Cr, Ti-substituted TiO2-loaded MCM-41 (TiO2/Cr-Ti-MCM-41) catalysts were prepared, and their photocatalytic activities for decomposition of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in visible light were studied. The effect of H2O2 on the photocatalytic decomposition of 4-NP was investigated. Tisubstituted MCM-41 exhibited an absorption in UV range, and the incorporation of both Ti and Cr in the MCM-41 framework created visible light absorption. The visible light absorption capability of TiO2/Cr-Ti-MCM-41 increased with increasing TiO2 loading. The photocatalytic activity of Cr- Ti-MCM-41 for degradation of 4-NP in visible light increased with increasing TiO2 loading up to 33 wt%. The addition of H2O2 enhanced the photocatalytic activity of 33 wt% TiO2/Cr-Ti-MCM-41 for decomposition of 4-NP in visible light. H2O2 was found to promote the adsorption of 4-NP on the Cr-Ti-MCM-41 surface, leading to increased reaction rate. In addition, H2O2 may act as an electron acceptor during photocatalytic reaction, thereby lowering the electron-hole recombination and increasing the efficiency of hole utilization.


The present study is aimed at investigating the type of Indonesian cultural words found in the novel Negeri 5 Menara and the translated novel, and also to examine the translation techniques used by the translator in translating them into English, the translator's tendency in translating cultural words and the factors leading to the translator's tendency. To analyze the kinds of cultural word found in the novel and how those cultural words are translated, three primary theories were used: cultural words classification (Newmark, 1988), translation techniques (Molina & Albir, 2002), and translation strategies (Venuti, 2004). To investigate factors leading to the translator's tendency the interview with the translator was held. The result of the study shows that there are various kinds of cultural word found in the novel and most of them were domesticated. The factors leading to the translator's tendency were cultural differences and the author's intention to get wider readership. Keywords : Cultural Words, Translator's Tendency


After introducing a measure for educational polarization (EduPol), this paper presents a theoretical framework to understand whether and how EduPol may affect the contest for power in society. The model suggests that societies with high degrees of EduPol (i.e., substantial shares with either no or university-level education) are systematically more prone to civil unrest. We test this prediction on four measures of civil unrest: Political instability, domestic terrorism, civil conflict, and civil war. Our empirical estimations produce evidence consistent with this hypothesis as all four phenomena are positively associated with EduPol at the beginning of the respective period, exhibiting meaningful magnitudes. These results prevail when accounting for (i) potentially confounding factors, (ii) country- and time- fixed effects, (iii) economic inequality, (iv) ethnic and religious polarization and fractionalization, and (v) numerous alternative estimations and outcome variables.


"Anywhere" and "anytime" are the ultimate properties of wireless communications. To achieve these goals, frequency reuse is one of the most important concepts that has to be considered in high user density networks providing various broadband services. This paper proposes an efficient resource allocation algorithm called Group Based Graph Coloring (GBGC) that exploits unused spectrum areas (TV White Space-TVWS) to improve broadband services in densely populated areas. To achieve this, GBGC groups the users into blocks with each having a leader (Group Head) that connects its cluster members to the base station. The Group Head employs a graph-coloring algorithm to tether other users to the base station, through the available unlicensed TVWS band. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves a good performance/complexity tradeoff that provides a promising alternative to the case of having only direct communication between the cellular users and the base station.


Extensive-form games are a powerful model for representing interactions between agents. Nash equilibrium strategies are a common solution concept for extensive-form games and, in two-player zero-sum games, there are efficient algorithms for calculating such strategies. In large games, this computation may require too much memory and time to be tractable. A standard approach in such cases is to apply a lossy state-space abstraction technique to produce a smaller abstract game that can be tractably solved, while hoping that the resulting abstract game equilibrium is close to an equilibrium strategy in the unabstracted game. Recent work has shown that this assumption is unreliable, and an arbitrary Nash equilibrium in the abstract game is unlikely to be even near the least suboptimal strategy that can be represented in that space. In this work, we present for the first time an algorithm which efficiently finds optimal abstract strategies --- strategies with minimal exploitability in the unabstracted game. We use this technique to find the least exploitable strategy ever reported for two-player limit Texas hold'em.


Background Patients with acute respiratory acidosis caused by an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) constitute the group that benefits most from noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV). However, there are some patients who do not respond to NIPPV. Studies from the west report variable failure rates. Delays in recognizing nonresponders can increase hospital morbidity and mortality. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of NIPPV in patients with acute hypercapnia respiratory failure (AHRF) secondary to AECOPD. Patients and methods This was a prospective observational study of 119 consecutive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of AHRF and in whom NIPPV was applied. Results The overall success rate of NIPPV in the studied group was 94%. Mortality and duration of hospitalization were significantly higher in the failure group (P=0.0001 and 0.002, respectively). The most encountered complications were air leak (29%) and mask discomfort (24%). Comparison between the success and the failure group at the time of hospital admission revealed that the failure group was associated with old age (P=0.043), low hemoglobin (Hb) (P=0.037), low albumin (0.017), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (P=0.0001), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (P=0.001), higher heart rate (P=0.002), lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P=0.013), lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P=0.034), and higher white blood cells (WBCs) (P=0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified age more than 65 years, respiratory rate 35 or more, pH less than 7.26, and WBCs more than or equal to 20 000 or less than 4000 as significant independent predictors of NIPPV failure in our patients. Conclusion NIPPV is an effective and safe modality for treating patients with AHRF secondary to AECOPD. Widespread availability and training of medical staff in the use of NIPPV is recommended.


From a simplified analysis of adaptive methods, we derive AvaGrad, a new optimizer which outperforms SGD on vision tasks when its adaptability is properly tuned. We observe that the power of our method is partially explained by a decoupling of learning rate and adaptability, greatly simplifying hyperparameter search. In light of this observation, we demonstrate that, against conventional wisdom, Adam can also outperform SGD on vision tasks, as long as the coupling between its learning rate and adaptability is taken into account. In practice, AvaGrad matches the best results, as measured by generalization accuracy, delivered by any existing optimizer (SGD or adaptive) across image classification (CIFAR, ImageNet) and character-level language modelling (Penn Treebank) tasks. When training GANs, AvaGrad improves upon existing optimizers.1


fragments and a decrease in fines on the foreshore, with the exception of the swash mark. During aeolian sand transport, aeolian decoupling results in a backshore with surface lag deposits with moderately sorted sand containing a substantial amount of shell fragments and silt, and patches of sand with less shell fragments. Wind-laid nourishment sand, i.e., the nourishment sand that is blown to the dunes, contains only small amounts of these shell fragments and the sand is finer and better sorted than the nourishment beach sand. However, the nourishment sand that is blown to the foredunes still deviates from the wind-laid native sand; it is more poorly sorted and more negatively skewed. Furthermore, the wind-laid nourishment sand contains significantly more coarse material, i.e., shell fragments, than the wind-laid native sand, which will lead to an increase in calcium carbonate content in the foredunes.


A case-study methodology was used to explore the process of change as experienced by 3 suburban families in an attempt to incorporate climate change mitigation behavior into their day to day life. Cross-case analysis of the findings revealed the emergence of three major conceptual themes associated with behavior adoption: collectively applied competences such as self-efficacy and perseverance; shared ecological values among family members; and collaborative family dynamics. Based on these findings, the authors conclude by outlining the lessons learned in terms of their potential for policy makers and possible educational programs for families looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.


Bone is a major target of metastasis for many malignancies; curcumin has been studied for its role in cancer prevention including early phase clinical trials for its efficacy and safe use with cancer patients. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with curcumin (2% and 4%) on (1) pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma and (2) bone microstructural changes in female C57BL/6 mice. Curcumin significantly increased the size of lung metastases, which was accompanied with significant increases in plasma concentrations of angiogenic factors (e.g. angiogenin, VEGF) and inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1β, MCP-1). Morphometric analysis showed that curcumin at 2% and 4% dietary levels significantly reduced bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV), connective density (Conn.D.) and trabecular number (Tb.N.) and significantly increased structure model index (SMI, an indicator of the plate- and rod-like geometry of trabecular structure) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp.) in vertebral bodies, and at the 4% level curcumin significantly reduced BV/TV and Tb.N. and at either level it significantly reduced trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) in distal femurs compared with the controls. In the mid-shaft of femur, curcumin at the 4% level significantly reduced cortical bone area to total area ratio (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar.) and cortical thickness (Ct.Th.) compared with the controls. Furthermore, curcumin feeding resulted in dose-dependent decreases in plasma concentrations of osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation) and increases plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphate 5b (a marker of bone resorption) compared with the controls, indicating that curcumin may deteriorate trabecular and cortical bone by disrupting the balance of bone remodeling. As skeleton is a favored site of metastasis for many cancers, our results that curcumin (1) enhances metastatic growth and (2) results in osteolytic deterioration of bone suggest the need of assessment of bone structural changes for curcumin cancer prevention studies, particularly for human trials with cancer patients who are the risk of malignant spread, to determine the curcumin effects and its interaction with malignancy on skeleton health.

Citation Format: Lin Yan. Curcumin deteriorates trabecular and cortical bone in mice bearing metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B77.


