Although steroids are generally thought to impair intestinal anastomotic healing, this effect has never been proven unequivocally in either clinical or experimental studies. We have investigated the influence of methylprednisolone (2.5 or 10.0 mg kg-1 day-1) given from 2 days before operation onwards, on 3-day-old and 7-day-old ileal and colonic anastomoses in rats. Anastomotic abscesses occurred more frequently in the ileum, but not in the colon, after steroid medication. However, methylprednisolone did not lower anastomotic bursting pressures in either of the bowel segments. Comparison of the hydroxyproline content of the anastomotic segment yielded no significant difference between control and methylprednisolone groups in either small or large bowel. Thus, healing of experimental colonic anastomoses remains unaffected by short-term administration of this corticosteroid.


The majority of close massive binary stars with initial periods of a few days experience a contact phase, in which both stars overflow their Roche lobes simultaneously. We perform the first dedicated study of the evolution of massive contact binaries and provide a comprehensive prediction of their observed properties. We compute 2790 detailed binary models for the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds each, assuming mass transfer to be conservative. The initial parameter space for both grids span total masses from 20 to 80$\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ , orbital periods of 0.6–2 d and mass ratios of 0.6–1.0. We find that models that remain in contact over nuclear time-scales evolve towards equal masses, echoing the mass ratios of their observed counterparts. Ultimately, the fate of our nuclear-time-scale models is to merge on the main sequence. Our predicted period–mass ratio distributions of O-type contact binaries are similar for both galaxies, and we expect 10 such systems together in both Magellanic Clouds. While we can largely reproduce the observed distribution, we overestimate the population of equal-mass contact binaries. This situation is somewhat remedied if we also account for binaries that are nearly in contact. Our theoretical distributions work particularly well for contact binaries with periods <2 d and total masses $\lessapprox 45\, \mathrm{M}_\odot \,$. We expect stellar winds, non-conservative mass transfer, and envelope inflation to have played a role in the formation of the more massive and longer-period contact binaries.


The PS-MMT was synthesized through intercalating styrene monomer into the layer of MMT by in-situ polymerization. Composite modified asphalts with PS-MMT and SBS were prepared by melt blending. Rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) was carried out to study the aging property. The results demonstrate that both modified MMT and SBS homogeneously disperse in the base asphalt, which lead to an improvement in terms of toughness, strength, and thermal stability. Impact of the PS-MMT on the properties of SBS modified asphalt appears as a decreasing penetration, an increasing softening point, and a decreasing ductility. Compared with that of SBS modified asphalt, the anti-aging property of PS-MMT /SBS modified asphalt was greatly improved.


intended therapy could not be performed. Variables studied were demographics, indications, procedure details, and outcomes. Results: A total of 1,037 ERCPs were performed in this period. Forty-eight ERCPs were unsuccessful (4.6%). Mean age of patients was 58.7±13.5 years and 52.1% were men. Indications and reasons for failed ERCP are summarized in Table 1 and 2 respectively. Of patients, 9/48 (18.8%) had a successful repeat ERCP. Th ere was no mortality in this group. Of the remaining 39 patients, 21 (53.8%) had PTC, 10 (25.6%) were managed conservatively, 4(10.3%) had surgery, and 4 (10.3%) were lost to follow-up. Of patients, 6/25 (24%) who had a secondary intervention developed cholangitis/sepsis and 2 (8%) patients had a bile leak. Of patients, 5/48 (10.4%) died during the same admission. Six (12.5%) patients required ICU admission of which 5 (83.3%) died. Mean length of stay post-failed ERCP was 32.8±17.4 days in patients who required ICU admission and 6.11±4.19 days in those who did not. Mean antibiotic days were 11.8±8.6. Mean admission days overall post-failed ERCP were 8.4±7.3. Sixteen (33.3%) patients were readmitted aft er a mean of 33.5±35.6 days. Conclusion: Major reason for unsuccessful ERCP was inability to cannulate the duct of intention followed by altered surgical GI anatomy. Majority of patients were treated with PTC aft er unsuccessful ERCP and were at increased risk of developing cholangitis or sepsis post-PTC. Admission to the ICU carried a high mortality rate and was associated with prolonged length of stay.


To improve device robustness, a highly desirable key feature of a competitive data-driven acoustic scene classification (ASC) system, a novel two-stage system based on fully convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is proposed. Our two-stage system leverages on an ad-hoc score combination based on two CNN classifiers: (i) the first CNN classifies acoustic inputs into one of three broad classes, and (ii) the second CNN classifies the same inputs into one of ten finergrained classes. Three different CNN architectures are explored to implement the two-stage classifiers, and a frequency sub-sampling scheme is investigated. Moreover, novel data augmentation schemes for ASC are also investigated. Evaluated on DCASE 2020 Task 1a, our results show that the proposed ASC system attains a state-of-the-art accuracy on the development set, where our best system, a two-stage fusion of CNN ensembles, delivers a 81.9% average accuracy among multi-device test data, and it obtains a significant improvement on unseen devices. Finally, neural saliency analysis with class activation mapping (CAM) gives new insights on the patterns learnt by our models.


BACKGROUND
Isolated tears of the subscapularis occur less commonly than those involving the superior and posterior components of the rotator cuff. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the structural integrity and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tears.

METHODS
A prospective study of seventeen consecutive patients who were managed with an all-arthroscopic repair of the subscapularis tendon was performed. The study group included thirteen men and four women who had an average age of forty-seven years at the time of surgery. The average interval from the onset of symptoms to the time of surgery was twenty-four months. Thirteen tears were traumatic, and four were degenerative. Seven patients had a tear involving the superior third of the tendon, six had a tear involving the superior two-thirds of the tendon, and four had complete separation of the subscapularis from its insertion on the lesser tuberosity. Clinical findings were assessed for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively with use of the Constant and University of California at Los Angeles scoring systems, and all patients had postoperative computed tomographic arthrography studies to evaluate the structural integrity of the repair.

RESULTS
The average duration of follow-up was twenty-nine months. When the preoperative findings were compared with the most recent findings, the average relative Constant score had improved from 58% to 96% (p < 0.05), the average University of California at Los Angeles score had improved from 16 to 32 points (p < 0.05), the average pain score had improved from 5.9 to 13.5 points (p < 0.05), the average forward flexion had improved from 146 degrees to 175 degrees (p < 0.05), the average external rotation had improved from 50 degrees to 60.3 degrees (p < 0.05), the average internal rotation had improved from the level of the sacrum to L1-L2 (p < 0.05), and the average abduction strength had improved from 7.4 to 15.6 points (p < 0.05). The structural integrity of the repair was completely intact in fifteen patients and was partially reruptured in two patients on the basis of computed tomographic arthrography. Progression of fatty infiltration of the subscapularis was not observed in any patient. Subjectively, twelve patients were very satisfied with the result, four were satisfied, and one was not satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tear can yield marked improvements in shoulder function, can significantly reduce pain, and can result in a durable structural repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level IV.


Objectives: To determine the antioxidant effects of thymoquinone (one of the active components of the plant Nigella sativa) on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ovary. Study design: Twenty four rats were divided into four groups: control (n=6), ischemia (n=6), ischemia (n=6), ischemia-reperfusion+thymoquinone (n=6). Ovarian torsion was surgically reperfusion+saline induced by vascular clamps. The ovary was clamped for 3 hours and 30 minutes before reperfusion 10 mg/kg thymoquinone was injected intraperitoneally. Following three hours of reperfusion, right oophorectomy was done and the rats were sacrificed.Main outcome measures: Histological disturbances of the ovarian tissues were scored and tissue levels of catalase (CAT), malondealdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were measured.Results: In the thymoquinone treated group, tissue CAT levels were significantly higher (p=0.02) and MDA levels were significantly lower (p=0.042). XO levels were similar among the groups. Histological examinations of thymoquinone group revealed a better preserved ovarian tissue compared to the control, ischemic and the saline treated ischemia-reperfusion groups. Conclusion: Thymoquinone at dose of 10 mg has a potent antioxidant and tissue preserving effect against the ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat ovary prone to torsion/detorsion.


CMV infection is a major challenge in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The changing landscape in CMV management includes the introduction of letermovir in prophylaxis of high-risk patients and the source of CMV DNA monitoring (plasma—PL vs. whole blood—WB), for pre-emptive therapy (PET) initiation. We report here how our real-life experience in CMV management evolved, following letermovir registration. We focus on: (i) the effects of systematic use of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in high-risk patients, (ii) the results of a longitudinal comparison of CMV DNAemia monitoring in PL and WB. From December 2018 to April 2020, 60 allo-SCTs have been performed in our center (LET ERA), of whom 45 received letermovir in prophylaxis from day 0 to day + 100, because of recipient positivity of anti CMV IgG. These patients were compared with a cohort of 41 allo-SCTs performed between November 2017 and November 2018 (NO LET ERA). Firstly, the incidence of CMV clinically significant infections, CMV disease, bacterial infections, proven/probable fungal infections, hospital re-admissions after allo-SCT by day + 100 in the two ERA were 8 vs. 44% (p = 0.0006), 2 vs. 12% (p = 0.02), 37 vs. 56% (p = 0.05), 8 vs. 19% (p = 0.09), and 23 vs. 39% (p = 0.09), respectively. By day + 180 these differences were 17 vs. 68% (p < 0.00001), 2 vs. 12% (p = 0.02), 45 vs. 78% (p = 0.09), 8 vs. 22% (p = 0.05), and 40 vs. 66% (p = 0.01), respectively. Secondly, from February to May 2019, we comparatively measured CMV DNA from WB and PL and we confirmed that there is a linear correlation between CMV DNA level in WB and PL (Spearman's test r = 0.86). Moreover, CMV DNAemia at the time of PET in the 12 patients with a clinically significant CMV infection was higher in WB vs. PL (5.202 vs. 4.981 copies/ml, p = 0.1). Our real-life experience confirms that: (i) letermovir is highly effective, leading to a significant drop in CMV clinically significant infections and CMV-related complications by day + 100 and + 180 after allo-SCT; (ii) WB may be an effective alternative to PL as a source for CMV DNA monitoring, as a linear correlation of DNAemia was confirmed between WB and PL, even if the CMV DNAemia at PET initiation was comparable in the two sources.


