Abstract. The Ordovician was a time of drastic biological and geological change. Previous work has suggested that there was a dramatic increase in global diversity during this time, but also has indicated that regional dynamics and dynamics in specific environments might have been different. Here, we contrast two paleocontinents that have different geological histories through the Ordovician, namely Laurentia and Baltica. The first was situated close to the equator throughout the whole Ordovician, while the latter has traversed tens of latitudes during the same time. We predict that Baltica, which was under long-term environmental change, would show greater average and interval-to-interval origination and extinction rates than Laurentia. In addition, we are interested in the role of the environment in which taxa originated, specifically, the patterns of onshore–offshore dynamics of diversification, where onshore and offshore areas represent high-energy and low-energy environments, respectively. Here, we predict that high-energy environments might be more conducive for originations. Our new analyses show that the global Ordovician spike in genus richness from the Dapingian to the Darriwilian Stage resulted from a very high origination rate at the Dapingian/Darriwilian boundary, while the extinction rate remained low. We found substantial interval-to-interval variation in the origination and extinction rates in Baltica and Laurentia, but the probabilities of origination and extinction are somewhat higher in Baltica than Laurentia. Onshore and offshore areas have largely indistinguishable origination and extinction rates, in contradiction to our predictions. The global spike in origination rates at the Dapingian/Darriwilian boundary is apparent in Baltica, Laurentia, and onshore and offshore areas, and abundant variability in diversification rates is apparent over other time intervals for these paleocontinents and paleoenvironments. This observation hints at global mechanisms for the spike in origination rates at the Dapingian/Darriwilian boundary but a domination of more regional and local mechanisms over other time intervals in the Ordovician.


The relationship between the biggest security providers in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), has been the object of extensive study by different scholars. However, the focus of such literature has mostly been on the security dimension and less so on the enlargement policy of both organizations. Departing from the constructivist proposition, according to which EU and NATO are regional organizations of one Western community, this thesis asks: Why do the EU and NATO differ in their membership composition?
Both organizations are compared in terms of their membership criteria and shared norms and values that they represent. In a subsequent step, an analysis of deviant cases examines why some countries deviate from the pattern of double membership in both organizations and determines various explanations for this.
The analysis focuses on two groups of countries which are either in NATO or the EU, but not full members in both organisations. While Austria, Finland and Sweden have a tradition of non-alignment in their foreign policy, which is their main obstacle for NATO membership, all three countries are nevertheless participating in the NATO framework and deployed their troops in various missions. Similarly, NATO countries which are not EU members, such as Iceland and Turkey, are tightly linked to the EU's internal market. Thus one main finding is that membership in the EU and NATO has become increasingly flexible.
Furthermore, the EU's body of rules and regulations, the acquis communautaire, certainly fulfils a gate-keeping function so that even developed countries which have a long tradition of cooperation with the EU have troubles to adapt to it. Although it is true that both organizations refer to the same set of values and norms in their founding documents, the constructivist proposition only holds to a certain extent. EU and NATO differ in the importance they attach to those liberal values when they are about to grant membership to a particular country. NATO for instance declares to pursue an "open door" policy and has offered membership to countries which are not democratic enough for membership by European Union standards. Although this thesis largely argues
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from a constructivist perspective, rationalist flavoured arguments of cost and benefit calculations should not be left out if one wants to understand the decisions made in favour or against accession. Geostrategic importance and the willingness to make military contributions as well as the economic performance of a country can be decisive factors. In the end, the criteria for membership reflect both theoretical bodies.
Finally, the findings of this research can help to assess the prospect of future European Union enlargements by illuminating what has been the actual practice up until now. Future candidates do not necessarily have to become full NATO members in order to be in the European Union, but it is remarkable that all members, except for Cyprus, show at least a minimum level of institutional ties with the Atlantic Alliance.


Tenascin-C (TN-C) expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity are induced within remodeling pulmonary arteries (PAs), where they promote cell growth. Because pulmonary vascular disease in children with congenital heart defects is commonly associated with changes in pulmonary hemodynamics, we hypothesized that changes in pulmonary blood flow regulate TN-C and MMPs. To test this, we ligated the left PAs of neonatal pigs. After 12 wk, we evaluated the levels of TN-C and MMPs in control and ligated lung tissue. Modifying pulmonary hemodynamics increased TN-C mRNA and protein expression, MMP activity, and the DNA-binding activity of Egr-1, a transcription factor that has been shown to activate TN-C expression. To link MMP-mediated remodeling of the extracellular matrix to increased TN-C expression and Egr-1 activity, porcine PA smooth muscle cells were cultivated either on denatured type I collagen, which supported TN-C expression and Egr-1 activity, or on native collagen, which had the opposite effect. These data provide a framework for understanding how changes in pulmonary blood flow in the neonate modify the tissue microenvironment and cell behavior.


Game developers strive to maximize immersion and engagement, to emotionally involve the audience in their material. One technique used to increase engagement is the development of new technologies, such as Stereoscopic 3D. Stereoscopic 3D (S3D) creates the impression of depth (stereopsis) in at images by providing additional binocular depth cues, such as convergence and binocular disparity. In this thesis, we explore the e ects that S3D has on the player experience in an attempt to uncover design methodologies that can help game developers develop more e ective content. Three experiments were designed and conducted to examine the e ects S3D has on player experience and game design: i) Engagement in Stereoscopic 3D Games, ii) S3D DepthAxis Interaction for Video Games: Performance and Engagement, iii) Depth Representation and Player Performance with Depth-Axis Interactivity. We hypothesized that S3D technology would increase immersion and engagement, and new mechanics that exploit the depth axis would be e ective. The results of these studies suggest that S3D does not increase user engagement, and is consistent with prior research that suggest the impact of S3D is dependent on the game. They also demonstrate that developers can design unique experiences in stereoscopic 3D, but there may be additional ways to represent depth. The results suggest developers need to adjust the di culty of their game when including stereoscopic 3D, depending on the interactions of their game. It is our recommendation that developers continue to explore the a ordances offered by stereoscopic 3D to create unique experiences, but its inclusion is dependent on their speci c game.


During the last 15 years, several different groups of fastidious viruses that are responsible for a large proportion of acute viral gastroenteritis cases have been discovered by the electron microscopic examination of stool specimens. This disease is one of the most prevalent and serious clinical syndromes seen around the world, especially in children. Rotaviruses, in the family Reoviridae, and fastidious fecal adenoviruses account for much of the viral gastroenteritis in infants and young children, whereas the small caliciviruses and unclassified astroviruses, and possibly enteric coronaviruses, are responsible for significantly fewer cases overall. In addition to electron microscopy, enzyme immunoassays and other rapid antigen detection systems have been developed to detect rotaviruses and fastidious fecal adenoviruses in the stool specimens of both nonhospitalized patients and those hospitalized for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Experimental rotavirus vaccines have also been developed, due to the prevalence and seriousness of rotavirus infection. The small, unclassified Norwalk virus and morphologically similar viruses are responsible for large and small outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in older children, adolescents, and adults. Hospitalization of older patients infected with these viruses is usually not required, and their laboratory diagnoses have been limited primarily to research laboratories.


Pexidartinib (PEX, TURALIO), a selective and potent inhibitor of the macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor, has been approved for the treatment of tenosynovial giant cell tumor. However, frequent and severe adverse effects have been reported in the clinic, resulting in a boxed warning on PEX for its risk of liver injury. The mechanisms underlying PEX-related hepatotoxicity, particularly metabolism-related toxicity, remain unknown. In the current study, the metabolic activation of PEX was investigated in human/mouse liver microsomes (HLM/MLM) and primary human hepatocytes (PHH) using glutathione (GSH) and methoxyamine (NH2OMe) as trapping reagents. A total of 11 PEX-GSH and 7 PEX-NH2OMe adducts were identified in HLM/MLM using an LC–MS-based metabolomics approach. Additionally, 4 PEX-GSH adducts were detected in the PHH. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 were identified as the primary enzymes responsible for the formation of these adducts using recombinant human P450s and CYP3A chemical inhibitor ketoconazole. Overall, our studies suggested that PEX metabolism can produce reactive metabolites mediated by CYP3A, and the association of the reactive metabolites with PEX hepatotoxicity needs to be further studied.


Erythroid enucleation is the process by which the future red blood cell disposes of its nucleus prior to entering the blood stream. This key event during red blood cell development has been likened to an asymmetric cell division (ACD), by which the enucleating erythroblast divides into two very different daughter cells of alternate molecular composition, a nucleated cell that will be removed by associated macrophages, and the reticulocyte that will mature to the definitive erythrocyte. Here we investigated gene expression of members of the Par, Scribble and Pins/Gpsm2 asymmetric cell division complexes in erythroid cells, and functionally tested their role in erythroid enucleation in vivo and ex vivo. Despite their roles in regulating ACD in other contexts, we found that these polarity regulators are not essential for erythroid enucleation, nor for erythroid development in vivo. Together our results put into question a role for cell polarity and asymmetric cell division in erythroid enucleation.