Another pocket book written, also, for the general practitioner or medical student. Perhaps we : become so familiar with certain terminology that we accept it, use it, . feel we have some comprehension of its significance but would be at a loss to explain it fully. Therefore this book should help in the reading of charts on a cardiology service, explaining to us some of the terms used so frequently. The--language is simple, concise and the material tabulated to simplify reference. The three main types of conditions are fully explained, as are the various types within each -o€ these groupings: i Aortic and Mitral diseases, Raynaud's disease and arterial embolism are just a few of those included. Also a brief outline of the use of electrocardiograms is provided.


BACKGROUND
Distal radial fractures occur very frequently. Most are dorsally displaced (Colles' fracture). In contrast to previously, approximately a quarter of these patients now undergo surgery. This is more than the number that is reduced and immobilised in a plaster cast. Volar plate osteosynthesis is now the most common type of surgery. There is great uncertainty regarding indications for surgery.

METHOD
The article is based on own research, a search in PubMed and a review of reference lists to identify articles that compare radiological and clinical outcomes after Colles' fractures.

RESULTS
A number of national orthopaedic associations have reviewed the literature in an attempt to draw up guidelines for indications for performing surgery on distal radial fractures, without being able to arrive at definite recommendations based on randomised studies. Our review of the literature indicates a very uncertain correlation between radiological displacement and the final clinical outcome. This applies particularly to elderly patients (over 55-65), where by far the majority of the studies do not find any such correlation. Complications and reoperation are common among patients who have undergone volar plate surgery.

INTERPRETATION
There is surprisingly little correlation between the radiological and clinical outcome after Colles' fractures. A practice where a large proportion of patients undergo surgery is probably not justified. Elderly patients will very seldom benefit from surgery in the longer term.


A multitude of risk factors influences the likelihood of developing dry eye signs and symptoms. A multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between demographic characteristics of age, gender, and duration of disease with the severity of dry eye signs and symptoms in a large population of dry eye clinical trial participants. The role of demographics may be important when designing dry eye clinical trials.


This study defends the legitimacy of the Enlightenment project by way of its different realizations in the philosophies of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi. Today, Enlightenment as a cosmopolitan project with a global claim is often considered synonymous with Western chauvinism. The assertion of a universally binding reason is all too obviously inconsistent with the much-cited recognition of cultural differences. In contrast, it is the conviction brought forward in this book that an adequately understood Enlightenment is an unconditional right of every person taking an active interest in a self-determined way of life. Only the realization of this conception of Enlightenment can provide the required space for the reciprocal recognition of human differences to freely unfold.


We have carried out Monte Carlo simulations to study the magnetic properties of a mixed S = 1 and S = 3/2 ferrimagnetic system interacting antiferromagnetically on a one-dimensional spin chain with single-ion anisotropy. It has been shown that at sufficiently low temperatures, the system has magnetization plateaus near the ground state under an external field. Other interesting physical quantities such as the specific heat and the Neel order at low temperatures are also discussed.


Abstract Generating parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) of nuclear spins with immobilized transition metal complexes as hydrogenation catalysts allows one to produce pure hyperpolarized substances, which can open new revolutionary perspectives for PHIP applications. A major drawback of immobilized complexes is their low stability under reaction conditions. In the present work we studied an immobilized iridium complex, Ir/SiO2P, synthesized by a covalent anchoring of Vaska's complex on phospine-modified silica gel. This complex was used to obtain hyperpolarized gasses in the gas phase hydrogenation of propene, propyne and 1-butyne with parahydrogen in PASADENA and ALTADENA experiments. It was found that, in contrast to other immobilized complexes, Ir/SiO2P is stable under reaction conditions at up to 140°C, and the reduction of iridium does not occur according to XPS analysis. Moreover, the application of Ir/SiO2P catalyst allowed us to generate continuous flow of hyperpolarized propene and 1-butene with (300–500)-fold NMR signal enhancement which is significantly higher than commonly observed for most supported metal catalysts. The shape of polarized propene signals in PASADENA experiment has indicated that parahydrogen addition to propyne occurs non-stereospecifically, i.e. PHIP was observed for all protons of the vinyl fragment of propene. The analysis of the polarized signals has shown that syn pairwise addition dominates, which was confirmed by spectra simulations. It was found that storage of Ir/SiO2P under Ar atmosphere leads to a decrease in PHIP amplitude and an increase in the activity of the catalyst. This observation is discussed in terms of the interaction of Ir/SiO2P with trace amounts of oxygen in Ar, leading to partial oxidation of triphenylphosphine ligand to triphenylphosphine oxide accompanied by the activation of the immobilized complex. It was also found that the interaction of Ir/SiO2P with alkenes likely leads to formation of stable monohydride complexes, decreasing the production of PHIP in hydrogenations. At the same time, stable substrate complexes are likely formed in alkyne hydrogenations, leading to a significant decrease in the monohydride complex formation and to an increased production of PHIP.


Background: Classic Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been described as transient apical dyskinesia following major stress that is believed to be related to catecholamine surges. Atypical variants have been described, including the rarer reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Discrepant gradients of the beta-2 adrenoceptors are thought to determine the different anatomic variants. Case Report: A 43-year-old female presented with chest pain and a mild troponin elevation. Echocardiography and coronary angiography were consistent with stress-induced apical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Eight months later, the patient was admitted with a similar presentation; however, workup revealed stress-induced reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy involving different anatomic regions of the left ventricle is a rare phenomenon yet appears to be similar to typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in presentation and hospital course. Chronic therapy with beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors did not prevent a recurrence in this patient, suggesting that optimum treatment needs to be determined. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy affecting different myocardial segments may recur in the same patient, implying that the adrenoceptor distribution theory needs further refinement.


A case of bilateral facial nerve paralysis of a patient who received a high voltage electrical burn is presented. This is an extremely unusual neurologic condition and has not been previously reported in association with electrical injuries. The patient regained nearly complete neurologic function several months after the incident.


Owing to frequent fluctuations in global markets, diversifying across emerging markets is increasingly becoming a necessity. Despite this, a cloud of uncertainty surrounds the relative capacities of emerging markets to provide the required shields for international investors, especially during extreme market conditions. In this paper, we explore the relative potentials of African equities to provide opportunities for hedging and diversification for global commodity investors by using data of daily periodicity on close-to-close basis from January 3, 2003 to December 29, 2014. The findings indicate the presence of non-linear relationships between some African stocks and returns on global commodities. Thus, global commodity market investors react differently towards investment potentials in African stocks during tranquil and crisis periods in the commodity markets. Additionally, from the mean-variance stand-point, including African equities in a diversified portfolio has the effect of lowering risk whiles simultaneously increasing expected returns. However, such investment strategies must be informed by volatility persistence, as well as past and present market conditions.


The vertebrate segmentation clock is a gene expression oscillator controlling rhythmic segmentation of the vertebral column during embryonic development. The period of oscillations becomes longer as cells are displaced along the posterior to anterior axis, which results in traveling waves of clock gene expression sweeping in the unsegmented tissue. Although various hypotheses necessitating the inclusion of additional regulatory genes into the core clock network at different spatial locations have been proposed, the mechanism underlying traveling waves has remained elusive. Here, we combined molecular-level computational modeling and quantitative experimentation to solve this puzzle. Our model predicts the existence of an increasing gradient of gene expression time delays along the posterior to anterior direction to recapitulate spatiotemporal profiles of the traveling segmentation clock waves in different genetic backgrounds in zebrafish. We validated this prediction by measuring an increased time delay of oscillatory Her1 protein production along the unsegmented tissue. Our results refuted the need for spatial expansion of the core feedback loop to explain the occurrence of traveling waves. Spatial regulation of gene expression time delays is a novel way of creating dynamic patterns; this is the first report demonstrating such a control mechanism in any tissue and future investigations will explore the presence of analogous examples in other biological systems.


RNN, LSTM and GRU variations have been increasing its popularity on time-series applications. Liberalization of Turkish Electricity Market empowers the necessity of better electricity consumption prediction systems. This paper presents a Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) based time series forecasting experiments on Turkish electricity load prediction. Resulting %0.71 MAPE success of our experiments yields better results than existing researches based on ARIMA and artificial neural networks on Turkish electricity load forecasting which have %2.6 and %1.8 success rate respectively.


A new class of solution-processable thieno[3,2-f:4,5-f′]bis[1]benzothiophene (TBBT-V) semiconductors are investigated. Semiconductors with decyl substituents and two kinds of π-extended decylthienyl substituents are facially derivatized from functionalized dibromo-substituted TBBT-Vvia either a Negishi or a Stille cross coupling procedure. The solubilities of TBBT-V semiconductors are somewhat higher than those of their previously developed dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene (DNT-V) counterparts. Single crystal analysis together with a calculation study on the transfer integral and the band structure in decyl-substituted TBBT-V (C10-TBBT-V) clarifies that these semiconductors form two-dimensionally ordered herringbone packing structures and the effective mass in the columnar direction rivals that of the previously developed decyl-substituted DNT-V. The carrier mobilities of TBBT-V derivatives in solution grown into single-crystalline films are remarkable (up to 6.2 cm2 V−1 s−1). Furthermore, their operation voltages are apparently lower than those of previously developed DNT-V derivatives due to the optimized ionization potential of the TBBT-V core and further π-extension by substitution of the thienyl groups.


Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. In the United Kingdom in 2010, over 80,000 deaths were attributed to coronary heart disease, and one in 10 female deaths were due to coronary heart disease. Acute coronary syndrome, a subset of coronary heart disease, was responsible for 175,000 inpatient admissions in the United Kingdom in 2012. While men have traditionally been considered to be at higher risk of acute coronary syndrome, various studies have demonstrated that women often suffer from poorer outcomes following an adverse cardiovascular event. This gap is gradually narrowing with the introduction of advanced interventional strategies and pharmacotherapy. However, a better understanding of these differences is of crucial importance for the improvement of the pharmacological and interventional management of acute coronary syndrome and for the development of possible new gender-specific diagnostic and therapeutic options. The goals of this review are to evaluate gender differences in outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome in the current era and identify potential mechanisms behind these differences in outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention.


The aim of the study was to examine how first-time parents and experienced parents experience the parent groups in Dellenbygden (FID). The results from the 19 interviews showed that all parents were pleased that the meetings had been organized. All respondents stated that they had been informed about the FID, however the majority found that this information had been too vague. The first-time parents described that they had not really understood the meaning or importance of the information concerning the FID, while experienced parents described it as being more clear and evident. The first-time parents had no expectations of parent support, while the majority of experienced parents did have certain expectations. Most first-time parents considered the content a little thin, while experienced parents found it to be good and beneficial. All parents had comments concerning the set-up, with the time of the meetings being the most criticized point. All parents stated that the social community that the group meetings provided was the main benefit, but some added that good things were also brought up at the meetings. All parents also had criticism concerning the transition to preschool as not functioning. A number of desired improvements were generated from both first-time parents and experienced parents, with the time of the group meetings and the transition to preschool being the main points.Conclusion: It is important to have clear information about the meaning and the importance of FID to new parents. It is also important for the parents to be given the chance to influence the group meeting times and the content of these meetings. The transition to preschool should, according to the parents, be seen as the most important point to be considered at continued future group meetings.


All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have become popular with respect to recreational activities. Multiple orthopaedic and pediatric organizations currently recommend limiting use of ATVs to older age groups of children with supervision. These recommendations have not generally been adhered to, resulting in a disproportionate number of pediatric orthopaedic trauma, specifically of the upper extremities. A retrospective review of patients 18-years-old and younger who presented to a single, Level I Trauma Center with ATV-related upper extremity trauma between 1996 and 2006 was undertaken to determine the impact of ATV use on the upper extremities of children. A total of 65 patients were identified with an average age of 12.3. Only 29.2% wore helmets and 73.8% were drivers. The hand and elbow were the most common injury sites in patients under age 12, elbow for those between ages 12 and 16, and wrist for those over age 16 (p = 0.031). Fractures/Dislocations were the most common injury in all age groups (p = 0.0077). The most performed surgical procedure was open reduction internal fixation of fractures, and patients required an average of 4.8 total operations. Patients who had non-isolated upper extremity injuries were associated with longer hospital stays (p = 0.011) but not ICU stays (p = 0.10). In order to reduce pediatric upper extremity injuries from ATVs, restrictions must be more stringent and safety education made a priority. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(2):088-091, 2023).


Movie recommendation system represents the user's preference for the purpose of suggesting movie. In the proposed system sentiment analysis have been aggregated with a user-based collaborative filtering to provide the accurate recommendation to user. Movie recommendation system proving rating of the reviews on the basis of the reviews of the users, by using sentiment analysis and collaborative filtering techniques. User can select the movie on the basis of categories such as romance, comedy, thriller etc . All users can suggest a movie to others by using rating system.


Tortuous arteries are often associated with aging, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and degenerative vascular diseases, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Our recent theoretical analysis suggested that mechanical instability (buckling) may lead to tortuous blood vessels. The objectives of this study were to determine the critical pressure of artery buckling and the effects of elastin degradation and surrounding matrix support on the mechanical stability of arteries. The mechanical properties and critical buckling pressures, at which arteries become unstable and deform into tortuous shapes, were determined for a group of five normal arteries using pressurized inflation and buckling tests. Another group of nine porcine arteries were treated with elastase (8 U/ml), and the mechanical stiffness and critical pressure were obtained before and after treatment. The effect of surrounding tissue support was simulated using a gelatin gel. The critical pressures of the five normal arteries were 9.52 kPa (SD 1.53) and 17.10 kPa (SD 5.11) at axial stretch ratios of 1.3 and 1.5, respectively, while model predicted critical pressures were 10.11 kPa (SD 3.12) and 17.86 kPa (SD 5.21), respectively. Elastase treatment significantly reduced the critical buckling pressure (P < 0.01). Arteries with surrounding matrix support buckled into multiple waves at a higher critical pressure. We concluded that artery buckling under luminal pressure can be predicted by a buckling equation. Elastin degradation weakens the arterial wall and reduces the critical pressure, which thus leads to tortuous vessels. These results shed light on the mechanisms of the development of tortuous vessels due to elastin deficiency.


The rapid urbanisation of cities in developing countries has witnessed a growth in the volume of housing construction in the urban areas. The demand for housing and the inability of government to meet this demand has encouraged the growth of informal housing. The concept of healthy buildings is of great importance, considering the amount of time spent inside a building.Little attention is placed on the healthy nature of the building with respect to the provision of adequate natural ventilation within the building and the use of plants to ensure a more natural environment. The aim of this paper is examine the design decisions taken by house owners that affect the healthiness of their houses. The research method adopted was the descriptive survey method using an observation schedule and questionnaire. Six cities in north central Nigeria were selected and residential communities were selected and studied. The research showed that 87% of the urban dwellers in these cities usually spend more time within the building interior when they are at home and that 22% of the respondents made consideration made for outdoor activities. The paper concludes that there are options for improving the current housing provision in order to make them healthy. The paper recommends design considerations that housing providers in informal housing sector of urban areas should consider in order to ensure that healthy houses are provided. Keywords : building, design, healthy , housing, urbanisation


Public acceptability is a standard element on the list of potential constraints on research and deployment of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR). We outline past work on the public perceptions and acceptability of ocean-based CDR among laypersons covering the main developments over the past 15 years. We compare and synthesize insights from two distinct strands of literature – one on climate engineering approaches and the other on coastal ecosystem management or blue carbon approaches. We also draw conclusions from studies on land-based CDR for emerging ocean-based approaches. Main determinants of perceptions identified in the past are controllability, environmental impacts, containment, permanence of carbon storage, risks and benefits for the local population as well as to which degree an approach is perceived as natural or engineered. We highlight how these aspects may influence perceptions and acceptability of ocean-based CDR approaches which have not yet been on the agenda of perceptions research. Even though ocean-based CDR approaches cannot be neatly divided into categories, the public's tendency to favor approaches perceived more as natural over approaches perceived more as engineering could result in a dilemma between approaches with possibly high carbon sequestration potential but low levels of acceptability and approaches with possibly low sequestration potential but high levels of acceptability. To effectively work toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century, however, we need to bridge the gap between natural and engineering-type approaches, also in research, to come up with a broad portfolio of CDR options to complement classic mitigation and adaptation measures.


Wave climate in harbours determines for a significant part the efficiency of harbour operations. A good prediction of the hydrodynamics is therefore regarded as indispensable, which is often done by means of advanced numerical modelling. This study is a part of the Joint Industry Project XBeach. The goal of this research is to determine the application limits of the numerical model XBeach (both nonhydrostatic and surfbeat) for the purpose of modelling hydrodynamics in harbours. XBeach non-hydrostatic, a phase-resolving model where the waves are resolved on the individual wave scale, is theoretically able to predict the hydrodynamics because relevant short and longwave processes are resolved. To this end, the depth-averaged nonlinear shallow water equations are solved. Further, the application range for phase-averaged models is smaller, because the waves are averaged and no phase information is considered to include the dominant wave processes in harbours (e.g. diffraction). XBeach surfbeat (Roelvink et al., 2009) is a mix between phase-resolvingmodel (long waves) and phaseaveraged model (short waves). This indicates that the long wave processes (e.g. harbour oscillations) are included in surfbeat. This mode uses the energy balance equation, which is coupled to the nonlinear shallow water equations for the long waves. To be able to examine the applicability of XBeach, two simplified harbour layouts are considered which are subject to a variety of wave conditions. The considered governing wave processes are reflection, diffraction and harbour oscillations. These laboratory experiments are reconstructed in XBeach and its results are compared to the measurements. Wave-structure interaction is not further considered, because the XBeach model does not have the possibility to define structure properties. Comparison between the simulation results and measurements have shown that periods and wave heights of the short waves (f > 0.04Hz) are only well calculated by XBeach non-hydrostatic. Wave conditions with a relatively large wave height over depth ratios (up to 0.3) are still accurate. XBeach surfbeat gave inaccurate results for the wave heights of the short waves, because diffraction is not considered in the calculation model. With respect to the long waves (f · 0.04 Hz), both modes in XBeach are able to reproduce the wave heights, wave periods and the resonant frequencies. The accuracy of the phase-resolving and phaseaveraged modes is comparable. However, more confidence is placed in XBeach non-hydrostatic, especially when long-crested waves are involved. The accuracy of XBeach surfbeat for the wave heights is higher if the long waves are still bounded to the wave groups inside the harbour. Without the presence of these short waves, the long waves are free which can freely amplify resulting in an overestimation.


