Research and development are made about reciprocating air-cool oilless compressors series products in order to meet maket demond. Piston pings and guiding pings are made by filled PTFE material to achieve the oilless lubrication between cylinders and pistons. Grease lubrication bearings are used and designed in structure to achieve the oilless lubrication of connecting rod larger heads, connecting rod smaller heads and main bearings. The optimal dynamic balance can achieve by a new-type dynamic balance system which are made up of inner balance weight and outer balance weight to make the compressor run stationary. The crankcase bottom are all opened, three-stage fans are used to cool the compressor, these make the compressor cool better to improve the compressor life. The radius-length ratio λ is taken as 1/6 to 1/7 to reduce side pressure greatly. The reciprocating air-cool oilless compressors series products have better properties, can run smoothly and reliably and go into mass production.


This article explores the current rise of collaborative consumption models for a library context. Specifically, it explains these models and unpacks key success factors from collaborative consumption. Subsequently, the article postulates what is beneficial for librarians and libraries to understand from the current trend of collaborative consumption. While there has been much research and criticism about applying traditional business models to libraries, little academic work has been completed in using contemporary business practices such as the collaborative consumption models. To address this gap in the literature, this article addresses the following questions via a literature review: "What is the current trend of collaborative consumption?" "What models for success exist within collaborative consumption?" "How do libraries already fit into collaborative consumption?" "What are the ramifications of considering libraries a form of collaborative consumption?" First explored is the definition of collaborative consumption and its current state. Following this query is a look at what models exist within collaborative consumption and how these models have contributed in making collaborative consumption successful. Finally, there is a discussion where librarians and libraries fit into these models. Areas of future research in this field are also identified with the hope that librarians and libraries can use these disruptive business models as momentum to enhance their services and resources.


Using a semiotic approach, this paper seeks to identify the connections between Iran's Green Movement, the Arab Spring, and the Occupy Movement. The concept of suggestion refers to the unintended releasing of possibilities for action beyond the original frames a movement. This is done through the production of new slogans and collective actions relating to them. Once 'suggestion' allows for a specific mode of acting to be taken outside of its original ambit and into a new context, action is 'translated' into the 'language' of new contexts and mandates. 'Suggestion' and 'translation' can lead to the 'transposition' of a specific collective action into a new context that captures the imagination of the activists. By drawing on the evidence and instances in the Green Movement, the Arab Spring, and the Occupy Movement, it is hoped, we can understand how movements affect each other beyond their actors' intentions.


Pixellated detectors based on cadmium-zinc telluride (CZT) are a promising alternative to NaI-based SPECT cameras. The performance of either system is quantitatively described in terms of resolution and sensitivity. This investigation is based on an analytical model published earlier, describing SPECT collimators according to the NEMA definitions of planar sensitivity and system spatial resolution without scatter. We have extended the model to include the effect of collimator hole shape and orientation as well as collimator and detector penetration. Equations for spatial resolution are derived for NaI and CZT based SPECT systems with hexagonal, round or square parallel-hole collimators and with pinhole collimators. Standard equations for spatial resolution are valid only for square hole collimators along one of the detector axes. In any other direction, spatial resolution is higher. The exact values depend on the hole shape and on the ratio of object-detector distance to collimator length. For pixellated pinhole detectors, similar corrections depending on the ratio of detector pixel size to the diameter of a point source projected on the detector apply. In scintillation cameras, spatial resolution is not only influenced by the average absorption depth in the scintillator, but it is strongly affected by the parallax effect of the collimator hole. Spatial resolution is therefore lower than usually thought. We present a model that describes the performance of current SPECT collimators and permits to optimize future detector systems for high image quality.


The tensile properties of the columbium-stabilized austenitic steel FV548 have been investigated after irradiation in a thermal reactor up to fluences of 4.10 2 0 n/cm 2 (thermal) and in a fast reactor up to fluences of 2.7.10 2 2 n/cm 2 (total). The parameters that have been studied include the effects of irradiation temperature, covering the temperature range 550 to 750 C (1022 to 1382 F); the effects of solute level produced by increasing the solution heat-treatment temperature from 950 to 1300 C (1742 to 2372 F); and the effects of pre- and postirradiation aging. Testing has been carried out over the strain-rate range 5.10 - 4 to 5. 10 - 6 per second and at temperatures between 550 and 750 C (1022 and 1382 F). The microstructures obtained during irradiation have also been investigated and the results correlated with the tensile properties. Suggested mechanisms for the effects observed are discussed.


It is becoming increasingly difficult to predict the resources, costs, and time scales for the integration of software and systems built from components supplied by third parties. Many cost models use the concept of product size as the prime driver for cost estimation but our experience has shown that the supplied quality of components and the required quality of the integrated systems are becoming the dominant factors affecting the costs and time scales of many projects today. ICL has undertaken an experiment using an alternative life cycle model, known as the Cellular Manufacturing Process Model (CMPM), which describes how a product is integrated from its constituent components. The experiment has helped to develop a method and sets of metrics to improve cost estimation and project tracking.


This Note argues that U.S. courts should favor comity in evaluating requests for the transfer of assets. Part I examines the treatment of foreign debtors in U.S. bankruptcy law, prior to and through the development and implementation of the [Bankruptcy] Code. Part II analyzes the conflicting approaches adopted by courts in determining whether to grant turnover requests. Part III proposes the benefits of adhering to principles of comity in deciding turnover requests. The Note concludes that broad application of the comity to requests for the transfer of property facilitates both the equitable distribution of assets among similarly-situated creditors and the economic and expeditious resolution of the estate. THE TURNOVER OF ASSETS UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE: THE VIRTUES


Chiral separations are one of the important analytical tasks, since there are increasing demands for production of enantiomerically pure compounds. The separation and determination of enantiomers find applications in pharmaceutical and food analysis, and it is necessary to pay attention to the development and improvement of chiral analytical methods. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with chiral stationary phase (CSP) based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is perspective way. One of the main advantage of these stationary phases is the possibility of predetermining the elution order of enantiomers. The presented work is focused on the methods of preparation and the applications of selective sorption materials (MIPs) in the field of HPLC separation of biologically active substances, amino acids. This review contains comprehensive informations about MIP-amino acid synthesis: compositions of polymerization mixture (monomer, template, cross-linker, porogen), type of polymerization and polymerization conditions, what can affect final efficiency of enantioseparation. The most used porogen was toluene, crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) and initiator azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN). MIP CSP prepared for derivatized amino acids show better results (higher resolution) than MIP prepared for underivatized amino acids. MIP are very promising material to be used as stationary phase in HPLC, although further developments and new approaches are necessary to fully exploit their potential.


Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) is a perennial forage crop which can be used for grazing, or as hay, silage and a component in combination with leguminous crops. When seed production is considered, a special attention ought to be paid to weed control in the founding year. Grassy weeds represent a particular problem for spring tall fescue crops, because it is not recommendable to prevent weeds during the spring sowing. This study was aimed to identify weed species and number during the founding year of tall fescue crop. For that reason, a field trial was set at the experimental field of the Institute of Forage Crops in Krusevac, during 2007. The investigated cultivar of tall fescue was K-20. The applied herbicides in the trial were the following: Lentemul (2,4 D), Banvel (dicamba), Galbenon (bentazon) and Boss (clopyralid). The trial was set in random complete block design with four replications. Number of weed species was determined per square meter and herbicide efficiency degree was established according to Dodel. Results obtained in this study showed that in tall fescue crop were observed twenty weed species, as annual as perennial ones, with their average total number of 21.2 individuals/m 2 . Annual weed species were most abundant (13 individuals/m 2 ). The highest frequency of appearance showed Matricaria chamomilla (3.63 individuals//m 2 ), Cirsium arvense (3.52 individuals//m 2 ) and Chenopodium album (2.60 individuals/m 2 ). The greatest coefficient of efficiency (83.62) was reached by the herbicide Boss, and the lowest one (64.46) by the herbicide Lentemul. The best prevention effect on annual weed species was shown by the herbicide Boss (86.6), but the herbicide Banvel was the best in preventing perennial weeds (92.6). However, in order to reach higher forage yields and better forage quality, it is necessary to kill weeds in the year of tall fescue crop founding, and also during further exploitation of tall fescue crop. Results of this study point to a necessity of chemical protection measures for an efficient weed control in tall fescue crop.


This article establishes a new basis for examining the participation, mobilisation and impact of investors at a time when market-based activism for social change is rising in prominence. Existing terminology describing the expression of political values through investment decisions lacks conceptual clarity. Political participation by shareholders and other investors is variously described as shareholder activism or socially responsible investment, and currently conceptualised under the banner of political consumerism. However, this term fails to capture the unique political role and diverse actions of investors. We put forward 'political investorism' as a cohering term for investment-based political participation to remedy existing conceptual confusion, to distinguish between investors and consumers as political actors and to set an agenda for the future study of market-based activism. This article defines and develops the concept of political investorism, drawing upon illustrative cases from Australia to identify hallmarks, actors and tactics of this form of political participation.


An inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) activity was administered to sheep in late pregnancy. A rapid fall in plasma progesterone concentrations followed, associated with premature delivery by all animals 44 +/- 3 h (S.E.M.) after administration of inhibitor. A significant (about twofold) increase in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta was detected immediately before delivery. These results demonstrate, in contrast to previous reports, that 3 beta-HSD inhibitors have the capacity consistently to induce premature delivery associated with increased oestrogen release in sheep.


