This study traces the demographic evolution in present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal, which together comprised the former province of Bengal in British India. It presents time-trend analysis of vital rates and their proximate as well as indirect determinants using registration, census and survey data for pre and post-Partition Bengal. Evidence suggests that although the two wings were historically under the same provincial government, there were significant differences in their demographic profiles, arising from differences in occupational structure, ongoing ecological changes, religion, and in the extent of development efforts. These long-term historical disparities set the course of subsequent demography and explain the contemporary fertility and mortality differentials between Bangladesh and West Bengal. Statistical analysis of survey data suggests that a higher age at marriage in West Bengal coupled with greater levels of healthcare utilization in the state have contributed to a more favourable health situation relative to Bangladesh. The culture in West Bengal appears to be more conducive to utilization of healthcare which has been shaped by a long history of exposure to western influences and to social movements, among other considerations. It has also facilitated the process of fertility transition in West Bengal which plausibly initiated during the late 1950s. For Bangladesh, the study maintains that the synergy created by a host of factors contributed to the remarkably rapid decline in fertility during the 1980s. It is pointed out that the plateauing in the fertility rate in the country since the 1990s is testament to the fact that a strong family planning programme alone cannot complete a demographic transition. This study concludes that the culmination of ongoing socioeconomic processes over the course of the twentieth century has provided the backdrop for the demographic transition in present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal.


Interdomain interactions between the CH3 domains of antibody heavy chains are the first step in antibody assembly, and are of prime importance for maintaining the native structure of IgG. For human IgG4 it was shown that CH3-CH3 interactions are weak resulting in the potential for half-molecule exchange ('Fab arm exchange'). Here we systematically investigated non-covalent inter-chain interactions for CH3 domains in the other human subclasses, including polymorphisms (allotypes), using realtime monitoring of Fab arm exchange with a FRET-based kinetic assay. We identified structural variation between human IgG subclasses and allotypes at three amino acid positions (K/1392, V/M397, K/R409) to alter the strength of inter-domain interactions by over six orders of magnitude. Each substitution affected the interactions independent from the other substitutions in terms of affinity, but the enthalpic and entropic contributions were nonadditive, suggesting a complex interplay. Allotypic variation in IgG3 resulted in widely different CH3 interaction strengths which were even weaker for IgG3 than for IgG4 in case of allotype G3m(c3c5*/6,24*), whereas G3m(s*/15*) was equally stable to IgG1. These interactions are sufficiently strong to maintain the structural integrity of IgG1 during its normal life span; for IgG2 and IgG3 the interheavy chain disulfide bonds are essential to prevent half-molecule dissociation, whereas the labile hinge disulfide bonds favor half-molecule exchange in vivo for IgG4.


Summary
Techniques were developed and tested for sampling unbaited domestic flies both outdoors and indoors to determine the natural occurrence of Shigella organisms. A total of 65,273 flies collected outdoors yielded 69 isolations of Shigella and 5,664 flies collected indoors yielded 12 isolations of Shigella.
Comparison of rate of isolations from flies with rate of recovery by the rectal swab technique indicated that the indices from flies generally paralleled the indices from humans, but that they were too low to provide a sufficiently sensitive and effective means of measuring Shigella prevalence. Sampling of flies might be used to advantage in certain situations where high fly populations or high Shigella prevalence occurs.
Eleven different types of Shigella were isolated from flies and the same 11 types were isolated from human sources. Associations in time, location, and Shigella type were noted.
Musca domestica was the most abundant species of fly collected and most common in Shigella-positive fly pools; Ophyra spp. were second in abundance. Major fly attractants were found to be human excrement, scattered garbage, and waste wash water.


This volume by the late R. E. Smith describes the analysis of ceramics largely recovered from excavations at the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan. Most of the sample was derived from two horizontal tunnels that were dug into the pyramid from 1959 to 1962, but was supplemented with ceramics excavated from elsewhere in the city. Using both type-variety and modal analyses, Smith begins his study with a description of the wares, methods of decoration, and types of design, and then describes the modes (culturally significant groups of attributes) in the sample. After cataloging the modal markers and wares, Smith enumerates the ceramic groups and types (including those of the ceramic figurines) according to provenience, and this description makes up the bulk of the book (186 pages). Smith summarizes his work by briefly reviewing the ceramic complexes and their stratigraphic placement inside the pyramid. He then concludes that the Pyramid of the Sun was constructed over a period of 450 years beginning in the period of A.D. 0-100 (marked with Early Tzacualli pottery), with the first terrace dating to A.D. 100-150 (marked by Late Tzacualli pottery). The final stages of construction continued for approximately 300 years and ended no later than A.D. 450 (marked by the occurrence of Late Tlamimilolpa pottery [A.D. 375-450]). Like Smith's ceramic descriptions in the Maya area (e.g., for the Yucatan and the site Uaxactun), this massive work (375 pages) is a thorough ceramic description. It is indispensible for any archaeologist specializing in central Mexico.


MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP)-3 is a cytoplasmic dual specificity protein phosphatase that specifically binds to and inactivates the ERK1/2 MAP kinases in mammalian cells. However, the molecular basis of the cytoplasmic localization of MKP-3 or its physiological significance is unknown. We have used MKP-3-green fluorescent protein fusions in conjunction with leptomycin B to show that the cytoplasmic localization of MKP-3 is mediated by a chromosome region maintenance-1 (CRM1)-dependent nuclear export pathway. Furthermore, the nuclear translocation of MKP-3 seen in the presence of leptomycin B is mediated by an active process, indicating that MKP-3 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. The amino-terminal noncatalytic domain of MKP-3 is both necessary and sufficient for nuclear export of the phosphatase and contains a single functional leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES). Even though this domain of the protein also mediates the binding of MKP-3 to MAP kinase, we show that mutations of the kinase interaction motif which abrogate ERK2 binding do not affect MKP-3 localization. Conversely, mutation of the NES does not affect either the binding or phosphatase activity of MKP-3 toward ERK2, indicating that the kinase interaction motif and NES function independently. Finally, we demonstrate that the ability of MKP-3 to cause the cytoplasmic retention of ERK2 requires both a functional kinase interaction motif and NES. We conclude that in addition to its established function in the regulated dephosphorylation and inactivation of MAP kinase, MKP-3 may also play a role in determining the subcellular localization of its substrate. Our results reinforce the idea that regulatory proteins such as MKP-3 may play a key role in the spatio-temporal regulation of MAP kinase activity.


A Hall probe diagnostic was developed for use with plasma thrusters. The Hall generators were mounted at the end of a stainless steel tube heat exchanger. Ceramic cement and a Pyrex tube were used as radiation and particle flux shields, respectively. A thermocouple was used to monitor the temperature of the Hall generator. The low voltage output from the probe was amplified within one meter of the transducer to minimize the effect of noise pick up. A National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable Gaussmeter provided an absolute reference for calibration, and relative calibrations were performed both in a strong electric field and in situ during thruster operation to approximate the conditions in the discharge. The overall accuracy of the diagnostic was ±6 G. The probes were tested with a Hall-effect thruster, and provided sufficiently accurate data to estimate the magnitude of the closed-drift electron current.


This paper presents a distributed force/torque-based UAV(Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) collision avoidance scheme. This scheme is designed to deal in a distributed way with the problem of collisions among rotor craft UAVs, that are sharing the space and flying to different destinations. The proposed scheme has a modular architecture, so that it can be easily included into UAVs with a waypoint controller, GPS and communication module. The scheme is though to be simple, in order to make it scalable. It uses a combination of force and torque models for avoiding collisions, while keeping a minimum safety distance. The force model helps to keep a minimum distance among UAVs. The torque model is intended for creating virtual roundabouts, when two or more UAVs simultaneously want to fly over an intersection point. The functionality of the proposed scheme is tested by simulation. The evaluation parameters are overall mission time and the minimum distance keeping to others UAVs while avoiding collision. Scalability, the impact of different maximum speeds and the impact of different values of the parameter "avoidance coefficient" are analyzed. We show that the proposed scheme avoids collisions by the emergence of virtual roundabouts. The roundabout size is self-adaptable according to the number of UAVs. Regarding to the minimum distance among UAVs, we show that the scheme behaves similarly when the number of UAVs increases. However, the mission time increases when more UAVs are involved.