ABSTRACT Wu, Y.-T. and Hsiao, S.-C., 2013. Turbulence induced by a solitary wave propagating over a submerged object using particle image velocimetry. We present an experimental study for solitary wave propagation over a submerged rectangular obstacle using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The PIV system, mainly consisting of a digital high-resolution camera and a dual-head pulse laser, is used to measure instantaneous free surface motion and corresponding velocity properties around the submerged object. Four fields of view (FOVs) are set in order to form a continuous flow fields around the structure. Quantitative mean properties are obtained by ensemble averaging 30 repeated measurements for each FOV. Therefore, the entire data of the time histories of the free surface elevation recorded by wave gauge is 120 sets, and the standard deviation (STD) for incident wave height is 0.61 mm or 1.3% of mean incident wave height. The experiments show high degree of repeatability. After gaining the mean velocity properties, the vorticity field can be calculated by taking curl of mean velocity field and the turbulent kinetic energy can be estimated from velocity fluctuations. It is found that the measured turbulence in the weather side is much larger than that in the lee side of object. A local maximum value of turbulent intensity in the weather side of object is about 63.4% of depth-averaged velocity as the crest of solitary wave approaches but not yet reaches the front edge of breakwater. On the other hand, a local maximum value of turbulent intensity in the trailing edge is around 37.1% of depth-averaged velocity.


This paper extends knowledge of disaster impact on the telecommunications power infrastructure by discussing the effects of Hurricane Katrina based on an on-site survey conducted in October 2005 and on public sources. It includes observations about power infrastructure damage in wire-line and wireless networks. In general, the impact on centralized network elements was more severe than on the distributed portion of the grids. The main cause of outage was lack of power due to fuel supply disruptions, flooding and security issues. This work also describes the means used to restore telecommunications services and proposes ways to improve logistics, such as coordinating portable generator set deployment among different network operators and reducing genset fuel consumption by installing permanent photovoltaic systems at sites where long electric outages are likely. One long term solution is to use of distributed generation. It also discusses the consequences on telecom power technology and practices since the storm.


We present a study of the orbits, environments, and morphologies of 13 ram-pressure stripped galaxies in the massive, intermediate redshift (z ∼ 0.3−0.4) galaxy clusters A2744 and A370, using MUSE integral-field spectroscopy and Hubble Space Telescope imaging from the Frontier Fields Program. We compare different measures of the locations and morphologies of the stripped sample with a sample of six post-starburst galaxies identified within the same clusters, as well as the general cluster population. We calculate the phase-space locations of all cluster galaxies and carry out a substructure analysis, finding that the ram-pressure stripped galaxies in A370 are not associated with any substructures, but are likely isolated infalling galaxies. In contrast, the ram-pressure stripped galaxies in A2744 are strictly located within a high-velocity substructure, moving through a region of dense X-ray emitting gas. We conclude that their ram-pressure interactions are likely to be the direct result of the merger between two components of the cluster. Finally, we study the morphologies of the stripped and post-starburst galaxies, using numerical measures to quantify the level of visual disturbances. We explore any morphological deviations of these galaxies from the cluster population, particularly the weaker cases that have been confirmed via the presence of ionized gas tails to be undergoing ram-pressure stripping, but are not strongly visually disturbed in the broadband data. We find that the stripped sample galaxies are generally divergent from the general cluster sample, with post-starburst galaxies being intermediary in morphology between stripped galaxies and red passive cluster members.


During the years 1968-75, 59 periods of peritoneal dialysis were performed on 44 children aged from 2 days to 17 years. The commonest complication was peritoneal infection, which affected 68% of those under 2 years and 30% of older children. This was satisfactorily treated in all but one case which was due to Candida albicans. The use of combined intramuscular and intraperitoneal gentamicin therapy is described. 2 patients died as a result of massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage and one had a nonfatal intestinal perforation. In experienced hands peritoneal dialysis is a convenient, effective, and reasonably safe way of treating acute renal failure; it is best performed in centres capable of handling complex metabolic problems and investigating and treating the underlying renal disease.


In this qualitative study, interviews about children's secret hiding places were conducted with 3–5-year-olds (n = 17) in a university sponsored preschool programme using art narratives. Since prior studies indicate that children understand the concept of a secret as early as five and that they associate secrets with hiding places, the purpose of this study was to look specifically at preschool children's experiences within their secret spaces. Analyses using interpretive phenomenology indicated that preschool children view secret hiding places with a sense of complexity, and they reserve certain areas as off limits to everyone, even in terms of the knowledge that these places exist. Consistent with a sociocultural framework, hiding places appear to serve individual, relational, and collaborative purposes, and children show heightened agency when deciding the function of a particular place. Children also relate secrets with secret hiding places and describe both with excitement, imagination, and intimacy. Finally, children's conceptualisations of secret hiding places are discussed in relation to the sociocultural perspective and the implications for children's social and emotional development.


This paper proposes a nonlinear optimal control approach for mulitple degrees of freedom (DOF) brachiation robots, which are often used in inspection and maintenance tasks of the electric power grid. Because of the nonlinear and multivariable structure of the related state-space model, as well as because of underactuation, the control problem of these robots is nontrivial. The dynamic model of the brachiation robots undergoes first approximate linearization with the use of Taylor series expansion around a temporary operating point which is recomputed at each iteration of the control method. For the approximately linearized model, an H-infinity feedback controller is designed. The linearization procedure relies on the Jacobian matrices of the brachiation robots' state-space model. The proposed control method stands for the solution of the optimal control problem for the nonlinear and multivariable dynamics of the brachiation robots, under model uncertainties and external perturbations. For the computation of the controller's feedback gains an algebraic Riccati equation is solved at each time-step of the control method. The global stability properties of the control scheme are proven through Lyapunov analysis. The new nonlinear optimal control approach achieves fast and accurate tracking for all state variables of the brachiation robots, under moderate variations of the control inputs.


Of the wave of labor strikes that swept through the South in 1929, the one at the Loray Mill in Gastonia, North Carolina, is perhaps the best remembered. In Gastonia 1929 John Salmond provides the first detailed account of the complex events surrounding the strike at the largest textile mill in the Southeast. His compelling narrative unravels the confusing story of the shooting of the town's police chief, the trials of the alleged killers, the unsolved murder of striker and balladeer Ella May Wiggins, and the strike leaders' conviction and subsequent flight to the Soviet Union.


Autophagy is a mechanism of cellular upkeep by trafficking intracellular material to be degraded. Autophagy is known to be carried out by autophagy related proteins (Atg), yet the exact mechanism of how autophagy occurs has yet to be discovered. Due to its clinical relevance to conditions such as neurodegenerative and muscular diseases, a great deal of current research is being dedicated to further our understanding of how autophagy occurs. Atg11, a protein critical to a yeast's ability to perform selective autophagy, may also hold many answers to selective autophagy within humans. Atg11 is a coiled-coil protein that interacts with Atg1, 9, 11, 20, 29, along with Ypt1 in selective autophagy. However, it is unknown how these interactions occur. Does Atg11 have multiple binding sites where it may bind to proteins simultaneously? Or does Atg11 have one competitive binding site where it can only bind with a single protein, and then release it before it may bind again? In this research we attempt to purify the binding portion of Atg11 so that it can be used to observe Atg11's binding interactions with these proteins through a protein binding test mediated by a resin pulldown.


Letter from Claude Kavanaugh, of the Trans-State Oil Company, to R. B. McMillen concerning the value of Big Indian properties being highly valuable and "are going to be mad more valuable." This letter is in response to the huge amount of mail received by the unite holders from his original general letter. Also included is a flash announcement which, at the end, asks the unit holders to "sign and send in the enclosed proxy so that we may represent you...to defeat the present sale of the property."


Objectives Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (FBs) are an important cause of emergency surgical intervention in cats, but little information exists in the literature evaluating the risks and outcomes in this species. The study purpose was to describe cases of feline FBs and compare perioperative factors and outcomes between linear foreign body (LFB) and discrete foreign body (DFB) surgery in cats. Methods The medical records from the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital were searched for cats that had undergone surgery for FB removal between August 2009 and August 2021. Perioperative data were collected and described. Data were compared between cats with an LFB and cats with a DFB. A binomial probability series was used to estimate the likelihood of postoperative septic peritonitis or mortality in an additional cat in the series. Results A total of 56 cats were included in this study; 38 cats had a DFB and 18 had an LFB. No cats developed postoperative septic peritonitis, and all cats survived. The likelihood of postoperative septic peritonitis or mortality in an additional cat was estimated to be <5.2%. Cats with an LFB were found to have a significantly higher body condition score (P = 0.047), albumin (P = 0.025), American Society of Anesthesiologists status (P = 0.027), surgery length (P <0.001) and total cost of visit (P = 0.006) when compared with cats with a DFB. Cats with LFBs were more likely to develop a surgical site infection (SSI; P = 0.007) and be administered postoperative antibiotics (P = 0.017). Conclusions and relevance Cats undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal FBs had a low incidence of postoperative complications. Cats with LFBs had longer surgeries and were more likely to develop postoperative SSIs.


Abstract Background and aim: The property loss and physical injuries due to fire events in buildings demonstrate the necessity of implementation of efficient and performance based fire safety measures. Effective and high efficiency protection is possible when design and selection of protection measures are based on risk assessment. This study aims at presenting a software method to make possible selection and design of building fire safety measures based upon quantitative risk assessment and building characteristics. Methods: based on "Fire Risk Assessment Method for Engineer (FRAME)" a program in MATLB software was written. The first section of this program, according to the FRAME method and based on the specification of a building, calculates the potential risk and acceptable risk level. In the second section, according to potential risk, acceptable risk level and the fire risk level that user want, program calculate concession of protective factor for that building. Results: The prepared software make it possible to assign the fire safety measure based on quantitative risk level and all building specifications. All calculations were performed with 0.001 of precision and the accuracy of this software was assessed with handmade calculations. During the use of the software if an error occurs in calculations, it can be distinguished in the output. Conclusion: Application of quantitative risk assessment is a suitable tool for increasing of efficiency in designing and execution of fire protection measure in building. With using this software the selected fire safety measure would be more efficient and suitable since the selection of fire safety measures performed on risk assessment and particular specification of a building. Moreover fire risk in the building can be managed easily and carefully.