A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of the
Degree of Master of Business Administration – Corporate Management (MBA - CM) of
Mzumbe University. Morogoro, Tanzania


Background In Ayurveda, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is referred to as "the elixir of life" and is believed to promote longevity and general wellbeing. Although limited, there are clinical trials to suggest Ocimum tenuiflorum has anti-stress effects. Purpose Examine the effects of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolizerTM) on subjective and objective measures of stress and sleep quality in adults experiencing stress. Study design Two-arm, parallel-group, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry trial registration number ACTRN12621000609853. Methods One hundred volunteers aged 18–65 years received either 125 mg of Ocimum tenuiflorum twice daily or a placebo. Outcome measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (primary outcome measure), Profile of Mood States, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29. Sleep quality was also assessed using a wrist-worn sleep tracker (Fitbit), and stress changes were examined by measuring between-group differences in hair cortisol and stress responses after exposure to an experiment stress procedure known as the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST). Results Compared to the placebo, Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was associated with greater improvements in PSS (p = 0.09) and AIS (p = 0.025) scores; and at week 8, concentrations in hair cortisol were also lower (p = 0.025). Moreover, Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was associated with a buffered stress responses after exposure to the MAST as demonstrated by significantly lower concentrations in salivary cortisol (p = 0.001), salivary amylase (p = 0.001), systolic (p = 0.010) and diastolic (p = 0.025) blood pressure, and subjective stress ratings (p < 0.001). Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of major adverse effects. Conclusion The results from this trial suggest that 8 weeks of supplementation with an Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolizerTM) may reduce objective and subjective measures of stress, and improve subjective measures of sleep quality. However, further research using gold-standard objective sleep measures will be required to substantiate the sleep-related findings. Clinical trial registration https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000609853p.aspx, identifier: ACTRN12621000609853p.


We develop a model for pricing expropriation risk in natural resource projects, in particular an oil field. The government is viewed as holding an American-style option to expropriate the oil field, but facing the following three possible expropriation costs: A state-run company may produce oil less cost-efficiently than a private firm,the government may have to pay a compensation to the firm, and an expropriation may trigger lower investor confidence negatively affecting the overall economy. The dynamics of key variables – the spot price, futures prices and volatility – is described by a model proposed and estimated in Trolle and Schwartz (2007). For reasonable parameter values and under market conditions not too different from what has been seen in recent years, the value of the expropriation option can be substantial

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/148474/files/Pricing expropriation risk in natural resources contracts.pdf


For comparing the difference between Salt ponding test and ASTMC1202 test, the same batch of specimens divided into two groups are tested, and the chloride ion diffusion coefficient was calculated with the corresponding theory. The results indicate that the concentration gradient is larger, the concentration decreased faster and the slope of figure is more steep in salt ponding test, and the chloride ion diffusion is deeper for the role of the electric field in ASTM test. Although the diffusion mechanism is different in two kinds of test, there is little difference between the two groups of test diffusion coefficient.


Introduction Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with high mortality and a heavy financial and healthcare burden in the dialysis population. Determining which dialysis modality is associated with a higher risk of developing CHF might facilitate clinical decision making and surveillance programs in the dialysis population. Methods Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, we recruited all incident dialysis patients during the period from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2010. The propensity score matching method was applied to establish the matched hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohort. Incidence rates and cumulative incidence rates of CHF-related hospitalization were first compared for the HD and PD patients. Multivariable subdistribution hazards models were then constructed to control for potential confounders. Results Among a total of 65,899 enrolled dialysis patients, 4,754 matched pairs of HD and PD patients were identified. The incidence rates of CHF in the matched HD and PD patients were 25.98 and 19.71 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (P = 0.001). The cumulative incidence rate of CHF was also higher in the matched HD patients (0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)(0.12–0.21)] than in the corresponding PD patients (0.09, 95% CI [0.08–0.11])(P<0.0001). HD was consistently associated with an increased subdistribution hazard ratio (HR) of CHF compared with PD in the matched cohort (HR: 1.45, 95% CI [1.23–1.7]). Similar phenomenons were observed in either the subgroup analysis stratified by selected confounders or in the HD and PD group without matching. Conclusions HD is associated with a higher risk of developing CHF-related hospitalization than PD. The surveillance program for CHF should differ in patients receiving different dialysis modalities.


In light of growing evidence that many parents are deeply concerned about their young children's increasing technology use, in this paper we report on aspects of a study funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council, where we sought to understand parents' views on children's digital book reading. We introduced seven families to four award-winning digital books (story apps and e-books), observed how the mothers mediated their children's digital book reading over a period of several weeks and subsequently interviewed the mothers about their shared reading experiences with the digital books. Focusing on the interview data and drawing on the theoretical framework of socio-materiality, this paper reports on how parents' views about digital book features were entangled with their social perceptions of the value of digital reading. Analysis of parents' accounts show three conflicted themes of trust/mistrust, agency/dependency and nostalgia/realism in parental attitudes towards their children's reading on screens. The paper concludes with a discussion of how these findings regarding the unresolved dichotomies inherent in parental views about their children's digital reading are highly relevant for future research on parental mediation of their children's learning with digital media.


Essays in Investor Behavior and Asset Pricing Li An This dissertation consists of three essays on investor behavior and asset pricing. In the first chapter, I investigate the asset pricing implications of a newly-documented refinement of the disposition effect, characterized by investors being more likely to sell a security when the magnitude of their gains or losses on it increases. Motivated by behavioral evidence found among individual traders, I focus on the pricing implications of such behavior in this chapter. I find that stocks with both large unrealized gains and large unrealized losses, aggregated across investors, outperform others in the following month (monthly alpha = 0.51%, Sharpe ratio = 1.6). This supports the conjecture that these stocks experience higher selling pressure, leading to lower current prices and higher future returns. This effect cannot be explained by momentum, reversal, volatility, or other known return predictors, and it also subsumes the previously-documented capital gains overhang effect. Moreover, my findings dispute the view that the disposition effect drives momentum; by isolating the disposition effect from gains versus that from losses, I find the loss side has a return prediction opposite to momentum. Overall, this study provides new evidence that investors' tendencies can aggregate to affect equilibrium price dynamics; it also challenges the current understanding of the disposition effect and sheds light on the pattern, source, and pricing implications of this behavior. The second chapter extends the study of the V-shaped disposition effect the tendency to sell relatively big winners and big losers to the trading behavior of mutual fund managers. We find that a 1% increase in the magnitude of unrealized gains (losses) is associated with a 4.2% (1.6%) higher probability of selling. We link this trading behavior to equilibrium price dynamics by constructing unrealized gains and losses measures directly from mutual fund holdings. (In comparison, measures for unrealized gains and losses in chapter one are approximated by past prices and trading volumes.) We find that, consistent with the relative magnitude found in the selling behavior regressions, a 1% increase in the magnitude of gain (loss) overhang predicts a 1.4 (.9) bp increase in future one-month returns. A trading strategy based on this effect can generate a monthly return of 0.5% controlling common return predictors, and the Sharpe ratio is around 1.4. An overhang variable capturing the V-shaped disposition effect strongly dominates the monotonic capital gains overhang measure of previous literature in predictive return regressions. Funds with higher turnover, shorter holding period, higher expense ratios, and higher management fees are significantly more likely to manifest a V-shaped disposition effect. The third chapter studies how the recourse feature of mortgage loan has impact on borrowers' strategic default incentives and on mortgage bond market. It provides a theoretical model which builds on the structural credit risk framework by Leland (1994), and explicitly analyzes borrowers' strategic default incentives under different foreclosure laws. The key results are, while possible recourse makes the payoff in strategic default less attractive, it helps deter strategic default when house price goes down. I also examine the case when cash flow problems interact with default incentives and show that recourse can help reduce default incentives, make debt value immune to liquidity shock, and has little impact on house equity value.


The present paper concerns the development and validation of an Eulerian multiphase boiling model to predict boiling and critical heat flux within the general-purpose computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver FLUENT. The governing equations solved are generalized phase continuity, momentum and energy equations. Turbulence effects are accounted for using mixture, dispersed or per-phase multiphase turbulence models. Wall boiling phenomena are modeled using the baseline mechanistic nucleate boiling model, developed in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Modifications have been introduced to the quenching heat flux model to achieve mesh-independent solutions. The influences of boiling model parameters have also been systematically investigated. To model non-equilibrium boiling and critical heat flux, the PRI model is extended to the departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) by partitioning wall heat flux to both liquid and vapor phases and considering the existence of thin liquid wall film. Topological functions are introduced to consider the wall boiling regime transition from the nucleate boiling to critical heat flux (CHF), and the corresponding flow regime change from bubbly flows to mist flows. A range of sub-models are implemented to model the interfacial momentum, mass and heat transfer and turbulence-bubble interactions. To validate the Eulerian multiphase boiling model, it has been used to predict nucleating boiling and critical heat flux in a range of 2D and 3D boiling flows. The examples presented in the paper include: (1). Nucleate boiling of sub-cooled water in an upward heated pipe; (2) R113 liquid flows through a vertical annulus with internal heated walls; (3). 3D boiling flows in a rectangular-sectioned duct; and (4). Critical heat flux and post dryout in vertical pipes. The results demonstrate that the model is able to predict reasonably well the distributions of wall temperature, the bulk fluid sub-cooling temperature and cross-sectional averaged vapor volume fraction in the vertical pipe. The computed profiles of the vapor volume fraction, liquid temperature, and the liquid and vapor velocity profiles are generally in good agreement with available experiments in the 2D annular case. In the 3D rectangular duct, the cross-sectional averaged vapor volume fractions are well captured in all the ten cases under investigation. In the case of critical heat flux and post dryout, the model is also able to predict reasonably well the location and the temperature rise under critical heat flux conditions. The computed wall temperature distributions along the pipes are in overall good agreement with available experiments.Copyright © 2011 by ASME


OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of cognitive deficits and traditional diabetic complications and the association between metabolic factors and these outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study in severely obese individuals before bariatric surgery. Lean control subjects were recruited from a research website. Cognitive deficits were defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox (<5th percentile for lean control subjects). Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was defined by an expiration-to-inspiration (E-to-I) ratio of <5th percentile for lean control subjects. Retinopathy was based on retinal photographs and nephropathy on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (<60 mg/dL) and/or the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (≥30 mg/g). NIH Toolbox, E-to-I ratio, mean deviation on frequency doubling technology testing, and ACR were used as sensitive measures of these outcomes. We used multivariable linear regression to explore associations between metabolic factors and these outcomes. RESULTS We recruited 138 severely obese individuals and 46 lean control subjects. The prevalence of cognitive deficits, CAN, retinopathy, and nephropathy were 6.5%, 4.4%, 0%, and 6.5% in lean control subjects; 22.2%, 18.2%, 0%, and 6.1% in obese participants with normoglycemia; 17.7%, 21.4%, 1.9%, and 17.9% in obese participants with prediabetes; and 25.6%, 31.9%, 6.1%, and 16.3% in obese participants with diabetes. Waist circumference was significantly associated with cognitive function (−1.48; 95% CI −2.38, −0.57) and E-to-I ratio (−0.007; 95% CI −0.012, −0.002). Prediabetes was significantly associated with retinal function (−1.78; 95% CI −3.56, −0.002). CONCLUSIONS Obesity alone is likely sufficient to cause cognitive deficits but not retinopathy or nephropathy. Central obesity is the key metabolic risk factor.


The pH Calibrator is an instrument for in situ calibration and measurement of chemical species (pH) in aqueous fluids at elevated pressure. The calibration device consists of two interactive systems: a data-logging sensor system and an automated fluid de- livery system. The solid-state pH sensor array is sealed in a flow cell to decrease measurement response time. The automated fluid de- livery system consists of a pump and process control valves, which intermittently deliver seawater samples for measurement. Following measurement cycles, the pH buffer solutions are drawn into the sensor cell to perform two-point calibration. Here, we describe the initial steps in its conversion from a battery-powered instrument for short-term application into a unit that can be used to take full advantage of cabled-powered observatories that will soon be coming online at a number of locations in marine environments. Accordingly, we made use of the continuous power supply and TCP/IP network capability intrinsic to the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS)-cabled ocean observatory, Monterey Bay, CA, to reconfigure the unit in anticipation of future seafloor deployments. The flow through system has been further optimized to reduce dead volume effects in the calibration process, while the mechanical system can now better tolerate increases in fluid discharge pressure and flow rate for long-term operations. Furthermore, the sensor head is now equipped with a novel valve to enhance operations in hydrothermal diffuse flow environments. To gain full access to the MARS-cabled observatory, the dc-dc power converter module and Ethernet to serial module are integrated to the electronics. The pH Calibrator has passed the wet node simulator tests in a seawater tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, moving the project closer to fulfilling long-term objectives for marine studies.


Indoor aquatic mesocosms were used to assess the behavior of fragmented products of a wood stain containing CuO nanoparticles in a simulated pond ecosystem for 1 month. By-products of degradation containing Cu are likely to be released during the use and end-of-life of this wood stain. Cu (bio)transformation and (bio)distribution within different environmental compartments (e.g. water, sediments, and benthic grazers) were carefully analyzed. Because of the presence of the stain matrix, CuO nanoparticles contained in fragmented products were less bio-physical–chemically transformed (dissolution, complexation) with respect to pristine nanoparticles. After 28 days, only 1% of the Cu injected following fragmented product exposure remained in the water column (0.08 μg L−1), and 10% for the pristine CuO nanoparticles (2.67 μg L−1). Among these ∼10%, ∼51% were dissolved Cu species (1.35 μg L−1). These results are discussed with respect to the ecological compartments in which they accumulated, and to the doses to which aquatic organisms with distinct life traits were exposed.


The survival rates of restorations in primary molars were calculated after a retrospective examination of patients' dental records from a study population of 1,065 children. A random sample of 128 records showing information for 604 dental restorations was examined, coded, and analyzed by the life table method of survival analysis. The order of the survival rate of restorations from higher to lower success was preformed crowns, amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer restorations. A highly statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) was found among the survival success rates of different material restorations. For preformed crowns and amalgam restorations, the median survival time was more than 5 years. The 5-year survival estimate for preformed crowns was 68% and for amalgam restorations was 60%. For composite resin the median survival time was 32 months and the 4-year survival estimate was 40%. For glass ionomer restorations, the median survival time was 12 months and the 4-year survival estimate was 5%.


The purpose of this study is to clarify theory and identify factors that could explain the level of continuance intention of e-shopping. A revised technology acceptance model integrates expectation confirmation theory and investigates effects of age differences. An online survey of internet shoppers in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling and invariance analysis confirm model fit. The findings confirm that perceived usefulness, enjoyment and social pressure are determinants of e-shopping continuance. The structural weights are mostly equivalent between young and old but the regression path from perceived usefulness to social pressure is stronger for younger respondents. This research moves beyond e-shopping intentions to factors affecting eshopping continuance, explaining 55% of intention to continue shopping online. Online strategies cannot ignore direct and indirect effects on continuance intentions. The findings contribute to literature on internet shopping and continuance intentions in the context of Saudi Arabia.


Background and Aims: Diabetes afflicts 16% of Jordanian citizens over the age of 18 years and is the
fifth main cause of death in Jordan. We aimed to explore single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
identified by GWAS study for potential associations with other diseases.
Methods: We manually searched the National Center for Biotechnology Information for all genes
related to the annotated nominally significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (p < 0.05) found in a
previous genome-wide association study. This study included 34 diabetes cases and 106 controls for
the Circassians and 34 diabetes cases and 110 controls for the Chechens.
Results: Our research revealed 20 genes associated with cancer and 6 genes associated with
schizophrenia in the Circassian population, and 2 genes associated with cancer and 7 genes associated
with schizophrenia in the Chechen population. These genes may have a pathogenetic association with
type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: The results from this pilot study demonstrates that multiple genetic factors that underlie
type 2 diabetes may be associated with cancer and schizophrenia in the Chechen and Circassian
populations in Jordan.


Cyanide is a highly toxic substance , which causes high number of poisoning by cyanide in a variety of foodstuffs ; therefore the availability of test kits as fast and easy tool for analyzing cyanide is extremely demanded. The proposed cyanide test kit is developed based on the reaction of cyanide and nynhidrine to form a blue hydrindantin under strong basic solution. Cyanide test kit was optimized toward the λ maximum, pH, stability time of complex and concentration of nynhidrine. Optimization of maximum λ was done by measuring absorbance using visible spectrophotometer at range λ 560-620 nm. Optimization of pH was done by conditioning h y drindantin e complex using NaOH solution to obtain pH of  9-14 . Optimization of stability time of complex was done by monitoring complex under time range 0-120 minutes. The optimization of ninhydrin concentration was performed by varying the concentration of ninhydrin in range 0.5 to 3.5% . The results showed that the optimum conditions were: λ 590 nm, pH 12 , the stability time of complex  of 30 minutes, and  concentration of ninhydrin of 1%. T est kit can determine cyanide at the range 1-10 ppm . test kit has been validated and applied for measuring cyanide in cassava with reliable results. Keywords: nynhidrin, hidrindantin, cyanide, test kit , cassava


In October 2018, a group of scholars in the field of religious education in different European countries met in Berlin for a consultation organized by the Comenius-Institute (Peter Schreiner) and the chair of religious education at the University of T€ ubingen (Friedrich Schweitzer). After intensive discussions concerning the challenge of international knowledge transfer in religious education, this group decided that it is time to start a broader discussion on this topic in different countries and, if possible, also in leading periodicals of the field. Moreover, it was considered a good starting point for this kind of discussion to draft a brief manifesto which could initiate and stimulate further discussions.


Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) protein functionally inactivates the tumor suppressor p53 in human cancer. Conventional MDM2 inhibitors provide limited clinical application as they interfere only with the MDM2-p53 interaction to release p53 from MDM2 sequestration but do not prevent activated p53 from transcriptionally inducing MDM2 expression. Here, we report a rationally synthesized chalcone-based pyrido[ b ]indole, CPI-7c, as a unique small-molecule inhibitor of MDM2, which not only inhibited MDM2-p53 interaction but also promoted MDM2 degradation. CPI-7c bound to both RING and N-terminal domains of MDM2 to promote its ubiquitin-mediated degradation and p53 stabilization. CPI-7c-induced p53 directly recruited to the promoters of DR4 and DR5 genes and enhanced their expression, resulting in sensitization of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-resistant cancer cells toward TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Collectively, we identified CPI-7c as a novel small-molecule inhibitor of MDM2 with a unique two-prong mechanism of action that sensitized TRAIL-resistant cancer cells to apoptosis by modulating the MDM2-p53-DR4/DR5 pathway.


