces sp.). Bacterial diseases such as those responsible for motile aeromonad septicaemia, fin rot and hemorrhagic ulcers on skin are also reported from some carp and ornamental species. Lernaeasis was most prevalent disease in cultured carp; whereas the protozoan and monogenean infections were prevalent on ornamental fish.


Purpose of this research is to know execution of giving of financial compensation and non financial, employee performance, significant influence of financial compensation and nonfinansial, and which compensation variable of which more its the influence dominance to employee performance.
Analyzer applied to know how compensation and employee performance that is by using scale spread. To know compensation influence (X) to employee performance (Y) applies doubled linear regression analysis applies F test by comparing calculate F value with F tables.
Result of calculation average of scale spread for financial compensation variable that is scored a point 126,5 meaning that financial compensation given to admission employee in categorizing good. Based on result of calculation average of scale spread for compensation variable of numeral obtainable non financial 127,5 meaning that compensation of non financial given to admission employee in categorizing good. Based on result of calculation average of scale spread is scored a point 134,33 meaning that admission employee performance in categorizing very height. Calculation of doubled linear regression analysis of Y= 1,924 + 0,395 X1 + 0,248 X2 + e, R2 square 0,709 indicating that financial compensation variable and non financial joinly gives contribution equal to 72,4% to change of employee performance. Test Result F is done by comparing F calculate with table F at significance level = 0,05. F calculate 48,415 > table F 2,100 the result can prove that in simultan compensation influential significant to employee performance.
Based on conclusion is upper, writer concludes can that financial compensation has dominant influence to employee performance.


Research Question: Improvement of the educational system facilitate the access to labour market and affect the stability, and affect the competitiveness index. On the other hand, the country with a high score of GCI have a better educational system and more stable labour market. Motivation: Our goal was to investigate how important it is for a country to have educated people and how difficult it is to achieve the high rank in labour market efficiency without them. Results of the previous studies showed that a higher education is connected with the labor market. According to this statement in the paper we analyzed two indicators the Higher education and training and Labor market efficiency and their influence on the competitiveness score of the countries. Idea: The main idea was to analyzed how the Higher education and training and Labor market efficiency on the competitiveness score of the country. Data: The data were collected from The Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016. We analysed the influence of Higher Education and Training pillar and Labour Market Efficiency pillar on the overall rankings of 15 top competitiveness countries and 10 Balkan countries. Tools: In the paper we used correlation, clustering, and regression analysis. Firstly, we compared the GCI 2015-2016 and the GCI 2014-2015. Secondly, we did cluster analysis between influential indicators in higher education and training pillar (pillar 5) and for Labour market efficiency pillar (pillar 7) to identify difference between top 15 and Balkan region countries. Regression analysis has been performed to determine the most influential indicators on GCI in pillar 5 and pillar 7. Findings: The most important result is that the human resource development and market demands for competences affect the development of the country's economy. Contribution: Results may have important implications for labor market efficiency and strategic national labor market framework development.


Interferons exert their biological function mainly through the activation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). ISG12 (originally designated p27) belongs to a family of small, interferon alpha inducible genes of unknown function. We have determined the 5' end sequence of ISG12 cDNA from the human cell lines HeLa and AMA by RACE. Comparing this sequence to ISG12 sequences in the expressed sequence tag (EST) database revealed the presence of two alternative splice variants of ISG12 in human cells exhibiting the same open reading frame. We have sequenced the promoter region of the ISG12 gene and found ISRE, IRF1/IRF2, and STAT elements correlating to the interferon alpha inducibility of the gene. Subsequently, we have expressed human ISG12, a 12-kDa hydrophobic protein in the baculovirus expression system and with a C-terminal FLAG-tag in the human cell line 293. Recombinant ISG12 sediments in the nuclear envelope in both cell types. Finally, we have been able to demonstrate the prevalence of the ISG12 gene product in the nuclear envelope of HeLa cells treated with interferon alpha by immunocytochemical analyses. ISG12 is the first interferon induced protein found localizing to the nuclear envelope.


Bimetallic catalysts are known to often provide enhanced activity compared to pure metals, due to their electronic, geometric and ensemble effects. However, applied catalytic reaction conditions may induce re-structuring, metal diffusion and dealloying. This gives rise to a drastic change in surface composition, thus limiting the application of bimetallic catalysts in real systems. Here, we report a study on dealloying using an AuPd bimetallic nanocatalyst (1 : 1 molar ratio) as a model system. The changes in surface composition over time are monitored in situ by cyclic voltammetry, and dissolution is studied in parallel using online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It is demonstrated how experimental conditions such as different acidic media (0.1 M HClO4 and H2SO4), different gases (Ar and O2), upper potential limit and scan rate significantly affect the partial dissolution rates and consequently the surface composition. The understanding of these alterations is crucial for the determination of fundamental catalyst activity, and plays an essential role for real applications, where long-term stability is a key parameter. In particular, the findings can be utilized for the development of catalysts with enhanced activity and/or selectivity.


In Discourses of Desire Linda Kauffman gives us a comparative study of eight works spanning a period of about two thousand years, from Ovid's Heroides to The Three Marias: New Portuguese Letters (1972). The common thread is that all these works are in—or can be slipped into—the category of letters from women to men who have abandoned or ignored them. Such real or feigned love letters (Kauffman insists on calling them "amorous epistolary discourse") form a coherent body of literature that is here profitably analyzed, diough a reader may well feel that the sample is not only small, but also skewed. Kauffman subscribes so thoroughly to the current doctrine that literature grows out of other literature and has nothing to do with life that once, when she kicks over the traces a bit, she feels called on to defend herself against an assumed charge of "naive mimeticism." The inclusion of some letters from actual jilted semiliterate women would have improved the credibility of her study without altering its findings except by the admission that the genre is based on life as well as literature. The correspondence between Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde (plus a few "Dear John" letters and the replies to them) might unisexify the subject and moderate her chip-on-shoulder assumption that men are the constant betrayers and women the inevitable victims. Surely a study of literature that has wide range in both time and place should aim at an Olympian point of view rather than a trendy one, but Kauffman's trendiness is pronounced. She knows and refers to a wide range of critics, but they are considered to be of primarily historical interest. When she wants truth, as opposed to the dead notions of earlier times, she always goes to Bardies, Genette, Lacan, Derrida, and their epigones. We are not surprised, then, to see that she combines the virtues and faults of her models. She is subtle, but sometimes far too much so, as in the assumption that any word may have simultaneously (without any hint from its user) any or all of its own meanings and suggestions plus those of its homophones or any other words with a vague phonetic resemblance. The discussion of the name of Miss Jessel (in The Turn of the Screw) and the jesses of trained falcons is a bravura piece of irrelevant erudition. The word "naive" is the automatic and inevitable putdown for any idea that is to be dismissed without a hearing. But even subtle discussions can sometimes be very loose. In the latter part of the book "sentimental" is an important word, but we are never told whedier the corresponding noun is "sentiment" or "sentimentality." Occasionally, astonishing pronouncements are simply unsupported assertions. Ipsa dixi. Since if it is read with due caution Discourses of Desire is both fascinating and highly informative, it is unfortunate that it is unnecessarily tied to a critical fashion so faddish that one is tempted to compare it with the Cabbage Patch dolls. But that would be unfair. The fashion has been around longer than the dolls and is not fading as fast. Still, it is neither so established nor so venerable as Barbie.