ABSTRACT Background: Kyphosis secondary to pyogenic spondylodiscitis is rare and its management can be very challenging. Methods: In this report, we present the case of a 28-year-old woman, with past history of type 1 diabetes and kidney failure on hemodialysis. Her current complaint is chronic middle and low back pain with kyphotic attitude. She had undergone posterior fixation for T12 fracture 3 years earlier, which was complicated by surgical site infection to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with secondary kyphosis proximally. X-ray showed a 64° kyphosis with complete fusion between T8 and T10, and MRI showed persistent infection foci. Results: The patient underwent a pedicle subtraction osteotomy at the level of T9 with instrumentation from T5 to L1. Thoracic kyphosis was corrected to 39°. Samples taken from the remaining collections returned positive for multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the patient was kept on intravenous antibiotic (Colistine) for 2 months. She could walk on day 1, with a satisfactory clinical and radiological result at 3 years. Conclusions: Literature is sparse on the management of post–pyogenic infection kyphosis in immunocompromised patients. The current case shows that aggressive correction techniques such as pedicle subtraction osteotomy can be performed in such cases but within a multidisciplinary team to deal simultaneously with the different issues of the fragile patient.


Abstract Muleshoe Mound is a composite Waulsortian buildup that crops out along the western escarpment of the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. Exceptional exposures of Muleshoe Mound have enabled a detailed stratigraphic model to be developed, subdividing the buildup into five separate stratal units. Each stratal unit differs in facies, geometry and symmetry, reflecting changes in the character and intensity of different environmental conditions (energy, carbonate production, oxygenation and accommodation space). Hiatal surfaces mark periods of mound crisis and/or sea-level fluctuations. These hiatal surfaces highlight the episodic nature of the mound's growth. Episodic growth acted as an important control on this buildup's development, facies and early diagenesis. Features and patterns of the Muleshoe Mound conflict with the traditional interpretation of the Waulsortian as quiet, stable, deep-water buildups. Muleshoe Mound appears to have grown in appreciable currents where accommodation space was a crucial control on growth.


The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of alpha-MSH on serum LH in order to obtain some clues about the possible, mechanism by which the peptide modifies gonadotropin secretion. Intact female rats treated with alpha-MSH on diestrus 2 afternoon exhibited an increase in serum LH levels at 18 hr on proestrus and an elevated number of ova per rat the day of estrus when compared with saline-treated controls. Moreover, the peptide administered in chronically ovariectomized (CHR-OVX) rats treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) plus low doses of progesterone (P), increased LH in serum as well as P serum levels when compared with levels in CHR-OVX animals treated with EB plus P and saline solution instead of alpha-MSH. It has been shown that LH release is blocked by OVX and adrenalectomy (ADX) on the afternoon of proestrus; this blockade was reversed by an injection of alpha-MSH at the time of the operation. Measurements of P in ADX-OVX animals treated with alpha-MSH showed that P serum levels were maintained for longer periods of time when compared with the P serum levels of ADX-OVX animals treated with saline. On the other hand, alpha-MSH infused into CHR-OVX rats treated with low doses of EB, which can lower serum LH levels, lowered the serum LH even more, although the serum P levels were increased. Finally alpha-MSH did not affect the serum LH levels in diestrous rats. The present results demonstrated that alpha-MSH influences the release of LH by modifying the release and/or the degradation of P. This P, in turn, modifies LH serum concentrations, having either a stimulatory or inhibiting effect on the release of LH, apparently depending on the time period it remains high in serum.


In the presence of Cu2+ ions, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from a methanol aqueous solution was achieved when potassium hexaniobate nanotubes were used as the catalyst. It was found that there existed a photo-induced period in the initial reaction stage. Furthermore, the photo-induced period was prolonged by increasing the amount of Cu2+ ions. After that, the rate of hydrogen evolution was dramatically improved. Combined with the reaction phenomena and the result of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, it was deduced that the Cu2+ ions captured the photo-generated electrons of potassium hexaniobate nanotubes in the photo-induced period. Consequently, the Cu2+ ions were reduced and deposited on the potassium hexaniobate nanotubes. When the mass ratio of Cu to potassium hexaniobate nanotubes was 3 wt%, the rate of hydrogen evolution over the catalyst reached 21.9 mmol·g-1·h-1, which could almost match with Pt as a co-catalyst. These results showed that Cu was an effective alternative to Pt as a co-catalyst of potassium hexaniobate nanotubes for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from the methanol aqueous solution.