Service design is an emerging trend shifting from product design era. Internet provides effective and efficient service media reaching customer at the exact time. Online media has become social network providing wide opportunity for business, pleasures, and education. This study is focusing on applying kansei engineering model for service design in virtual learning environment (VLE) as learning is concerning with experiencing the process. Various virtual world studies discover that VLE can provide powerful experience in learning. On the other hand, learning styles and learning space potentially enhance experiential learning. Experiential learning theory defines learning process as transformation process from experience to knowledge. Experience is one of important element in service design principle. In addition, experience can be engineered by utilizing kansei engineering approach. Therefore, experience can be designed and engineered to achieve knowledge as service result. This study expected can guide service designers and learning curriculum designer in designing effective experiential learning method. The model developed from the analyzing and reviewing literature shows that kansei engineering can be utilized in experiential transformation process into knowledge and also in service in


In this paper we prove that Bose gas with weak pair interaction is nonergodic system. In order to prove this fact we consider the divergences in some nonequilibrium diagram technique. These divergences are analogous to the divergences in the kinetic equations discovered by Cohen and Dorfman. We develop the general theory of renormalization of such divergences and illustrate it with some simple examples. The fact that the system is nonergodic leads to the following consequence: to prove that the system tends to the thermal equilibrium we should take into account its behavior on its boundary. In this paper we illustrate this thesis with the Bogoliubov derivation of the kinetic equations.


Deep ultraviolet (DUV) plasmonic nanosensors are emerging as potential candidates to detect biomolecules with enhanced sensitivity, as these molecules strongly absorb light in the DUV region. In the present work, we fabricated aluminium film over nanospheres surface (AlFON) and successfully demonstrated, for the first time, an AlFON based DUV plasmonic nanosensor for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and toluene, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. The AlFON was fabricated by thermally evaporating aluminium thin film onto a two-dimensional photonic crystal (2DPC). The 2DPC was prepared by drop casting colloidal polystyrene spheres (PSS) on quartz substrates that self-assembled to form a monolayer of hexagonally close packed PSS with periodic interstices. The optical reflection spectrum of 70 nm AlFON exhibited a sharp minimum at 289 nm in the DUV wavelength range which corresponds to strong absorption in V-shaped nanocavities due to excitation of localized cavity plasmons. The reflection minimum—or LSPR wavelength—is sensitive to the changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium. The LSPR mode of the V-shaped nanocavities in 70 nm AlFON was exploited to sense VOCs and BSA. The 70 nm AlFON exhibited 244 nm/RIU sensitivity in detecting VOCs and was capable of sensing 1 mM concentration of BSA in water. The AlFON is physically stable and has a self-limiting Al2O3 oxide layer of less than 5 nm thickness as elucidated from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The effect of higher aluminum film thickness, i.e. 100 nm and 120 nm on the sensitivity of AlFON also was studied. The performance of AlFON based DUV plasmonic nanosensors is better than the previously reported Al nanostructure based nanosensors and can still be enhanced by optimizing the structure of 2DPC and AlFON.


In an increasingly diverse and multicultural society, it becomes increasing imperative to understand the aesthetics and proper analysis of the face, particularly as it applies to forehead lifting and elevation of the eyebrow. Most articles published to date have emphasized the surgical anatomy and/or surgical technique of forehead lifting and addressed the question of brow aesthetics in a uniform, generalized fashion. In addition, the emphasis on brow elevation as a means to brow/upper lid rejuvenation can further distract the surgeon from appreciating each person's unique brow aesthetics. This article examines current surgical concepts of brow/upper lid proportion and harmony and compares and contrasts them with cultural notions of the ''pleasing brow'' as represented by the makeup and fashion industries. There is great variation in what is considered to be a ''beautiful brow,'' and the facial plastic surgeon must understand the nuanced elements of eyebrow configuration that contribute to the overall balance and harmony of the face.


Qinhuangdao is a provincial municipality under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province and a coastal city in China. Beidaihe is a district under the jurisdiction of Qinhuangdao and is a famous seaside scenic area. Alliance Peak, located in Beidaihe seashore scenic West. Jinshan mouth is the peak of the Union Peak, located in the easternmost Beidaihe waterfront. In this paper, we use the observed data of air negative ions in the Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao, Jinshanzui and Lianfeng Mountains for seven years to study the distribution characteristics of negative air ions in different ecological environments through meteorological observation. Research shows that the annual mean of air anion concentration fluctuates less. The annual mean is 1730 ind·cm-3, and the difference between the highest and lowest concentrations is 535 ind·cm-3. The average air anion concentration was the highest in August at 7785 ind·cm-3 and the lowest in January at 365 ind·cm-3. Negative air ions have obvious spatial characteristics, and negative ion concentrations of the sea and forest air are significantly high. The average annual mean of the sea is 3902 ind·cm-3, and that of the forest is 5403 ind·cm-3. The concentration of air anion changes daily, and daytime concentration is significantly lower than nighttime concentration. The highest peak appears at night or in the morning, while the lowest value appears between noon and afternoon. Inter-annual features and concentration of negative air ions, as well as annual rain days, total rainfall, thunderstorm days, and average relative humidity, are negatively related to the annual average temperature and sunshine hours. However, in the average concentration of negative air ions, the average correlation test of meteorological elements was insignificant. The air anion concentration is negatively correlated with the PM2.5 concentration of fine particulate matter. The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide in the fine particulate matter are negatively correlated with the ozone concentration, which is positively correlated with ozone concentration and is tested by significance. Atmospheric discharge (thunderstorm) can produce a considerable amount of air anion. Air negative ions are an important indicator of air quality, which is of great significance to the living environment. The distribution of negative ions in the study space and its influencing factors in order to provide a basis for air quality assessment in the region and provide references for the long-term research on air anion in different urban areas.


To develop molecular tools for the detection and control of RNA molecules whose functions rely on their 3D structures, we have devised a selection system to isolate novel RNA motifs that interact with a target RNA structure within a given structural context. In this system, a GAAA tetraloop and its specific receptor motif (11-ntR) from an artificial RNA ligase ribozyme with modular architecture (the DSL ribozyme) were replaced with a target structure and random sequence, respectively. Motifs recognizing the target structure can be identified by in vitro selection based on ribozyme activity. A model selection targeting GAAA-loop successfully identified motifs previously known as GAAA-loop receptors. In addition, a new selection targeting a C-loop motif also generated novel motifs that interact with this structure. Biochemical analysis of one of the C-loop receptor motifs revealed that it could also function as an independent structural unit.


Abstract Age‐related variation in reproductive performance is ubiquitous in wild vertebrate populations and has important consequences for population and evolutionary dynamics. The ageing trajectory is shaped by both within‐individual processes, such as improvement and senescence, and the among‐individual effects of selective appearance and disappearance. To date, few studies have compared the role of these different drivers among species or populations. In this study, we use nearly 40 years of longitudinal monitoring data to contrast the within‐ and among‐individual processes contributing to the reproductive ageing patterns in three albatross species (two biennial and one annual breeder) and test whether these can be explained by differences in life histories. Early‐life performance in all species increased with age and was predominantly influenced by within‐individual improvements. However, reproductive senescence was detected in only two of the species. In the species exhibiting senescent declines, we also detected a terminal improvement in breeding success. This is suggestive of a trade‐off between reproduction and survival, which was supported by evidence of selective disappearance of good breeders. We demonstrate that comparisons of closely related species which differ in specific aspects of their life history can shed light on the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping variation in ageing patterns.


This study investigated the influence of excess Bi2O3 and Na2CO3 on the crystal structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 (BNT) ceramics. The BNT ceramics were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method with various excess Bi2O3 and Na2CO3 levels (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mol%). The X-ray characterization revealed that all samples had a rhombohedral structure. A pure perovskite phase was obtained in all samples. The lattice parameter a tended to increase with increased excess Bi2O3 and Na2CO3 content in the calcined powders and sintered ceramics. The average particle size increased while, the average grain size tended to decreased with increased of excess Bi2O3 and Na2CO3 content. The depolarization temperature (Td) and the Curie temperature (Tc) were slightly decreased with the increase of excess Bi2O3 and Na2CO3 content. The dielectric properties were related to the density.


This essay is intended to highlight the presence of features of the Brazilian artistic and cultural thought, setting them with mediating images of reinvention and invention of the national production. To this end, it considers the interdisciplinary work of contemporary poet Ferreira Gullar as an exemplary image; mainly because this intellectual perceived the feasible freedom of word expression in the French culture and, in keeping the residual memory of foreign passages, it allows the poet to found new spaces and temporalities though.