Explores the issues of health gain and the importance of rigorous assessment of existing services in terms of true health gain before instituting change. Notes that much health gain has already been achieved and that this must be recognized before overzealous and enthusiastic action is instituted to create untested change. Health gain has not arison de novo from the latest reforms but may be being used as a means of justifying rationing. The key problem is that what is technically possible exceeds what is economically affordable. The only way of tackling the enormity of the existing problem is to address the agenda in a co‐ordinated fashion and to avoid prejudicing positive change through a process of rigorous assessment.


On 3 August 1829, north-east Scotland recorded one of the most severe catastrophic floods in modern UK history. Sir Thomas Dick Lauder's An account of the great floods of August 1829 in the province of Moray and adjoining districts (1830) provides a detailed eyewitness account that can be used to reconstruct the flood. This paper reconstructs the hydrometeorology of the flood, assesses its geomorphological and societal impacts and provides a context for assessing present-day flood risk management. The flood was generated by a slow-moving depression in the Moray Firth, which produced an unstable northerly airflow over the NE Grampian Mountains and a minimum 24 hour rainfall of 95 mm. The River Findhorn, one of the most severely affected drainage basins, was subject to detailed analysis by Lauder, including the reporting of numerous flood levels on bridges and within bedrock gorges. Reconstruction of flood flows at five of these sites using Manning's equation and moving successively downstream yields peak flows of 711 m3/s (drainage area 322.2 km2), 1042 m3/s (515.4 km2), 1262 m3/s (568.1 km2) and 1484 m3/s (599.6 km2) on the main stem of the Findhorn, with 451 m3/s (171.9 km2) on a major tributary. Each peak flow based on a Manning's n of 0.04–0.08 represents the optimal value within limits which vary between −25% to +33% and all lie just within the upper boundary when plotted in relation to the envelope curve for catastrophic floods within the UK. Lauder also provides a detailed account of the geomorphic impacts of the flood in the Findhorn valley. Bedrock reaches and 'mixed' alluvial/bedrock-controlled reaches proved to be robust and registered minimal change, but alluvial reaches reported widespread bank erosion and slope failures with extensive sheets of sand and gravel deposited downstream on valuable agricultural land. Meander cut-offs occurred and many new channels were excavated, especially in the coastal lowlands where the present-day channel broadly follows that excavated in 1829, attesting to the longevity of the flood's impacts. The immediate societal impact included eight fatalities, destitution for at least 289 families, large-scale destruction of roads and bridges, losses for estate owners approaching £2.83 million (2005 prices) and a major shock to a relatively prosperous rural economy. Human response and mitigation took the form of fatalistic acceptance, bearing the loss and dependence on local charitable relief. The reconstruction of the 1829 'Muckle Spate' has a significance far beyond its immediate setting in terms of hydrology (confirming the shape of the envelope curve for Britain's most extreme floods), geomorphology (reporting significant and long-lasting imprints on the riverscape, and confirming the primacy of water-based erosion early in the nineteenth century) and societal impact (contrasting individual bearing of loss mitigated by charitable relief with the present-day reliance on flood protection largely provided by the state). The reconstruction also demonstrates the value of reliable historical sources in placing recent catastrophic floods within their longer-term context.


Veterinary Surgery contains original, peer-reviewed articles that cover developments in veterinary surgery, and presents the most current review of the field, with timely articles on surgical techniques, diagnostic aims, care of infections, and advances in knowledge of metabolism as it affects the surgical patient. The journal places new developments in perspective, encompassing new concepts and peer commentary to help better understand and evaluate the surgical patient.


The approach used by university leaders to advance institutional change effects the early reactions to the proposed change by faculty, students, staff and alumni. This paper explores the early stages of two significant changes at Cornell University to determine how leaders advanced the changes, and considers the impact of the approaches on campus reactions through the lens of research conducted by Larry Hirschhorn (1994). Hirschhorn advises leaders to advance change in ways that align with the loosely coupled nature of the organization. Cornell recently created a new applied science campus, Cornell Tech, in New York City and established a new Cornell College of Business on the Ithaca, NY campus. The leaders who advanced these changes did so using different change strategies. Based upon the research of Karl Weick (1976) and Larry Hirschhorn (1994) on loosely coupled organizations, Cornell functions consistent with the definition of a loosely coupled organization (Weick 1976). Larry Hirschhorn (1994) developed guidance to leaders about how to effectively advance change in a loosely coupled organization. He advised leaders to make changes in consideration of the following:  Align change plans with characteristics of the university and acknowledge the semi-autonomous status of units of the university  Protect the system by keeping it within its safety zone and managing its contradictions, and guide the system by developing strategic themes and building a planning framework  Make change "at the seams" between units of the university and boost synergistic combinations. (1994, p.2) The two change actions are considered relative to this guidance. This analysis indicates that the leaders who more closely adhered to Hirschhorn's (1994) advice received more early support for their proposal from campus constituents than did the leaders who did not follow his guidance. To explore the two changes, detailed timelines of the early stages of each change were developed using publicly available information. Information in these timelines informed analyses of the approaches used by university leaders and the reaction of campus constituents to the early stage actions. The impact of leadership actions on the reactions of faculty, staff, students, and alumni are based on the change tenets developed by Larry Hirschhorn (1994) for leaders of loosely coupled organizations. While neither change fully followed the guidance of the Larry Hirschhorn (1994), the leaders of the effort to create Cornell Tech were more considerate of the semiautonomous nature of the various colleges and units of Cornell. They engaged faculty in developing the organizational design of the new campus and in establishing new academic programs. The new campus was created "at the seams" (Hirschhorn, 1994, p.5) of existing colleges and academic programs, leveraging new opportunities to collaborate and create new synergies. The leaders who advanced the establishment of the Cornell College of Business chose an approach that delayed involvement of campus constituents and provided the campus community little notice of the planned change. Their plan was to involve faculty, alumni and others after the decision to create the college was made by the board of trustees. The new college was not created "at the seams" (Hirschhorn,1994, p. 5) of existing schools and units – it changed the seams themselves. The goal of the new college is to create new collaborations and synergies between the three schools. Both changes – the creation of Cornell Tech and the establishment of the Cornell College of Business are currently in their early stages. Both changes may be considered successful once they are fully implemented. The change strategy used by the leaders who advanced Cornell Tech were more considerate of the university's loosely coupled nature than was the strategy used by the leaders who pursued the establishment of the Cornell College of Business and this impacted how the change plans were received and responded to by campus constituents. Cornell Tech, a change made "at the seams" of existing colleges and units, garnered early support from faculty, students and alumni. The establishment of the Cornell College of Business, which changed the semi-autonomous nature of three schools and was not made "at their seams", resulted in resistance by many campus community members. Leaders who respect the existing characteristics of the loosely coupled organization, create planning frameworks that involve key constituents and focus change "at the seams" between the semi-autonomous units of the organization may be more likely to garner campus support in the early stages of advancing a proposed change.


Post-translational modifications (PTMs)—including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination—are specific modifications that can alter the activity of an individual protein target. The cumulative effect of these small modifications is the regulation of large signaling pathways and networks within cells. Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the identification of individual PTMs during the investigation of signaling networks. A new approach using antibody-based peptide enrichment for a class of PTMs combined with tandem mass spectrometry has been successfully used for global identification of hundreds to thousands of PTMs within a sample. In this webinar, examples of how the technology was applied to each of these PTM classes will be described. View the Webinar


CASE DESCRIPTION
A 4-month-old American Paint Horse colt was evaluated because of acute onset of ataxia, left-sided head tilt, and fever and a recently noticed heart murmur. Upper respiratory tract infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi had been diagnosed at 3 months of age.

CLINICAL FINDINGS
Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis, mature neutrophilia, monocytosis, and mild anemia. Analysis of a CSF sample revealed high total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count; nucleated cells consisted mainly of degenerate neutrophils. Results of a real-time PCR assay were positive for S equi subsp equi, and a diagnosis of S equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis was made.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Treatment included administration of potassium penicillin and fluids, but the foal developed uroperitoneum and was subsequently euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed meningoencephalomyelitis, and S equi subsp equi was cultured from a brain aspirate. Additional findings included suppurative cystitis with rupture and neutrophilic myocarditis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Findings suggest that S equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for foals with neurologic signs that have a history of strangles or exposure to affected horses.