Many factors influencing intelligibility have been uncovered in previous research (Bo, 1978; Gooskens, 2006; Jorgensen & Karrlander, 2001). However, in intelligibility research, the effect of age has not been investigated as extensively. Apart from Vanhove's (2014) investigation of the effect of age on cognate guessing, almost no other studies have paid attention to this factor. Also, in intelligibility research, the effect of educational level on intelligibility is often neglected as most studies only test either pre-university or university students. This paper examines the potential effect of age and level of education on intelligibility. In contrast to Vanhove (2014), we looked at text intelligibility instead of cognate recognition. We tested 2760 Danish participants in a written or spoken cloze test in Dutch, English, German or Swedish, where they had to fill gaps in a text. The participants varied in age and educational background. We found that both age and level of education affect intelligibility scores. However, for the spoken cloze test education did not have a significant effect on intelligibility scores for Dutch and Swedish. Additionally, age had no significant effect on age for Dutch as a test language. For education we found that people with a higher level of education perform better on the test than participants with a lower level of education.


Abstract. Stratospheric turbulence is important for the mixing of trace species and the energy balance, but direct measurements are sparse due to the required resolution and accuracy. Recently, turbulence parameters such as the energy dissipation rate e were inferred from standard radiosonde data by means of a Thorpe analysis. To this end, layers with vertically decreasing potential temperature are analysed, which is expected to indicate turbulence. Such an application assumes a proportionality between the Thorpe length LT and the Ozmidov scale LO. While this relation is accepted for the ocean, experimental evidence for such proportionality in the stratosphere is sparse. We have developed a high-resolution (8 kHz) turbulence measurement system called LITOS (Leibniz Institute Turbulence Observations in the Stratosphere), which for the first time resolves the inner scale of turbulence in the stratosphere. Therewith the energy dissipation rate e can be determined by spectral analysis. This independent value for e enables us to check the relation LO p LT. In our measurements no such proportionality can be seen, although the mean of the ratio LO/LT is close to what is assumed in radiosonde analyses. Dissipation rates for individual layers obtained from radiosondes deviate up to a factor of ~3000 from those obtained by spectral analysis. Some turbulent layers measured by LITOS are not observed by the radiosonde at all, and vice versa. However, statements about the statistical mean seem to be possible by Thorpe analysis.


We report a case of a 57-years-old woman admitted for abdominal pain and a not reducible mass in left inguino-abdominal region.
With a diagnosis of strangulated inguinal hernia, the patient underwent to urgent surgery. The surgical exploration showed a gangrenous intestinal loop with a Meckel's necrotic diverticulum. A small bowel resection (20 cm) was performed.
The post-operative course was uneventful.
This seems the first case reported in the literature of woman with a Meckel's diverticulum involved in a strangulated left inguinal hernia.


We propose a method that exploits pose information in order to improve object classification. A lot of research has focused in other strategies, such as engineering feature extractors, trying different classifiers and even using transfer learning. Here, we use neural network architectures in a multi-task setup, whose outputs predict both the class and the camera azimuth. We investigate both Multi-layer Perceptrons and Convolutional Neural Network architectures, and achieve stateof-the-art results in the challenging NORB dataset.


Summary Llanidloes is situated in the Severn Valley, in the western part of Montgomeryshire, and is surrounded by areas which have been described by other authors. The area of Tarannon (Wood 1906) lies to the north, Ponterwyd (O. T. Jones 1909) to the west, Rhayader (H. Lapworth 1906) to the south, and Abbey Cwmhir (R. O. Roberts 1929) to the south-east. Most of the ground between these areas has now been mapped on the scale of 6 inches to the mile. Very little detailed work has previously been done in this area. Sedgwick amde journeys across it and Murchison makes occasional references to it; Professor O. T. Jones (1922), however, has discussed in detail its ore occurences. The greater part of the country is dissected by the Severn drainage system, and the main sequence is exposed in these streams. The Wye system is confined to the south-west and reveals a few good sections in rock-groups near the top of the Valentian. The average height of the higher land is between 1000 and 1500 feet, but the ground rises to nearly 2000 feet in the extreme east. All the higher ground is pasture, while the lower country of the valleys is usually cultivated. The strata range from Upper Bala to Salopian in age, but only the Valentian rocks are described in detail. Mudstone is the dominant lithological type; intercalations of thin shales occasionally yield graptolites. These organisms are the sole fossils found in the area and are preserved either in full or in half relief; they afford an interesting comparison with the forms preserved in the flattened condition. The fundamental structure of the district'is a dome which has been named the Clywedog Dome, from the river of that name which joins the Severn at Llanidloes. The Central Wales Syncline passes through the area near its western margin and exhibits a culmination of pitch near tne northern margin. The Towy anticlinal axis does not enter the area but runs some three miles to the south-east, near Abbey Cwmhir (R. O. Roberts 1929). Faulting" is an important feature; several of the major faults have been identified as belonging to the group of faults and lodes occurring in the Ystwyth Valley, 4 miles to the west. Strike-faulting is not common, but locally the major faults may behave as strike-faults.