Olive oil is a key component of the traditional Mediterranean diet; a diet that may explain the low rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Southern European. (Extra virgin) Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and phenolic compounds, both of which have been investigated for their effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, measures of oxidation and factors related to thrombosis. This issue aims to summarise the current understanding of the effects of such dietary components on the haemostatic system and subsequent risk of CVD. To date, evidence suggests that diets rich in MUFA and thus in olive oil attenuate the thrombotic response via a reduction in platelet aggregation and in postprandial FVII levels. Thrombosis is a key event in causing heart attacks and strokes, which if modulated by diet could pose a cost-effective way of reducing CVD incidence in populations that adhere to MUFA/olive oil-rich diets long-term.


Abstract Myopia is one of the main risk factors for the onset of open-angle glaucoma. One of the first steps to assess glaucoma occurrence is the measurement of the intraocular pressure (IOP) by the Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Even if this device is considered to be the gold standard for such measurements, it is affected by several sources of errors. Among these, there are the corneal thickness and curvature, both modified by corneal refractive surgery (CRS), that nowadays has become a very popular method to treat refractive errors. Indeed, CRS, by modifying the corneal shape and structure, causes an underestimation of the IOP measurements. In the literature, several IOP correction formulas to utilize with different devices have been proposed to overcome this problem. This paper aims to review the various correction formulas applied to the GAT in the attempt to improve the reliability of this measurement.


Lithiophorite and cryptomelane are present in samples taken from five different epigenetic occurrences in which the manganese oxides occur as open space fillings and replacements in a slumped and brecciated chert residuum of Fort Payne Formation from which all of the original carbonate fraction has been dissolved. Texturally the oxides occur in diffusely banded aggregates, tightly laminated nodules, and massive porous mixtures with goethite. Lithiophorite is texturally diverse, ranging from cryptocrystalline to large radially disposed crystals. Cryptomelane occurs as very fine-grained to cryptocrystalline masses, bands or sheaf-like aggregates.Both lithiophorite and cryptomelane vary greatly in their content of cobalt and nickel with lithiophorite containing as much as 4.5% Co and 1% Ni and cryptomelane as much as 0.6% Co and 2% Ni. Fine-grained to cryptocrystalline varieties of lithiophorite and cryptomelane generally contain greater amounts of Co and Ni than do their more coarse-grained equivalents. In sections containing both minerals, lithiophorite is rich in cobalt and relatively poor in nickel whereas cryptomelane is rich in nickel and relatively poor in cobalt. If cryptomelane is absent, lithiophorite commonly contains appreciable amounts of both elements.It is proposed that the manganese oxides formed during the weathering and solution removal of the carbonate fraction of the Fort Payne Formation-concomitent with slumping and fracturing of the chert layers. Manganese oxides, possibly in the form of gels, began to nucleate in open spaces and Co and Ni cations were adsorbed into the growing aggregates. Crystallization, with at least a partial lattice site substitution of Co (super +3) for Mn (super +3) in the resulting lithiophorite, produced the very fine-grained textural varieties of both lithiophorite and cryptomelane in which the Co and Ni content is highest. The coarsely crystalline lithiophorite which contains less Co and Ni may represent precipitation and crystallization from solution without an early gel stage which would have served as an accumulating means for foreign cations, or may be the result of the crystallization of gels in which the conditions of formation allowed a more complete expulsion of Co and Ni. Although at the present time it cannot be proven, the most feasible immediate source for the cobalt and nickel now present in the manganese oxides is the limestone fraction of the Fort Payne Formation.


In May 2002, the Department of Health published an audit tool to help social services departments (SSDs) improve services for older people from minority ethnic communities. Traditionally, health and social care providers in the UK have adopted a 'colour-blind' approach, seeking to provide universal services to everyone on the basis of their need, irrespective of who they are. More recently, we have come to understand that this can be discriminatory.


Background: Nutrition is the real determinant of human health. The development of children into healthy adults is dependent on their growth, in a healthy environment and having balanced nutrition. Objective: (1) To determine the association of nutritional status of children with their age, sex and socioeconomic status. (2) To compare the nutritional status of government school children and private school children. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional. Settings: Study was conducted in two schools of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Government Girls high school, Punjab Medical College (PMC), Colony Faisalabad and The Smart School, Faisalabad. Duration: Eight months from Jan 01, 2020 – Aug 30, 2020. Methodology: The study was conducted on 200 children, including males & females, to compare weights and heights among government (government) and private (private) schools. Age groups ranging from 9 above to 14 years were being studied. The data was collected by taking anthropometric measures, height and weight, of the students. To assess the nutritional status, the anthropometric measurement of WHO 2007 reference was used as Weight for Age Z-score (WAZ), Height for Age Z-score (HAZ) and Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age Z-score (BAZ). Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Data was analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 20. Results: The weight of private school children (39.3400 ± 2.39199) was normal as they have adequate diet as compared to government school children (38.7500 ± 1.43812) while 2% children were over weighted. Height of private school children (147.7600 ± 5.04949) was more as compared to government school children (146.8100 ± 4.34310). Statistically Pearson Correlation between weight of private and government school's children was highly significant, p=0.000, df= 1, CI= 95%. Demographic information with height and weight of the children were taken. Z-score was calculated and graphs were plotted. A value within ± 2 SD in these graphs was considered as normal. Conclusion: Socio-economic status affects the availability and quality of food. For under-weight Children, unhygienic and low-quality food/stuffs are the major contributing factors.


'Space Travel and Culture' explores the significance of the first Apollo moon landing and how the countless books, films and products associated with factual space fiction had an affect on popular culture and artistic practice, but not social sciences and humanities.


This paper introduces and illustrates the results of a new method fer offsetting triangular mesh by moving all vertices along the multiple normal vectors of a vertex. The multiple normal vectors of a vertex are set the same as the normal vectors of the faces surrounding the vertex, while the two vectors with the smallest difference are joined repeatedly until the difference is smaller than allowance. Offsetting with the multiple normal vectors of a vertex does not create a gap or overlap at the smooth edges, thereby making the mesh size uniform and the computation time short. In addition, this offsetting method is accurate at the sharp edges because the vertices are moved to the normal directions of faces and joined by the blend surface. The method is also useful for rapid prototyping and tool path generation if the triangular mesh is tessellated part of the solid models with curved surfaces and sharp edges. The suggested method and previous methods are implemented on a PC using C++ and illustrated using an OpenGL library.


This is an introductory manual describing the display-oriented text editor E that is available on the Stanford A.I. Laboratory PDP-10 computer. The present manual is intended to be used as an aid for the beginner as well as for experienced computer users who either are unfamiliar with the E editor or use it infrequently. Reference is made to the two on-line manuals that help the beginner to get started and that provide a complete description of the editor for the experienced user. E is commonly used for writing computer programs and for preparing reports and memoranda. It is not a document editor, although it does provide some facilities for getting a document into a pleasing format. The primary emphasis is that of speed, both in terms of the number of key strokes required of the user and in terms of the demands made on the computer system. At the same time, E is easy to learn and it offers a large range of facilities that are not available on many editors.


PURPOSE
The purpose of these examinations was to monitor changes, in the prevalence of dental fluorosis.

METHODS
In February 1992 and December 1994, children who were residents of one of three communities with varying levels of fluoride in their communal water supply were examined for dental fluorosis. Since some children were available at both examination periods, it was also possible to determine changes in the incidence of dental fluorosis.

RESULTS
The prevalence of fluorosis increased by approximately 14%, 20%, and 6% in the negligibly, optimally, and 4X optimally fluoridated communities, respectively. In the negligibly and optimally fluoridated communities, the incidence of dental fluorosis increased by 12% and 7%, respectively. In the 4X optimally fluoridated community, all the children examined had evidence of fluorosis at both examinations.

CONCLUSION
Fluoride continues to be the primary therapeutic agent for the prevention of dental caries in adults and children. With the downward adjustment in the fluoride supplement schedule, continued monitoring of the prevalence of dental fluorosis in young children is needed to determine if any additional steps are even necessary to restrict fluoride intake during the years that enamel formation is occurring.


Purpose - This research seeks to examine whether two relevant characteristics, source objectivity and internal control effectiveness, influence how auditors evaluate evidence items supporting accounting estimates. Design/methodology/approach - A controlled experiment approach with a sample of 24 auditors from one large international firm. Findings - Results indicate that effective internal controls reduce the impact of relying on internal as opposed to external evidence items. Results also suggest that auditors place reliance on internal control effectiveness when they evaluate external evidence items. Practical implications - Recent professional trends, such as the demand for faster financial reporting, put pressure on auditors to rely on internal rather than more persuasive external evidence items. Relying on less persuasive evidence items reduces audit effectiveness. Auditors may respond by examining a second evidence characteristic; US audit standards suggest evaluating internal control effectiveness if evidence was generated from internal (i.e. client) sources. Thus, this study explores whether internal control effectiveness reduces the impact of relying on evidence items with lower source objectivity. Originality/value - Prior research has concentrated on examining the impact of a change in one evidence characteristic on audit judgment; this study expands the understanding of the evidence evaluation process by exploring how auditors evaluate multiple evidence characteristics. Furthermore, as suggested by Bonner, this research identifies an audit judgment deficiency (i.e. reliance on less persuasive internal evidence due to the demand for faster financial reporting) and examines one potential remedy (i.e. consideration of internal control effectiveness).