Currently great attention is paid to more efficient use of electric energy and considerable significance is attached to increase in power quality, in particular, by decreasing high harmonics in supply voltage. It seems reasonable to apply Smart Grid technologies, which imply continuous control and measurement of network parameters by the sensors of current, voltage, frequency, etc., and control of network operation on the basis of the data obtained. We suggest using smart meters of high harmonic energy and distributed filtering that provide minimum network resistance for the fundamental harmonic. The reactive components are used to tune the network. These are capacitances of network, inductances of transformers, capacitances of synchronous compensators and specially applied regulated inductances and capacitances. Information on network tuning to resonant conditions with fundamental harmonic comes from phase meters and high harmonic energy meters. The paper shows the necessity of measuring separately fundamental and high harmonic energy. Measurement of high harmonic energy and settlement of legal issues related to payment for this energy should encourage power supply companies and consumers to take technical and organizational measures to decrease high harmonic level in the network. These measures should lead to the improvement of the supply network voltage waveform which will enhance the efficiency of electric energy use by consumers.


OBJECTIVE. We examined the effect of the Cognitive–Functional (Cog–Fun) occupational therapy intervention on executive functions and participation among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD. We used a randomized, controlled study with a crossover design. One hundred and seven children age 7–10 yr diagnosed with ADHD were allocated to treatment or wait-list control group. The control group received treatment after a 3-mo wait. Outcome measures included the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS. Significant improvements were found on both the BRIEF and COPM after intervention with large treatment effects. Before crossover, significant Time × Group interactions were found on the BRIEF. CONCLUSION. This study supports the effectiveness of the Cog–Fun intervention in improving executive functions and participation among children with ADHD.


The aim of this study was to investigate the approaches toward learning of undergraduate Physiotherapy students in a PBl module to enhance facilitation of learning at the Stellenbosch University, Division of Physiotherapy in South Africa. This quantitative, descriptive study utilized the revised Two-factor Study Process Questionnaire (r-SPQ-2f) to evaluate the study cohorts' approaches toward learning in the module. results of the data instruments were analysed statistically and discussed in a descriptive manner. There were a statistically significant greater number of students who adopted a deep approach toward learning at the commencement of the academic year. Students showed a trend toward an increase in their intrinsic interest in the learning material as the module progressed. Students in the Applied Physiotherapy module (ATP) started to shift their focus from a surface learning approach to a deep learning approach. further research is needed to determine the long-term changes in approach toward learning and the possible determinants of these changes. This can be done in conjunction with the implementation of quality assurance mechanisms for learning material and earlier preparation of students for the change in the learning environment.


Wastewater flow samples were collected at 2-hour intervals for one week during the month of October 1998 at the Irtah wastewater pumping station in the Tulkarem city. The station collects about 32% of the wastewater of the Tulkarem city and 25% of the Tulkarem camp. The samples were mixed on 24-hour basis and tested for the pollution parameters BOD 5 , COD, total suspended solids, orthophosphate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate, calcium, sodium and potassium. At the 2-hour intervals the wastewater flow was tested for conductivity, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. The variation of the strength of these parameters and its relation to the flow values are observed and evaluated. The produced organic strength versus the flow and the 24-hour mixed samples are presented and commented upon.


Background: Neuroregeneration after nerve injury occurs via anterograde (proximal in the distal) regrowth. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that nerve regeneration occurs not only proximally to distally as classically described, but also distally to proximally using a rat model with a left sciatic nerve injury, with or without repair, compared to a healthy uninjured control group.
Methods: Fifteen rats were divided into 3 groups; a healthy control (Group 1, n=5), left sciatic nerve injury (Group 2, n=5), and left sciatic nerve injury and surgical retrograde nerve repair (Group 3, n=5). In Groups 2 and 3, complete surgical resection of the left sciatic nerve was performed and retrograde reconstruction of the nerve was done in Group 3 using an original, unique technique. Neuroconductive and histological variables were analyzed and compared between groups.
Results: After 15 weeks, Groups 1 (control) and 3 (retrograde reinnervation) behaved similarly, with no significant differences (p<0.05) in the proportion of Schwann cells and axons, amplitude waves, nerve conduction velocity, and latency response time (p<0.05), whereas Group 2 (injured unrepaired nerve) was significantly different from Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). The reconstruction of injured sciatic nerves showed histopathological and neuroconductive characteristics similar to that of the healthy control group 15 weeks after the reinnervation process.
Conclusion: This preclinical study demonstrates that retrograde nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury is feasible in a rat model 15 weeks after reconstructive nerve surgery. These results indicate that neuroregeneration is possible in a caudo-cephalic direction.


This article discusses the influence of electric illumination on theatre and the so called expressionist film. It starts with a short historical overview and will then argue that the only film with a narrative as well as a visual design in expressionist tradition is From Morn to Midnight, based on a play written in 1912 by Georg Kaiser and released in same year (1920) as its legend counterpart The Cabinet of Caligari. But different then Caligari or many other famous German silent movies from the 1920s it is not located in a romantic shadow world, syntactically created by lightning effects, but renounces the dark and spooky irrational in favor of an urban environment in the early twentieth century: a story of money, erotic seduction, escapist fantasies, eccentric bohemian life, crime and rapid alteration of scenes.


Abstract The transformation in international business landscape has changed organizational management especially reward administration. This is done in order to maintain the organization's competitiveness in global market place. In the field of reward administration, an emerging trend can be observed whereby most organizations are moving toward the application of psychological elements in administering organizational reward system. The ultimate objective of this study is to investigate the association between performance-based reward administration and interactional justice. The proposed model was empirically tested using a sample of 113 employees from fire and rescue agency in Peninsular Malaysia. This study found an evidence that performance-based reward administration (i.e., communication, participation and performance appraisal) is positively and significantly associated with interactional justice. This findings proves that the ability of administrators to appropriately implement communication openness, inspire participative decision-making and organize fairness performance appraisal in administering performance-based reward have significantly evoked the feeling of interactional justice when employees perceived that they are being fairly treated in the reward system.


A Chinese-medicinal nutrient used as both medicine and food for preventing and treating skin etching is prepared from 8 Chinese-medicinal materials including dahurian angelica root, mint, lily bulb, capejasmine fruit, etc. Its preparing process is also disclosed.


The Federal Aviation Administration wants to educate pilots about Runway safety to prevent runway incursions. The number of runway incursions increased nearly 83% from 954 in 2011 to 1,744 by the end of 2017 (OIG, 2018). This experimental research project trained 20 pilots using three different methods of teaching (classroom, online, in a flight simulator) to determine which method most effectively taught pilots about a specific topic in aviation. The different training methods change the way the educational content is delivered and this change in delivery could impact how well the pilots learn the material (Cox, 2010). The participants were given a pretraining exam on runway safety to determine their initial knowledge level. Each pilot was assigned one training method and one week after training took a post-test examination. The classroom lecture was created by instructor Taylor, the simulator training regimen was created by the researcher, AOPA's Runway Safety course was created by AOPA sponsored by the FAA (FAA (2), 2018 & AOPA, 2018). It was hypothesized that the simulator training would produce the best results as it is the combination of a situated and dynamic learning environment. The data was inconclusive as to which method trained pilots the most effectively. However, the data from the research did reveal that for the twenty participants, the simulator training did produce the highest average scores in this research. Flight time did not appear to be a factor affecting if the pilots increased their scores.


In this paper the processing, properties and applications of interdiffusion in 111-V semiconductor quantum well structures for optoelectronic device applications are reviewed. The interdiffusion process and its influence on the characteristics of a range of 111-V quantum well structures are discussed. The use of this process for the post growth modification of QW structures is also discussed, including the tuning of laser characteristics. In addition, the use of the process for three dimensional structuring of devices is important for the isolation in optical integrated circuits.


PURPOSE
To describe diagnostic imaging features (with a focus on CT findings) of extrahepatic relapses of treated hepatocellular carcinoma and to propose a post-treatment follow-up protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
During a six-year span, 226 patients (aged 32-88 years) with chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis were diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma confined to the liver and treated percutaneously with radiofrequency (RF) ablation. A total of 313 treatment sessions were performed. Post-therapeutic follow-up is based upon clinical evaluation, laboratory and imaging (with CT holding the key role) studies.

RESULTS
Mean duration of follow-up was 17 months. After successful treatment, actuarial probability of neoplastic relapse is 30.7% after 1 year and 58.5% after 2 years. Eighty-eight patients had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after a variable time interval (mean 7.3 months). Extrahepatic neoplastic relapse was observed in 14 patients, half of these without active hepatic disease. Distribution of extrahepatic sites of recurrence was as follows: abdominal lymph nodes (6 cases), bone (3), peritoneum (2), adrenal (2), lung (1). Five patients (2.2%) had a second primary neoplasm.

CONCLUSIONS
Extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma is uncommon and occurs in advanced stages, but may represent a pattern of post-treatment relapse. The distinctive hypervascularity of this tumour histology may be observed in adenopathies and adrenal metastases. Second primary neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions observed during follow-up.


Background: The uterus continues to contract after childbirth. The pain caused by the contractions of the uterus can be as severe as labor pain. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of ice massage applied to the large intestine 4 (LI4) on postpartum pain during the active phase of labor. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with three groups and carried out in two stages. The study sample comprised of 150 pregnant women, who were referred to a maternity hospital. In the experimental group, ice massage was applied to LI4 during four contractions within the active phase of labor. In the placebo group, pressure was applied to LI4 using silicone balloons and the third group was the control group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and The McGill (Melzack) Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were compared among the experimental, placebo, and control groups. Results: The mothers in the ice application group had the lowest mean VAS score. It was determined that ice massage applied to LI4 during the active phase of labor did not lead to any statistical differences in mothers in the first 24 hours postpartum in terms of the characteristics of the pain with MPQ and VAS. Conclusions: In the study, the perception of pain was tried to be minimized by applying pressure with ice balloons to LI4. However, although the application was determined to have made no difference in the pain intensity, the mothers' statements in the ice application group suggested that they felt more comfortable than did the mothers in the other groups.