BACKGROUND
Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is a common disease in cats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have beneficial effects in humans with CRI by reducing the loss of protein in the urine and increasing life expectancy.

HYPOTHESIS
The ACEI benazepril has beneficial effects on survival, clinical variables, or both as compared with placebo in cats with CRI.

ANIMALS
61 cats with naturally occurring CRI.

METHODS
The cats were enrolled into a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Cats received placebo or 0.5-1 mg/kg benazepril once daily for up to 6 months.

RESULTS
Urine protein/urine creatinine ratios were significantly (P < .05) lower with benazepril as compared with placebo at days 120 and 180. Three cats with placebo and 1 cat with benazepril were removed prematurely from the study because of deterioration of CRI or death. Cats were classified into 4 stages of CRI according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classification scheme. Incidence rates of cats with IRIS classification stage 2 or stage 3 that remained in stage 2 or 3 without progressing to stage 4 were higher with benazepril (93 +/- 5%) as compared with placebo (73 +/- 13%).

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
These results suggest a potential for benazepril to delay the progression of disease, extend survival time, or both in cats with CRI.


The dialogue between Count Attilio and his uncle, "the old count", and the dialogue between the latter and the Provincial in Chapter XVIII and Chapter XIX of The Betrothed are examined against the background of recent pragmatic theories, with special emphasis on the model of critical discussion, developed in the context of pragmadialectics. The attention for the rhetoric and argumentative implications - regarding questions of ethos and politeness as well as the selection of objects of agreement in the preliminary stages of the debate - make it possible to shed new light on the narrative pattern of the text and on the dramatic representation of the characters. The analysis also brings out Manzoni's sceptical attitude towards rhetoric and the little trust he had in the power of dialogue and argumentation


ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the emotional impact of sarcasm. Previous research in this area has mainly required participants to answer questions based on written materials, and results have been mixed. With the aim of instead examining the emotional impact of sarcasm when used in a more conversational setting, the current study utilized animated video clips as stimuli. In each clip, one individual answered general knowledge questions while the other provided feedback that could be delivered either literally or sarcastically, and either complimented or criticized the question answerer's performance. Participants rated the feedback based on (a) the anticipated emotional impact on the recipient, (b) how the speaker intended the recipient to feel, and (c) whether the speaker intended to be humorous. Results overall supported the Tinge Hypothesis, showing that sarcastic criticism was rated as less negative than literal criticism, and sarcastic compliments (also termed "ironic praise") were rated as less positive than literal compliments, when judged from both the perspective of the recipient and of the speaker. The speaker was also perceived to be intending to be more humorous when sarcastic feedback was given.


AIM
To understand how nurses talk about documentation audit in relation to their professional role.

BACKGROUND
Nursing documentation in health services is often audited as an indicator of nursing care and patient outcomes. There are few studies exploring the nurses' perspectives on this common process.

DESIGN
Secondary qualitative thematic analysis.

METHODS
Qualitative focus groups (n = 94 nurses) were conducted in nine diverse clinical areas of an Australian metropolitan health service for a service evaluation focussed on comprehensive care planning in 2020. Secondary qualitative analysis of the large data set using reflexive thematic analysis focussed specifically on the nurse experience of audit, as there was the significant emphasis by participants and was outside the scope of the primary study.

RESULTS
Nurses': (1) value quality improvement but need to feel involved in the cycle of change, (2) highlight that 'failed audit' does not equal failed care, (3) describe the tension between audited documentation being just bureaucratic and building constructive nursing workflows, (4) value building rapport (with nurses, patients) but this often contrasted with requirements (organizational, legal and audit) and additionally, (5) describe that the focus on completion of documentation for audit creates unintended and undesirable consequences.

CONCLUSION
Documentation audit, while well-intended and historically useful, has unintended negative consequences on patients, nurses and workflows.

IMPACT
Accreditation systems rely on care being auditable, but when individual legal, organizational and professional standards are implemented via documentation forms and systems, the nursing burden is impacted at the point of care for patients, and risks both incomplete cares for patients and incomplete documentation.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Patients participated in the primary study on comprehensive care assessment by nurses but did not make any comments about documentation audit.


This thesis describes the lives of Kikuyu women heads of households living in the squatter community, Mathare Valley, in Nairobi Kenya. These women support themselves and their children by a combination of petty commodity production (basically beer brewing) and commercial sex. These migrants to the urban area have broken 'dependency relationships' with male relatives and affines in the rural area and have come to the city to support themselves. This can be seen as a process of women establishing themselves in the public domain in the urban area. A developmental model of a low income Mathare independent woman's urban career is constructed. First, women's socio-economic roles in traditional rural Kilmsru society, and the dependency relationships they were part of, are described. The factors which have led to the migration of single females to the city are outlined. Pinally, unmarried women's adaptation to life in Mathare is described in detail. They participate in certain types of urban economic activities. They are reorganizing their relationships with female relatives: mothers, daughters, and sisters. They foster their children with their rural-based mothers. They enter into new kinds of dependency relationships with men, which give women access to resources just as the old rural ones did, but allow the women greater choice and control over the relationships. Within Mathare women form friendship networks that are instrumental in the production of the illegal local beer, and protection from police activity directed towards controlling this industry. As each woman works out her urban strategy for survival in Mathare, there is discernable the emergence of new group values and ideas, particularly those that have to do with the roles of men and women, relationships between the sexes, and the institution of marriage. The role of ideology in explaining, and rationalizing social action is explored and the shifts in traditional Kikuyu ideology occurring among Mathare Kikuyu women are charted. New women's models and models for men are emerging which may operate to lessen cognitive dissonance resulting from the negative social image given Mathare women by the larger society. These ideological shifts may also play a role in the socialization of Mathare's children, and in the future formation of a general model of new possibilities for Kenyan women.


Previous work has shown that streamer F (stmF) mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum exhibit prolonged chemotactic elongation in aggregation fields. The mutants carry an altered structural gene for cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase resulting in low activities of this enzyme. Chemotactic stimulation by cyclic AMP causes a rapid transient increase in the cyclic GMP concentration followed by association of myosin heavy chains with the cytoskeleton. Both events persist several times longer in stmF mutants than in the parental strain, indicating that the change in association of myosin with the cytoskeleton is transmitted directly or indirectly by cyclic GMP. We measured the cyclic AMP-induced Ca2+ uptake with a Ca(2+)-sensitive electrode and found that Ca2+ uptake was prolonged in stmF mutants but not in the parental strain. The G alpha 2 mutant strain HC33 (fgdA), devoid of InsP3 release and receptor/guanylate cyclase coupling, lacked Ca2+ uptake. However, the latter response and cyclic GMP formation were normal in the signal-relay mutant strain agip 53 where cyclic AMP-stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis is absent. LiCl, which inhibits InsP3 formation in Dictyostelium, blocked Ca2+ uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The data indicate that the receptor-mediated Ca2+ uptake depends on the InsP3 pathway and is regulated by cyclic GMP. The rate of Ca2+ uptake was correlated in time with the association of myosin with the cytoskeleton, suggesting that Ca2+ uptake is involved in the motility response of the cells.


We investigate the feasibility of quantum seals. A quantum seal is a state provided by Alice to Bob along with information which Bob can use to make a measurement, "break the seal," and read the classical message stored inside. There are two success criteria for a seal: the probability Bob can successfully read the message without any further information from Alice must be high, and if Alice asks for the state back from Bob, the probability Alice can tell if Bob broke the seal without permission must be high. We build on the work of [Chau, PRA 2007], which gave optimal bounds on these criteria, showing that they are mutually exclusive for high probability. We weaken the assumptions of this previous work by providing Bob with only a classical description of a prescribed measurement, rather than classical descriptions of the possible seal states. We show that this weakening does not affect the bounds but does simplify the analysis. We also prove upper and lower bounds on an alternative operational metric for measuring the success criteria.


Eighteenth-century Italian playwright Pietro Chiari designated the age he lived in 'The Century of Women' - an age when women gained considerable power through education and admission to various academic positions and professions. Structured as an extended disputation, this book tells the tale of five paradigmatic and ideologically divergent eighteenth-century Italian texts by male and female authors whose leitmotif is woman. These include an academic debate, a scientific tract, an oration, an Enlightenment journal, and a fashion magazine. Analysis focuses on the specific ways in which the exigencies of the 'new science' and the burgeoning Enlightenment project founded on rational civil law, secular moral philosophy, and utilitarian social ethics forced a transformation in the formal controversy about women. By uncovering the characteristics of the expansive dominant discourse about women among Italian Enlightenment thinkers and of the counter-discourse women authors produced to assert their own distinct authority over constructions of femininity and the public sphere, this study reconceives eighteenth-century Italian culture and rectifies misconceptions about Italy's position and influence within the literary republic of the European Enlightenment. Groundbreaking and original, this study is the first to examine the contribution of women to the Republic of Letters of the Settecento, and will revise prevailing notions of eighteenth-century Italian culture and academia.


Two kids break out of a juvenile detention center and become fugitives in order to clear their convicted parents' names in this heartstopping series from kid-read master Gordon Korman. Aidan and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison -- unless Aidan and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? Right now they're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night -- and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker t who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country ... with plenty of tests along the way.Gordon Korman takes readers into FUGITIVE territory -- with thrilling results.