The formation of DNA adducts by the covalent binding of genotoxic chemicals to DNA represents a valuable marker for assessing exposure to carcinogens but as yet the role of DNA adducts as a biomarker of carcinogenic susceptibility still needs to be clearly ascertained. To address this question an animal study was instigated using mice (SWR (high), BALB/c (intermediate) and C57BL/6J (low)) varying in their susceptibility to lung carcinogenesis. Groups of animals from each strain were dosed with a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or N -nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) at 15 or 90 mg kg-1 body weight. Lung and liver tissues were removed at different time points following dosing. Further groups of mice dosed with the same regime had urine samples collected 24 h post dosing and were then left up to 18 months to allow for the development of tumours. Immunoslot-blot analysis was used for the determination of N-7 ethylguanine (N-7EtG) and O6 ethylguanine (O6EtG) adduct levels in the DNA from the tissues and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine N-3 ethyladenine (N-3EtA) adduct levels in the urine samples. Levels of alkyltransferase (ATase) were also determined in the tissues. The results showed that the DNA adduct levels and persistence were similar across the three strains of mice following dosing with 15 and 90 mg kg-1 NDEA. High levels of adducts were observed in the urine of the BALB/c strain, implying an increased metabolic or repair capacity in this strain. However there were no differences in the levels of ATase in the lung and liver of the three strains of mice following dosing with 15 mg kg-1 NDEA. The incidence of tumours in C57BL/6J mice was lower compared with the other two strains and showed a dose dependent increase. The results from this study show that the differences in susceptibility to lung carcinogenesis between the three strains of mice do not appear to be linked to the formation of the two adducts detected. These results imply that dosing with NDEA resulted in toxicity which may have led to cell death and induction of tumours by compensatory cell proliferation. Although these results do not allow decisive conclusions to be drawn concerning the relationship between total levels of DNA adducts and differences in carcinogenic susceptibility for the three strains of mice it is clear that the increased presence of a DNA adduct in the target tissue increases the likelihood of tumour development.


The Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (STRIDE) initiative provides recommendations on treatment targets for patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) is a validated endoscopic score and STRIDE-II recommends its use in clinical practice. We aimed to assess whether the STRIDE-II endoscopic endpoints are achievable and whether the degree of mucosal healing (MH) affects long term outcomes.

 This is a retrospective observational study from, 2015–2020. We included patients with CD who had a baseline and follow-up SES-CD score after biologic therapy initiation. Data was collected via electronic records. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as the need for: i) change of biological therapy ii) corticosteroid use iii) CD-related hospitalisation or iv) surgery. We compared rates of treatment failure with the degree of MH achieved. Patients were followed up until treatment failure or study end (Aug, 2021). Statistics were performed using GraphPad v9.1.0 Software.

 50 patients were included (Fig, 1). Table, 1 shows the baseline characteristics. The median time to interval colonoscopy was, 16.3 (11.2–21.3) months. The proportion of patients achieving STRIDE-II end-points were: SES-CD (28, 56%), absence of ulcers (25, 50%) and endoscopic response [50% reduction in SES-CD] (31, 62%). Combined remission (SES-CD and Harvey Bradshaw Index [HBI] <5) occurred in, 25 cases (50%). Treatment failure occurred in, 13 (26%) patients: biologic switch (7/50, 14%), corticosteroids use (2/50, 4%), CD-related admission (5, 10%), or surgery (6, 12%). Median time to treatment failure was, 19 months.
 Fig, 2 shows the cumulative risk of treatment failure according to the achievement, or otherwise, of STRIDE-II endoscopic targets. Additionally, we show outcomes for combined endoscopic and clinical remission (HBI<5). Failure to achieve SES-CD or a, 50% improvement in SES-CD were the strongest predictors for treatment failure.

 In real-world clinical practice, calculating SES-CD scores at serial endoscopies is feasible and STRIDE-II targets are achievable in a reasonable proportion of patients (50%). Furthermore, achieving these targets has favourable long-term, clinically relevant outcomes.


Oilseeds and oilseed products are economically crucial in the Union of Myanmar. The free transaction of major oilseeds like groundnut, sesame, and palm oil has been restricted by the government's agricultural trade policies which undermine the market forces of the domestic oilseeds sector. This study examines the impact of alternative trade liberalization policies on the social welfare of Myanmar's oilseed sector using a partial equilibrium multi-market model. Welfare is analysed by evaluating producer and consumer surplus changes. Simulation results suggest that liberalizing groundnut seed trade has a positive net effect on the whole oilseed sector while sesame trade liberalization is better for the major edible oils sector. An import quota expansion affects the total edible oil sector positively while negatively affecting the two major oilseed sectors. Therefore, policy-makers should not ban potential groundnut and sesame trade. Palm oil quota restrictions should be liberalized for domestic poor groups but policies that compensate the losses of disadvantaged sectors or minimize the negative impacts on those groups are also required.


Background and Purpose:
 Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) is used to measure blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage after stroke, but is contra-indicated in patients with compromised kidney function. Thus, there is a need for non-contrast MRI techniques that portend BBB damage. We examined the relationships between CE-MRI and non-contrast MRI measures to test whether the latter serve as surrogate biomarkers of BBB damage in acute stroke.

 Methods:
 Male Wistar rats (∼300 g; N=22) were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion using a middle cerebral artery suture occlusion model. They were imaged in a 7 Tesla Bruker MRI system. The parameters measured were: cerebral blood flow (CBF), T
 2
 , T
 1
 and T
 1
 -under-off resonance-saturation (T
 1sat
 ). All data except CBF were expressed as ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratios (I-C). Post-reperfusion BBB damage was measured by CE-MRI via blood-to-brain forward volumetric transfer constant (K
 trans
 ) maps. CBF, T
 2
 , T
 1
 and T
 1sat
 were compared to K
 trans
 from the same region of interest (ROI). Scatterplots with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to compare the data and significances inferred at
 p
 <0.05.

 Results:
 Preoptic area (PoA) and striatum (Str) were found ischemic in nearly all rats, with neocortical areas lesser affected. During occlusion, CBF in PoA and Str were 26±15 and 42±18 ml/100g/min (20-25% of contralateral side), respectively. After reperfusion, CBF was 78±27 and 99±50 ml/100g/min in PoA and Str, respectively. Contrast enhancement or BBB damage was observed in the PoA in all 22 rats and in 17 in Str. The I-C values of T
 2
 , T
 1
 and T
 1sat
 elevated between occlusion and reperfusion periods and were associated with increased K
 trans
 values (
 p
 =0.05). The extent of CBF reduction during occlusion was significant and correlated inversely with increased K
 trans
 (r=-0.5;
 p
 =0.03), but this relationship was lost after reperfusion (r=0.3;
 p
 =0.3).

 Conclusions:
 The data suggest that reduction in CBF during occlusion and post-reperfusion elevation of T
 2
 , T
 1
 , and T
 1sat
 (i.e. vasogenic edema) are reliable predictors of impending BBB damage in acute stroke. With further confirmation, non-contrast based MRI evaluation of the BBB in acute stroke may be utilized in cases where CE-MRI is not possible.


CD39 and CD73 are ectoenzymes that dephosphorylate ATP into its metabolites; ADP, AMP, and adenosine, and thus are considered instrumental in the development of immunosuppressive microenvironments. We have previously shown that within the CD8+ T cell population, naïve and memory cells express the CD73 ectonucleotidase, while terminally differentiated effector cells are devoid of this enzyme. This evidence suggests that adenosine might exert an autocrine effect on CD8+ T cells during T cell differentiation. To study the possible role of CD73 and adenosine during this process, we compared the expression of the adenosinergic signaling components, the phenotype, and the functional properties between CD73-deficient and WT CD8+ T cells. Upon activation, we observed an upregulation of CD73 expression in CD8+ T cells along with an upregulation of the adenosine A2A receptor. Interestingly, when we differentiated CD8+ T cells to Tc1 cells in vitro, we observed that these cells produce adenosine and that CD73-deficient cells present a higher cytotoxic potential evidenced by an increase in IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B production. Moreover, CD73-deficient cells presented a increased glucose uptake and higher mitochondrial respiration, indicating that this ectonucleotidase restrict the mitochondrial capacity in CD8+ T cells. In agreement, when adoptively transferred, antigen-specific CD73-deficient CD8+ T cells were more effective in reducing the tumor burden in B16.OVA melanoma-bearing mice and presented lower levels of exhaustion markers than wild type cells. All these data suggest an autocrine effect of CD73-mediated adenosine production, limiting differentiation and cytotoxic T cells' metabolic fitness.


This paper investigates the use of a dual stator winding squirrel-cage induction machine for generating dc power using series or parallel connected ac-dc PWM rectifiers. The operating principles and constraints when generating under minimum total copper loss condition are explored using the machine steady-state model considering magnetizing flux saturation effects. Regulation of the dc voltage using concepts of the nonlinear input-output linearization method including the design of the controllers are set forth and confirmed to be effective by computer simulation results. Some experimental waveforms of the generator under load are also included in the paper.