Over the years, low-risk otolaryngology has been becoming a more popular choice for Taiwan's newly-admitted physicians given the fact that people in Taiwan are increasingly paying attention to medical matters, compounding more medical disputes and lowered national health insurance payment. It has resulted in a physician manpower imbalance. The imbalance will lead to the medical quality problem, so it is a crucial issue that the government shall place a high priority. Due to the short history of national health insurance in Taiwan, very few physician manpower statistics are available. Thus, it is difficult to get precise results by using conventional prediction methods with limited data. Under such circumstances, based on national health insurance statistics, this study uses the GM (1,1) model, which produces a grey prediction with a small amount of data, to proceed with the prediction for the demand and supply of physician manpower in Taiwan. The results show that the supply of otolaryngologists in Taiwan will exceed the demand for 2005 through 2008, and the gap will be increasing year by year. The study also suggests that the GM (1,1) model be applicable for the research on the planning of physician manpower.


Our previous studies showed that decreased nitric oxide (NO) production enhanced carotid body (CB) chemoreceptor activity in chronic heart failure (CHF) rabbits. In the present study, we investigated the effects of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) gene transfer on CB chemoreceptor activity in CHF rabbits. The nNOS protein expression and NO production were suppressed in CBs (P<0.05) of CHF rabbits, but were increased 3 days after application of an adenovirus expressing nNOS (Ad.nNOS) to the CB. As a control, nNOS and NO levels in CHF CBs were not affected by Ad.EGFP. Baseline single-fiber discharge during normoxia and the response to hypoxia were enhanced (P<0.05) from CB chemoreceptors in CHF versus sham rabbits. Ad.nNOS decreased the baseline discharge (4.5±0.3 versus 7.3±0.4 imp/s at 105±1.9 mm Hg) and the response to hypoxia (18.3±1.2 imp/s versus 35.6±1.1 at 40±2.1 mm Hg) from CB chemoreceptors in CHF rabbits (Ad.nNOS CB versus contralateral noninfected CB respectively, P<0.05). A specific nNOS inhibitor, S-Methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC), fully inhibited the effect of Ad.nNOS on the enhanced CB activity in CHF rabbits. In addition, nNOS gene transfer to the CBs also significantly blunted the baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and the response of RSNA to hypoxia in CHF rabbits (P<0.05). These results indicate that decreased endogenous nNOS activity in the CB plays an important role in the enhanced activity of the CB chemoreceptors and peripheral chemoreflex function in CHF rabbits.


s. All manuscripts (except Short Communications) should have an abstract of no more than 300 words. Short Communications should include an abstract of no more than 150 words. The abstract should concisely state the goals, methods, principal results, and major conclusions of the article. Incomplete and uninformative descriptions (e.g., ''a new method of analysis was given'') should not be in the abstract. Use only well recognized acronyms (e.g., GIS, DNA) and define them at first use. Avoid detailing results of statistical tests in the Abstract. Supply 8–12 key words for indexing: vernacular and scientific names of principal organisms, geographic 238 INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS


Abstract. A new wood-boring ichnospecies is described from transgressive (lagoonal) deposits of the Lower Cretaceous Sparky Formation (Mannville Group) in west-central Saskatchewan, Canada. Apectoichnus lignummasticans new ichnospecies is a trace fossil that occurs in a thin coal bed and that was emplaced in an in situ xylic substratum (woodground). The ichnofossil is thin, elongate, unbranched, and straight to gently curved with a circular cross section and uniform diameter. Apectoichnus lignummasticans n. isp. is similar in many respects to modern borings in wood that are produced by marine isopods, e.g., Limnoria lignorum Rathke, 1799, for feeding and refugia. The recognition of Apectoichnus lignummasticans n. isp. in the rock record aligns with the modern observation that fossilized wood-boring assemblages should display higher ichnofossil diversities than commonly reported. Additionally, the stratigraphic occurrence of Apectoichnus lignummasticans n. isp. in association with other evidence of marine deposition reaffirms that certain wood boring morphologies (i.e., ichnotaxa) are useful as indicators of marine transgressions.


Tables are an important form of structured data for both human and machine readers alike, providing answers to questions that cannot, or cannot easily, be found in texts. Recent work has designed special models and training paradigms for table-related tasks such as table-based question answering and table retrieval. Though effective, they add complexity in both modeling and data acquisition compared to generic text solutions and obscure which elements are truly beneficial. In this work, we focus on the task of table retrieval, and ask: "is table-specific model design necessary for table retrieval, or can a simpler text-based model be effectively used to achieve a similar result?'' First, we perform an analysis on a table-based portion of the Natural Questions dataset (NQ-table), and find that structure plays a negligible role in more than 70% of the cases. Based on this, we experiment with a general Dense Passage Retriever (DPR) based on text and a specialized Dense Table Retriever (DTR) that uses table-specific model designs. We find that DPR performs well without any table-specific design and training, and even achieves superior results compared to DTR when fine-tuned on properly linearized tables. We then experiment with three modules to explicitly encode table structures, namely auxiliary row/column embeddings, hard attention masks, and soft relation-based attention biases. However, none of these yielded significant improvements, suggesting that table-specific model design may not be necessary for table retrieval.


Fryns syndrome is an autosomal recessive multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by coarse facies, diaphragmatic hernia, distal limb hypoplasia and malformations of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and central nervous systems. Diaphragmatic hernia is a leading diagnostic feature in Fryns syndrome, recorded in more than 80% of cases. We report a newborn with clinical features of Fryns syndrome except the diaphragmatic hernia. Cases of Fryns syndrome without diaphragmatic hernia are reviewed. Even in the absence of diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary anomalies are described in Fryns syndrome, especially pulmonary hypoplasia. Fetal mice, exposed to nitrofen, have a high incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and other malformations similar to that seen in Fryns syndrome. Nitrofen might target molecular mechanisms similar to those involved in Fryns syndrome.


Throughout most of 2020, state and local governments faced severe budget crises as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased demand for state welfare services and rising state expenses related to controlling the spread of COVID-19 stretched state and local budgets to their breaking points. At the same time, layoffs, business closures, and social distancing measures reduced states' primary sources of tax revenues. The traditional practice of American fiscal federalism is for the federal government to step in to provide aid during a national emergency of this magnitude, because state and local governments lack the federal government's monetary and fiscal powers. But during the 2020 national emergency, the majority coalition in control of Congress was skeptical of this traditional practice, leaving federal aid limited and insufficient.