The translation of technical documents is no longer a process to be tackled once the source text has been produced elsewhere in the corporation or institution. Instead, translation and intercultural issues are taken into account prior to the production of the technical source-text which, most frequently, gains a dynamic feature. From this standpoint, one might think that the translator loses the leading role against the technical writer, who would become the key intercultural communicator for the global marketplace. However, as it has happened to other stakeholders in the multilingual documentation chain, the translator is no longer empty-handed and is gradually developing some technologically-driven competencies that allow them to expand their battle area and contribute to knowledge transfer in our society. This paper provides an overview of the latest workflow patterns leading to multilingual technical documentation production and management, their ideal circumstances and problems, as well as deriving consequences for higher education degree programmes in translation and technical communication.


Abstract Nursing curriculums are demanding programs which may precipitate intense feelings of worry, tension, and stress in nursing students (Perpetua Moreire & Ferreira Furegato, 2013).  The impact of these feelings can hinder their self- efficacy.  Furthermore, their well-being may have a long-term effect transferrable to patient car (Jun & Lee, 2017).  It's important to seek out ways to reduce these negative feelings and further support to mental health of nursing professionals.  Debriefing experiences are used as they provide emotional support.  Debriefing is a stress reduction technique that allows individuals to express and reflect upon their performance in a safe, non-judgmental space. The goal of this research is to develop a comprehensive study on the impact of debriefing after nursing assessments. Experimental Plan Class roster used to randomize an experimental group and a control groupClass has an exam Group will take part in debriefing session (Independent Variable)Post self-assessment (Dependent Variable) Experimental Group (A) 3D model of debriefing session Control Group (B) Unstructured debriefing session PICO Question For nursing students, immediately after taking an exam (P), how does a 3D model of debriefing (I) compare with an unstructured debriefing method © reduce self-reported stress and instill self-reported confidence as measured by post debriefing survey. Participant Commentary "This debriefing after the exam helped alleviate stress prior to taking the OSCE next." "I am thankful for this time to discuss. I was helpful for me to talk with others and discuss the study techniques.  Thanks for putting this together! I am interested to read up on the results to better prepare for the exams and distress before exams" "It felt like a needed therapy session, I'm not the only one" Moving Forward Continue research in peer-led debriefing Clinical debriefing experience Research class Obtain large class size Conduct during in school session Look into evidence-base practice of academic stress relief CASE program 2019


Context. The cyanide radical CN is abundant in protoplanetary disks, with line fluxes often comparable to those of 13CO. It is known to be sensitive to UV irradiation of the upper disk atmosphere, with models predicting ring-shaped emission.
Aims. We seek to characterize the CN emission from 94 Class-II disks in the Lupus star-forming region, compare it to observations in other regions, and interpret our observations with a grid of models. The CN emission morphology is discussed for two primordial disks, Sz 71 and Sz 98, and is modeled in more detail.
Methods. ALMA observed CN N = 3−2 in Lupus disks down to sensitivities better than previous surveys. Models constructed with the physico-chemical code DALI are used to study the integrated fluxes of the disks and resolved emission of CN in disks without (dust) substructures.
Results. CN N = 3−2 is bright, and detected in 38% of sources, but its disk-integrated flux is not strongly correlated to either 13CO or continuum flux. Compared to pre-ALMA single-dish surveys, no significant difference in the CN flux distributions in Lupus and Taurus–Auriga is found, although ρ Ophiuchus disks may be fainter on average. We find ring-shaped CN emission with peak radii of ~50 AU in two resolved disks.
Conclusions. A large fraction of sources are faint in CN; only exponential gas surface density cutoffs at Rc ≤ 15 AU can reconcile observations with models. This is the first observational evidence of such a compact gas disk population in Lupus. Absolute intensities and the emission morphology of CN are reproduced by DALI models without the need for any continuum substructure; they are unrelated to the CO snowline location. The observations presented here, together with the modeling of these rings, provide a new probe of the structure and conditions in disks, and particularly their incident UV radiation field, if disk size is determined from the data.


List of contributors. Coercion and mental health services: introduction and overview (J.P. Morrissey, J. Monahan). Innovative US Studies. Coercion in the provision of mental health services: the Macarthur studies (J. Monahan et al.). Assessing the operation of a New York City program for involuntary outpatient commitment (H.J. Steadman et al.). Measuring coercion under involuntary outpatient commitment: initial findings from a randomized controlled trial (M.B. Swartz et al.). Conceptual, Measurement, and Outcome Issues - Nordic and American Views. Coercion in psychiatry: an analytical overview (A. Syse). Clients' perception of coercion: a research perspective (G. Hoyer). Methodological issues in measuring coercion in psychiatric treatment (R. Kaltiala-Heino). The effects of coerced psychiatric hospitalization and treatment (R. Nicholson). Ethical considerations: American and British Perspectives. Ethical issues on coercion research in mental health systems (J. Allen). Broadening the agenda of coercion research: addressing the sociopolitical context of risk, violence, and mental disorder (A. Rogers). Bibliographic Resources. Tracing the development of outpatient commitment: an annotated bibliography (D.L. Dennis).


Stochastic volatility (SV) models are popular in financial modeling, because they capture the inherent uncertainty of the asset volatility. Since assets are observed to co-move together, multi-asset SV (mSV) models are more appealing than combining single-asset SV models in portfolio analysis and risk management. However, the latent volatility process renders the observed data likelihood intractable. Therefore, parameter inference typically requires computationally intensive methods to integrate the latent volatilities out, so that it is computationally challenging to estimate the model parameters. This three-part thesis is concerned with mSV modeling that is both conceptually and computationally scalable to large financial portfolios. In Part I, we explore the potential of substituting the latent volatility by an observable market proxy. For more than 20 years of out-of-sample predictions, we find that modeling the Standard and Poor's 500 (SPX) index by a simple framework of Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) with VIX volatility proxy is comparable to the benchmark Heston model with latent volatility, at a fraction of the computational cost. In Part II, we propose a new mSV model structured around a common volatility factor, which also can be proxied by an observable process. Unlike existing mSV models, the number of parameters in ours scales linearly instead of quadratically in the number of assets – a desirable property for parameter inference of high-dimensional portfolios. Empirical evidence suggests that the common-factor volatility structure has considerable benefits for option pricing compared to a richer class of unconstrained models. In Part III, we propose an approximate method of parameter inference for mSV models based on the Kalman filter. A large-scale simulation study indicates that the approximation is orders of magnitude faster than exact inference methods, while retaining comparable accuracy.


The role played by apoptosis in the homeostasis of effector cells of the innate immune system is unclear. Serine protease inhibitor 6 (Spi6) is an inhibitor of granzyme B (GrB) that protects cytotoxic T lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system from apoptosis. To determine whether Spi6 also protects cells of the innate immune system from self-inflicted damage we have examined invariant NKT (iNKT) cells. Spi6-deficient iNKT cells harbored increased levels of GrB after TCR stimulation with the PBS-57 glycolipid Ag and were susceptible to apoptosis. The increased apoptosis of Spi6 knock-out (KO) iNKT cells lead to a complete loss in the production of IL-4 and IFN- g by Spi6 KO iNKT cells after PBS-57 challenge. The increased activation-induced apoptosis resulted in impaired survival and a decreased clonal burst size of Spi6 KO iNKT cells, which could be corrected by GrB deficiency. However, the clonal burst of Spi6 KO iNKT cells after TCR-independent activation with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was not affected. Our findings demonstrate that Spi6 protects cytotoxic cells of the innate immune system from GrB-mediated self-inflicted triggered by the recognition of Ag. The Journal of Immunology , 2010, 185: 877–883.


SIR,-For some years I have had considerable success in the treatment of patients who have frequent attacks of migraine. It is by the very old treatment with urea. It is taken in the form of three 0.75 g. tablets three times a day permanently, with a reduced dose for children. In many cases this prevents the attacks altogether, in others there is improvement. Some cases fail. I am writing this letter as the treatment is so old that many doctors may not have used it. It is difficult to obtain the tablets, but the urea may be given as 30 gr. (2 g.) of the powder in water for each dose. If attacks of migraine are infrequent the ordinary methods of treatment for the attack are indicated.-I am, etc.,


Purpose: To describe body composition (fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)), strength, and nutritional characteristics of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Methods: In this prospective pilot study, osteoarthritic patients underwent body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis, grip strength measurement, and completed a 24-h dietary recall during their pre-operative assessment. Results: Fifty-five patients were included (∼66% females, age 43–89 years). Mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 32.79 ± 6.48 kg/m 2 and 62% were obese. Compared with hip osteoarthritis patients, knee osteoarthritis patients had a higher BMI (P = 0.018) and males with knee osteoarthritis had a lower grip strength (P = 0.028). There was a wide range in FM and FFM values across the BMI spectrum. Patients with a higher FM index (FMI, FM/height in m 2 ) had higher levels of pain (P = 0.036) and females with higher FMI had a lower grip strength (P = 0.048). Dietary under-reporting was common and many patients did not meet recommendations for protein, vitamins C and E, or omega-3 fatty acids.Those who consumed less protein than the recommended dietary allowance were older (P = 0.018). Conclusions: A wide variability of body composition and dietary intake was observed which may impact strength and ultimately affect physical function. As such, patients with osteoarthritis may benefit from targeted nutrition and physical activity interventions before and after surgery.