Internal control system is one of the important matter in accountancy information system, because have an in with alive continuance a company to defend the existence. pass correct system can support effort company so that stand at bay continually, certain pass competition very tight to company to demanded has good control system, where is one of them that is hit internal control system on sediaan goods. Aim from this watchfulness is that is to explains internal control system towards sediaan goods that applied in limited partnership. seulawah and to compare standard internal control system sediaan goods with internal control system sediaan goods limited partnership seulawah. evaluation result stuktur organization company related to sediaan goods knowable found bebarapa weakness, that is only personate controller on company's finance activity, but such only supported by one cashier. in finance control activity not found part that handle credits not yet collected, when does condition not soon to been anticipated so retard aim achievement company that appointed. System evaluation result and procedure sediaan show that goods sediaan be assets that has company and used by company to do the effort activity. in limited partnership seulawah unlucky sediaan regulated or at plan by two departements that is supplying departement, purchasing and warehouse departement. in supplying sediaan this is found three departements in concerned that is purchasing departement, warehouse, finance. analysis evaluation result praktik that well in carry out task and function every task unit can show that limited partnership seulawah unlucky do practice that well in course of control sediaan in company. official ability analysis evaluation and the quality as according to responsibility shows that to get supposed employee criteria companies to do selection at the (time) of do rekrutmen employee. company also do or carry out education program and training in order to increase employee ability as according to the job need. Several suggestions that can be given in this watchfulness that is company supposed for labour increase that help in finance part so that get the whip hand of all kind of activity as according to procedure that appointed. supposed always do verification on that goods whats appropriate as that orderred with pemastian goods condition in a condition good. effort done in order to to ascertain between recorded product as according to existing product condition either through also quality. in every transaction that supposed equiped with document truely so that can be done anticipation in the event of troubleshoot especially related to product existence from supplier


We analyze the mechanisms and circumstances under which accounting topics emerge as public policy issues in the political domain. Based on the theoretical concept of framing, we understand accounting debates - in particular those that elevate the discourse to the level of public policy makers - as frame contests, wherein different frames, that is, different versions of a perceived reality, compete for policy makers' acceptance. Based on a comprehensive review of the observable public debate on fair value accounting during the global financial crisis of 2007–09, we analyze the statements of various actors for factors that affect a frame's persuasiveness: dominance, timing, relevance, and credibility. Whereas a balanced discussion about the existence of an accounting problem characterized the initial accounting debate, economic events caused an asymmetry in the frames' empirical credibility and relevance to the benefit of opponents of fair value accounting. This asymmetry shifted the persuasiveness of these frames, which ultimately facilitated the emergence of fair value accounting as a public policy issue. A focus on less central and less empirically credible arguments combined with a lack of support from other actors and late reactions further contributed to critical questioning of the standard-setters' regulatory legitimacy.


The thesis focuses on the exploitation of nonlinear effects in single-mode fiber (SMF), mainly the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) to generate multiwavelength signal in a Bismuth-based Brillouin/Erbium fiber laser (BEFL). A 2.15 m Bismuthbased Erbium-doped fiber (Bi-EDF) with Erbium ion concentration of 3250 wt. ppm. Is used as a linear gain medium in the BEFL . The characteristic of the Bismuth-based Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (Bi-EDFA) is studied. The amplifier exhibits gain in 1565 to 1600 nm region when the Bi-EDF is pumped with two laser diodes of wavelength 1480 nm with 100 mW pump power each. Double-pass Bi-EDFA shows better gain performance but higher noise figure than single-pass Bi-EDFA. Thus, single-pass Bi- EDFA is preferred to be employed in the BEFL system. In this thesis, the BEFL signal is generated in ring and linear cavities with channel spacing of 0.09 nm. The injected Brillouin pump (BP) wavelength and power as well as the power of 1480 nm pumps and effective cavity loss in the cavity exhibited great effect on the number of wavelengths and output power of the generated wavelength comb. The linear cavity BEFL exhibits a lower threshold power compared to the ring configuration. Linear cavity shows improvement on the number of lines generated. Three linear cavity designs are demonstrated. The third linear cavity BEFL with lower cavity loss could generate up to 50 lines compared to 13 Stokes and anti- Stokes lines generated by ring cavity BEFL. The stable output laser comb of 50 lines is obtained at a BP wavelength of 1568.2 nm and BP power of 5 dBm and two 1480 nm pumps power at 120 mW. The number of lines increases as the BP power increases from 3 to 8 dBm. The Stokes lines are generated as long as the gain is sufficient to support the cascading process. The multiwavelength BEFL signal has potential applications in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optical fiber sensor system, optical component testing and spectroscopy applications.


The development of an interactive application is a complex task that has to consider data, behavior, intercommunication, architecture and distribution aspects of the modeled system. In particular it presupposes the successful communication between the customer and the software expert. To enhance this communication most modern software engineering methods recommend specification of the different aspects of a system by visual formalisms. In essence, visual specifications are directed graphs that are interpreted in a particular way for each aspect of the system. They are also intended to be compositional. This means that each node can itself be a graph with a separate meaning. However, the lack of a denotational model for hierarchical graphs often leads to the loss of compositionality. This has severe negative consequences in the development of realistic applications. We present a simple denotational model (which is by definition compositional) for the architecture and behavior aspects of a system. This model is then used to give a semantics to almost all the concepts occurring in ROOM. Our model also provides a compositional semantics for or-states an statecharts.


Film is easy to understand and appreciate because in the film, the scriptwriter describes
every character as clearly as possible. In this study, perfect love is taken as the subject of
discussion. In this session the writer of this thesis is interested in analyzing Moulin Rouge's
film because this story tells about the failure in building the romantic love between Satine
and Christian. Love story always happens in every person but it does not always ends in
happiness.
The purposes of this study are to find out Satine's perfect love and to describe the reason
why Satine gives her perfect love to Christian.
This study used descriptive research, while the approach used was objective. The population
for this study was the whole events in the story "Moulin Rouge" written by Baz Luhrmann
and Craig Pearce, while the sample of this study was some dialogues or events that were
related to Satine's perfect love on Moulin Rouge film.
The result of this study shows that Satine's perfect love is Satine leaves her luxurious life in
Moulin Rouge for Christian. The reasons that make Satine have perfect love are : Christian
makes her happy and he showed that being in love was wonderful thing.


The use of oxazaphosphorines (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide) in the treatment of numerous neoplastic disorders is associated with their essential adverse effect in the form of hemorrhagic cystitis, which considerably limits the safety and efficacy of their pharmacotherapy. HC is a complex inflammatory response, induced by toxic oxazaphosphorines metabolite - acrolein with subsequent immunocompetetive cells activation and release of many proinflammatory agents. However, there are some chemoprotectant agents which help reduce the HC exacerbation. The article briefly discuses the mechanism of action of oxazaphosphorines, the pathophysiology of the hemorrhagic cystitis development and currently accepted chemopreventive agents, applied to the objective of urotoxicity amelioration. Moreover, the rationale for some phytopharmaceuticals administration as novel bladder protective compounds accompanying cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide therapy was also mentioned.


This review aims to provide greater understanding of estreptococosis in reared tilapia and thereby assist in choosing the best method of prevention and control of this disease. Streptococcus agalactiae is a cosmopolitan pathogen and the main etiologic agent of septicaemia and meningoencephalitis in teleost. Outbreaks caused by this bacteria lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality of fish, resulting in serious economic losses, especially in the cage tilapia culture that is a branch of aquaculture which produces most in Brazil. This paper presents the main estreptococosis characteristics in Nile tilapia and its prevention by using intraperitoneal vaccines. Further studies should be conducted with the intention of clarifying its pathogenesis and improving the prevention and control.


ABSTRACT This paper takes the position that our current treatments that involve infilling with a neutral rather than matched colour are deceptive to the viewer and that such deliberate mediation through the act of conservation can deny the viewer an authentic understanding of the heritage object. Governing guidelines and documents describe authenticity as the alignment of the object and its story but for some practitioners, the concept remains tied to originality. Authenticity could be considered a fluid concept as it is built via the individual relationship between object and viewer. Many of the default approaches to conservation fail to address the fluidity embodied in the object and its representation of the passage of time. A lack of examination into the inherent biases of our work defends the status quo within our museums under a cloak of neutrality. Disruptive conservation is proposed as a challenge, exemplified by a jarring visible mend. It is an approach designed to disturb complacency. It calls upon analysis of our biases and challenges the consequences of freezing the meanings of our conserved objects. Placing the process of disruptive conservation into treatment dialogues enables conservators to account for the object's journey in how their intervention is portrayed. It stops the object from existing simply as a representation of the past and allows it to continue its evolution. The question 'Why don't I make this fill in hot pink?' is offered as a catalyst for an appraisal of an object's place and context without assuming or imposing a fake neutrality.


Article abstract—We determined the normal limits for various neuropathic tests in healthy subjects. The study, the Rochester Diabetic Neuropathy Study (RDNS), is noteworthy because of its size (more than 400 subjects), random selection of subjects, and selection of at least 15 men and 15 women without neuropathy, neurologic disease, or diseases predisposing to neuropathy from each hemidecade between 18 and 74 years of age from the population of a defined region (Rochester, MN). Subjects were classified into those with (nonhealthy subjects, RDNS-NS) and without (healthy subjects, RDNS-HS) neuropathy, neurologic or psychiatric disease, or diseases known to predispose to neuropathy. The study provides normal limits for tests used in the RDNS but it has broader uses as well. We found that (1) less than 10% of subjects in the third decade, approximately 20% in the fourth decade, and approximately 30% in the fifth or older decades were placed into the RDNS-NS category; (2) healthy subjects (RDNS-HS) retain their ability to walk on toes and heels regardless of age, excessive weight, or lack of physical fitness, but not their ability to arise from a kneeled position—lost in more than 5% of persons 60 years and older; (3) the frequency of decreased or absent ankle reflexes exceeds 5% in healthy subjects older than 50 years—limiting their value as a sign of diabetic polyneuropathy and necessitating a grading change with age in the neuropathy impairment score. We also found that (1) physical variables other than age influence neuropathic endpoints; (2) the variables are different among neuropathic endpoints; and (3) it is now possible to compute specific percentile values automatically for neuropathic endpoints for a given patient. We found that the improved estimates of normal limits sometimes provide a different estimate of normality from the one that was available from age consideration only. We suggest that the percentile approach considering physical variables influencing neuropathic endpoints might be adopted by clinical EMG, sensory, and autonomic laboratories. Continued use of normal limits tables, which are corrected only for age, provides quite inadequate reference values, especially for some attributes of nerve conduction and for the extremes of height and weight.