Late in the day, and after a change of Presidents and in partisan control of the Senate, the federal government did eventually step in to provide substantial aid to state and local governments at the beginning of 2021. But, during 2020, it was not at all clear that this would occur. Regardless, due to heightened partisan polarization and related factors, it seems highly likely that future national emergencies will occur during times in which the federal government is again controlled by a majority coalition skeptical of the federal government's traditional role of providing aid to state and local governments during downturns.

This Article thus proposes a series of innovative state tax reform measures and other related reform proposals for modernizing states' outdated tax bases and crisisproofing American institutions of fiscal federalism. These proposals were initially designed as reforms to mitigate the harmful state and local budget consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. But a central role of legal scholarship should be to develop law reform solutions for legislatures and for other policymakers to prepare for future emergencies when those solutions may be urgently needed. To that end, this Article elaborates on and memorializes proposals initially developed for the 2020 crises, so that these proposals might be further developed to be ready as potential responses for future crises in which the federal government might once again prove unwilling to act sufficiently.


Air pollutants including SO2, H2S, NOX and TSP were measured in Al- Hashimeya town in Zarqa Governorate, where there are three main sources contributing in different degrees to the pollution of air and these are Jordan Petroleum Refinery, Al-Hussein Thermal Power Station, and Assamra Purification station for household sewage Water. The reports and data relating to pollution in al-Hashimeya have been collected from all sources that had measured the level of pollution in this area during the period from2005 to 2009 are presented. The effects of localmeteorological conditions were studied by statistical analysis. The concentration variations in air pollutants are closely related to those in local meteorological conditions. Both temperature and relative humidity have significant negative correlations, whereas wind speed has a significant positive correlation with these pollutants.


A condition still quite unfamiliar to many physicians is discussed in this issue of Pediatrics. The disease, called "Vitamin-D-dependent rickets" in the accompanying article, was first segregated from the array of "Vitamin-D-resistant rickets" by Fraser and Salter2 (Type III, A, ii, in their classification), and by Prader and colleagues3 (hereditary pseudo-vitamin-D-deficiency rickets, in their terminology). The condition is characterized by signs and symptoms which appear in the first year of life, and which are easily mistaken for those of severe (Stage III) vitamin D deficiency4. As revealed in typical case reports of the condition3,5, manifestations include muscular weakness, convulsions, severe rickets, growth failure, hypophosphatemia, low or normal total serum calcium, mild renal tubular acidosis, and hyperaminoaciduria.


CHEMISTRY
One approach for synthesizing metal nanotubes is first to create a template with pores of the appropriate outside diameter (such as a polycarbonate membrane) and then to build the nanotube wall via electroless deposition on the inside surface of the pores. This process allows for good control over the final inside diameter, which can be important in applications such as bioseparations. Hou et al. have extended this approach to a nonmetallic system, in this case the layer-by-layer deposition of α,ω-diorganophosphates alternating with Zr cationic species. Sputtering alumina membranes with gold blocked deposition on the membrane faces but not in the pores. By electrochemically measuring ion currents through nanotubes with differing numbers of layers (ranging from 3 to 30), they show that the film thickness increases smoothly and at the same rate as films deposited on flat surfaces. Tubes with inside diameters as small as 23 nanometers were obtained in this way. — PDS

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 10.1021/ja049537t(2004).


Combining ideas from [Alouges et al. (Numer. Math., 128, 2014)] and [Praetorius et al. (Comput. Math. Appl., 2017)], we propose a numerical algorithm for the integration of the nonlinear and time-dependent Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation which is unconditionally convergent, formally (almost) second-order in time, and requires only the solution of one linear system per time-step. Only the exchange contribution is integrated implicitly in time, while the lower-order contributions like the computationally expensive stray field are treated explicitly in time. Then, we extend the scheme to the coupled system of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation with the eddy current approximation of Maxwell equations (ELLG). Unlike existing schemes for this system, the new integrator is unconditionally convergent, (almost) second-order in time, and requires only the solution of two linear systems per time-step.


The dairy farming sector needs constant modernization of its buildings, machines and technology in order to maintain its competitiveness and productivity. For the greater scale investments, these companies try to apply for state funds in addition to their own financial sources. Therefore, the investment support system plays a great role by improving the competitiveness and modernity of these farms. In the last 10 years, 7 funding programs were available for dairy farms. In this research, 25 dairy farms were interviewed in Hajdú-Bihar County. The examined farms cover more than 50% of the milk production in Hajdú-Bihar County. The survey questions focused on the investment funding program use of farms between 2007 and 2017 and renewable energy investments including all programs. The results show how many tenders were submitted, how many were successfully evaluated and completed. All farms had at least two successfully evaluated projects. A correlation was found between completed projects by farm size and completed projects. The connection of the modernity index of dairy farms and the completed projects was also shown.


In order to protect buildings against earthquakes that are categorized as "common" according to the Peruvian Earthquake Resistant Standard, a prototype of Recycled Rubber Seismic Isolator ("RRSI") was developed in the structural laboratory of the Japan-Peru Center for Earthquake Engineering Research and Disaster Mitigation - CISMID, Peru. The raw material used to manufacture this device was recycled rubber tires; the rubber tire was cut into square shape sheets with 190mmx190mm of cross-section and a total thickness of around 11 mm. Rubber tire sheets were joined to each other by a vulcanization process, including rubber layers with 3mm of thickness made of recycled rubber tire powder in between rubber tire sheets; and in between the rubber tire sheet and the steel plate at both ends of the bearing.
Two specimens were tested in a shaking table under a free vibration impulse or displacement in order to get their natural vibration frequency, natural period, and inherent damping. Then, to obtain the hysteretical behavior, a cyclic lateral reversal-loading test was conducted on three different specimens applying a constant axial load of 330MPa, 270MPa, and 220MPa respectively and a lateral displacement pattern with different levels of shear deformations up to the failure, which occurs at a shear strain of around 100%.
From the experimental results, a nonlinear hysteretic behavior and energy dissipation were observed, decoupling the lateral movement. Finally, a numerical model was proposed to model the nonlinear hysteretic behavior of the RRSI based on a Modified Bouc-Wen model. This numerical model was simulated by using the specimens as base isolators for buildings.