Spatial processes are highly relevant phenomena in innovation studies. Regional innovation is both influenced by heterogeneous regional attributes and the neighbouring innovation factors. Spatial econometrics are developed to explicitly cope with the issues of spatial dependence. This paper aims to reveal the spatial processes of regional innovation at the city scale by including the spatial terms in panel data specification. The research region, Guangdong Province, has developed into one of innovation hubs in China. Panel data set in 21 municipalities in Guangdong Province over the period of 2001–2013 has been established. The spatial panel data model shows that regional innovation in Guangdong is driven by R&D expenditure input. Besides, inflow of external knowledge boosts the innovation output through foreign investment stock and imported goods, and it strengthens its role as innovation impetus for the neighbouring cities with the spatial spillover effect. Meanwhile, the depth and width of knowledge accumulated by specialisation economy and diversification economy contribute to innovation both for the city itself and the neighbouring cities. Overall, the paper has succeeded in revealing the effect of spatial dependence of innovation output, as well as the 'spilling over' of the innovation factors on distance-based spatial relations.


By using DBSA as a surface active and protonization solvent, water as solvent, we process the emulsion polymerization of PAN. By matching the p-PAN polymer which has a conductivity from 0.01-10 S/cm and the absorption spectrum from 200 to 500 nm and from 800 to 1100 nm respectively, with the n-semiconductor dye which has an absorption spectrum from 500-800 nm, we make a photoelectric cell with high values. The cell has a cheap price and simple technology. Putting the components of the photoelectric cell composed of p-PAN/n-perylene under sunlight, its short-circuit current, Isc is 10 /spl mu/A/cm/sup 2/, and the open-circuit voltage, Voc, reaches 400 mV.


Every spring over the Antarctic, an ozone hole forms—a localized region where the ozone concentration in the atmosphere is greatly reduced. The ozone is destroyed by a complex chain of chemical reactions beginning with hydrochloric acid. In his Perspective, Clary describes work published in the same issue by Gertner and Hynes (p. 1563) that identifies a new mechanism by which the HCl sticks to ice particles.


The review summarizes information on the role of apoptosis in distinct cell subsets in tuberculosis infection. It is emphasizes that the apoptotic death of Mycobacterium-infected macrophages and immune T cells may have differences for the protection of the host. Macrophageal apoptosis may be considered as an important mechanism involved in defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, by reducing the viability of mycobacteria and inhibiting their spread in the organs. In contrast, elimination of mycobacteria-specific T cells through the apoptotic mechanism of activation-induced cell death rather prevents the long-term responsiveness to mycobacterial antigens, leading to the persistence of infection and unfavorable tuberculosis progression. The findings suggest the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and emphasize the importance of studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in protection and pathology.


Through this research, I have looked at the relationship between the unemployment rate and the birth rate with a focus in Korea. For past few decades, despite the high volume of students obtaining undergraduate degrees, the unemployment rate has constantly increased, bringing about a critical social issue. On the other hand, families have been giving birth to fewer children or no child at all despite the government's efforts to financially aid parents to raise their children. Because of this phenomenon, a new term called 'Sampo generation' has emerged, describing people in their 20s and 30s giving up on three things since they can't economically support themselves: dating, marriage, and giving birth. It has been discovered that the unemployment rate has negative correlation with the birth rate although the labor participation rate has a stronger relationship with the fertility rate. With larger unemployment, the birth rate is decreased whereas with larger participation rate, the number of babies born is increased. Also, interestingly, the effect of unemployment and education are often the opposite for females and males. As people earn more money, however, they postpone their chances of having a child or more although its negative correlation is explained away by education. Lastly, Conservatives have more children than Democrats and Independents and considering the historical and cultural differences between regions, the political affiliations were regarded as proxies for indicating regions that have higher or lower birth rates. However, it has been found that whether the region is relatively urban or rural is a stronger factor determining the birth rates than the political perspectives.


In response to the increasing number of traumatic international child abduction cases, the Hague Abduction Convention (the Convention) has been adopted to secure the return of abducted children to their home country. Most Muslim countries are, however, not yet parties to the Convention. This article seeks to investigate the reason for this phenomenon, focusing in particular on the Convention's compatibility with basic tenets of Islamic law. The article also evaluates Malaysian domestic legislation and case law in order to assess whether Malaysia is in a position to be a party to the Convention. The article finds that although there are a few areas of concern, no serious incompatibility between Shari'ah and the Convention exist, and that more dissemination is required to quash misconceptions about the Convention among Muslim countries. The article concludes with recommendations for Muslim countries in this crucial area of protecting the best interests of our children.


ABSTRACT Health evaluation of the indoor environment is an important part of the housing study. During the recent COVID-19 lockdown and the increase of longer indoor stays pose a measured threat to general health conditions of residents, especially those that live in more compact and populated living environments. For health-oriented studies that focus on the analysis of indoor environments, many variables should be taken into consideration that could also help to optimize natural lighting, natural airflow, better privacy, less noise from neighboring housing units/buildings, etc. Hence, this study focuses on satisfaction analysis of both general comfort and indoor thermal comfort. By evaluating these, we are able to shed light on inequalities that exist across a large body of 10 housing typologies in the UK. The sample-based satisfaction analysis is representative to indicate the correlations between multiple factors, and specifically those that could have negative impacts on the living indoor environments and human health. The findings of this study suggest that based on the collected data, there is a definite link between dissatisfaction rates and the implications of the housing conditions. Under the circumstances of the lockdown period, the study's findings could help to find solutions for better indoor environment design, upgraded standards, and pathways for new policy guidelines. A discussion on correlation analysis highlights the issues that are important for the study of housing and health.


You Polymer composites have been attractive medium to introduce the autonomic healing concept into modern day engineering materials. To date, there has been significant research in self-healing polymeric materials including several studies specifically in fiber reinforced polymers. Even though several methods have been suggested in autonomic healing materials, the concept of repair by bleeding of enclosed functional agents has garnered wide attention by the scientific community. A self-healing fiber reinforced polymer composite has been developed. Tensile tests are carried out on specimens that are fabricated by using the following components: hollow and solid glass fibers, healing agent, catalysts, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and a polymer resin matrix. The test results have demonstrated that single fiber polymer composites and multiple fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with healing agents and catalysts have provided 90.7% and 76.55% restoration of the original tensile strength, respectively. Incorporation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the healing medium of the single fiber polymer composite has provided additional efficiency. Healing is found to be localized, allowing multiple healing in the presence of several cracks.


Aim of the study: the estimation of endoscopic methods efficacy in diagnostics and treatment of colon polypoid neoplasm. The study was carried out in versatile city hospital. Methods and materials: 5811 colonoscopies (CS) were executed in endoscopic department of versatile city hospital Nr. 2, Krasnodar during the period of 01.01.2011 01.01.2012 years. There were 332 endoscopic loop polypectomies, and 12 endoscopic mucosal resections among 5811 CS. Results: The choice of endoscopic extraction method depended on neoplasm microscopic type and its histological structure according to pre-operated histological investigation. In the most cases the neoplasm Ip and Is types were extracted by loop polypectomy. In cases of III grade or more dysplasia in the neoplasm Ip and Is types had revealed the endoscopic mucosal resection was performed. The neoplasm IIa and IIb were extracted by the endoscopic mucosal resection. The presence of IIc component was assessed as a bad prognostic feature and only the dilatated loop biopsy was carried out. During the endoscopic extraction of 32 villous tumors of the colon (size of 17 ones was more than 3.0 cm, and 3 ones was more 5.0 cm) 2 complications occurred and an urgent surgery was carried out in 1 case. The following periods of endoscopic control were determined according to extracted polypoid neoplasm histological data: 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The relapse absence was assessed not only visually, but by biopsy from colon mucosal scars. Conclusion: patients with the colon polypoid neoplasm need the dynamic clinic endoscopic supervision because of increased risk of oncotransformation.


The history of modern feminist political theories is often framed in terms of the already existing theories of a number of radical nineteenth-century men philosophers such as James Mill, John Stuart Mill, Charles Fourier, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels. My argument takes issue with this way of framing feminist political theory by demonstrating that it rests on a derivation that remains squarely within the logic of malestream political theory. Each of these philosophers made use of a particular discursive trope that linked the idea of women's emancipation with the idea of social progress. I argue that this trope reproduced the masculinist signification and symbolism inherent in their particular political philosophies. I argue for a more positive, less masculinist, account of the history of feminist political thought.


An anisotropic damage model was established for fluid-saturated crystalline rocks of low permeability in coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) loading conditions by using the micromechanical approach in the framework of thermodynamics. The proposed damage model accounts for the impacts of some important micromechanisms, such as the interstitial water pressure, normal stiffness recovery induced by compressed microcracks and sliding and shear dilatancy of closed microcracks, on the macromechanical properties of rocks under non-isothermal condition. On this basis, using various homogenization approaches, estimates were presented for the variations in effective permeability of cracked rocks induced by anisotropic damage propagation. The predictive limitations associated with the lower bound estimates for the effective permeability of damaged rocks were discussed; and a rigorous upper bound estimate was then presented to account for the influence of some important microstructural features, such as the connectivity and persistence of microcrack system, on the permeability variation. Existing laboratory tests on granite samples for damage-induced variation in permeability in triaxial condition and for uniaxial mechanical response after high-temperature thermal treatment, together with the in-situ measurements of excavation-induced damage zone and permeability variation in the surrounding rock of the TSX tunnel, were used to validate the proposed models.