: Following rupture of a Miller-Abbott tube mercury bag a 39-year old woman, postoperative for resection of the right colon for diverticulosis and diverticulitis, developed signs and symptoms of systemic mercury intoxication. A small bowel fistula allowed the metallic mercury to aggregate in retroperitoneal tissues setting up an environment which was conductive to conversion of metallic mercury to divalent mercury, an absorbable product. Analysis of brain, kidney and urine following her demise showed markedly elevated mercury levels. To our knowledge this is the only reported case of such a complication. Clinicians should be wary of elemental mercury in the gastrointestinal tract in patients with suspected or proven enteric fistulas.


Thirty-three patients with chronic pancreatitis were studied in an effort to correlate release of gastrointestinal hormones (GIH) with the degree of pancreatic insufficiency. A prospective examination was conducted of fat-stimulated release of pancreatic polypeptide (PP), cholecystokinin (CCK), and neurotcnsin. Seventy-two-hour fecal fat determination, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP), and the bentiromide-PABA test were used to correlate the clinical stage of disease. The ERP was classified as positive only if the changes were advanced (or "marked") according to the Cambridge Classification. Five patients were defined to have mild disease, 13 moderate, and 15 severe. Any patient with clinical evidence of chronic pancreatitis and ERP changes that were less than advanced and had normal fecal fat and bentiromide tests received a grade of mild. Patients with one abnormal test were graded moderate, and those with two or three abnormal results were graded severe. In the 33 patients, the integrated 60-minute release of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) was 37.4 ± 6.1 ng-60 min/ml in those five patients with mild disease, 102.3 ± 10.3 ng-60 min/ml in the 13 patients with moderate disease, and 7.6 ± 2.2 ng-60 min/ml in the 15 patients with severe disease. The integrated 60-minute release of neurotensin was 3.8 ± 0.4 ng-60 min/ml in mild disease, 2.0 ± 0.3 ng-60 min/ml in moderate disease, and 0.2 ± 0.1 ng-60 min/ml in severe disease. CCK release did not correlate with the severity of disease. Enhanced release of PP appeared to correlate well with moderate stage of chronic pancreatitis, and depressed PP release with severe disease. Stimulated levels of PP and neurotensin appear to be useful in the diagnosis and staging of chronic pancreatitis. It is concluded that measurement of fat-stimulated release of PP and neurotensin may be useful to assess severity of disease in patients with chronic pancreatitis.


: Shade selection is a crucial clinical step during prosthetic treatment. Nevertheless, because it is based on subjective criteria, very often the esthetic result is compromised due to inadequate color reproduction. In order to explore this complicated problem, this paper attempts to analyse it as scientifically as possible. Initially, the physical phenomenon of "Color" is analysed. Color depends upon the light source, the object and the observer. Metamerism is the fatal enemy in shade matching. Shade selection through the use of shade guides is inadequate due to lack of standardization. Therefore the possibilities of improved application of the available materials are thoroughly explored for both simple and more complicated cases. Best results can be achieved by segmental color selection (separately for dentin and enamel).


Autoimmunity and autoimmune disease are two different things. Autoimmunity can be physiologic (natural autoantibodies), is a normal consequence of aging, and is potentially reversible (as in drug-induced autoimmunity which disappears when the offending drug is eliminated). Autoimmune disease is a pathologic attack by a self-destructive hostile immune system for reasons unknown, although genetic, possibly viral, hormonal, and environmental factors are all involved. Autoimmune disease has been likened to a civil war in which "friendly fire" does much of the damage. A new development in autoimmunity is its relationship to apoptosis or Programmed Cell Death (PCD). Abnormalities of PCD occur in autoimmune mice and in autoimmune patients. Autoantibodies may be produced in response to DNA and nucleoprotein fragments that arise during PCD. Over 70 drugs are capable of inducing a lupus-like syndrome with antinuclear factors, arthritis, skin rashes, and pleurisy. Autoimmunity and autoimmune disease in these patients represents a form of immunotoxicity, perhaps an immune deviation related to cytokine imbalance and/or abnormal PCD in which the autoimmune potential that exists in all of us attains a level of serologic and clinical expression.


The analytical and statistical services of border management organizations in Central and Eastern European countries have registered and accumulated a vast body of knowledge on the demographics and mechanisms of illegal migration over the last one-and-a-half decade. This paper attempts to tap this resource by summarising the results of a yearly survey among border guards of 17 countries. A set of quantitative indicators of illegal migration is developed, presented and interpreted, based on the answers of the border services to a series of quantitative and qualitative questions. This empirical material is used to evaluate the dynamics and pattern of illegal migration in Central and Eastern Europe on the one hand, and to examine the development of border management strategies on the other. The impacts of legal and institutional reforms are investigated in light of the temporal and spatial variations of border apprehension statistics. The interdependence of the two processes is reviewed from the point of view of national border management authorities, perhaps the most authoritative source of information on the issue. The results of the authors' annual survey indicate that the progressive development of migration control mechanisms at national and international levels seems to have a significant impact on irregular migration flows as most indicators of illegal migration have significantly decreased after the turn of the century. At the same time, the geographical distribution of illegal migration flows in Central and Eastern European countries has become more complex over the years.


The invention discloses a preparation method of edible hericium erinaceus fruit vinegar. The preparation method is characterized by comprising the following steps of (1) treating hericium erinaceus; (2) cooking; (3) saccharifying and carrying out alcoholic fermentation; (4) carrying out liquid-state acetic acidfermentation; and (5) aftertreating new vinegar, namely ageing the new vinegar, filtering, sterilizing and filling to obtain a finished product of the hericium erinaceus fruit vinegar. The invention provides table vinegar which is rich in nutrition and unique in taste; and meanwhile the preparation method is simple, convenient to operate and short in fermentation period.


Four techniques for estimating leaf area index (LAI) from remote sensing data (linear spectral mixture analysis, moisture stress index, modification of spectral vegetation indices, and normalized distance method) were investigated to determine the degree to which the parameters associated with each method influence the quality of computed landscape-level estimates of LAI. A series of Monte Carlo simulations were used to test the quality of each estimation method. These simulations showed that the quality of landscape-level LAI estimates depends on the initial modeling quality and the inherent landscape variability in terms of LAI. A multiscale analysis was also performed across a portion of the Upper Elbow River watershed in Alberta, Canada, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and resampled Satellite pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) imagery. This analysis was performed to determine the extent to which the derived relationships are scale dependent. Spatial statistical analysis revealed the tendency of the correlation of input parameters to vary inversely with distance. These results confirm the validity of the derived estimation relationships. The multiscale analysis also demonstrated that remote estimation techniques have a significant sensitivity to variations in scale, almost irrespective of the remote estimation method used.


Two different spray application methods were compared in three vine varieties and different crop stages. A conventional spray application with a constant volume rate per unit ground area (loha-1) was compared with a variable rate application method designed to compensate electronically measured variations of canopy dimensions. An air-blast sprayer with individual multi-nozzle spouts was fitted up with three ultrasonic sensors and three electro-valves in one side, to modify the emitted flow rate of the nozzles according to the variability of canopy dimensions in real time. The purpose of this prototype was to precisely apply the required amount of spray liquid and avoid over and under dosing. On average, 58% savings in application volume was achieved with variable rate method, with similar or even better values of leaf deposit. In all cases the variable rate method guarantee a large number of leaves with deposits over the intended theoretical deposit threshold.


Background & Objectives This study investigates effects of source texts and writing prompts on university students' writing. In courses across the curriculum, students are required to write analytical, argumentative essays based on sources and in response to prompts provided by the instructor. However, variation in source texts and prompts can greatly impact students' written productions. Much existing research on these effects has focused on quantitative measures of writing quality, such as number of words and clauses, or on raters' scores of writing quality. In addition, most research has focused on high-stakes assessment situations, such as TOEFL or IELTS testing. These leave us with little information about the effects of source texts and prompts on university classroom writing. Drawing on data from a larger 4-year longitudinal study of academic writing development at an English-medium university in Qatar, this study investigates effects of source texts and essay prompts on students' writing of argumentative history essays. Methods Student essays written based on two source texts, and in response to one of four prompts for each source (N=90 essays), were qualitatively analyzed using an established taxonomy of history genres. Students' essays were classified as Textual Recounts (include information directly from the source text), Descriptive Explanations (focus on causes and effects), and Arguments (argue for a claim using evidence from the source text). To supplement our analysis of the student writing, we also draw on interviews with students, interviews with the history professor, assignment descriptions, and grading rubrics. This additional data provides insight into the professor's and the students' perspectives, and informs and enhances our interpretations of the analysis of student writing. Results Results showed dual constraints of source text and prompt on produced genres. Overall, the analysis found that although the professor expected students to write Arguments, only 45% of the essays were Arguments. Many students in the study resorted to writing Recounts and Explanations, engaging in "knowledge telling" rather than "knowledge transformation" through argumentative writing. When the source was non-argumentative, prompts asking students to synthesize or evaluate information more often resulted in argumentative essays than prompts asking for description or comparison. However, when the source itself was argumentative, few students wrote an argument, and only in response to prompts that explicitly invited an evaluation of the source text. With argumentative source texts, most students simply mimicked the argument of the source text in a Recount. Conclusions Consistent with previous research, our findings suggest that students are drawn to and can achieve better results in their writing depending on the source text genre and also the wording of the prompt. Based on these findings, we make recommendations for source text selection and prompt construction for eliciting argumentative writing. We also suggest additions to history genre typology that take university-level writing expectations into account.