Abstract Background Although precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anemia (PIMA) is thought to be caused by immune targeting of erythroid precursors (nucleated RBCs, nRBCs), its pathogenesis is unknown. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) or phosphatidylserine (PS) may promote nRBC destruction in PIMA. Hypothesis Dogs with PIMA have increased nRBC IgG and PS, and dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) have increased RBC PS compared to healthy dogs. Animals Blood from 20 healthy dogs and from dogs with IMHA (11) or other (non‐IMHA) conditions (9), and marrow aspirates with or without blood from 10 healthy dogs and from dogs with PIMA (17) or other (non‐IMHA, non‐PIMA) conditions (7). Methods Marrow nRBC stages were separated by density gradient. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentage of RBCs or nRBCs with increased IgG or PS. Results Red blood cell (RBC) IgG positivity was increased in 9/11 IMHA dogs and 0/9 non‐IMHA dogs. Red blood cell PS positivity was increased in 10/11 IMHA dogs and 2/9 non‐IMHA dogs. Five of 17 PIMA dogs had increased nRBC IgG positivity in mid‐ or late‐stage fractions, whereas all 7 non‐PIMA dogs were negative. Mid‐ and late‐stage erythroid precursor PS was significantly higher in PIMA dogs compared to healthy dogs. Five of 14 PIMA dogs had increased RBC IgG positivity. Conclusions Immunoglobulin G and PS may promote destruction of nRBCs in PIMA dogs; PS may promote destruction of RBCs in IMHA dogs.


Basing on analysis of the treatment results in 521 patients, suffering diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), the clinical classification was proposed, taking into account regulations of the International agreement on diabetic foot. It contains pathogenetic mechanisms of DFS occurrence, severity of the nerves and vessels affection, degree of ischemia, character of purulent-necrotic complications. Classification permits to determine the methods of treatment in homogenous groups of patients, suffering DFS.


: Comparisons of precipitation between general circulation models (GCMs) and observations are often confounded by a mismatch between model output and instrument measurements, including variable type and temporal and spatial resolutions. To mitigate these differences, the radar-simulator Quickbeam within the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP) Observation Simulator Package (COSP) simulates reflectivity from model variables at the subgrid scale. This work adapts Quickbeam to the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite. The longer wavelength of the DPR is used to evaluate moderate to heavy precipitation in GCMs, which is missed when Quickbeam is used as a cloud radar simulator. Latitudinal and land–ocean comparisons are made between COSP output from the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 (CAM5) and DPR data. Additionally, this work improves the COSP subgrid algorithm by applying a more realistic, nondeterministic approach to assigning GCM gridbox convective cloud cover when convective cloud is not provided as a model output. Instead of assuming a static 5% convective cloud coverage, DPR convective precipitation coverage is used as a proxy for convective cloud coverage. For example, DPR observations show that convective rain typically only covers about 1% of a 2 8 grid box, but that the median convective rain area increases to over 10% in heavy rain cases. In our CAM5 tests, the updated subgrid algorithm improved the comparison between reflectivity distributions when the convective cloud cover is provided versus the default 5% convective cloud-cover assumption.


The present article describes the prevalence and predictors of adverse mental health reactions in first responders, a population exposed to stress (rather than a population who are exposed). Mental health impairments in first responders exact considerable personal and public costs and are likely to negatively affect work performance, including providing care to trauma survivors. This article provides an update on first responders' mental health and examines predictors of trauma-related psychopathology in this population. This information is of vital importance for the development and implementation of prevention and intervention strategies.


Two cDNA clones for plant cysteine proteinases have been isolated from a Carica papaya (paw-paw, papaya) leaf tissue cDNA library by using a mixture of 16 synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides as a hybridization probe. The inserted regions are 311 and 440 base-pairs in length and have the potential to encode a region corresponding to the C-terminal region of two proteins which are homologous with the known plant cysteine proteinases and the mammalian thiol cathepsins. One of the sequences shows a high (greater than 77%) homology with the plant cysteine proteinase papain, the other is closely related to papaya chymopapain. One sequence contains all, and the other most, of the 3' untranslated region of the mRNA. The inserts were used as specific probes in Northern Blot analyses giving an estimated size for the two mRNA species of 1.45 kilobases.


The synthesis of fatty acids de novo from acetate and the elongation of exogenous satuated fatty acids (C12-C18) by the psychrophilic bacterium Micrococcus cryophilus (A.T.C.C. 15174) grown at 1 or 20 degrees C was investigated. M. cryophilus normally contains only C16 and C18 acyl chains in its phospholipids, and the C18/C16 ratio is altered by changes in growth temperature. The bacterium was shown to regulate strictly its phospholipid acyl chain length and to be capable of directly elongating myristate and palmitate, and possibly laurate, to a mixture of C16 and C18 acyl chains. Retroconversion of stearate into palmitate also occurred. Fatty acid elongation could be distinguished from fatty acid synthesis de novo by the greater sensitivity of fatty acid elongation to inhibition by NaAsO2 under conditions when the supply of ATP and reduced nicotinamide nucleotides was not limiting. It is suggested that phospholipid acyl chain length may be controlled by a membrane-bound elongase enzyme, which interconverts C16 and C18 fatty acids via a C14 intermediate; the activity of the enzyme could be regulated by membrane lipid fluidity.


This paper proposes a novel idea for ultrasonic imaging of plate structures with a small number of permanently attached ultrasonic sensors. Guided ultrasonic waves excited and captured by a single actuator-sensor pair suffice as input for the proposed imaging technique. Taking advantage of several reflections from boundaries and geometric features of plates, the number of inspection lines is artificially increased. Only the first antisymmetric mode (A0) is used for imaging, because it has higher excitability than the first symmetric mode (S0) and simpler reflection behavior. Mode conversion from reflections is avoided by exciting below the first cut-off frequency of higher order propagating antisymmetric modes. The path and distance traveled by each echo is calculated using a ray tracking model, and a drop in energy of each echo compared to its baseline is associated with the presence of damage. Dispersion curves are used to calculate wave velocity and expected arrival times of the reflected echoes. Based on the expected time of arrival, a gate is defined for each echo, and an energy comparison is conducted for the high energy gated portion of the echo. A probabilistic method for image reconstruction is also proposed to locate damage. The proposed imaging method combines information from several inspection paths using a Bayesian probabilistic framework. To validate the approach, experiments have been carried out on an aluminum plate, instrumented with only two permanently attached low profile circular piezoelectric sensors. A tone burst packet is used an input excitation, and multiple echoed packets have been recorded at a receiving sensor. A large C-clamp is used to locally scatter the waves and simulate damage. Damage is simulated in nine locations, and the proposed method achieves notable success in localizing the applied damage with only two sensors. doi: 10.12783/SHM2015/313


The organization of functional brain networks changes across human lifespan. The present study analyzed functional brain networks in healthy full‐term infants (N = 139) within 1–6 days from birth by measuring neural synchrony in EEG recordings during quiet sleep. Large‐scale phase synchronization was measured in six frequency bands with the Phase Lag Index. Macroscopic network organization characteristics were quantified by constructing unweighted minimum spanning tree graphs. The cortical networks in early infancy were found to be significantly more hierarchical and had a more cost‐efficient organization compared with MST of random control networks, more so in the theta and alpha than in other frequency bands. Frontal and parietal sites acted as the main hubs of these networks, the topological characteristics of which were associated with gestation age (GA). This suggests that individual differences in network topology are related to cortical maturation during the prenatal period, when functional networks shift from strictly centralized toward segregated configurations. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4019–4033, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


The channel assignment problem for cellular systems using FDMA requires that transmitters be assigned channels such that users receive adequate signal. Traditionally, the `single inter ferer assumption' has been used to encapsulate the situation in binary channel separation constraints. Such constraint generation considers interference from one source in isolation, not account ing for interfering signals emanating from multiple non-serving sources simultaneously, which will occur in real radiocommuni cations scenarios. In this paper the single and multiple interferer assumptions are investigated in detail; quantifying not only the to tal effects of additional sources of interference on downlink cov erage, but also the proportion caused by interferers which are co channel with the server or separated from it by a certain number of channels. We analyse the performance, when multiple interfer ers operate, of channel assignments which are zero-violation for single source interference, over a range of test problems. Results show that a significant coverage reduction can be experienced in these circumstances, largely due to the combined effects of co channel and first adjacent channel interferers, even when a small number of non-serving transmitters are active. Our conclusions are valuable towards developing solution techniques and models to resolve the problem in channel assignment.