An 18-year old man was admitted into hospital being fully conscious, with a thirteen centimetre long metal arrow-head entirely lodged intracranially, having entered through the right orbit. Pre- and post-operative neurological condition, treatment and investigations are described. The arrow-head was removed through a partial occipital craniectomy without any major haemorrhage. The patient not only survived the operation, but was also discharged in an astonishing improved neurological condition.


Background: Sentinel node (SLN) status is the most important prognostic factor for early-stage melanoma patients. It will influence follow-up and may change therapy. Positive SLNs present different degrees of involvement so that subgroups of patients may have minimal SLN invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival in subgroups with minimally involved SLNs and to compare them to negative SLN patients. Method: SLN biopsy was performed in 499 consecutive clinically N0 patients between 1997 and 2008. Following updated recommendations from the Melanoma Group of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer, degrees of SLN involvement were fully reassessed for two anatomopathological parameters: tumour burden according to Rotterdam criteria ( 1.0 mm) and microanatomic location according to Dewar (subcapsular, combined subcapsular and parenchymal, parenchymal, multifocal, or extensive). Minimally involved SLNs were defined as those with tumor burden <0.1 mm and/or subcapsular metastasis location. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Out of 499 clinically N0 patients, positive SLNs were found in 123 patients (24.7 percent). With a median follow-up of 52 months (range: 9 - 146), five-year disease-free (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were 88.1, 93.9 and 89.9 percent for negative SLN patients, respectively. In minimally involved SLNs, there were 21 with tumour burden <0.1 mm, and 52 with subcapsular metastasis. Five-year DFS, DSS and OS in these sub-groups were 79.6, 86.6 and 86.6 percent, then 57.3, 69.8 and 67.8 percent respectively. DFS univariable analysis of these sub-groups compared to negative SLNs showed: (HR1.89, 95 percent CI 0.75 - 4.79; p 0.175) and (HR 3.92, 95 percent CI 2.29 - 6.71; p < 0.0001) respectively. Minimally involved sub-groups were not predictive for NSLN negativity. Conclusion: Rotterdam's tumour burden stratification is an easy and useful prognostic factor of melanoma survival. There was a trend showing that patients with SLN tumour burden <0.1 mm have a lower survival compared to SLN negative patients. One might suggest that patients with minimally involved SLNs may not be managed similarly to negative SLN patients. Subcapsular metastasis subgroup according to the microanatomic location has statistically significant worst survival.


Use of eportfolios for business communication students in an advanced two-quarter capstone brought an unexpected networking opportunity, in addition to their conventional use as a showcase for student writing and research. This article discusses how students developed their eportfolios. Then, through use of a course website providing an optional link to those eportfolios, students were able to use portfolios to jumpstart conversations among other students and business communication alumni. The instructor has required both print and digital portfolios since 2006 and explains why both types of portfolios are useful, especially to enhance professional networking.


Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are medically and agriculturally important vectors that transmit Trypanosoma spp. parasites responsible for human sleeping sickness and animal African trypanosomiasis. The tsetse fly is colonized by a low diversity microbiota with only two symbiotic bacterial species (family Enterobacteriaceae) present in the midgut and other tsetse tissues: an anciently associated mutualist Wigglesworthia glossinidia and a more recently established secondary symbiont Sodalis glossinidius – the latter which appears in many tsetse tissues in close proximity to the trypanosome parasite. So far, it has been experimentally challenging to study the specific role of these bacterial symbionts on the tsetse fly biology. In contrast to the obligate symbiont W. glossinidia, our current knowledge on how S. glossinidius affects tsetse at the molecular level is very limited. Here, important questions that remain to be answered are how the S. glossinidius population is controlled in the tsetse fly and whether S. glossinidius can affect the vector competence for the trypanosome parasite –which is still a highly controversial issue in the literature.
In this PhD study, we successfully established for the first time a tsetse fly line that is specifically devoid of S. glossinidius (Chapter 3). This proved to be a useful tool in the investigation of how S. glossinidius influences the tsetse fly biology. Comparison of host biological parameters showed that S. glossinidius presence/absence did not affect fly survival but symbiont presence resulted in a decreased female fecundity.
Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, we found that S. glossinidius presence/absence did not strongly affect the expression of tsetse innate immunity-related genes. Only when exposing S. glossinidius-free flies to at least 106 colony-forming units of S. glossinidius, a moderate immune activation could be observed. This was in sharp contrast when flies were exposed to pathogenic E. coli bacteria or to a closely related non-tsetse derived Sodalis strain - both leading to high immunity gene expression levels. Moreover, our results indicate the ability of S. glossinidius bacteria to have limited host immune detection as well as to resist host immune activity, two mechanisms likely to be involved in the maintenance of the tsetse-S. glossinidius association (Chapter 4).
Using a comparative metabolomic analysis we identified increased levels of pterins and queuine related compounds, suggesting the symbiont might be providing these for the tsetse host, but also depletions of carbohydrates (e.g. sorbitol) and a purine precursor (i.e. inosine monophosphate; Chapter 5). Here, we also assessed the possible impact of S. glossinidius on the vector competence for African trypanosome parasites. We found that S. glossinidius does not affect the susceptibility of young flies to establish an infection with Trypanosoma brucei or T. congolense. In contrast, older S. glossinidius-harbouring flies showed an increased resistance against infection when flies were exposed to a nutritional stress. The trypanosome infection was increased in flies maintained on the above mentioned purine precursor, making us postulate that the S. glossinidius symbiont and the trypanosome parasite are potentially in a nutrient competition in the tsetse fly environment.
In sum, this PhD contributes to the improvement of our knowledge on the interactions of the S. glossinidius symbiont with its tsetse fly host (including immunity and metabolism) and provides novel insights in how S. glossinidius might impact the tsetse fly vector competence for the African trypanosome parasite.


A Campylobacter jejuni strain of serotype O:10 was isolated from a patient who had Miller-Fisher syndrome. In its biochemical reactions and cellular morphology, the isolate was characteristic of typical C. jejuni. Antibodies against extracted lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were detected by passive hemagglutination in the acute- and convalescent-phase patient sera. By sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with the O:10 antiserum, it was demonstrated that the strain possessed both low- and high-molecular-weight molecules. Chemical analysis of the LPS revealed that the core oligosaccharide has a terminal trisaccharide epitope consisting of two molecules of sialic acid linked to galactose, a structure reflecting the terminal region of human ganglioside GD3. As this trisaccharide is also present in LPS cores of serotype O:19 strains from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome but not in cores of nonneuropathic C. jejuni, a possible role for the trisaccharide in the etiology of neuropathies is indicated, and a difference for distinguishing neuropathic strains from nonneuropathic strains may be the presence of a sialyltransferase required for the synthesis of this trisaccharide.


Introduction: Specific complications of thyroid surgery include injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands, without being exempt from other complications such as infection of the surgical site, bleeding, surgical wound dehiscence, and others. Methods: The present study is retrospective observational and aims to analyze the condition of thyroid surgery in the country, specifically in state hospitals in Tegucigalpa, its rate of complications and its relationship with associated factors before the procedure. Result: A total of 92 patients undergoing thyroid surgery were studied at the Hospital Escuela and Hospital General San Felipe by reviewing the clinical record. The preoperative status, comorbidities and the surgical procedure performed were recorded and were related to the main complications mentioned above. Conclusion: A global rate of complications related to laryngeal nerve injury of 15% and late hypocalcemia of 7% was found, which are higher than the incidences reported in international series, however these vary from 0% of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in thyroidectomies subtotal up to 22% in radical dissections in patients with neo proliferative processes.


In the teaching-learning process, didactic strategies have become a valuable methodological tool, which allows learning a difficult subject in a structured way. In English, the correct conjugation of verb tenses: simple and progressive in the elementary level, requires a structured and innovative methodology to motivate their learning. The main problem of this research consists of the increasing difficulty of the fifth-grade students from an institution located in the district 04 of Costa Rica, in correctly assimilating the conjugation of the simple and progressive verb tenses of the English language. For its solution, the design, implementation and validation of a didactic strategy was proposed as a way to support the teaching-learning process of the correct conjugation of the simple and progressive verb tenses, through the use of mobile devices. The methodology followed presented a mixed study (qualitative-quantitative) through the application of surveys, expert judgment and a case of execution, as sources to collect and validate the proposed didactic strategy, within the context of philosophy and methodology of action research. The results obtained from both, teachers and students, have been representative. The teachers have identified a great interest of the students in learning the subject, making use of the proposed strategy, causing this, motivation and openness. In fact, the students who used the strategy as a supportive tool for their evaluations, obtained better academic performance on average: 5C (74.28%) compared to those who did not use it as a supportive tool: 5A (44.76%) and 5B (64%).