In this experimental study, the effect of the usage of vegetable oils, as alternative fuels, on engine performance and exhaust emissions in a single cylinder diesel engine were investigated. No 2-D diesel fuel and nine different oils (raw sunflower oil, raw cottonseed oil, raw soybean oil, and sunflower methyl ester, cottonseed methyl ester, soybean methyl ester, obtained from the raw oils respectively and refined opium poppy oil, rapeseed and corn oil) were used. In order to determine emission and performance characteristics, the engine was tested with full load-varied speed and constant speed-varied load tests. Chemical and physical properties of the raw oils were improved by transesterification. Test results showed that, when using vegetable oils, the engine performance and NOX are lower, and smoke density is higher than the engine performance in which No 2-D diesel fuel is used. The engine performance with the methyl ester fuels is higher than that with the raw oils and are close to diesel fuel performance.


We demonstrate a fast and cost-effective technique to perform three dimensional (3D) scanning and replication of large paleontological specimens, in this case the entire skull of a Tyrannosaurus rex (T.rex) with a volume in the range of 2 m3. The technique involves time-of-flight (TOF) depth sensing using the Kinect scanning module commonly used in gesture recognition in gaming. Raw data from the Kinect sensor was captured using open source software and the reconstruction was done rapidly making this a viable method that can be adopted by museums and researchers in paleontology. The current method has the advantage of being low-cost as compared to industrial scanners and photogrammetric methods but also of accurately scanning a substantial volume range which is well suited for large specimens. The depth resolution from the Kinect sensor was measured to be around 0.6 mm which is ideal for scanning large specimens with reasonable structural detail. We demonstrate the efficacy of this method on the skull of FMNH PR 2081, also known as SUE, a near complete T.rex at the Field Museum of Natural History.


In this paper we present and compare several methods of compensating the nonlinearity of the RF front-end of a wireless system. The baseband compensation techniques have gained more attentions due to the simplicity of DSP implementation and also utilizing adaptive algorithms. Two baseband compensation techniques, namely predistortion and postdistortion (equalization) of the baseband signal are discussed and the problems associated with each one is addressed. Furthermore a combination of a predistorter and a nonlinear equalizer is studied. It is shown that under realistic conditions with a frequently saturated amplifier and ISI channel, the latter methods is able to compensate the nonlinearity up to a good extent, while the first two methods can only operate under certain channel conditions and nonlinearity type.


Purpose Home automation systems are meant to improve the performance of a dwelling. Middleware, the ICT infrastructure of a home automation system, connects the different applications (lighting, heating, smoke sensing, etc) by providing the network and defining the technologies used for communication and configuration between components (Figure 1). Home automation systems provide support for aging-in-place, or provide care in the form of telemedicine1,2; all with the aid of applications in the domains of assistive technology, fun technology and comfort technology. However, the demands to be met vary by individual, as well as by region, and increases with the age of the person. This study provides an overview of the main differences in needs regarding home automation in industrialized and developing countries and discuses the consequences of these differences for the ICT infrastructure Method To get an overview of the economic and geographical variation in needs, we take Costa Rica and the Netherlands as examples to list briefly the most important differences and variations. Subsequently, the consequences for the ICT infrastructure are discussed. Results & discussion Both countries are aging, resulting in a larger demand for care and a smaller, more aged workforce to provide both this care and other services needed for a sustainable society. Because the Netherlands started to age earlier than Costa Rica, the housing situation of the two countries differ, with more one-person households in the 65+years category in the Netherlands, and still a comparatively large percentage of 3-generation households in Costa Rica. The potential need for telemedicine will be higher in Costa Rica, since it is less densely populated with larger distances to medical facilities. Currently, in the Netherlands, applications related to comfort and entertainment are most in demand due to economic reasons. In today Costa Rica more essential applications, such as telemedicine, are wanted. Since the need for home automation in Costa Rica will first be focussed on telemedicine, the used ICT infrastructure can be simple at first (focused telemedicine), but must be flexible (easy to install and uninstall). Furthermore, it should support different types of internet connectivity (telephone, broadband or by the cell phone network), since broadband internet is not yet commonly available. For the Netherlands, a more universal ICT infrastructure in the form of a universal platform, providing support for a wide range of applications is needed to support successful aging-in-place3.


This paper presents an overview of Platform-Independent Petri Net Editor 2 (PIPE2 ), an open-source tool that supports the design and analysis of Generalised Stochastic Petri Net (GSPN) models. PIPE2 's extensible design enables developers to add functionality via pluggable analysis modules. It also acts as a front-end for a parallel and distributed performance evaluation environment. With PIPE2, users are able to design and evaluate performance queries expressed in the Performance Tree formalism.


Objectives To assess the effects of a home-based telehealth intervention on the use of secondary healthcare and mortality. Design Observational study of a mainstream telehealth service, using person-level administrative data. Time to event analysis (Cox regression) was performed comparing telehealth patients with controls who were matched using a machine-learning algorithm. Setting A predominantly rural region of England (North Yorkshire). Participants 716 telehealth patients were recruited from community, general practice and specialist acute care, between June 2010 and March 2013. Patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure or diabetes, and a history of associated inpatient admission. Patients were matched 1:1 to control patients, also selected from North Yorkshire, with respect to demographics, diagnoses of health conditions, previous hospital use and predictive risk score. Interventions Telehealth involved the remote exchange of medical data between patients and healthcare professionals as part of the ongoing management of the patient's health condition. Monitoring centre staff alerted healthcare professionals if the telemonitored data exceeded preset thresholds. Control patients received usual care, without telehealth. Primary and secondary outcome measures Time to the first emergency (unplanned) hospital admission or death. Secondary metrics included time to death and time to first admission, outpatient attendance and emergency department visit. Results Matched controls and telehealth patients were similar at baseline. Following enrolment, telehealth patients were more likely than matched controls to experience emergency admission or death (adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.56, p<0.001). They were also more likely to have outpatient attendances (adjusted HR=1.25, 1.11 to 1.40, p<0.001), but mortality rates were similar between groups. Sensitivity analyses showed that we were unlikely to have missed reductions in the likelihood of an emergency admission or death because of unobserved baseline differences between patient groups. Conclusions Telehealth was not associated with a reduction in secondary care utilisation.


Among its pleiotropic actions, ghrelin modulates insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Herein we investigated the role of ghrelin in pancreatic beta-cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by serum starvation or interferon (IFN)-gamma/TNF-alpha, whose synergism is a major cause for beta-cell destruction in type I diabetes. HIT-T15 beta-cells expressed ghrelin but not ghrelin receptor (GRLN-R), which binds acylated ghrelin (AG) only. However, both unacylated ghrelin (UAG) and AG recognized common high-affinity binding sites on these cells. Either AG or UAG stimulated cell proliferation through Galpha(s) protein and prevented serum starvation- and IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. Antighrelin antibody enhanced apoptosis in either the presence or absence of serum but not cytokines. AG and UAG even up-regulated intracellular cAMP. Blockade of adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A signaling prevented the ghrelin cytoprotective effect. AG and UAG also activated phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and ERK1/2, whereas PI3K and MAPK inhibitors counteracted the ghrelin antiapoptotic effect. Furthermore, AG and UAG stimulated insulin secretion from HIT-T15 cells. In INS-1E beta-cells, which express GRLN-R, AG and UAG caused proliferation and protection against apoptosis through identical signaling pathways. Noteworthy, both peptides inhibited cytokine-induced NO increase in either HIT-T15 or INS-1E cells. Finally, they induced cell survival and protection against apoptosis in human islets of Langerhans. These expressed GRLN-R but showed also UAG and AG binding sites. Our data demonstrate that AG and UAG promote survival of both beta-cells and human islets. These effects are independent of GRLN-R, are likely mediated by AG/UAG binding sites, and involve cAMP/PKA, ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt.


One sociologist who has been particularly central to the development of International Political Sociology (IPS) is Pierre Bourdieu and his reflexive sociology. It is somewhat surprising given that Bourdieu was not especially attuned to international studies himself. His impact on IPS is instead via reinterpretations of his conceptual apparatus by other researchers, many of whom who have been involved in the IPS project from its outset. These post-Bourdieusian scholars have deployed reflexive sociology to explore transnational fields situated at the crossroads of the international and the national. By taking a resolutely sociological starting-point, they have provided a very different reading of the international. They have reconstructed the symbolic categories of transnational fields and notably the importance of the national modes of production vis-a-vis the production of in the making of the international. This theoretical apparatus has also been used as tools for visualising – or mapping – the international in terms of a set of specific transnational fields. The chapter concentrate on the two key notions of post-Bourdieuian IPS scholarship: reflexivity and transnational fields. They are both illustrated with examples drawn from empirical studies of transnational forms of power, elite structuration of the global and question related to transnational professionals. Although it is tempting to present this approach in a more condensed version, ready-made for an IR audience in search of only minor adjustments in the division of labour between soft constructivism and mainstream realism, the paper to guard the originality of the approach. It is the overall argument that the post-Bourdieuian approaches to the object of IR provide a very different look at the international as it assembles the international in a different deeply sociological fashion than most IR approaches.