Volatile agents are economically and ecologically acceptable only when administered via low-flow systems. However, sevoflurane degrades during low-flow anaesthesia to compound A, and a high carbon dioxide absorber temperature increases this degradation. This thesis suggests that there is a correlation between apparatus dead-space volume and absorber temperature during low- and minimal-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia. Increasing the dead-space volume reduces absorber temperature during low- and minimal-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia.

The main disadvantage of low-flow techniques is that inspired (In) and end-tidal (Et) anaesthetic agent concentrations are not directly related to the vaporiser setting. In the present studies, with desflurane and sevoflurane, there was a significant difference between Et and In concentrations at fresh gas flows (FGFs) of 1.0 and 2.0 l/min. However, the ratio of Et to In concentration remained fairly constant.

Excessive respiratory heat loss may lower body temperature. Artificial humidification of dry inspired gases reduces loss of body heat during anaesthesia, hence the popularity of heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs). In this study, HMEs improved the humidity of the anaesthetic gases at different FGFs, but did not improve maintenance of body temperature during low-flow anaesthesia in adults undergoing elective general or urologic surgery.


We study some properties of the simplest neutron stars (NSs) in the Glendenning–Moszkowski (GM) model, the hybrid derivative coupling (HD) model and the Zimanyi–Moszkowski (ZM) model in the framework of relativistic mean field (RMF) theory with and without the interaction by exchanging the S-meson. We show that the maximal mass of the NSs becomes smaller, but the redshift becomes larger from the GM model to the HD model, then to the ZM model. The interaction with the S-meson exchange enlarges the maximal mass of neutron stars, increases the relative population of charged particles (proton, electron and muon) and descends the relative population of neutron.


In his In Defence of Europe, Loukas Tsoukalis posits that globalization and European integration are two sides of the same coin. Both are premised on the gains in peace and prosperity to be reaped by openness and interdependence. Hence, the twin crises of globalization and European integration are not merely closely intertwined; their fundamentally similar natures mean the latter has been unable to control the excesses of the former. Moreover, the European project has been undergirded by an international liberal order resting on US hegemony. As that order has started to crack, with the USA unable and unwilling to sustain the system that it was decisive in establishing, and other global powers challenging its core norms, the EU's vulnerabilities are coming to the fore. For decades, the EU has pursued its internal and international policies insulated from geopolitical encroachments. Today, Europeans find themselves exposed to the vulnerabilities of asymmetric interdependence, lacking not the capabilities but rather the psychological predisposition and political willingness to act together. Appreciating this predicament, several European leaders have called for European sovereignty, power, and autonomy. Underpinning these slogans is the recognition that if Europeans are to stand up to Trump, Putin, and Xi, and manage the epochal challenges stemming from demography, climate change, and the digital age, they can only do so together. This chapter concludes by outlining what European sovereignty and autonomy may mean, notably in the economic, digital, and defence fields, and why meeting the challenge of autonomy is existential for the European project.


The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference in job satisfaction existed between medical technologists working in an urban hospital and those working in a suburban hospital. The four areas of investigation were (1) satisfaction with pay, (2) professional status, (3) medical technologist-physician relationship, and (4) job task requirements. Sixty medical technologists, from two different hospital locations, were surveyed using a work satisfaction questionnaire. A response rate of 60 percent from the suburban and 58 percent from the urban hospital was achieved. Analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test indicated that urban laboratorians were more satisfied with all areas of interest than were their suburban counterparts. The surveyed medical technologists were most satisfied with professional status, medical technologist-physician relationship, pay, and job task requirements. All scores were, in general, low, suggesting a need to attend to improved job satisfaction among medical technologists.


With the rapid development of Internet and information technology, network office, network education, paperless office has become increasingly popular. Computers and network have become the effective and essential tools of schools, families and enterprises. However, with the popularity of Internet behavior in a work or study environment, the problem that students and employees use the computer and network to do something unrelated with study and work become more and more serious, what's more, children may be misled to visit junk websites. The abuse of computers and network is widespread in enterprises as well. Hence, it is important to build an effective network behavior management system to monitor and manage the internal network hosts behavior. We put forward a network behavior management system based on B/S architecture. Our research facets are as follows:: According to the function of the system and architecture, the system is divided into three layers: Client Management UI layer, Sever layer, Data Memory layer. We have integrated a variety of Monitoring and Management technology and Protocol Analysis technology into the system. The paper first introduce the B/S architecture and compare with the C/S architecture, then detail the system construction, design of three modules, the work flow of the system, and the main functions of the network behavior management. At last, we conclude the prospect of the network behavior management system based on B/S architecture with HTML5 [1].


This report explores the engagement between Indigenous Peoples and the Responsible Investment (RI) industry in Canada. Based on interviews with stakeholders, observation of industry conferences, and documentary evidence collected during the first year of the pandemic (i.e., March 2020-March 2021), this report offers an overview of the current discussions regarding Indigenous Peoples in the RI industry. RI is an investment approach that incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments (RIA, 2021). In 2019, the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) estimated that assets in Canada managed using one or more RI strategies2 were worth $3.2 trillion, or 61.8 per cent, of total Canadian assets under management (RIA, 2020).