Biofuel feedstock development is in limelight because of its pronounced capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The move towards renewable energy intensified researches to provide concrete attestations that could be benefited from the effort. This research assessed the GHG reduction potential of biodiesel produced from Jatropha curcas L., relative to that of the conventional petroleum diesel. Computations were based on a standard 30-MLPY biodiesel plant with a co-generation facility, utilizing the byproducts of the process for electricity production. The GHG emissions were standardized and presented as equivalent carbon dioxide emission (CO2e). The boundary set for the analysis was from cradle to grave, considering the life-cycle from the production of the feedstock to the production of biodiesel, and eventually, its end-use. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) resulted to a negative net carbon footprint due to the carbon dioxide sequestration capability of the Jatropha plants. The whole system has a net CO2e footprint equivalent to 1,706,365.26 Mg CO2e a-1. Without considering the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants, LCA of Jatropha biodiesel is still about 25% cleaner than petroleum diesel fuel. With sequestration, the GHG emission reduction can go as high as 548.38%. With the current Philippine biodiesel blending of 2%, if Jatropha methyl ester was used for the blending, this study shows that emission can be cut by 11%. And with increase in the blending, a more positive amount of savings will be achieved, which if at B100, savings could go as high as 581.18%.


Glucosinolates, a class of secondary metabolites, mainly found in Brassicaceae, are affected by the changing environment. This review is focusing on the physiological significance of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products in the plant response to different abiotic stresses. Special attention is paid to the crosstalk between some of the physiological processes involved in stress response and glucosinolate metabolism, with the resulting connection between both pathways in which signaling mechanisms glucosinolate may act as signals themselves. The function of glucosinolates, further than in defense switching, is discussed in terms of alleviating pathogen attack under abiotic stress. The fact that the exogenous addition of glucosinolate hydrolysis products may alleviate certain stress conditions through its effect on specific proteins is described in light of the recent reports, but the molecular mechanisms involved in this response merit further research. Finally, the transient allocation and re-distribution of glucosinolates as a response to environmental changes is summarized.


Many speech-language pathologists (SLPs), deaf educators, and audiologists (AuDs) are finding themselves serving increasing numbers of children with hearing impairment (HI) who come from families that do not speak English. The majority of these families are likely to select listening and spoken language (LSL) as the primary method of communication for their children. This paper will present issues that need to be considered to support develop of LSL in more than one language for an ever-growing population of children with HI in the United States. Specific areas discussed include bilingual capabilities of some children with hearing loss, achievements of children with HI at a few institutions in North America, determining the language(s) of intervention, understanding current models of intervention, and implementing strategies that facilitate successful multilingual learning.


The University of California prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). University Policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Inquiries regarding the University's nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 300 Lakeside Drive, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612-3550 (510) 987-0096. Avian Bowl


Summary 1. Weed beets pose a serious problem for sugar beet Beta vulgaris crops. Traditionally, the only efficient method of weed control has been manual removal, but the introduction of transgenic herbicide-tolerant sugar beets may provide an alternative solution because non-tolerant weed beets can be destroyed by herbicide. We evaluated the possibility that new, transgenic, weed beets may arise by gene flow between wild and crop plants. 2. In a study area in northern France, weed beets were present in variable densities in sugar beet fields of up to 80 weed beet plants m − 2 . Weed beets arise from a long-lived seed bank, with seeds germinating from depths of 5 cm or less. In addition, diploid F 1 crop‐wild hybrids and triploid variety bolters (individuals with a low vernalization requirement) were present in low densities in virtually all sugar beet fields. We found gene flow to be possible between all forms, illustrated by both overlapping flowering periods in the field and successful controlled cross-pollinations. 3. The F 1 crop‐wild hybrids result from pollination in the seed-production region by wild plants possessing the dominant bolting allele B for flowering without experiencing a period of cold. In the case of a transgene for herbicide tolerance incorporated into male-sterile seed-bearer plants, such hybrids will contain both the herbicide-tolerance and the bolting allele. Contamination of the fields by transgenic weed beets will be the result unless bolters are removed manually. The same will apply in the case of a cytoplasmically inherited transgene. 4. Incorporation of the transgene into the pollinator plants will prevent the immediate formation of transgenic weed beets. However, in sugar beet fields, variety bolters may successfully cross-pollinate with weed beets in neighbouring fields. The use of diploid pollinator plants instead of tetraploids will considerably enhance gene flow towards wild beets, and is not, therefore, an attractive option. 5. In conclusion, the appearance of transgenic weed beets is possible but can best be retarded if the transgene for herbicide tolerance is incorporated into the tetraploid pollinator breeding line.


This study examines the perceptions of Pakistani immigrant parents regarding the referral of their children to special education programs in Toronto. The study is qualitative and is based on the grounded theory method. Interviews were conducted by the author with five parent participants and were transcribed and coded. This research provided insight into the perceptions of Pakistani immigrant parents whose children (8-12 years) are in special needs classes. Also included in the data is an interview the author conducted with a Pakistani parent who is also working as a special needs assistant in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The findings of the study indicate that there are five main reasons behind the referral of Pakistani immigrant children for special education: 1) parent attitudes; 2) cultural and linguistic differences; 3) teacher attitudes; 4) peer attitudes; and 5) immigration. The results indicate that there is an over-referral of Pakistani immigrant children [in Toronto schools] according to Pakistani parents' perceptions. Recommendations are made for implementing change within the special education system in the TDSB and areas for future research are identified.


Evaluation of a document summarization system has been a critical factor to impact the success of the summarization task. Previous approaches, such as ROUGE, mainly consider the informativeness of the assessed summary and require human-generated references for each test summary. In this work, we propose to evaluate the summary qualities without reference summaries by unsupervised contrastive learning. Specifically, we design a new metric which covers both linguistic qualities and semantic informativeness based on BERT. To learn the metric, for each summary, we construct different types of negative samples with respect to different aspects of the summary qualities, and train our model with a ranking loss. Experiments on Newsroom and CNN/Daily Mail demonstrate that our new evaluation method outperforms other metrics even without reference summaries. Furthermore, we show that our method is general and transferable across datasets.


Objective Hospital emergency departments (ED) in Australia and internationally have been experiencing increased demand, resulting in reduced hospital quality, impaired access and adverse health outcomes. Effective evaluation of new ED service models and their effect on outcomes is reliant on baseline measures of the staffing configuration and organisational characteristics of the EDs being studied. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively measure these variables in Australian EDs. Methods Australian hospital EDs with 24-h medical and nursing cover were identified and invited to participate in the study. Telephone interviews were conducted with nursing or medical department managers to collect data related to hospital characteristics, ED workforce and training and ED service and operational models. Results Surveys were completed in 87% of the population sample (n=135). Metropolitan EDs were significantly more likely to retain higher full-time equivalents (FTEs) in several medical (staff specialist, registrar, resident and intern) and nursing (nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator, nurse unit manager and registered nurse) positions. NPs were employed by 52% of Australian EDs overall, but this ranged from 40% to 75% depending on jurisdiction. The most commonly used operational models were FastTrack teams (72% of EDs), short-stay/observational unit (59%) and patient liaison models for aged care (84%) and mental health (61%). EDs that employed NPs were significantly more likely to use FastTrack (P=0.002). Allied health services most frequently available within these EDs were radiology (60%), social work (69%), physiotherapy (70%) and pharmacy (65%). Conclusions The present study has established a baseline measure of the staffing configuration and organisational characteristics of Australian EDs. What is known about the topic? EDs are overcrowded due, in part, to the combined effect of increased service demand and access block. Innovative service and workforce models have been implemented by health departments aiming to improve service and performance. National uptake of these service and workforce innovations is unknown. What does this paper add? The present study is the most comprehensive to date profiling Australian EDs covering hospital characteristics, workforce configuration, operational models and NP service patterns and practice. What are the implications for practitioners? Information from the present study will assist health service planners to evaluate workforce and service reform models, and to monitor trends in emergency service development.


Dr. Kimberly Coates, Advisor In 1899, Kate Chopin published her only novel, The Awakening. Initially, it was received very poorly and was the catalyst to the end of her career as an author. In recent history, The Awakening has gained much notoriety and a place in academia. It has also been the focus of many literary debates. Throughout time, however, there have been moments where the text seems to have been forgotten, or "shelved" in a manner of speaking, and we are entering one of those moments now. One aspect of this thesis is to keep the scholarships and debates about this novel alive. Much of the scholarship on The Awakening looks at the text through a psychoanalytic lens, but the lens tends to be limited to a Freudian psychoanalytic reading. Since Chopin and Freud were contemporaries, this may not seem initially to be problematic. Many scholars, like Cynthia Wolff, also tend to psychoanalyze the text, the characters, and Chopin herself within this framework. However, despite the large amount of feminist scholarship, psychoanalytic scholarship, and feminist psychoanalytic scholarship on this novel, no one has examined the context of the novel from the perspective of feminist critiques of psychoanalysis. Luce Irigaray provides the basis for my argument when she states, "Woman's lack of penis, and her envy of the penis ensure the function of the negative, serve as representatives of the negative, in what could be called a phallocentric—or phallotropic—dialectic" (original emphasis, Speculum 52). I argue that Chopin not only anticipated Freud's psychoanalytic theories, but she also anticipated Irigaray's critics of phallocentric psychology. Chopin humanizes the damage that a iii phallocentric society can cause a woman who dares to defy the conventions, and who begins to see her life in her own terms rather than functioning under erasure.


The index of a Lie algebra is an important algebraic invariant.  In 2000, Vladimir Dergachev and Alexandre Kirillov  defined seaweed subalgebras of $\mathfrak{gl}_n$ (or $\mathfrak{sl}_n$) and provided a formula for the index of a seaweed algebra using a certain graph, a so called meander.
In a recent paper, Vincent Coll, Andrew Mayers, and Nick Mayers defined a new statistic for partitions, namely  the index of a partition, which arises from seaweed Lie algebras of type A. At the end of their paper, they presented an interesting conjecture, which involves integer partitions into odd parts. Motivated by their work, in this paper, we exploit various index statistics and the index weight generating functions for partitions.  In particular, we examine their conjecture by considering the generating function for partitions into odd parts.  We will also reprove another result  from their paper using generating functions.