Data sharing is a very important practicality in cloud storage. This paper generally tend to expose the way to firmly, expeditiously, and flexibly proportion understanding with others in cloud garage. This paper have a tendency to describe new public-key cryptosystems that manufacture steady-length ciphertexts exact reasonably priced delegation of cryptography rights for any set of ciphertexts are workable. The newness is that one will mixture any set of mystery keys and construct them as compact as one key, however encompassing the ability of all the keys being aggregate. In opportunity words, the important thing holder will unharness a constant-length aggregate key for flexible alternatives of ciphertext set in cloud garage, but the contrary encrypted files out of doors the set stay confidential. This compact combination key can be handily sent to others or be preserve on terribly revolving credit with very limited comfy storage. This system offer formal security analysis of schemes inside the common place version. This machine have a tendency to moreover describe opportunity software of this schemes. Mainly, this schemes offer the number one public-key patient managed cryptography for versatile hierarchy,that was although to be legendary.


Objective Description of surgical technique, complications and outcome of radius/ulna fractures in toy and miniature breed dogs treated with the paraosseous clamp-cerclage stabilisation (PCCS) method. Study design Retrospective study. Methods Clinical records of small breed dogs with fractures of the radius and ulna were reviewed between January 2011 and January 2016. Inclusion criteria were bodyweight of ≤3.5 kg, fracture of the radius and ulna of one or two limbs without previous repair attempts, available follow-up information, and the use of PCCS for repair of the fracture as the sole method of fixation. Results Seventeen fractures in 17 dogs were included in the study. Radiographic union was documented in 13/17 cases. Median time to radiographic union was 13 weeks (range: 5–53 weeks). Major complications occurred in 24 per cent (4/17) due to implant failure, and for revision surgery the PCCS method was chosen in all four cases. Three of four revised fractures healed radiographically. One of the four dogs was lost for radiographic follow-up, but the owner could be contacted for a telephone questionnaire. Eleven of 17 dogs achieved an excellent return to function without any lameness during clinical examination, but 5/17 dogs showed an intermittent mild lameness despite full radiographic union. Routine implant removal was performed in 9/17 dogs. The owners of 15/17 dogs could be contacted for a telephone questionnaire for a long-term follow-up. No further complications were reported. Conclusions PCCS is a feasible low-cost internal fixation technique for repairing radial and ulnar fractures in toy breed dogs. Further biomechanical and clinical studies are needed for better evaluation of the PCCS method.


Aims: Spinal anesthesia is the procedure of choice for caesarean section. There is no risk of airway hazards, such as difficult airway intubation and aspiration in this method. Some cases avoid to choose this method, because of fear of complications specially headache. This Study has been done to assess the true extent of headache after surgery with spinal anesthesia and its related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was done in 2011 for one year in 22th of Bahman hospital of Gonabad. 200 pregnant women that was candidate for caesarean section under spinal anesthesia were selected by achievable and purposeful sampling method. All procedure was performed in a sitting position and with a disposable 25-gauge needle with 75mg Lidocaine 5% and 25 micrograms Fentanyl. Data were gathered and analyzed using the SPSS 11.5 software and independent T and Chi-square tests. Results: 12 patients (6%) in 24 hours after spinal anesthesia and 44 cases (22%) in first week after spinal anesthesia experienced headache. Headache happening had a significant relationship with body mass index (p=0.028) and occupational factors (p=0.011) in the first week. Hypotension was the most complication (52.5%) during spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Hypotension is the most complications during spinal anesthesia. Those with higher body mass index and those who were employed are at higher risk for headache in first week after spinal anesthesia.


RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring endogenous regulatory process in which the short double-stranded RNA causes sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) represents great therapeutic potential for diseases (e.g., cancer) caused by abnormal gene overexpression or mutation. The major challenge in using RNAi for disease therapy is the targeted and effective delivery of siRNA in vivo. The development of nanotechnology with the important progress in nanoparticle-mediated delivery systems promises efficient intracellular siRNA delivery. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanoparticle delivery systems for siRNA-based therapeutics.


The IBM POWER8™ processor is a 649-mm $^{2} $
, 4.2-billion transistor, high-frequency microprocessor fabricated in the IBM 22-nm silicon on insulator (SOI) technology with embedded dynamic random access memory (eDRAM) and 15 layers of metal. With its twelve architecturally enhanced, eight-way multithreaded cores, 96-MB high-bandwidth shared third-level cache, and increased on and off-chip bandwidth, the POWER8 processor delivers industry-leading performance. This paper describes the circuit techniques and design methodologies that were employed for implementing this chip and that allowed it to maintain the power dissipation at the level of its predecessor while delivering a threefold increase in per-socket performance. Among the innovative technologies employed by the processor are resonant clocking, on-chip per-core voltage regulation, and enhanced eDRAM arrays.


The majority of legal knowledge based systems (LKBS) in commercial use are rule based and target domains of law characterized by large and complex statutes where modelling discretion is not a central concern. Furthermore, to date, few LKBS execute on the World Wide Web. Despite this, LKBS designed for a web environment can make law more universally accessible and transparent. Tools required to facilitate the development of web based systems include a web based expert system shell, conceptual tools that allow for the identification of appropriate domains for web implementation, modeling tools for discretionary domains and architectures for virtual discourse. We present a shell called WebShell that uses two knowledge modelling techniques; decision trees for procedural type tasks and argument trees for tasks that are more discretionary. Rather than translate decision tree knowledge into rules for a conventional inference engine, we map the decision trees into sets we call sequence transition networks. These sets can readily be stored in relational database format in a way that simplifies the inference engine design. Although WebShell facilitates the deployment of LKBS in a web environment, it does not encourage negotiation and virtual discourse. An argumentation shell program, Argument Developer is presented that encourages participants in a virtual discursive community to understand each other's perspectives and reach decisions by consensus.


"Faces of Women" is an educational and playful proposal created for provide resources in the Network for the analysis of female stereotypes in advertising. This article cites various considerations on gender stereotypes and shows the operation of the virtual playroom, which enables users to uncover and do a critical reading of various advertisements. It is a commitment to media literacy for the study of advertising in the media which often present a superficial and patchy image of women compared with men.


Diminishing clean water resources and their pollution (due to human activities and climatic change) are of great concern on a global basis. Under such conditions, the adequacy of drinking water (DW) standards and their meticulous implementation are issues of utmost importance in safeguarding human health. Unfortunately, the significant number of disease outbreaks (and of other suspected/potential health effects) related to DW, even in developed countries, attests to the fact that these issues require vigilance and continuous re-appraisal, particularly considering the assorted emerging contaminants and the ever-improving technological tools to cope with them. Therefore, the present comprehensive assessment addresses the main issues and concerns regarding DW standards and implementation thereof. Emphasis is placed on identifying the inherent deficiencies of standards (due to neglect of potential toxic contaminants and to debatable specifications/limit values) and regulations for their implementation and the monitoring of DW quality (due to weaknesses of available analytical/measurement techniques and inadequacies of tools and protocols). Rather serious deficiencies on these aspects are evident regarding the main categories of contaminants, i.e., synthetic chemicals and biological species. In regard to addressing these issues, progress made in recent years at the scientific/technical level and the main challenges are outlined toward the goal of an improvement in standards and their implementation.


The Saudi foreign policy towards Israel is often misunderstood. The discourse surrounding Saudi-Israeli relations have either emphasised the strong animosity between them, or, have suggested a kind of 'alliance' resulting from Saudi-Israeli shared animosity towards Iran. This project argues against both accounts. Instead, it will argue that Saudi foreign policy towards Israel balances between promoting significant security interests, while maintaining its conservative identity. As a result, I conceptualise both concepts of cooperation and communication to explain how Saudi Arabia has achieved this balance. Passive cooperation is a concept where actors reach mutual goals, but not engage openly or publically with each other, nor explicit coordination. Accordingly, Saudi Arabian foreign policy achieves mutual goals with Israel, while navigating around domestic and external constraints. The Saudi ruling elite have also communicated their willingness of having active cooperation, if certain conditions are met. Although they have communicated the potentiality of active cooperation, they have not done this in an explicit way, rather, in a passive way. In brief, passive communication achieves a 'communicative balance' where actors balance between different audiences and their own identity. The nature of the language used by Saudi statesmen and diplomats is contingent, and therefore enables simultaneous different meanings to be communicated to different actors, and can also allow the perception of Israel to change according to each context. Finally, the project examines the passive foreign policy that Saudi Arabia has towards Israel, a foreign policy that delicately balances between not being too close, and not being too far.


Introduction: Impaired thermoregulation after spinal anesthesia ultimate shivering. This shivering increases tissue oxygen consumption, minute ventilation and cardiac work. Select an appropriate medication to reduce shivering with minimal maternal and neonatal side effects in cesarean section is important. The present study was done to investigate the effects of low-dose infusion of magnesium sulfate to reduce shivering during spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. Methods: This interventional prospective clinical trial was conducted on 80 pregnant women with ASA class 1 who underwent cesarean section with spinal anesthesia in 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Case group received 30 mg/kg magnesium sulfate in 50 cc normal saline and control group received 50cc normal saline over 30 minutes as placebo. Vital signs, shivering and tympanic temperature were measured before and after spinal anesthesia every 15 minutes for 90 minutes. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 11.5) and t-test, non-parametric Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Age, weight, vital signs before surgery (MAP, HR, SpO2) and duration of surgery were similar between two groups. Incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting and use of drugs for treatment of complication were not different between two groups. Shivering rates at minutes 15, 30 and 45 was not significant between two groups but shivering rates at minutes 60, 75 and 90 were higher in control group than magnesium group and the differences were statistically significant (p=0.004, p=0.049, p=0.022, respectively). Two groups were significantly different in terms of body temperature after spinal anesthesia (p<0.001). A significant difference was proved between groups in body temperature during surgery. Conclusion: The use of intravenous magnesium during spinal anesthesia can maintain body temperature higher and reduce shivering during or after surgery without increasing in adverse effect.