Landmines are affecting the lives and livelihood of millions of people around the world. The video impulse ground penetrating radar system for detection for small and shallow buried objects has been developed. The hardware combines commercially available components with components specially developed or modified for being used in the system. The GPR system has been desired to measure accurately electromagnetic field backscattered from subsurface targets in order to allow identification of detected targets through the solution of the inverse scattering problem. The GPR has been tested in different environmental conditions and has proved its ability to detect small and shallow


We present the results of a deep HST/WFPC2 imaging study of 17 quasars at z ≃ 0.4, designed to determine the properties of their host galaxies. The sample consists of quasars with absolute magnitudes in the range −24 ≥ MV ≥ −28, allowing us to investigate host galaxy properties across a decade in quasar luminosity, but at a single redshift. Our previous imaging studies of AGN hosts have focussed primarily on quasars of moderate luminosity, but the most powerful objects in the current sample have powers comparable to the most luminous quasars found at high redshifts. We find that the host galaxies of all the radio-loud quasars, and all the radioquiet quasars in our sample with nuclear luminosities MV < −24, are massive bulgedominated galaxies, confirming and extending the trends deduced from our previous studies. From the best-fitting model host galaxies we have estimated spheroid and hence black-hole masses, and the efficiency (with respect to the Eddington luminosity) with which each quasar is emitting radiation. The largest inferred black-hole mass in our sample is MBH ≃ 3 × 10 9M⊙, comparable to the mass of the black-holes at the centres of M87 and Cygnus A. We find no evidence for super-Eddington accretion rates in even the most luminous objects (0.05 < L/LEdd < 1.0). We investigate the role of scatter in the black-hole:spheroid mass relation in determining the ratio of quasar to host-galaxy luminosity, by generating simulated populations of quasars lying in hosts with a Schechter mass function. Within the subsample of the highest-luminosity quasars, the observed variation in nuclear-host luminosity ratio is consistent with being the result of the scatter in the black-hole:spheroid relation. Quasars with high nuclear-host luminosity ratios can be explained in terms of sub-Eddington accretion rates onto black-holes in the high-mass tail of the blackhole:spheroid relation. Our results imply that, owing to the Schechter function cutoff, host mass should not continue to increase linearly with quasar luminosity, at the very highest luminosities. Any quasars more luminous than MV = −27 should be found in massive elliptical hosts which at the present day would have MV ≃ −24.5.


Automatic payments are increasingly common. The psychologies of the prominent of number, defaults and inattention combine to create an unexpected side effect of automatic payments. We see that credit card holders set a default automatic payment to match their modal repayment behavior. For those often paying in full, an automatic full repayment almost completely eliminates late fees caused when people forget to pay their bill. For those often paying only the minimum, an automatic minimum repayment locks in their modal minimum payment behavior. But it was their amodal behavior — occasionally making larger repayments at prominent amounts (e.g., £100, £200, £500) — that was reducing their balance. Without the need to address their bill each month, card holders make these additional repayments less often, and as a result incur 2–3 times more in interest charges than the late payment fees that they avoid by automating their payments. We estimate that the reduction in prominent amount repayments as people switch to automatic minimum repayment is responsible for 12% of all of the interest ever paid on credit cards.


Plummer (1995) argues that we are living in a time of 'new sexual stories'. This, combined with arguments that we are seeing the advent of the 'sexual citizen', who refuses to be marginalized on account of his or her sexuality, produces new sexual subjectivities that demand recognition and respect. In this article, we report on an investigation of a sexual story that is not new in itself but one that is yet to be fully explicated. This story is one involving dominance and submission. A hermeneutic phenomenological analysis (Ricoeur, 1981) of World Wide Web sites concerned with sadomasochism was conducted to examine the discursive resources drawn on in this paradoxical world. The findings are discussed in relation to the 'transformation of intimacy' (Giddens, 1992) and rise of the 'sexual citizen' in late modernity.


Abstract. The exploration of the compilation of natural resources balance sheet has been proposed since 2013. Several elements of water resources balance sheet have been discussed positively in China, including basic concept, framework and accounting methods, which focused on calculating the amount of water resources with statistical methods but lacked the analysis of the interrelationship between physical volume and magnitude of value. Based on the study of physical accounting of water resources balance sheet, the connotation of water resources value is analyzed in combination with research on the value of water resources in the world. What's more, the theoretical framework, form of measurement and research methods of water resources value accounting are further explored. Taking Chengdu, China as an example, the index system of water resources balance sheet in Chengdu which includes both physical and valuable volume is established to account the depletion of water resources, environmental damage and ecological water occupation caused by economic and social water use. Moreover, the water resources balance sheet in this region which reflects the negative impact of the economy on the environment is established. It provides a reference for advancing water resources management, improving government and social investment, realizing scientific and rational allocation of water resources.


This paper investigates the birth of commodity trading advisers (CTAs) and their flow–performance relation. Specifically, we address three questions. First, we investigate the impact of existing CTAs' performance on the number of new CTAs entering the market. Second, we investigate the importance of performance and other fund-specific factors to fund flows throughout the entire lives of CTAs. Third, we examine the smart money effect on CTAs. That is, we ask whether investors are successful in selecting subsequent well performing CTAs. Our results show that CTA managers tend to start up funds after a period of poor performance across the CTA industry. The flow-performance relation is strongly supported, with top-performing CTAs rewarded with high inflows. However, we find no evidence of 'smart money' effect, indicating that investors are generally unsuccessful in choosing subsequent well performing CTAs.


LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the clinical features of the disease. 2. Describe the pathoanatomical structures in Dupuytren's disease. 3. Outline the various factors associated with Dupuytren's disease. 4. Describe the modalities for surgical and nonsurgical treatment of the condition. 5. Outline recent biomolecular knowledge about the basis of Dupuytren's disease.

SUMMARY
Dupuytren's disease is characterized by nodule formation and contracture of the palmar fascia, resulting in flexion deformity of the fingers and loss of hand function. The authors review the historical background, clinical features, and current therapy of Dupuytren's disease; preview treatment innovations; and present molecular data related to Dupuytren's disease. These new findings may improve screening for Dupuytren's disease and provide a better understanding of the disease's pathogenesis.


This paper proposes a formal analysis of the discarding issue including the sorting labour costs. Empirical evidences from an application to the Nephrops fishery in the Bay of Biscay show that sorting is an important time consuming activity on board and a factor of discarding . However existing literature does not explicitly take into account the sorting activity and mainly focus on quota and catch constraints. The discarding model described in the paper includes sorting as a factor explaining discards. The costs of sorting landings and the time to sort them are included in the approach. The model is developed for one species studied at a tow scale with the assumption that catches are exogenous. It is shown that taking sorting costs into account, discarding of one species may occur and that time or effort constraints can induce an over incentive to discard.