To date, the practice of urban planning and design in Russia is based on the principles of the Soviet planned economy, while the current economic conditions require new approaches.
Perm National Research Polytechnic University together with JSC «PROGNOZ», with the financial support of the Perm Region Government during the year of 2013 is developing an integrated spatial development IT-model, which allows the bringing together of socio-economic statistics, real estate state cadastre data, mathematical, statistical and adaptive methods library integrated with GIS under one platform.
The main purpose of the system is the improvement of validity of decisions taken in different urban planning types, design improvements of Land Use and Development Regulations and prioritization of the municipal budget allocation.
Decision support system is based on the Prognoz Platform (PP) - a next-generation BI platform for building high-tech business applications on a turnkey basis. PP allows to visualize and analyze operational data model and forecast processes. It has its own data warehouse designer which helps to build full-featured industrial BI systems based on the Prognoz Platform. PP Integration with the state information system for urban planning allows consideration of established local and federal law requirements for the quality of the urban environment, the prevailing land use and capabilities of municipal budgets.
Model is to be used for the following tasks:
 Analysis of the effects of the changes in the administrative-territorial division of the region;
 Optimization of social facilities, taking into account standards of security, transport availability, etc. on the territory;
 Analysis of the current and future needs of transport infrastructure development, resource security of the region;
 Justification of the area choice for investment projects, etc.
In the first phase the analogs of software that are used to solve problems of this kind, were identified.
In the second phase of the model development typology and classification of simulation objects were studied, a list of necessary calculation and performance indicators/indicative indexes were determined, an algorithm providing integration with GIS and a prototype system were created. Prototype testing was conducted for the following tasks:
 Optimization of social facilities, taking into account federal regulations and budgetary constraints: selection of the site for the construction of a new school in the city;
 Justification of the energy infrastructure development scenario by combining mining settlements of Kizelovskoe and Gremyachinskoe municipal districts of Perm Region;
 Land Use Plan development for new residential area in New Lyady, Perm
The next step of the analysis implies specifically housing and social infrastructure development challenges arising at the local government level, for the solution of which it is expedient to use the created model.


: Personality disorders (PD) are recognized among key maladaptive factors in postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). However studies on PD among CABS patients are predominantly under psychological approach and information on clinical features is very limited. A present investigation aimed at assessing clinical features and prognostic value of PD in late post operative period of CABS (from 1 to 3 years). Using psychiatric, cardiological and psychological methods, 48 patients (42 male, mean age 61.3 +/- 8.2 years) with diagnosis of PD and favorable cardiological status after CABS have been assessed. PD in post operative period is an important predictor of unfavorable social and occupational outcome of CABS. Three types of clinical course of PD were singled out: 1) hypohondric personality development; 2) "second life" personality development; 3) "denial of illness" reactions. Pronounced maladaptation was observed in type 1, most severe one--in type 2 and minimal maladaptation or its absence--in type 3. These types were differentiated by different repertoires of psychological defense mechanisms (PMD): type 1 was characterized by a limited number of them with a drift to mature mechanisms; PD of type 2 are featured by a narrow and rigid repertoire of defenses with predomination of immature mechanisms and in type 3 a maximum number of PMD with balanced involvement of mature and immature mechanisms was observed.


The common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) is an indispensable component of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐9, and IL‐15 receptors, and its expression has been detected in several leukocyte populations, including T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils. The purpose of this study was to determine whether γc receptors are expressed by dendritic cells (DC). Constitutive γc mRNA expression was observed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or Northern blotting for: (a) Ia+ epidermal Langerhans cells (LC), (b) 4F7+ splenic DC, (c) granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulated factor‐propagated bone marrow‐derived DC, and (d) the epidermal‐derived DC line, XS52, which retains important functions of epidermal LC. Exposure of XS52 cells to recombinant IL‐4 induced a rapid up‐regulation of c‐myc mRNA expression, and this IL‐4‐dependent signaling was blocked almost completely by anti‐γc monoclonal antibody (mAb) TUGm2 in a soluble form. Moreover, c‐myc up‐regulation was inducible in XS52 cells by the same mAb in an immobilized form. These results imply that molecules recognized by this antibody (i.e. γc receptors) are expressed on XS52 cell surfaces. We thus conclude that DC express functional γc receptors, which then mediate cytokine‐dependent regulation of DC functions.


The transcripts of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) 1.3 undergo extensive alternative splicing. Alternative splicing, particularly in the C terminus, drastically modifies gating properties of the channel. However, little is known about whether alternative splicing could modulate the pharmacologic properties of CaV1.3 in a manner similar to the paralogous CaV1.2. Here we undertook the screening of different channel splice isoforms harboring splice variations in either the IS6 segment or the C terminus. Unexpectedly, while inclusion of exon 8a or 8, which code for IS6, did not alter dihydropyridine (DHP) sensitivity, distinct pharmacologic properties were observed for the various C-terminal splice isoforms. In the presence of external Ca2+, fast inactivating splice variants including CaV1.342a and CaV1.343s with intact calmodulin-IQ domain interaction showed consistently low DHP sensitivity. Interestingly, attenuation of calcium-dependent inactivation with overexpression of calmodulin34 did not enhance the sensitivity of CaV1.342a, suggesting that the low DHP sensitivity may not be a result of fast channel inactivation. Alternatively, disruption of calmodulin-IQ domain binding in the CaV1.3Δ41 and full-length CaV1.342 channels was associated with heightened DHP sensitivity. In distinct contrast to the well-known modulation of DHP blockade of CaV1.2 channels, this study has therefore uncovered a novel mechanism for modulation of the pharmacologic properties of CaV1.3 channels through posttranscriptional modification of the C terminus.


A SiO2 aqueous sol was prepared and mixed with the anatase TiO2 sol synthesized at low temperature in different molar ratios for the coating of cotton fabrics using padding-drying process. And then the photocatalytic activity of the resulting SiO2/TiO2-loaded cotton fabrics was evaluated in the degradation of Rhodamine B in water. The effect of the SiO2 content on the photocatalytic performance of the loaded fabrics was investigated with respect to dye decoloration percentage. UV-Vis spectrum was also used to examine the dye degradation process in the presence of the SiO2/TiO2-loaded cotton fabric. The results indicate that when the ratio of Si/Ti reaches 1:1-3, the finished fabrics have the best photocatalytic activity. Moreover, UV-Vis spectrum indicates that the addition of SiO2 on the cotton fabric can enhance the decomposition of the dye molecular azo linkages and aromatic rings.


A novel system for automatic three-dimensional ink-style rendering is presented. The goal for the whole is to transmit the Chinese painting style to three-dimension models. In this system, the input artwork is first segmented into several regions used for modeling and artistic style analysis: 1) region contours and skeletons is found to build three-dimension models by surface inflation technique, 2) art style attributes from regions, such as color, texture and stroke width, are analyzed to maintain the artistic style coherence. In addition, surface features on 3D models are extracted to guide the process of Ink-style rendering. We inherit the traditional multi-layer rendering model and modify it to generate more flexible stylized results.


Patient motion occurring during data acquisition in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can cause serious reconstruction artefacts. The authors have developed a new approach to correct for head motion in brain SPECT. Prior to motion, projections are assigned to conventional projections. When head motion occurs, it is measured by a motion monitoring system, and subsequent projection data are mapped to 'virtual' projections. The appropriate position of each virtual projection is determined by applying the converse of the patient's accumulated motion to the actual camera projection. Conventional and virtual projections, taken together, form a consistent set that can be reconstructed using a three-dimensional (3D) algorithm. The technique has been tested on a range of simulated rotational movements, both within and out of the transaxial plane. For all simulated movements, the motion corrected images exhibited better agreement with a motion free reconstruction than did the uncorrected images. This technique may help to overcome one of the major remaining limitations on image quality and quantitative accuracy in SPECT.


The cell surface low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, LRP1, plays a major role in lipid metabolism. The question that remains open concerns the function of LRP1 in adipogenesis. Here, we show that LRP1 is highly expressed in murine preadipocytes as well as in primary culture of human adipocytes. Moreover, LRP1 remains abundantly synthesised during mouse and human adipocyte differentiation. We demonstrate that LRP1 silencing in 3T3F442A murine preadipocytes significantly inhibits the expression of PPARγ, HSL and aP2 adipocyte differentiation markers after adipogenesis induction, and leads to lipid-depleted cells. We further show that the absence of lipids in LRP1-silenced preadipocytes is not caused by lipolysis induction. In addition, we provide the first evidences that LRP1 is significantly up-regulated in obese C57BI6/J mouse adipocytes and obese human adipose tissues. Interestingly, silencing of LRP1 in fully-differentiated adipocytes also reduces cellular lipid level and is associated with an increase of basal lipolysis. However, the ability of mature adipocytes to induce lipolysis is independent of LRP1 expression. Altogether, our findings highlight the dual role of LRP1 in the control of adipogenesis and lipid homeostasis, and suggest that LRP1 may be an important therapeutic target in obesity.


We report on the sensitivity analysis of a state variable model (Model S) proposed earlier. Model S captures the dominant behavior of the system test phase of the software test process. Sensitivity analysis is a mathematical methodology to compute changes in the system behavior due to changes in system parameters or variables. This is particularly important when parameters are calibrated using noisy or small data sets. Nevertheless, by mathematically quantifying the effects of parameter variations on the behavior of the model, and thereby the STP, one can easily and quickly evaluate the effect of such variations on the process performance without having to perform extensive simulations. In all cases studied, model S behaved according to empirical observations which serves to validate the model. It is also shown that sensitivity analysis can suggest structural improvements in a model when the model does not behave as expected.