Traditionally, financial and nonfinancial information assurance standards have specified either "high" assurance based on "sufficient evidence" or "moderate" assurance based on analytical procedures and inquiries. Recently, in response to rapidly growing nonfinancial assurance demand, the IAASB extended the possible range of limited assurance by allowing practitioner-customized procedure descriptions and assuming diverse users can "appreciate" the varying reliability achieved. To test the validity of this policy change, we examine report users' confidence judgments for a GHG emissions assurance report using combinations of report attributes: critical practitioner-customized procedure descriptions, conclusion frame, and engagement label. We find that, consistent with an "assurance communication gap," including or explicitly excluding a practitioner-customized procedure deemed essential-for-reasonable assurance does not significantly affect users' confidence judgments. However, we find that both positive conclusion frames and reasonable assurance engagement labels incrementally enhance confidence judgments. We outline research and practice opportunities related to emerging policy prescriptions involving practitioner-customized procedures.


Escherichia coli is an important nosocomial pathogen and extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance E. coli is recognized as the global drug-resistant threat. This study aims to determine the resistance mechanisms of ESC and genetic diversity of Malaysian E. coli strains using various phenotypic and genotypic approaches. One hundred ten non-repeat E. coli strains were isolated from the stools of paediatric patients in 2009 from a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Twenty-one were categorized as extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producers using the double-disk synergy test and ESBL E-test. CTX-M-15 was the pre-dominant CTX-M variant (77%). Class 1 integron was the most common class of integrons found in the E. coli strains (76%); however, they lack gene cassette encoding ESBL genes. Using PFGE, three strains displayed DNA degradation (Dnd) phenotype and few CTX-M-15-positive strains with indistinguishable pulsotypes were identified. To better understand the dissemination of CTX-M genes, E. coli strains from clinical, zoonotic, food and environment samples isolated between 2002 - 2011 in Malaysia were screened for ESBL-production. Using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), 6 out of 35 CTX-M positive E. coli strains belonged to the sequence type (ST) ST131, an E. coli clone notorious for the global dissemination of CTX-M genes. Insertional sequences IS26 and ISEcp1 were the most common genetic environments for CTX-M genes in the Malaysian E. coli strains.
The degradation phenotype which was observed earlier in this thesis was overcome for 12 Dnd+ E. coli strains by adding thiourea into the PFGE run. The dnd operon, responsible for the phosphorothioation modification of DNA, was detected in all Dnd+ E. coli strains by PCR. Further genomic analysis of the genetic environment of dnd operons of 52 global E. coli genomes revealed a total of 7 types of dnd-encoding genomic islands, indicating substantial diversity in these regions. dnd operons were more often found in pathogenic E. coli, indicating a possible linkage of the dnd operons with E. coli pathogenicity. Two highly related E. coli strains EC302/04 and EC096/10 with single band difference in their pulsotypes (identified in the first part of this study) were investigated using whole genome sequencing (WGS). EC302/04 and EC096/10 that were isolated from tracheal aspirate and a stool specimen, respectively, shared the same sequence type ST349, and serotype O166:H5. EC302/04 harboured a 140,232 bp IncFII plasmid, pEC302/04, that was absent in EC096/10. Plasmid pEC302/04 is self-transferable and carried resistance genes (blaTEM-1; integron-encoded- sul1, cml, and aadA) and two iron-acquisition systems. Phylogenomic analysis with 38 global E. coli of various pathotypes revealed that ExPEC and intestinal strains may share similar phylogenetic signals. This may help in identifying commensal-like strains with extraintestinal virulence potential. Phylogenomic analysis also unveiled ExPEC with rare genotypes, indicating the importance of genomic approach in detecting the potential emergence of new ExPEC lineage(s). Besides providing comprehensive understanding on the resistance mechanisms of the clinically important CTX-M genes, this thesis also demonstrates the usefulness of whole genome sequence approach in investigating the resistance mechanisms and genetic diversity of specific region or whole genome of various types of E. coli strains. (500 words)


We consider the problem of inferring causal relationships between two or more passively observed variables. While the problem of such causal discovery has been extensively studied especially in the bivariate setting, the majority of current methods assume a linear causal relationship, and the few methods which consider non-linear dependencies usually make the assumption of additive noise. Here, we propose a framework through which we can perform causal discovery in the presence of general non-linear relationships. The proposed method is based on recent progress in non-linear independent component analysis and exploits the non-stationarity of observations in order to recover the underlying sources or latent disturbances. We show rigorously that in the case of bivariate causal discovery, such non-linear ICA can be used to infer the causal direction via a series of independence tests. We further propose an alternative measure of causal direction based on asymptotic approximations to the likelihood ratio, as well as an extension to multivariate causal discovery. We demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method via a series of simulation studies and conclude with an application to neuroimaging data.


With an eye on the global recession and as recent austerity measures really begin to bite, the UK's leading campaigner for gender equality, The Fawcett Society, has argued that it is women that stand to suffer the most. The latest report from the Office of National Statistics spells out the miserable truth: cuts to local services in England and Wales have resulted in women's jobs accounting for some '66.4% of the total drop in employment in councils'. On the other side of the Atlantic the economic downturn has been widely reported to have turned a differently gendered course and, according to the North American media, has 'taken a disproportionate toll on male employment'. This article will argue that both the North American and British press are witnessing another backlash against feminism much like that described by Susan Faludi in 1992 and further that this style of media reporting is being used to obfuscate more pressing issues such as the impact of austerity measures upon those living on the poverty line – black and working class families.


Mass spectra from the interaction of intense, femtosecond laser pulses with 1,3-butadiene, 1-butene, and n-butane have been obtained. The proportion of the fragment ions produced as a function of intensity, pulse length, and wavelength was investigated. Potential mass spectrometry applications, for example in the analysis of catalytic reaction products, are discussed.


The Au/SiO2 nanocomposite was produced using surface active agent P123, and its optical absorption spectra was measured by spectrophotometer. It was found that the intensity of absorption peak was strengthened and underwent a red-shift as the neutralization reaction time extended. The variation of optical extinction property of one gold particle (GP) with different size had been investigated by Mie theory. It was found that the extinction property of the single spherical GP possessed an obvious size effect. The extinction property of Au/SiO2 nanocomposite had been analyzed by Maxwell-Garnett (MG) theory. It showed that the extinction peak underwent a red-shift and the extinction intensity was strengthened when the size of gold nanoparticles (GNs) increased. The theoretical and the experimental results show that the extinction property of Au/SiO2 nanocomposite changes because the scattering effect of GNs are strengthened when their sizes increased by controlling the neutralization reaction time.


Several studies are being made to get high productive wheats throughout the world because they provide the most of human energy and protein needs. In this study, 11 wheat species of Triticum and Aegilops were investigated. One of the intergenic regions of cpDNA was studied. This region was amplified with PCR and digested with 6 restriction endonucleases (Hpa II, Alu I, Hinc II, Ava III, Nde I and Hae III). According to results, amplified products can be divided into the three groups which are Group 1 (~2000 bp), Group 2 (~1000 bp) and Group 3 (~700 bp). Group 1 contains Ae. neglecta Req. ex Bertol. (syn.:Ae. triaristata), Ae. triuncialis, Ae. mutica Boiss. and T. monococcum L. var. monococcum. Group 2 contains T. aestivum L., Ae. biuncialis Vis., T. turgidum L. (Syn.: T. turgidum var. turgidum) and T. carthlicum Nevski. Group 3 contains Ae. tauschii Cosson. subsp. tauschii and Ae. cylindrica Host. Data obtained from the restriction enzyme digestions were evaluated by using numerical taxonomy system and a phenogram was constructed using SAHN clustering unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages.


Importance The 2012 international consensus guidelines defined a subcategory of pancreatic branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with "worrisome features," which may be followed with close surveillance. However, given the poor prognosis of invasive malignancy, the role of early, upfront resection requires further investigation. Objective To compare the utility of upfront resection vs long-term surveillance. We hypothesized that surveillance of these cystic neoplasms would offer greater long-term utility. Design, Setting, and Participants A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to estimate and compare 2 management strategies: early resection and long-term surveillance. Estimates for the utility of outcomes, probabilities of transitions between disease states, and probabilities of surgical morbidity were derived from a literature review of articles published between 1997 and 2014. The comparative effectiveness model's variable estimates were based on data published predominantly by high-volume, tertiary referral centers. Model probability variable estimates were derived from large, retrospective, single-institution reports. For utility variables, estimates derived from studies using standard-gamble or time-tradeoff methods were given greater weight. Main Outcomes and Measures Expected utility was measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years using 3% annual discount. Probabilistic and 1-way sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the potential effects of uncertainty in estimates of key model variables. Results Early resection yielded 11.63 quality-adjusted life-years during 20 years of follow-up compared with 11.06 for surveillance. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that resection has a 94% likelihood of being more effective than surveillance. Early resection obtained greater utility only if each of the following criteria are met: life expectancy is at least 18 years, surgical mortality is less than 4.3%, and baseline preoperative utility is at least 0.78. Additional drivers of the model outcomes include the rate of progression from worrisome to high-risk features and the likelihood of finding cancer on resection for neoplasms with high-risk stigmata. Conclusions and Relevance Early resection compares favorably with surveillance in the management of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with worrisome features. However, careful consideration of patient factors and surgeon outcomes is imperative.