The ethanolic extract of leaves of Sesbania grandiflora and their organic and aqueous soluble partitioning substances were evaluated for thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing potentials in vitro . In thrombolytic assay, among all partitionates, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed highest percent of clot lysis (59.57%) as compared to 69.23% and 3.07% exhibited by the standard streptokinase and water (negative control), respectively. With respect to the membrane stabilizing activity, ethyl acetate soluble fractions of S. grandiflora also profoundly inhibited the hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by osmosis (64.30 ± 0.64%) and heat (57.21 ± 0.69%), respectively. In contrast, standard acetyl salicylic acid resulted in 70.12 ± 26% inhibition of osmotically-induced hemolysis and slightly higher level of protection against heat-induced hemolysis (73.90 ± 0.29%). The ethanol extract of leaves of S. grandiflora revealed significant percentage of thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(2): 173-176, 2016 (December)


Eighty percent minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC80) of sulopenem against clinically isolated 12 to 80 strains of each of different bacteria were as follows: methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA): 0.20 micrograms/ml, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA): 50 micrograms/ml, coagulase-negative staphylococci: 3.13 micrograms/ml, Streptococcus pyogenes: < or = 0.013 microgram/ml, Streptococcus pneumoniae: < or = 0.013 microgram/ml, beta-streptococci: 0.05 microgram/ml, Enterococcus faecalis: 12.5 micrograms/ml, Enterococcus faecium: > 100 micrograms/ml, Escherichia coli CS2(R+): 0.10 microgram/ml, Klebsiella pneumoniae: 0.05 microgram/ml, Proteus mirabilis: 0.10 microgram/ml, Proteus vulgaris: 0.20 microgram/ml, Morganella morganii: 0.39 micrograms/ml, Providencia rettgeri: 3.13 micrograms/ml, Citrobacter freundii: 0.20 microgram/ml, Enterobacter cloacae: 0.39 microgram/ml, Serratia marcescens: 1.56 micrograms/ml, Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 50 micrograms/ml, Pseudomonas cepacia: 3.13 micrograms/ml, Xanthomonas maltophilia: > 100 micrograms/ml, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus: 1.56 micrograms/ml, ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae: 0.39 microgram/ml and Bacteroides fragil is: 0.20 microgram/ml, respectively. Sulopenem possesses a stronger activity than flomoxef or cefuzonam against Gram-positive bacteria, the strongest activity among the antibiotics tested against Gram-negative bacteria except P. aeruginosa. Sulopenem has stronger affinities than imipenem to all fractions of PBPs of S. aureus, E. coli, P. vulgaris, S. marcescens, even of P. aeruginosa. Affinities of sulopenem to PBPs-1 and -3 of S. aureus, PBP-2 of E. coli were much stronger than those of imipenem (IPM). Sulopenem generally has small Ki values to all types of beta-lactamases and also has stronger permanent inactivation effect to Ia and IIb types of beta-lactamases than IPM. No synergistic bactericidal activity of sulopenem was apparent with serum complement. However, synergism of sulopenem with macrophages was prominent in bactericidal activity. The cells of E. coli were well phagocytosed and rapidly digested by cultured macrophages in the presence of a higher than 1/8 MIC of sulopenem. Moreover, sulopenem was more stable than imipenem against swine and human dehydropeptidase-Is. Sulopenem is one of the antibiotics that do not induce the appearance of subclones resistant to the drug.


Since early ages, subjects like the formation of nature within the context of the problem of existence, the elements of existence, the essence of substance and the points by which living and lifeless substance was different have been taken up by both philosophy and science. True enough, the famous philosopher and scientist Aristotle dwelled upon these subjects in some of his works. Some have claimed that since Aristotle mentioned in his work titled Meteorologica the fact that he would write a work titled Mineralogy, in which he would explain the origins of natural substances and minerals, Avicenna's work with the same title should actually be ascribed to Aristotle. However, as is clear from the detailed information provided in this article, this book was actually written by Avicenna. The clearest confirmation of this rests on the fact that part of Avicenna's Şifa (Cure) was also dedicated to this subject and the explanations provided resemble those in Mineralogy. The work, in which Avicenna collected his explanations concerning Mineralogy are made up of two parts: 1. The formation of meteorites and of the surface of the earth. 2. The formation of minerals. The main ideas formulated by Avicenna in this work were that each element had its own characteristics and that by utilising some of them you could not obtain other elements.


The seasonal cycle of temperatures on Pangaea (early Late Permian configuration) is simulated with a two-dimensional energy-balance climate model. Results indicate that the annual range of temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere of Pangaea was considerably larger than any occurring at present. Maximum mean monthly summer temperatures are 38 °C; daytime highs probably exceed 45 °C in some regions. However, summer temperatures in polar regions are considerably lower (0-5 °C) and are favorable for persistence of ice in eastern Australia and glaciation in Siberia—conditions that receive some support from geologic data. These simulations suggest that very high summer temperatures and a large annual range are major features of supercontinent environments. Such conditions may have significantly influenced the distribution of terrestrial Permian biota. Our results are difficult to reconcile with postulated "equable" climates for some supercontinent configurations.


Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with an onset in childhood, characterized by sudden, rapid, repetitive, unvoluntary motor-vocal tics. Its known that immunologic, genetic, epigenetic, hormonal and environmental factors may play a role in the etiology of Tourette syndrome. In recent years, it has been reported that some infectious agents such as A group B hemolitic streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, varisella zoster virus, HIV, borrelia burgdorferi may also cause tics.

 Case: In this case report, we present a twelve year old boy who has motor and vocal tics appeared after forty days following a mump infection.

 Results: This case report is important because it describes the second patient with mumps-associated TS and significant improvement with aripiprazol treatment. Secondary TS may contribute to the better understanding of this developmental neuropsychiatric disorder in general.

 Key Words: Tourette Syndrome; Mumps; Tics.


Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred initial treatment for this disorder. Mometasone furoate dry powder is an inhaled corticosteroid that is approved for once-daily treatment of asthma in both adults and children as young as 4 years. Areas covered: The goal of this paper is to review the clinical efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler for the treatment of asthma. A literature search using PubMed was done using the terms 'mometasone furoate', 'inhaled corticosteroid' and 'asthma', focusing on articles that highlighted clinical trials and addressed efficacy of the medication. Expert opinion: Mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler has an excellent safety and efficacy profile. For patients with persistent asthma who require treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid, mometasone furoate is an excellent therapeutic choice.


Geographers and other scholars have advocated that academics undertake more publicly engaged research, and university administrators increasingly support these calls. Grassroots and policy-focused engagement models derive from different disciplinary origins, but come to similar conclusions. They find that effective research engagement should link multiple academic and non-academic groups in a polycentric (multi-centered) web or network. These require iterated (repeated) interactions across these groups to develop effective communication and common agendas for action. The discipline of geography reveals a parallel history, encompassing clusters of research around policy decision support, activism and advocacy, and participatory capacity-building and community development. Geographers are well prepared to play key brokerage roles as diverse scientific, public, private, non-profit, and grassroots groups pursue collaborative boundary-spanning activities. As faculty or professional staff, we bring skills in integration across diverse disciplinary, professional, and practical orientations, as well as cross-scalar analyses.


Autonomic computing (AC), self-management based on high level guidance from humans, is increasingly gaining momentum as the way forward in designing reliable systems that hide complexity and conquer IT management costs. Effectively, AC may be viewed as policy-based self-management. The model driven architecture (MDA) approach focuses on building models that can be transformed into code in an automatic manner. In this paper, we look at ways to implement policy-based self-management by means of models that can be converted to code using transformations that follow the MDA philosophy. We propose a set of UML-based models to specify autonomic and autonomous features along with the necessary procedures, based on modification and composition of models, to deploy a policy as an executing system


Hysteresis phenomena demonstrate the lag between the generation and the removal of some physical phenomena. This paper studies the hysteresis phenomena of the head-drop in a scaled model pump turbine using experiment test and CFD methods. These lag is induced by complicated flow patterns, which influenced the reliability of rotating machine. Keeping the same measurement procedure is concluded for the hydraulic machine measurement.