To the Editor.— Dr Albert Miller, writing on "The 'Growth Disease' in American Institutional Medicine" (1982;247:469), pins the blame for hospitals' "fiscal chaos" on unrestrained, fiscally irresponsible expansion of facilities and services, commandeered by "growth-oriented administrators" and sanctioned by "strikingly passive governing boards." Dr Miller implies that the growth of medical institutions is responsible for escalating health costs. He ignores other, equally important factors, such as an aging population that demands more services, increased intensity of services, long-overdue increases in nursing salaries, and overall inflation in energy and interest costs. Dr Miller's concluding argument, for stronger institutional leadership by trustees and greater involvement by physicians, is substantially correct, but not for the reasons he ascribes. Based on consulting relationships with many hospitals, it is my observation that when it comes to expanding services, members of the medical staff are often leading advocates for new technology, facilities, and services. The much-publicized


The velocity occupancy space (VOS) algorithm was developed to allow an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to avoid moving and stationary obstacles and navigate efficiently to a goal using only uncertain sensor data. The original VOS concept was designed for an ideal, holonomic UGV that was capable of perfect, repeatable and instantaneous velocity changes. The method presented here adapts VOS through the use of extended velocity obstacles (EVOs) so that VOS can operate on experimental UGVs that suffer from actuation error. For this research, the EVOs have been designed based on the performance of a SuperDroid ATR, but they can be easily calibrated for other velocity controlled UGVs. The proposed method is validated through numerous simulations.Copyright © 2012 by ASME


Purpose: To explore a possible association between full-field electroretinograms with vitreomacular adhesion resolution and best-corrected visual acuity as part of the prospective, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled Ocriplasmin for Treatment for Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion Including Macular Hole (OASIS) trial studying ocriplasmin. Methods: The ERG substudy enrolled 62 of 220 OASIS subjects (randomized 2:1) and analyzed full-field electroretinograms and their association with both vitreomacular adhesion resolution and best-corrected visual acuity from baseline through Month 24. Electroretinogram reductions were defined as acute full-field electroretinogram reductions in amplitude of ≥40% from baseline occurring at postinjection Day 7 or Day 28. Results: In the ocriplasmin group, 16/40 (40%) subjects developed ERG reductions, compared to 1/21 (4.8%) in the sham group; 13/16 (81.3%) and 1/1 (100%) resolved by study end, respectively. A total of 11/16 (68.8%) ocriplasmin-treated subjects with ERG reductions achieved vitreomacular adhesion resolution, compared to those without (9/24, 37.5%). The ocriplasmin-treated subjects with ERG reductions also gained more letters on average (11.3 vs. 9.3 letters) from baseline and had a difference of 6.7 letters in mean best-corrected visual acuity by study end compared to those without ERG reductions. Conclusion: Ocriplasmin-treated subjects with ERG reductions had a higher rate of vitreomacular adhesion resolution and showed better visual improvement than their counterparts without ERG reductions or sham subjects by study end.


Voltage contrast (VC) mode inline E-beam inspection (EBI) at post contact layer provides electrical readout of critical yield signals at an early stage, which could be months before a wafer reaches functional test. Similar to the passive voltage contrast (PVC) technique that is widely used in failure analysis labs, inline VC scanning is based on scanning electron microscopy, where a low keV electron beam scans across the wafer. Conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) was successfully implemented as a characterization method for inline VC defects. In this paper, three challenging VC defect analysis case studies are considered: bright voltage contrast (BVC) gate to active short, BVC Junction leakage, and Dark Voltage Contrast gate contact open. Defects exhibiting a hard electrical short, junctional leakage, and open gate contact are used to illustrate how CAFM provides a powerful and comprehensive solution for in-depth characterization of the inline VC defects.


The wagon flow scheduling plays a very important role in transportation activities in railway bureau. However, it is difficult to implement in the actual decision-making process of wagon flow scheduling that compiled under certain environment, because of the interferences of uncertain information, such as train arrival time, train classify time, train assemble time, and flexible trainsize limitation. Based on existing research results, considering the stochasticity of all kinds of train operation time and fuzziness of train-size limitation of the departure train, aimed at maximizing the satisfaction of departure train-size limitation and minimizing the wagon residence time at railway station, a stochastic chance-constrained fuzzy multiobjective model for flexible wagon flow scheduling problem is established in this paper. Moreover, a hybrid intelligent algorithm based on ant colony optimization ACO and genetic algorithm GA is also provided to solve this model. Finally, the rationality and effectiveness of the model and algorithm are verified through a numerical example, and the results prove that the accuracy of the train work plan could be improved by the model and algorithm; consequently, it has a good robustness and operability.


Despite China s one-child family planning policy, the nation experienced a slight rise in the birth rate in the mid-1980s. Many observers attributed this rise to the heightened fertility of those rural-to-urban migrants who moved without a change in registration (temporary migrants), presumably to avoid the surveillance of family planning programs at origin and destination. Using a sequential logit analysis with life-history data from a 1988 survey of Hubei Province, we test this possibility by comparing nonmigrants, permanent migrants, and temporary migrants. While changing family planning policies have a strong impact on timing of first birth and on the likelihood of higher-order births, migrants generally do not have more children than nonmigrants. In fact, migration tends to lower the propensity to have a child. More specifically, the fertility of temporary migrants does not differ significantly from that of other women.


We propose two incremental preference elicitation methods for interactive preference-based optimization on weighted matroid structures. More precisely, for linear objective (utility) functions, we propose an interactive greedy algorithm interleaving preference queries with the incremental construction of an independent set to obtain an optimal or near-optimal base of a matroid. We also propose an interactive local search algorithm based on sequences of possibly improving exchanges for the same problem. For both algorithms, we provide performance guarantees on the quality of the returned solutions and the number of queries. Our algorithms are tested on the uniform, graphical and scheduling matroids to solve three different problems (committee election, spanning tree, and scheduling problems) and evaluated in terms of computation times, number of queries, and empirical error.


In this thesis, the Erlang queueing model Af/i/l, where customers arrive at random mean rate A and service times have an Erlang distribution with parameter k and iro service rate u, has been considered from different perspectives. Firstly, an analytic metl of obtaining the time-dependent probabilities, pn,,(() for the M/Ek/l system have t> proposed in terms of a new generalisation of the modified Bessel function when initk there are no customers in the system. Results have been also generalised to the case wl initially there are a customers in the system. Secondly, a new generalisation of the modified Bessei function and its generating function have been presented with its main properties and relations to other special functii (generalised Wright function and Mittag-Leffler function) haw been noted. Thirdly, the mean waiting tune in the queue, H',(f), has been evaluated, using Lucha results. The double-exponential approximation of computing Yq(t) has been proposed different values of p. which gives results within about % of the 'exact1 values obtained fr numerical solution of the differential-difference equations. The advantage of this approximation is that it provides additional information, via its functional form of the characterisl of the transient solution. Fourthly, the inversion of the Laplace transform with the application to the queues 1 been studied and verified for A//A//1 and M/Ek/l models of computing Wq{t}. Finally, an application of the A//fi/l queue has been provided in the example of hour traffic flow for the Severn Bridge. One of the main reasons for studying queue models from a theoretical point of view is to develop ways of modelling real-life system. The analytic results have been confirmed with the simulation.


Large-scale deep neural networks are both memory intensive and computation-intensive, thereby posing stringent requirements on the computing platforms. Hardware accelerations of deep neural networks have been extensively investigated in both industry and academia. Specific forms of binary neural networks (BNNs) and stochastic computing based neural networks (SCNNs) are particularly appealing to hardware implementations since they can be implemented almost entirely with binary operations. Despite the obvious advantages in hardware implementation, these approximate computing techniques are questioned by researchers in terms of accuracy and universal applicability. Also it is important to understand the relative pros and cons of SCNNs and BNNs in theory and in actual hardware implementations. In order to address these concerns, in this paper we prove that the "ideal" SCNNs and BNNs satisfy the universal approximation property with probability 1 (due to the stochastic behavior). The proof is conducted by first proving the property for SCNNs from the strong law of large numbers, and then using SCNNs as a "bridge" to prove for BNNs. Based on the universal approximation property, we further prove that SCNNs and BNNs exhibit the same energy complexity. In other words, they have the same asymptotic energy consumption with the growing of network size. We also provide a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of SCNNs and BNNs for hardware implementations and conclude that SCNNs are more suitable for hardware.


This paper presents a contingency analysis study of Embedded Generation (EG) deployment in distribution network. It is expected of increasing amounts of EG that will be connected to power system distribution in the near future. Due to advances of technology and deregulation in the power market, EG is expected to become more cost effective energy sources that open the opportunity of exploiting renewable energy sources. This paper is started by introducing a new method for determining the optimal location and size of EG that needed to be deployed in the distribution network simultaneously using Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique. It follows by the discussion of evaluating the impact of the location and the size of EG to the system before and after contingency is created in the system due to fault. The proposed allocation methods and contingency analysis are demonstrated using IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system.