OBJECTIVES
To study whether and how the clinical experience of the operator affects the accuracy of bracket placement using guided bonding devices (GBDs) in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five resin models were bonded virtually with brackets, and the corresponding GBDs were generated and three-dimensionally printed. Nine operators, which included three dental students, three orthodontic students, and three orthodontists, bonded the brackets on the resin models using GBDs on a dental mannequin. After being bonded with brackets, the models were scanned, and the actual and designed positions of the brackets were compared.

RESULTS
There was no immediate debonding. The orthodontists spent a significantly shorter time (22.36 minutes) in bracket bonding than the dental students (24.62 minutes; P < .05). The brackets tended to deviate to the buccal side in the dental student group. Linear deviations tended to be smallest in the orthodontic student group, but no significant difference was found among operators with different clinical experience (P > .5). All linear and angular deviations in each group were under 0.5 mm and 2°, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Clinical experience was positively related to the bonding accuracy using GBDs, especially in the buccolingual dimension. Inexperience also led to longer bonding duration. However, bonding accuracy was clinically acceptable in general.


A new definition of concentration fluctuations in turbulent flows is proposed. The definition implicitly incorporates smearing effects of molecular diffusion and instrumental averaging. A stochastic model of two-particle dispersion, consistent with this definition, is formulated. The stochastic model is an extension of Taylor's (1921) model and is consistent with Richardson's $\frac{4}{3}$ law. Its predictions of concentration fluctuations are contrasted with predictions based on a more usual one-particle model. The present model is used to predict fluctuations in three case studies. For example (case (i) of § 6), downstream of a linear concentration gradient we find $\overline{c^{\prime 2}}=\frac{1}{2}m^2(\overline{Z^2}-\overline{\Delta^2})$. Here m is the linear gradient, $\overline{Z^2}$ is related to centre-of-mass dispersion and $\overline{\Delta^2}$ is related to relative dispersion (see equation (3.1)). The term $\frac{1}{2}m^2\overline{Z^2} $ represents net production of fluctuations by random centre-of-mass dispersion, whereas $\frac{1}{2}m^2\overline{\Delta^2} $ represents net destruction of fluctuations by relative dispersion. Only the first term is included in the usual one-particle model (Corrsin 1952).


This paper documents recent labor market performance in the Latin American region. The paper shows that unemployment, informality, and inequality have been falling over the past two decades, though still remain high. By contrast, productivity has remained stubbornly low. The paper, then, turns to the potential impacts of various labor market institutions, including employment protection legislation (EPL), minimum wages (MW), payroll taxes, unemployment insurance (UI) and collective bargaining, as well as the impacts of demographic changes on labor market performance. The paper relies on evidence from carefully conducted studies based on micro-data for countries in the region and for other countries with similar income levels to draw conclusions on the impact of labor market institutions and demographic factors on unemployment, informality, inequality and productivity. The decreases in unemployment and informality can be partly explained by the reduced strictness of EPL and payroll taxes, but also by the increased shares of more educated and older workers. By contrast, the fall in inequality starting in 2002 can be explained by a combination of binding MW throughout most of the region and, to a lesser extent, by the introduction of UI systems in some countries and the role of unions in countries with moderate unionization rates. Falling inequality can also be explained by the fall in the returns to skill associated with increased share of more educated and older workers.


Background Populations of CD34+, CD34+CXCR4+, and CD133+ cells are currently employed in the clinic to treat damaged organs (e.g., heart after myocardial infarction [AMI]). These cells are highly enriched, primarily for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and for many years it has been wrongly supposed that HSPCs can trans-dedifferentiate into tissue-specific cells. However, even when improvement of organ function is observed after employing these cells in therapy, the lack of a convincing demonstration of significant donor-recipient chimerism in treated tissues in most of the studies performed indicates that mechanisms other than trans-dedifferentiation play a significant role in positive clinical outcomes. In support of this conclusion, we have already reported that CD34+ cells secrete a variety of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and bioactive lipids that interact with the surrounding microenvironment ( Blood 2001 ;97:3075 ). Furthermore, microvesicles (MVs) or exosomes shed from the cell surface or derived from the intracellular membrane compartment (respectively) are important mediators in cell-to-cell communication and, as we demonstrated, may affect the biology of target cells by horizontal transfer of mRNA and proteins ( Leukemia 2006 ;20:847 ).

Hypothesis We hypothesized that some reported positive outcomes in adult stem cell therapies (e.g., when employing CD133+ cells) can be explained by the paracrine effects of these cells, involving both soluble factors as well as cell membrane-derived MVs.

Experimental strategies CD133+ cells were purified from UCB (>95% purity as checked by FACS) and incubated for 24 hours in RPMI at 37°C in a small volume of medium supplemented with 0.5% albumin. Subsequently, we harvested conditioned media (CM) from these cells and isolated CD133+ cell-shed microvesicles (MVs) by high-speed centrifugation. We then employed sensitive ELISA assays to measure the concentration of important pro-angiopoietic and anti-apoptotic factors in CD133+ cell-derived CM and isolated mRNA from both CD133+ cells and CD133+ cell-derived MVs for RQ-PCR analysis of gene expression. Subsequently, the chemotactic activity of CD133+ cell-derived CM and MVs was tested against human UCB endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in parallel we tested whether CD133+ cell-derived CM and MVs induce major signaling pathways in HUVECs. Finally, in in vitro functional assays, we tested the ability of CD133+ cell-derived CM and MVs to induce tube formation by HUVECs and the ability of in vivo Matrigel assay implants to induce angiogenesis.

Results We observed that highly purified UCB-derived CD133+ cells secrete several pro-angiopoietic factors (e.g., VEGF, KL, FGF-2, and IGF-1) into CM and shed microvesicles (MVs) from the cell surface and endosomal compartment that are enriched for mRNAs encoding VEGF, KL, FGF-2, and IGF-1. Both CD133+ cell-derived CM and MVs possessed anti-apoptotic properties, increased the in vitro cell survival of endothelial cells, stimulated phosphorylation of MAPKp42/44 and AKT in HUVECs, induced chemotactic migration, proliferation, and in vitro tube formation in HUVECs as well as stimulated in vivo angiogenesis in Matrigel implants.

Conclusions Both in vitro and in vivo observations in animal models suggest that an important role for CD133+ cell-derived paracrine signals should be considered when evaluating clinical outcomes following the use of purified CD133+ cells in regenerative medicine. Overall, these cell-derived paracrine signals may explain the therapeutic benefits of adult stem cells employed in regeneration of, for example, heart following AMI. Finally, we will discuss several possibilities for enhancing secretion and modulating the composition of these paracrine signals, which could potentially be explored in the clinic.

Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


We have studied time-resolved intraband transition from the intermediate state to the continuum state of the conduction band in InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a one-dimensional photonic cavity structure using a two-color photoexcitation spectroscopy. The photonic gap was tuned to enhance the excitation from the intermediate state to the conduction band, whose energy is selected to be less than the interband transition energy between the intermediate state and the quantized hole state. The photoluminescence intensity was observed to be dramatically reduced by selectively pumping carriers in the intermediate state. This effect has been analyzed by modeling detailed carrier relaxation process.


Approximately a half-century after the end of colonialism few countries in Africa have established long-term stable democracies. Instead, the last 50 years have witnessed either repeated failures or even regression or departure from the path to democracy. This article seeks to examine why. It discusses the current continent-wide state of and prospects for democracy in Africa in light of leading theories on democratic development. Part one of the article examines the western concept of democracy for the purposes of definition and suitability for Africa. It then describes both the values and requisites for a democracy to exist, including the socio-economic and institutional structures required. The article then draws upon a unique database constructed here that examines the relationship between democracy, economic development, poverty, and GDP, among other cross-national aggregate data. The article concludes with what ta discussion of what factors seems to be missing to entrench democracy across Africa, and observations regarding the impediments remaining to forming democratic regimes on this continent.


Conformal prediction is emerging as a popular paradigm for providing rigorous uncertainty quantification in machine learning since it can be easily applied as a post-processing step to already trained models. In this paper, we extend conformal prediction to the federated learning setting. The main challenge we face is data heterogeneity across the clients - this violates the fundamental tenet of exchangeability required for conformal prediction. We propose a weaker notion of partial exchangeability, better suited to the FL setting, and use it to develop the Federated Conformal Prediction (FCP) framework. We show FCP enjoys rigorous theoretical guarantees and excellent empirical performance on several computer vision and medical imaging datasets. Our results demonstrate a practical approach to incorporating meaningful uncertainty quantification in distributed and heterogeneous environments. We provide code used in our experiments https://github.com/clu5/federated-conformal.


Erythropoiesis requires tight control of expansion, maturation, and survival of erythroid progenitors. Because activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) is required for erythropoietin/stem cell factor–induced expansion of erythroid progenitors, we examined the role of the PI3K-controlled Forkhead box, class O (FoxO) subfamily of Forkhead transcription factors. FoxO3a expression and nuclear accumulation increased during erythroid differentiation, whereas untimely induction of FoxO3a activity accelerated differentiation of erythroid progenitors to erythrocytes. We identified B cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1)/antiproliferative protein 2 as a FoxO3a target gene in erythroid progenitors. Promoter studies indicated BTG1 as a direct target of FoxO3a. Expression of BTG1 in primary mouse bone marrow cells blocked the outgrowth of erythroid colonies, which required a domain of BTG1 that binds protein arginine methyl transferase 1. During erythroid differentiation, increased arginine methylation coincided with BTG1 expression. Concordantly, inhibition of methyl transferase activity blocked erythroid maturation without affecting expansion of progenitor cells. We propose FoxO3a-controlled expression of BTG1 and subsequent regulation of protein arginine methyl transferase activity as a novel mechanism controlling erythroid expansion and differentiation.