Study Design. An original investigation that characterizes polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) in the context of the human lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD). Objectives. To evaluate the mechanical properties of PVA-C under physiological conditions; to assess PVA-C's suitability as a key component in a tissue-mimicking artificial lumbar intervertebral disc; and to identify suitable formulations that mimic the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. Summary of Background Data. Current lumbar intervertebral disc prostheses provide suboptimal symptom relief and do not restore natural load-cushioning. PVA-C is a promising material due to its high water content, excellent biocompatibility, and versatile mechanical properties. Methods. PVA-C samples were prepared with different PVA concentrations and number of freeze-thaw cycles (FTC). Unconfined compression was conducted to characterize various PVA-C formulations. Compressive stress relaxation and creep were performed to assess the stability of PVA-C under loading. The results were compared to the mechanical properties of human lumbar intervertebral discs obtained from literature. Results. PVA-C compressive elastic modulus increased with increasing PVA concentration and number of FTC's. The 3% 3FTC is the optimal formulation for mimicking the nucleus pulposus in compression. In general, compressive stress relaxation and creep decreased with increasing PVA concentration and number of FTC's. Compressive stress relaxation and creep were lower for PVA-C than human lumbar intervertebral discs, suggesting that PVA-C will likely exhibit stable and predictable mechanical response in vivo. All formulations provided good mimicry of the human IVD in stress relaxation and creep. PVA-C also provided good match to the anulus fibrosus matrix. Conclusion. Good unconfined compression, stress relaxation and creep behavior, combined with excellent biocompatibility, makes PVA-C a suitable choice as a major component of a tissue-mimicking artificial IVD. A potential artificial IVD design combining two or more different PVA-C formulations could provide excellent overall mimicry of the human IVD. Results of this investigation provide a solid foundation for future work in this area.


The centrality of gay neighborhoods—colloquially "gayborhoods"—in LGBT community life has shifted over recent decades. Some scholars have gone so far as to suggest that gayborhoods are dying and will continue to diminish, not only as sites of queer residential concentration but also in their role within the LGBT community more broadly. Amin Ghaziani takes on these contentions within There Goes the Gayborhood? and evaluates the merits of such claims while considering the nature and role of gay neighborhoods in twenty-first century North America. Importantly, Ghaziani does not fall into the trap of over-romanticizing gayborhoods and their impact on LGBT people as a community. In this respect, Ghaziani deftly navigates these debates while reminding us that gayborhoods, like all neighborhoods, are dynamic components of cities and their role in the generation and maintenance of community must be reimagined rather than clinging to static notions about the sitedness of community within geographic confines. Early on in the book, we are reminded that gay neighborhoods within Western cities are a relatively recent feature of the urban landscape, and they have continued to evolve since their inception after the Second World War. Although gayborhoods served a critical role in the development of community, the galvanizing of a political base, and the creation of a "safe space" for sexual minorities, gay men and lesbians are less residentially clustered today than even at the millennium. Census data demonstrate that same-sex households are more spatially diffuse today, spanning a wider number of urban neighborhoods and suburban enclaves than previously. So, how is it that many neighborhoods throughout the rest of America may be becoming "more gay," while gayborhoods become less so? These changes are not attributable to a single factor and can be situated within a changing American social landscape, and Ghaziani describes a multitude of influences enabling this residential shift. Perhaps centrally, changing attitudes about sexuality have expanded the residential options that seem both safe and comfortable for lesbians and gay men. In some instances, Ghaziani's interview subjects describe suburbs and city neighborhoods as "boringly accepting," almost lamenting a lack of sexual distinctiveness that has come with wider acceptance of sexual minorities in American society. While undoubtedly queer sexuality is not a "nonissue" even in the most accepting neighborhoods, these shifts have changed the number of residential options that seem reasonable to lesbians and gay men today. On the flip side, these shifting attitudes have also shaped straight migration into


Sour-sop is known for its specialty for health, in which one of them is
functioning as medicine for diabetes mellitus disease. However, most people only
utilize its leaves. This research is aimed at defining effectiveness of extracts of
barks, roots, and leaves in decreasing blood glucose level as well as observing the
most effective part in decreasing blood glucose level. Applied methods include
completely random method by using 15 mice divided into 5 groups, namely K-,
K+, P1, P2, and P3. Groups K+, P1, P2, P3 were injected with STZ at dosage of
40 mg/kg. Group K- was only provided with aquades, K+ was given metformin at
dosage of 60 mg/kg BB, while groups P1, P2, and P3 were given extracts of bark,
roots, and leaves at dosage of 125 mg/kg BW, respectively. Glucose level
measurements were conducted twice, namely fasting blood glucose level and
blood glucose 2 hours after eating. Obtained data was then analyzed using
ANOVA one way test and then continued by using LSD test. For measurement of
fasting blood glucose level in day 15 after treatment, results for level of fasting
blood glucose of K- ( 88 mg/dl), K+ (234 mg/dl), P1 (93 mg/dl), P2 (397 mg/dl),
and P3 (254, 67 mg/dl). Whereas for measurement of blood glucose level after 2
hours of eating, results for K- (116.67 mg/dl), K+ (562 mg/dl), P1 (561.67 mg/dl),
P2 (498.3 mg/dl), and P3 (489 mg/dl). Obtained result of Anova one way shows
that there is difference in glucose level among different treatments. For LSD test,
it was found that for measurement of fasting blood glucose level for P1 and K-,
there is no different level of glucose but difference was found at treatment taken 2
hours after eating. Whereas for K+, P2, and P3, difference was found between
fasting blood glucose level and that taken 2 hours after eating. P1 (extract of bark)
effectively decreased level of fasting blood glucose but did not yet effectively
reduce level of blood glucose 2 hours after eating; whereas P2 and P3 did not
effectively reduce levels of fasting blood glucose and blood glucose 2 hours after
eating. Bark is the most effective part in reducing blood glucose level.


BACKGROUND
Chile has the highest gallbladder cancer (GBC) death rate world-wide, affecting mainly Southern areas of the country.

AIM
To compare the survival of GBC patients treated in hospitals located in areas with low and high risk for GBC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Medical records of all patients with GBC admitted to one public hospital located in southern Chile, a public hospital and a private clinic, both located in Metropolitan Santiago, were reviewed. Cases were analyzed by age, sex, stage at diagnosis, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES) and rural residence. Survival was calculated using Kaplan Meier method.

RESULTS
A total of 598 cases (469 women), were analyzed. No differences in age or sex among hospitals were detected. At the moment of diagnosis, 75, 50 and 44% of cases from the hospital in southern Chile, the public hospital in Santiago and the private clinic in Santiago, were in stage IV, respectively. Five years survival was lower in the public hospital in southern Chile than in the public hospital in Santiago (10.7 and 14.4% respectively, p < 0.05) but not statistically different from the figure at the private clinic in Santiago (13.0%). However, when adjusting for stage at the moment of diagnosis, no difference in survival between the three hospitals, was found. The median days of survival were 1,559, 188, 70 and 69 for stages I, II, III and IV respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
GBC mortality is high. The stage at the moment of diagnosis is only significant predictor of survival.


Group signature schemes are cryptographic systems that provides revocable anonymity for the signers of messages. In this paper, we propose a group signature scheme with constant-size parameters that does not require any trapdoor secret, thereby, allows sharing of public parameters among organizations. The group manager and the revocation manager of a group can be separate parties and the size of the signature is the shortest, only one third of the size of the current stateof-the-art scheme [1]. An identity escrow scheme can be constructed as the concept dual. Under the Decisional Bilinear Diffie-Hellman and Strong Diffie-Hellman assumptions, the group signature scheme provably satisfies the conventional list of security requirements in the random oracle model and so is the identity escrow scheme in the standard model.


The distribution of mobile genetic element hobo was examined in Drosophila melanogaster lines HA (high male mating activity) and LA (low male mating activity) before and after their isogenization using Southern blot hybridization. The probe containing a full-size hobo copy was shown to produce polymorphic multilocus hybridization with chromosomal DNA. The polymorphism was line-specific. A comparison of hybridization patterns in isogenic and original lines showed that isogenization in dysgenic crosses resulted in the appearance of additional hobo localization sites in LA but not in HA. The hobo destabilization in the LA genome correlated with genetic instability and the ability to induce H-E hybrid dysgenesis. The results obtained are discussed in relation to the possible role of hobo in inducing genetic variability in lines with low male mating activity, which may counteract deleterious consequences of inbreeding and selection in the negative direction.


An improved method for analyzing the radiation characteristic of the quasi-optical launcher is presented. The launcher is decomposed into an open-ended waveguide and a helical cut according to the proposed method. The radiation from the open-ended waveguide is obtained by using the Stratton–Chu formulation. The helical cut's radiation is calculated based on its current distribution, gained by several iterative computations, which helps to improve the calculation accuracy since the diffraction effect introduced by the helical cut is considered during the calculation. The proposed method is used to study different launches, and the results are compared with the existing results. Good agreement is achieved between the results obtained from our proposed method and the reported results. The present results provide an alternative for analysis and synthesis of the optical-mode converter.