Factuality can play an important role when automatically processing clinical text, as it makes a difference if particular symptoms are explicitly not present, possibly present, not mentioned, or affirmed. In most cases, a sufficient number of examples is necessary to handle such phenomena in a supervised machine learning setting. However, as clinical text might contain sensitive information, data cannot be easily shared. In the context of factuality detection, this work presents a simple solution using machine translation to translate English data to German to train a transformer-based factuality detection model.


Physiological responses to exercise in dry heat were compared between six active men [maximum O2 consumption (VO2max), 51.4 +/- 1.2 ml . kg-1 . min-1] and four active women (VO2max, 47.2 +/- 1.3 ml . kg-1 . min-1) before, during, and after heat acclimatization. Subjects cycled a maximum of 2 h at 40% VO2max at 45 degrees C dry-bulb temperature, 23 degrees C wet-bulb temperature for 11 days. Prior to acclimatization there were no sexual differences for performance time, rate of increase of rectal temperature (delta Tre), or sweat rate per degree C increase of rectal temperature (msw/delta Tre). Sweat rate (msw) was greater for the men than for the women. Although there was no difference in the rate of increase of heart rate (delta HR), HR for the women was maintained 15-20 beats . min-1 higher than for the men. Acclimatization occurred for both sexes as indicated by reduced Tre and HR and increased msw and performance time. With acclimatization the women had longer performance times than the men. Even though the men still had greater msw, delta Tre was also greater; therefore msw/delta Tre for the men was less than for the women. Neither HR nor delta HR was different between the sexes. Throughout, resting hematocrit for the women was less than for the men; no changes in hematocrit were observed during exercise or with acclimatization. Plasma protein concentration increased during exercise on all days; no changes in plasma osmolality were observed. It is concluded that active women perform exercise of equal relative intensity in dry heat as well as active men. Moreover active women acclimatized to heat at a faster rate or to a greater extent than did active men.


Rail fasteners for concrete ties and direct fixation and bolted rail joints have been identified as key components for improving track performance. However, the lack of statistical load data limits the development of improved design criteria and evaluation tests. This report evaluates the data required for design, laboratory tests, and for the development and verification of analytical models of fastener and joint performance. Available track instrumentation is reviewed for fulfilling these requirements, and functional specifications have been developed for improved tie plate load cells and instrumented wheels. Also included are recommendations for data analysis and data processing procedures and test site selection criteria needed to plan and conduct comprehensive measurement programs.


Background Since the introduction of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), progressive improvements in results have been achieved. However, conventional bifurcated stent grafts have been proven to have a nonnegligible risk of failure and secondary intervention, principally due to the lack of adequate proximal sealing. The unique AFX 2 Endovascular AAA System (Endologix, Irvine, CA) unibody device, which provides different sealing and fixation features compared with conventional devices, seems to overcome these limitations. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative results in patients treated with the AFX 2 Endovascular AAA System endografts for elective AAA repair in a large cohort of consecutive patients. Methods All eligible EVAR patients will be included in this observational, multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized study. The number of patients to be enrolled is 500. Results The primary endpoint of the study is to evaluate the technical and clinical success of EVAR with unibody endografts in short- (90-day), mid- (1-year), and long-term (5-year) follow-up periods. The following secondary endpoints will also be addressed: operative time, intraoperative radiation exposure, contrast medium usage, AAA sac shrinkage at 12-month and 5-year follow-up, and any potential role of patients' baseline characteristics and device configuration on primary endpoint. The actual start date of the investigation was November 2019. The final patient is expected to be treated by the end of December 2020, and the estimated study completion date is December 2025. Conclusions This study will provide verified real-world data on AAAs treated by AFX 2 endografts and followed for a long-term interval. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/16959


Social interactions are important for us, humans, as social creatures. Emotions play an important part in social interactions. They usually express meanings along with the spoken utterances to the interlocutors. Automatic facial expressions recognition is one technique to automatically capture, recognise, and understand emotions from the interlocutor. Many techniques proposed to increase the accuracy of emotions recognition from facial cues. Architecture such as convolutional neural networks demonstrates promising results for emotions recognition. However, most of the current models of convolutional neural networks require an enormous computational power to train and process emotional recognition. This research aims to build compact networks with depthwise separable layers while also maintaining performance. Three datasets and three other similar architectures were used to be compared with the proposed architecture. The results show that the proposed architecture performed the best among the other architectures. It achieved up to 13% better accuracy and 6–71% smaller and more compact than the other architectures. The best testing accuracy achieved by the architecture was 99.4%.


VisualRDK is a high-level programming language for prototyping pervasive applications. Context is tightly integrated into the language itself, so developers can attach functionality to locations, persons, or situations instead of the device. Pervasive computing appliances range from consumer devices over embedded sensor boards to PCs and large-scale context servers. Because these devices vary tremendously in their capabilities, application developers must create different programming models for every class of device. This makes rapid prototyping infeasible as soon as more than one class of devices is involved. Rapid prototyping therefore requires a programming model that hides the environment's heterogeneity.


Texture modified diets are among the most used in hospitals and nursing homes. These traditionally prepared diets may have a low nutritional value and particularly tend to have low energy and protein content. The continued use of these diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and compromise the patient's nutritional status Over the last decades, we have witnessed the evolution of technology and evolved and nowadays it is possible to find on the market industrial products with a complete nutritional value and a suitable texture for deglutition among inpatients. These products are easy to prepare and serve, so that their inclusion in the hospital kitchens provides great advantages.


[1] Agricultural crops with a C4 photosynthetic pathway rapidly expanded across North America as early as 800 A.D. Their distribution continues to expand globally as demands for food and biofuel production increase. These systems are highly productive, having a significant impact on carbon and water exchange between the land and atmosphere. Here, we investigate the relative impact of agricultural C4 vegetation on the CO2 photosynthetic discrimination and atmospheric isotopic forcing in the upper Midwest, United States. We address three questions: (1) What is the relative importance of C3 and C4 species to the CO2 budget? (2) How do these different photosynthetic pathways influence the photosynthetic discrimination within this heterogeneous landscape? (3) To what extent does land use change (i.e., a change in C4 crops) impact atmospheric isotopic forcing and the isotopic signature of the atmosphere? These questions are addressed using measurements obtained from the University of Minnesota tall tower (244 m) trace gas observatory (TGO) over the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008 and are supported with scaled‐up values of discrimination and isotopic forcing based on ecosystem‐scale eddy flux observations and high‐resolution land use data. Our land use analyses indicate that local and regional C4 production was higher by 10% in 2007 due to increased demand for biofuel. The 2007 growing season was also characterized by moderate drought as a consequence of low antecedent soil water content. Isotopic flux ratio measurements from TGO provide evidence that the increase in C4 land use and drier soil conditions of 2007 had a significant impact on the growing season CO2 photosynthetic discrimination, which ranged from 11.5 to 14.8 in 2007 and 12.4‰ to 17.4‰ in 2008. Isotopic partitioning indicated that C4 species accounted for about 20 to 40% of the growing season gross photosynthetic CO2 exchange. The isoforcing analysis revealed that C3 discrimination dominated the atmospheric da 13 budget, especially during spring and fall. Estimates of CO2 photosynthetic discrimination for this region support recently published isotope modeling studies that explicitly accounted for increases in C4 cropland, which has significant implications for estimating the terrestrial carbon sink strength based on inverse modeling techniques.


The Escherichia coli alpha-hemolysin represents a potent stimulus for inflammatory mediator release (O2-, beta-glucuronidase release, and leukotriene generation) from human polymorphonuclear granulocytes, for histamine release from a suspension of human lymphocyte/monocyte basophil cells (LMB), and for serotonin release and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid generation from human platelets. In contrast, the E. coli alpha-hemolysin leads to a downregulation of cytokine release (interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) from human LMB. Recently, it became apparent that the E. coli alpha-hemolysin is composed of several functional structures. We analyzed the role of pore formation, pore stability, and calcium-dependent membrane binding for inflammatory mediator release by using washed bacteria as well as culture supernatants of isogenic recombinant E. coli strains expressing no hemolysin (Hly-), the wild-type hemolysin (Hly+), or hemolysin molecules deficient or modulated in defined functions (pore formation, calcium-dependent membrane binding, or pore stability). In human granulocytes and platelets, mutant hemolysin with enhanced pore stability did not lead to a further increase in induction; mutant hemolysin deficient in pore-forming activity or calcium-dependent membrane binding no longer induced leukotriene B4 generation or beta-glucuronidase release compared with the wild-type hemolysin. Similar results were obtained with regard to histamine release from human LMB. The induction of cytokine release from human LMB differed depending on the type of mutant E. coli alpha-hemolysin. The wild-type hemolysin, the mutant hemolysin with enhanced pore-forming activity, and, to a lesser degree, the mutant hemolysin deficient in pore-forming activity decreased cytokine release (IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor) compared with untreated cells. In contrast, the mutant hemolysin deficient in calcium-dependent membrane binding led to an increase of up to 50% in cytokine release compared with that by unstimulated cells. Our results indicate that simultaneous expression of the pore-forming and calcium-dependent membrane-binding activities of the hemolysin molecule was necessary to obtain the full cellular inflammatory response pattern observed with the wild-type hemolysin.