This paper develops and discusses a modeling framework called learning gradients that allows for predictive models that simultaneously infer the geometry and statistical dependencies of the input space relevant for prediction. The geometric relations addressed in this paper hold for Euclidean spaces as well as the manifold setting. The central quantity in this framework is an estimate of the gradient of a regression or classification function, which is computed by a discriminative approach. We relate the gradient to the problem of inverse regression which in the machine learning community is typically addressed by generative models. A result of this relation is a simple and precise comparison of a variety of simultaneous regression and dimensionality reduction methods from the statistics literature. The gradient estimate is applied to a variety of problems central to machine learning: variable selection, linear and nonlinear dimension reduction, and the inference of a graphical model of the dependencies of the input variables that are relevant to prediction.


Allergic disease and atopy create a substantial emotional and financial burden for affected individuals and their families. Significant healthcare costs are also incurred with New Zealand children showing consistently high rates of allergic disease when compared with global statistics. The potential to decrease the incidence of allergic disease and atopy through modification of maternal diet has been the subject of recent attention with the possibility for transgenerational impact being of considerable interest.  The objectives of this systematic review were firstly to investigate the relationship between maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation on allergic outcomes in the offspring, and to then relate these findings to the New Zealand context.   The following databases were accessed as part of this review: PubMed via helicon (advanced search), ProQuest (MEDLINE) via helicon, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO host via helicon). Limits were "humans". The key search terms were 'diet' or 'supplements', 'pregnancy' or 'lactation', 'allergy' or 'atopy' or 'asthma; NOT 'elimination' or 'avoidance'. The studies for inclusion in this review were restricted to studies written in the English language. The final search was undertaken 11/04/17 once data extraction completed and one new study found. Initial search was 14/07/16. Search period 14/04/16-11/04/17.  Randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that systematically recorded maternal intake of diet or supplements were included. The health-related outcomes assessed were asthma, wheeze, eczema and allergic rhinitis. Data was extracted for this review using the Cochrane Public Health Group's template. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for the randomised controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the cohort studies. Risk of bias was assessed again and presented using the Grade summary of findings tables.  Overall, 54 studies were included in this review, collectively involving more than 100,000 children and comprising of 16 randomised controlled trials and 38 cohort studies that were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on vitamins, oligo-elements, food groups and dietary patterns during pregnancy and lactation were also collected. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the diversity in variables, multiple outcomes assessed, and the variety of measurements implemented within the studies.   This work presents a comprehensive summary and review of the identified studies that explored the impact of maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation on allergy and atopy outcomes. Although individual studies demonstrated various associations between maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation to impact on health outcomes for the offspring, overall, this work did not show any consistent findings collectively across the studies reviewed. This was due to the differing methods of measurement of association, intake and outcome assessment used in the reviewed studies which further complicated the ability to compare and contrast the findings of the studies with each other. Each study was assessed both for its individual findings and then collectively according to the variables assessed. The findings of this review lend support for the undertaking of additional trials and studies with more consistent and controlled measurements of interventions and outcomes to better facilitate comparisons between studies.   Key findings from the reviewed studies, which included only one New Zealand based study, were related to the New Zealand context. Additional New Zealand based information and related works highlighted a need for personally tailored maternal nutrition information to be delivered consistently by all health professionals interacting with pregnant women.   Key words: diet, supplements, pregnancy, lactation, allergy, atopy, asthma.


The progress, products, and results of ongoing work in transputer development are discussed with particular reference to the ESPRIT Supernode project and other ESPRIT projects. The Supernode project, which lasted from Dec. 1985 to Nov. 1989, was aimed to create a low-cost, high-performance computer system from transputers and incorporated the development of the T800 floating-point transputer and the Supernode RTP (Reconfigurable Transputer Processor). The three-year GPMIMD (General-Purpose, Multiple-Instruction, MUltiple-Data) project aims to develop a standard European MIMD architecture based on H1 transputers and virtual communications. The OMI MAP (Open Microsystems Initiative Microprocessor Architecture Project) forms the core of the European-led Open Microsystems Initiative. It aims to define the architecture of a new microprocessor family designed to exploit the VLSI capabilities anticipated in the latter half of the 1990s.<<ETX>>


ABSTRACT Until the 1960s, governmental limits on speech and expression, particularly around issues of pornography and obscenity, were common. These restrictions were enacted to reinforce a set of standards that had broad support among the American people. Since the 1960s, we have seen a great expansion of the right to free speech and expression. Today, however, the libertarian consensus has fractured. The new censorship that favors regulating hate speech confronts the underlying premises of the old censorship. Rather than comparing and contrasting the libertarian position with the censorship of hate speech position, as is so often done, in this article, I will compare and contrast two pro-censorship positions, one group favoring the censorship of hate speech, the other favoring the censorship of pornography and obscenity. My purpose is not to advocate for censorship. Rather, my idea is to examine and explain the different rationales that exist in the two opposing approaches to censorship, to better judge the merits of censorship and free speech.


Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDI) are emerging as potentially useful components of the anticancer armamentarium and as useful tools to dissect mechanistic pathways. HDIs that globally inhibit histone deacetylases (HDAC) have radiosensitizing effects, but the relative contribution of specific HDAC classes remains unclear. Newly characterized HDIs are now available that preferentially inhibit specific HDAC classes, including SK7041 (inhibits class I HDACs) and splitomicin (inhibits class III HDACs). We investigated in human cancer cells the relative radiosensitizations that result from blocking specific HDAC classes. We found that trichostatin A (TSA; inhibitor of both class I and II HDACs) was the most effective radiosensitizer, followed by the class I inhibitor SK7041, whereas splitomicin (inhibitor of class III) had least effect. Interestingly, radiosensitization by TSA in cell lines expressing p53 was more pronounced than in isogenic lines lacking p53. Radiosensitization of cells expressing p53 by TSA was reduced by pifithrin-α, a small-molecule inhibitor of p53. In contrast, the radiosensitization by TSA of cells expressing low levels of p53 was enhanced by transfection of wild-type p53–expressing vector or pretreatment with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of nuclear export that increased intracellular levels of p53. These effects on radiosensitization were respectively muted or not seen in cells treated with SK7041 or splitomicin. To our knowledge, this may be among the first systematic investigations of the comparative anticancer effects of inhibiting specific classes of HDACs, with results suggesting differences in the degrees of radiosensitization, which in some cell lines may be influenced by p53 expression.


The primary interest of this article is to understand the organisation of community care in Slovenia. There are several differences at the local level regarding how the formal care of the older people is organised (e.g. the existence of social home care services) and to what extent other services have developed (e.g. institutional care for the older people, intergenerational centres, community nursing, NGOs and interpersonal assistance). We focus on two services, institutional care and social home care, and present the typology of community care in Slovenia. Four clusters were obtained via a hierarchical method (k-means clustering). Clusters of municipalities are comprised of municipalities that have similar characteristics of care for older people, taking into account both institutional care and social home care. The results have shown that municipalities in Slovenia differ dramatically in the availability of care for the older people. Some offer only a poor quality of care (mainly smaller rural municipalities), while others offer higher quality of care and a strong combination of both institutional and social home care.


Introduction: Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological condition of mammalian tissues in response to infectious organisms, toxic chemical substances, physical injury or tumor growth, and leading to local accumulation of plasma fluid and blood cells. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Morus alba L., Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv, Colebrookea oppositifolia J.E. Smith and Crinum amoenum Roxb. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of the entire sample was carried out by different chemical tests. The in vitro antioxidative activity was evaluated by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity method. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species are also implicated in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, two most potent plants extract, showing best free-radical scavenging activity, that is, M. alba (82%) and C. oppositifolia (79%) at 100 μg/mL concentration were chosen for in vivo anti-inflammatory analysis using 1% w/v carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. Diclofenac sodium was used as a standard drug at the concentration of 50 mg/kg of body weight. Aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract at the concentration of 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg were used as test drugs. Standard drug and all the extracts were administered 60 min before carrageenan injection. The paw volume was measured at 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after carrageenan injection, using a plethysmometer. Results: The phytochemical screening of all four plant species revealed that they contain terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The ethanolic extract of M. alba root bark and C. oppositifolia leaves exhibited dose-dependent DPPH radicals inhibition with IC50 value of 51.37 μg/mL and 55.81 μg/mL, respectively, showing comparable potency with ascorbic acid (IC50: 5.47 μg/mL). Both plant extract suppressed rat paw edema significantly (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the negative control group. The ethanolic extract of Morus alba and Colebrookea oppositifolia exhibited highest  57.87% and 50.68% inhibition of paw edema volume, respectively, almost similar to the inhibitory effect of the standard drug Diclofenac sodium (63.39%). Conclusion: Thus, the root bark extract of M. alba and leaves extract of C. oppositifolia possess potent in vitro antioxidant effect and in vivo anti-inflammatory effect in carrageen induced Wistar rat model.