Critics of top-down, expert-driven approaches to adaptation suggest the need for tools and methods capable of addressing the gap between scientific and local understanding of climate change. After a lengthy period in which participatory mapping in the context of climate change was overlooked, attention has now turned to Participatory Three-Dimensional Modelling (P3DM) for adaptation planning. P3DM consists in a community-based process resulting in a 3D-scaled and geo-referenced relief model. Because of its relative accuracy and the possibility of being translated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), P3DM adds credibility to locally produced content and provides a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue. Through the analysis of a case study in Boe Boe, Solomon Islands, this paper explores how P3DM may be utilised for integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge systems while minimising risks that perverse power dynamics will jeopardise the effectiveness of the participatory process. This paper combines results from literature analysis with interviews.


We investigate theoretical limits to detection of fast and slow seismic events, and spatial variations of ground motion expected from M 6 earthquakes at short epicentral distances. The analyses are based on synthetic velocity seismograms calculated with the discrete wavenumber method assuming seismic velocities and attenuation properties of the crust in Southern California. The examined source properties include different magnitudes (M −1.0 to M 6.0), static stress drops (0.1–10 MPa), and slow and fast ruptures (0.1–0.9 of shear wave velocity). For the M 6 events we also consider variations in rise times producing crack‐ and pulse‐type events and different rupture directivities. Slow events produce ground motion with considerably lower amplitude than corresponding regular fast earthquakes with the same magnitude, and hence are significantly more difficult to detect. The static stress drop and slip rise time also affect the maximum radiated seismic motion, and hence event detectability. Apart from geometrical factors, the saturation and depletion of seismic ground motion at short epicentral distances stem from radiation pattern, earthquake size (magnitude, stress drop), and rupture directivity. The rupture velocity, rise time, and directivity affect significantly the spatial pattern of the ground motions. The results can help optimizing detection of slow and fast small earthquakes and understand the spatial distribution of ground motion generated by large events.


Uniform sampling has drawn diverse applications in programming languages and software engineering, like in constrained-random verification (CRV), constrained-fuzzing and bug synthesis. The effectiveness of these applications depend on the uniformity of test stimuli generated from a given set of constraints. Despite significant progress over the past few years, the performance of the state of the art techniques still falls short of those of heuristic methods employed in the industry which sacrifice either uniformity or scalability when generating stimuli. In this paper, we propose a new approach to the uniform generation that builds on recent progress in knowledge compilation. The primary contribution of this paper is marrying knowledge compilation with uniform sampling: our algorithm, KUS, employs the state-of-the-art knowledge compilers to first compile constraints into d-DNNF form, and then, generates samples by making two passes over the compiled representation. We show that KUS is able to significantly outperform existing state-of-the-art algorithms, SPUR and UniGen2, by up to 3 orders of magnitude in terms of runtime while achieving a geometric speedup of 1.7× and 8.3× over SPUR and UniGen2 respectively. Also, KUS achieves a lower PAR-2 score, around 0.82× that of SPUR and 0.38× that of UniGen2. Furthermore, KUS achieves speedups of up to 3 orders of magnitude for incremental sampling. The distribution generated by KUS is statistically indistinguishable from that generated by an ideal uniform sampler. Moreover, KUS is almost oblivious to the number of samples requested.


The shift from defined benefits (DB) to defined contributions (DC) is pervasive among pension funds, due to demographic changes and macroeconomic pressures. In DB all risks are borne by the provider, while in plain vanilla DC all risks are borne by the beneficiary. For DC to provide income security some kind of guarantee is required. A minimum guarantee clause can be modeled as a put option written on some underlying reference portfolio of assets and we propose a discrete model that optimally selects the reference portfolio to minimise the cost of a guarantee. While the relation DB-DC is typically viewed as a binary one, the model setup can be used to price a wide range of guarantees creating a continuum between DB and DC. Integrating guarantee pricing with asset allocation decision is useful to both pension fund managers and regulators. The former are given a yardstick to assess if a given asset portfolio is fit-for-purpose; the latter can assess differences of specific reference funds with respect to the optimal one, signalling possible cases of moral hazard. We develop the model and report extensive numerical results to illustrate its potential uses.


Habitat loss and deterioration, climate change, and economic pressures for resource extraction have all led to a global loss of biodiversity. The limited resources available for conservation need to be used both effectively and efficiently in order to minimise further losses. Spatial conservation prioritization addresses the question of how we should allocate conservation effort and funds in space and time. While the benefits of quantitative conservation prioritization methods have been widely promoted, adoption of these methods in "real-world" planning and implementation is still in its infancy, partly due to the difficulty of identifying which methods and tools (if any) are suited to specific planning problems. Spatial Conservation Prioritization brings together a team of leading scientists to introduce the conceptual and methodological aspects of how to undertake spatial conservation planning in a quantitative manner. It provides the reader with information on when, why, and how to use which statistical and computational methods for conservation prioritization. Important topics underlying spatial prioritization including metapopulation modelling, population viability analysis modelling, species distribution modelling, and uncertainty analysis are discussed, as well as operational definitions and methods. The book includes chapters on the most widely used and latest software, and concludes with an insight into the future of the field.


The objective of this paper is to explore people's survival strategies and coping capacities to combat monga at household level in the northern region of Bangladesh. The agriculture based rural economy, extreme poverty, high percentage of landless, lack of sufficient caloric intake, unemployment of vast agricultural labour force etc. are the root causes of vulnerability to monga in the northern regions specifically few districts of greater Rangpur. Moreover, geographically this region is vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods and droughts. The past records of food shortages and famine reveal that the trend is still continuing in the monga-prone areas. The present study found that the most vulnerable groups in the monga-prone areas were agricultural wage labourers, landless and marginal farmers, female headed households, children, pregnant women and aged people. The present study also found that with a view to cope with the monga, various coping strategies such as selling of labour with advance payment at cheap rate, borrowing of money, selling of assets, looking for work in other areas, dependency on relief, selling of field crops in advance at cheap rate etc. were adopted by the affected households. The present study also found that coping capacity was associated with household head's socio-economic status e.g. level of education, monthly income, types of occupation, etc. Vulnerability to monga was higher for the illiterate and low income groups than the educated and high income groups. The present study argues that the policy makers of Government and NGOs should emphasize on enhancing of coping capacities of poor and marginalized groups through rural centric development, rural employment generation, maximum utilization of agricultural land, proper credit support and agro-based industrialisation in the northern Bangladesh.


An optical-digital computer (ODC) that enables parallel processing of images is discussed. A number of optical and analog electronic preprocessing operations are described. These include the use of the texture variance to separate objects in an image on the basis of texture, application of autocorrelation techniques to find hidden periodicities in images, masking on the basis of color, Fourier analysis, and planimetric analysis of color scenes. A particular design of an ODC is discussed. The computer consists of an optical system, an image analyzer, a bandwidth compressor and digitizer, and a digital computer. A number of applications are furnished. Emphasis is given to processing aerial and radiographic imagery.


This paper discusses the implications of buyers and sellers being influenced by the information they receive and how that impacts their decision-making process in the context of a high-value low-frequency transaction (HVLFT). Using an exploratory case study, we explore a dark dimension of knowledge where tacit or explicit knowledge has been lost, distorted, suppressed, misrepresented, or misappropriated resulting in ambiguity and increased risk in decision making. The case study focuses on the decision-making process and the information flow seen from the perspective of different stakeholders involved in a HVLFT. Based on this case study we propose, articulate, and apply a model that explicitly acknowledges the dark side of knowledge. Our findings suggest the need for the application of convergent technologies to ameliorate the risk and asymmetricity caused by the dark side of knowledge and enhance governance particularly in the context of HVLFT.


Cu (II) phthalocyanine compound and its water-soluble derivative containing 3- (pyridin-4-yl) propane-1-oxy groups in non-peripheral positions were synthesized for the first time and their structures were elucidated. The photocatalytic properties of Cu (II) phthalocyanine compounds, which were synthesized and characterized, were investigated on the photocatalytic degradation reactions of 4-nitrophenol, one of the important environmental pollutants. In the photocatalysis reactions that took place in the photoreactor for 2 hours without using any oxidant, 4-nitrophenol compound was completed with 94.4% and 98.6% conversion to toxic and non-harmful species. The hydroquinone compound was identified as the main product and the benzoquinone compound as the by-product. The conversion number for the non-peripheral Cu (II) phthalocyanine compound and its water-soluble derivative was 471 and 488 and the conversion frequency was 235.5 and 244,0 respectively. Finally, recovery studies were carried out for water soluble Cu (II) phthalocyanine used as photocatalyst and the number of cycles was determined as 5.


Purpose: The present study aims to describe the differences in the prevalence of EGFR mutation of lung adenocarcinoma between private and public healthcare institutions.

Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, retrospective, multicenter study with confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma subtype, distributed between two private practice centers and one public healthcare institution. After a pathology review to determine whether there was enough tumor tissue to make a molecular biology study, mutations were determined using real-time PCR for EGFR tyrosine-kinase domain gene.

Results: After exclusions a total of 328 patients results for the final analysis. Two hundred thirty-five patients (71.64%) attended a public healthcare institution and ninety-three patients (28.35%) to a private healthcare institution (Table 1). From the public healthcare institution, 113 (34.45%) patients had a positive EGFR mutation, while only 27 patients (8.23%) from the private healthcare institution were positive for an EGFR mutation. When comparing the total number of patients in the study, this difference was statistically significant when comparing public versus private hospitals (p=0.002).