Part I: Theory Provable security is an important goal in the design of public-key cryptosystems. For most security properties, it is computational security that has to be considered: an attack scenario describes how adversaries interact with the cryptosystem, trying to attack it; the system can be called secure if adversaries with reasonably bounded computational means have negligible prospects of success. The lack of computational problems that are guaranteed to be hard in an appropriate sense means that there is little hope for absolute proofs of computational security. Instead, reduction-based security proofs have to be used: the computational security of a complex cryptographic scheme is related to the security of simpler underlying cryptographic primitives (under appropriate notions of security). The idea is to show that if the complex scheme is not secure, then this is because one of the primitives is not secure. Security can be described quantitatively as "concrete security", measured depending on the power given to adversaries. The DHAES construction (due to Abdalla, Bellare, and Rogaway) allows building a public-key encryption scheme from a key encapsulation mechanism (KEM), a one-time message authentication code (one-time MAC), and a pseudo-random bit string generator. A reduction-based security proof shows that DHAES achieves security against (adaptive) chosen-ciphertext attacks if these underlying primitives are secure. (Such chosen-ciphertext attacks are the most general attack scenario for public-key encryption.) A specific application for public-key cryptography is considered, namely Chaum's mix chain concept for untraceable electronic mail via cryptographic remailers: to obtain anonymity without requiring trust in a single authority, messages are recursively public-key encrypted to multiple intermediates (mixes), each of which forwards the message after removing one layer of encryption. To conceal as much information as possible when using variable (source routed) chains, all messages passed to mixes should be of the same length; thus, message length should not decrease when a mix transforms an input message into the corresponding output message directed at the next mix in the chain. Chaum described an implementation for such length-preserving mixes, but it is not secure against active attacks. This thesis presents a new construction for practical length-preserving mixes, which uses the cryptographic primitives described for DHAES. The conventional definition of security against chosen ciphertext attacks for public-key encryption schemes is not applicable to length-preserving mixes, so appropriate security definitions are introduced; it is shown that the mix construction achieves provable security. Part II: Practice Most instantiations of public-key cryptography involve computing powers (exponentiation) or computing power products ("multi-exponentiation") in some commutative semigroup with neutral element. This thesis describes the sliding window technique for arbitrary commutative semigroups with neutral element and its signed-digit variant ("window NAF") for groups where inversion is fast (e.g. point groups of elliptic curves and class groups of imaginary quadratic number fields), and then presents new techniques. Fractional windows, a generalization of the previously known window methods, can be useful for devices with limited storage. Interleaved exponentiation is a simple strategy for multi-exponentiation; the comparison with previous simultaneous exponentiation methods shows that it often provides better efficiency. Window NAF splitting is a method for fast exponentiation with precomputation for a fixed base in groups where inversion is fast. For the case of elliptic curves, side-channel attacks are discussed, i.e. attacks where adversaries use power consumption measurements or similar observations to derive information on secret values. Two methods are shown that are designed to limit potential information leakage available to adversaries: a 2w-ary left-to-right method employing special representations of scalars, and a 2w-ary right-to-left method with a special randomized initialization stage.


Recent work achieved impressive progress towards joint reconstruction of hands and manipulated objects from monocular color images. Existing methods focus on two alternative representations in terms of either parametric meshes or signed distance fields (SDFs). On one side, parametric models can benefit from prior knowledge at the cost of limited shape deformations and mesh resolutions. Mesh models, hence, may fail to precisely reconstruct details such as contact surfaces of hands and objects. SDF-based methods, on the other side, can represent arbitrary details but are lacking explicit priors. In this work we aim to improve SDF models using priors provided by parametric representations. In particular, we propose a joint learning framework that disentangles the pose and the shape. We obtain hand and object poses from parametric models and use them to align SDFs in 3D space. We show that such aligned SDFs better focus on reconstructing shape details and improve reconstruction accuracy both for hands and objects. We evaluate our method and demonstrate significant improvements over the state of the art on the challenging ObMan and DexYCB benchmarks.


: An amoebic liver abscess, amoebic dysentery and asymptomatic cyst passage were diagnosed in a father, a mother and one of their three children, respectively. One of the other children had been in the tropics, but only after the father's symptoms had begun. All three family members were infected with the same strain of Entamoeba histolytica as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA typing. The source of infection was most probably in Southern Italy where the family regularly spent their summer holidays. All three infected patients recovered after drug treatment. In a patient with a liver abscess or colitis, amoebiasis should be considered even in the absence of a history of a stay in the tropics. Stool samples should be examined for amoebic cysts and trophozoites. PCR analysis of parasite DNA extracted directly from stool samples makes differentiation between the morphologically identical cysts of E. histolytica and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar possible. In addition, serum antibodies to E. histolytica are almost always present in symptomatic patients. Invasive infections with E. histolytica require treatment with a tissue amoebicidal drug, followed by a contact amoebicide to prevent recurrence. Currently, paromomycin is considered to be the first-line luminal amoebicide because of its efficacy and safety.


Several medications have been linked to red blood cell (RBC) disorders. The frequency of these side effects varies, depending on the condition, but they can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The problem is likely to exacerbate in aging populations with frequent comorbidities, proportional to the growing number of medications used. Notable drug-related RBC disorders include hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, sideroblastic anemia, polycythemia, methemoglobinemia, anemia of irritation/inflammation, and anemia caused by suppression of RBC production. The list of medications that are associated with these disorders is long and includes many commonly-used drugs. This could pose a challenge in timely diagnosis and management of these disorders. Prior knowledge of the potential for drug-related RBC disorders and monitoring the patients who are being treated with medications known to cause RBC disorders are critical to ensure timely and effective response, should such adverse reactions occur.


GpTx-1, a 34-residue peptide cross-linked by three disulfide bridges, originally isolated from the venom of the tarantula Grammostola porter, and its analogue GpTx-1-71 ([Ala5,Phe6,Leu26,Arg28]GpTx-1) are highly potent pharmaceutical inhibitor candidates to voltage-gated sodium channels, currently in preclinical development. GpTx-1 and its analogue for drug development had previously been obtained by adopting a tedious stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis strategy. Herein, we present a flexible and highly practical strategy by converging three segments based on C-terminal proline residues. This approach provided a reliable and convenient synthetic route which could greatly facilitate GpTx-1 based drug developments for pain relief. Solution NMR structural analysis and electrophysiology evaluation verified the compositional and functional characteristics of the two macrocyclic peptides, which are consistent with previous studies.