Conclusion: We found that there is a statistically significant difference between the frequency of EGFR mutations between populations attending public and private healthcare institutions, probably related to ethnic differences between populations. Despite what has been reported in the present study, these conclusions cannot be generalized and further investigation is needed.


Maps are one of the most important tools for communicating geospatial information between producers and receivers. Geospatial data, tools, contributions in geospatial sciences, and the communication of information and transmission of knowledge are matter of ongoing cartographic research. This applies to all topics and objects located on Earth or on any other body in our Solar System. In planetary science, cartography and mapping have a history dating back to the roots of telescopic space exploration and are now facing new technological and organizational challenges with the rise of new missions, new global initiatives, organizations and opening research markets. The focus of this contribution is to introduce the community to the field of planetary cartography and its historic foundation, to highlight some of the organizations involved and to emphasize challenges that Planetary Cartography has to face today and in the near future.


Macrophages (MØ) and mononuclear phagocytes are major targets of infection by dengue virus (DV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can cause haemorrhagic fever in humans. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that the MØ mannose receptor (MR) binds to all four serotypes of DV and specifically to the envelope glycoprotein. Glycan analysis, ELISA, and blot overlay assays demonstrate that MR binds via its carbohydrate recognition domains to mosquito and human cell–produced DV antigen. This binding is abrogated by deglycosylation of the DV envelope glycoprotein. Surface expression of recombinant MR on NIH3T3 cells confers DV binding. Furthermore, DV infection of primary human MØ can be blocked by anti-MR antibodies. MR is a prototypic marker of alternatively activated MØ, and pre-treatment of human monocytes or MØ with type 2 cytokines (IL-4 or IL-13) enhances their susceptibility to productive DV infection. Our findings indicate a new functional role for the MR in DV infection.


Relatively uniform sized graphene-encapsulated sulphur (GES) composites with a core (S)–shell (graphene) structure were synthesized in one pot based on a solution-chemical reaction–deposition method. These novel GES particles were characterized by XRD, Raman spectrometry, SEM, TGA, EDS and TEM. The electrochemical tests showed that the present GES composites exhibit high specific capacity, good discharge capacity retention and superior rate capability when they were employed as cathodes in rechargeable Li–S cells. A high sulphur content (83.3 wt%) was obtained in the GES composites. Stable discharge capacities of about 900, 650, 540 and 480 mA h g−1 were achieved at 0.75, 2.0, 3.0 and 6.0 C, respectively. The good electrochemical performance is attributed to the high electrical conductivity of the graphene, the reasonable particle size of sulphur particles, and the core–shell structures that have synergistic effects on facilitating good transport of electrons from the poorly conducting sulphur, preserving fast transport of lithium ions to the encapsulated sulphur particles, and alleviating the polysulfide shuttle phenomenon. The present finding may provide a significant contribution to the enhancement of cathodes for the lithium–sulphur battery technology.


Judicial review of executive action is the stage upon which all three arms of government engage in stark interplay. The High Court, by virtue of s 75(v) of the Constitution, is vested with supervisory jurisdiction to undertake judicial review of executive action and to grant the constitutional writs of mandamus, prohibition and injunction. However, for centuries, legislatures have enacted privative clauses designed to limit the ability of courts to perform this function, thereby unshackling the executive from judicial restraint. In 1945, the authoritative approach in Australia to construing such clauses was established in the case of Hickman. This approach was substantially overturned by the High Court in 2003 in the case of Plaintiff S157. In this much lauded case, the High Court recognised that s 75(v) amounts to an 'entrenched minimum provision of judicial review' and constitutes 'textual reinforcement' of the rule of law. Notwithstanding this strong stance, by 2008 the High Court had given effect to a so-called no-invalidity clause which, although conceptually different from the privative clause, enabled Parliament to evade the reach of the High Court's constitutional jurisdiction. This paper seeks to defend Hickman on its own terms, arguing that it is consistent with the modern jurisprudence on statutory interpretation. It then proceeds to criticise the soundness of Plaintiff S157. Finally, it claims that a return to Hickman represents the best way in which to construe no-invalidity clauses.


Botanical insecticides manufactured under the name of spinetoram, Solaris 6 SC® (75 ml.ha-1) and Capsoil 9,82 EC® (Capsicumm annum + mustard (Sinapis alba) + garlic (Allium sativum) (2 l.ha-1) were evaluated by comparing them with two homemade extracts: garlic extract + neem (Azadirachtaindica) + detergent (20 ml.l-1 water) and garlic extract + oregano (Origanumvulgare) + juanilama (Lippia alba) + rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis) (20 ml.l-1 water); and a control with the objective to evaluate the effectiveness of non-chemical alternatives to treat the Spodopterafrugiperda in the corn crops of the test field in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste which is owned by the University of Costa Rica. Results show that the best insecticide to control the immature fall armyworm is Solaris 6 SC®, followed by the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent. Also, the natural parasitism of the S. frugiperda on the area not treated with pesticides reached values of 60% where the Chelonus sp. was the parasitoid that was present at all times. The performance of the areas treated with pesticides range from 153 and 180 quintals of fresh corn by hectare where the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent (20 ml.l-1 water) reflected the higher production. The areas treated with Solaris 6 SC® had the less quantity of corn damaged by S. frugiperda and Helicoverpazea while the area treated with garlic extract + oregano + juanilama + rosemary had the greatest loss during this evaluation. Thus, the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent is recommended because of its high capacity to kill S. frugiperda and other pests that affect the corncob, its higher performance it is more cost efficient for small farmers.


The need to support innovation in health care delivery was prompted by payment reforms and access to digital tools and has been accelerated by the shift to virtual care as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Prior to the pandemic, a growing number of health systems set up innovation centers to focus on creating new services and exploring new business models relevant to value-based care. This is distinct from process improvement or implementation science, and often needs a different set of incentives to succeed within a large organization. We used a national survey to identify a diverse sample of innovation centers, and interviewed leaders to describe their aims, organizational structures, and activities. They all aim to improve patient outcomes and experience while reducing costs, but their strategic focus may differ. The centers also vary in their reporting structure, how they build internal capacity, and how they measure success. We highlight the range of strategies through examples of projects that improve quality, reduce costs, and generate new revenue. While the optimal forms and impact of innovation centers are still emerging, the fiscal pressures and the rapid uptake of digital technologies present opportunities for the redesign of health services in the postpandemic era. The experiences of these centers illustrate a set of approaches to increase any organization's capacity for innovation.


This paper attempts to bring some central insights from behavioural economics into the economics of climate change. In particular, it discusses (i) implications of prospect theory, the equity premium puzzle, and time-inconsistent preferences in the choice of discount rate used in climate-change cost assessments, and (ii) the implications of various kinds of social preferences for the outcome of climate negotiations. Several reasons are presented for why it appears advisable to choose a substantially lower social discount rate than the average return on investments. It also seems likely that taking social preferences into account increases the possibilities of obtaining international agreements, compared to the standard model. However, there are also effects going in the opposite direction, and the importance of sanctions is emphasized.


Recent scholarship laments the growing fragmentation of the working class due to flexible labour regimes and unemployment. This paper examines an emerging effort in South Africa to counter this fragmentation: the United Front project, initiated and led by the National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (NUMSA). Drawing on 74 interviews conducted at two different NUMSA-led protests in Johannesburg, the analysis unpacks two sets of tensions. One set of tensions revolves around class politics, which pertain to the divide between unionized workers in relatively stable employment, and impoverished communities ravaged by unemployment. The other set of tensions revolves around party politics, including divisions with respect to the United Front's opposition to the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). Each dimension reveals both crucial sources of solidarity and potential obstacles, showing that forging a broad working-class unity in the current period is complex, but not impossible.


Throughout the United States, the number of farmers markets continues to rise, their popularity spurred by consumers' growing demand for locally produced food. More than 4,900 farmers markets operate nationwide today—a jump from fewer than 1,800 only 15 years ago. Because most Federal buildings are prominently positioned in central business districts, they're great places to open a farmers market, and sites may be available for use at minimal or no cost. Several farmers markets already are established on federally owned sites, and they're bringing a range of benefits to their building managers and market operators. This guide tells how to open a farmers market on Federal property.


This masters research project, All Kinds of People, All Kinds of Ways, proposes that gender is a constructed concept produced by colonial, capitalist, and patriarchal structures. This is illustrated through a three-channel video installation of the same name that utilizes conversations with two-spirit, Anishinaabe participants whose traditions express the fluidity of gender identity. The research done in this paper further supports these discussions through an analysis of feminist and queer theory, as well as a look at various cultures around the world that have similar understandings of non-fixed gender.


We report disorganization of background activity in the EEG of 49 patients with chronic renal failure. An electroencephalographic and biochemical study was performed in 20 patients before and after dialysis sessions. We did the same study before and after peritoneal dialysis in 14 patients. We analysed the EEG compared to biochemical blood abnormalities before and after renal transplantation in 15 patients. We observed worsening of the EEG after hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and improvement after renal transplantation, suggesting that in our patients the abnormalities in EEG caused by chronic renal failure were reversible. From our results, we found it difficult to establish correlations between the EEG and the biochemical blood abnormalities. However, there is statistical correlation between hypernatremia, improvement of metabolic acidosis, increase of the ratio of zinc to copper and worsening of the background activity in EEG.