The formation of widespread phyllosilicate‐bearing near‐surface layers on Mars has often been attributed to pedogenesis, a process of weathering basaltic soils by continued exposure to meteoric water percolating down from the surface, which can result in layers of aluminum phyllosilicates forming over layers of iron‐magnesium phyllosilicates. We present evidence of an Fe/Mg‐smectite bearing layer stratigraphically above Al‐phyllosilicates in three circular features to the south of Coprates Chasma, suggesting that some process other than, or in addition to, a single pedogenic sequence must have been involved. A review of several formation mechanisms shows that all models require multiple episodes of aqueous alteration. In addition, only by invoking groundwater alteration in conjunction with pedogenesis can we reconcile the stratigraphic pattern of altered material exposed by these features.


Hair follicles: Secret to prevent scars? Although some animals easily regenerate limbs and heal broken flesh, mammals are generally not so gifted. Wounding can leave scars, which are characterized by a lack of hair follicles and cutaneous fat. Plikus et al. now show that hair follicles in both mice and humans can convert myofibroblasts, the predominant dermal cell in a wound, into adipocytes (see the Perspective by Chan and Longaker). The hair follicles activated the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway and adipocyte transcription factors in the myofibroblast. Thus, it may be possible to reduce scar formation after wounding by adding BMP. Science, this issue p. 748; see also p. 693 Hair follicles convert wound myofibroblasts to adipocytes through the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway, revealing a target to decrease scarring. Although regeneration through the reprogramming of one cell lineage to another occurs in fish and amphibians, it has not been observed in mammals. We discovered in the mouse that during wound healing, adipocytes regenerate from myofibroblasts, a cell type thought to be differentiated and nonadipogenic. Myofibroblast reprogramming required neogenic hair follicles, which triggered bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and then activation of adipocyte transcription factors expressed during development. Overexpression of the BMP antagonist Noggin in hair follicles or deletion of the BMP receptor in myofibroblasts prevented adipocyte formation. Adipocytes formed from human keloid fibroblasts either when treated with BMP or when placed with human hair follicles in vitro. Thus, we identify the myofibroblast as a plastic cell type that may be manipulated to treat scars in humans.


type="main"> The purpose of audit market reforms since 2001 is to restore public confidence in the institution of auditing based on two considerations: (1) ensuring audit quality; and (2) controlling the 'adverse effect of competition' in audit supply. Market reforms for audit quality are delivered through a package of prescribed actions motivated by an analytical relationship between audit quality and its possible determinants: (1) limiting audit tenure through a combination of mandatory firm rotation, partner rotation and re-tendering; (2) limiting provision of non-audit services (NAS) by the incumbent auditor; and (3) joint auditing and empowering the audit committee to enhance audit quality. This paper examines the competing independence hypothesis and expertise hypothesis that produce ambiguous theoretical relationships for audit quality–audit tenure and the independence-provision of NAS. We then review whether the empirical literature resolves these conundrums. We also review the usefulness of joint auditing and empowering the audit committee to improve audit quality in the context of audit market reform.


Purpose Data on multiple myeloma (MM) in sub-Sahara Africa is scarce. In Uganda, there is a progressively increasing incidence of MM over the years. Methods We performed a retrospective study on 217 patients with MM at the UCI using purposive sampling method. The objectives of the study were to determine the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, 5 year overall survival and predictors of survival of patients with MM at the UCI from 01 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. Results There were 119 (54.8%) males; the mean(SD) age of the study population at presentation was 59(12.8) years; 183(84.3%) patients presented with bone pain, and 135 (61.9%) had skeletal pathology; 186(85.3%) were HIV negative, and 152(70%) had Durie-Salmon stage III. The median overall survival was 2.5 years, (95% CI, 0.393–0.595); factors significantly associated with worse survival were Durie-Salmon stage III disease, HR=5.9, 95% CI (1.61 – 21.74; P=0.007) and LDH >225 U/L HR=3.3, 95% CI (0.57 – 5.92; P=0.029). Conclusion Most patients with multiple myeloma at the UCI were diagnosed at a relatively young age, presented with late stage disease and bone pain, and had a shorter survival time. Factors associated with worse survival were Durie-Salmon stage III and LDH >225 U/L.


The growing need for efficient drive systems has given the static Kramer drive system a position of importance among variable speed drives. A mathematical model of this system is presented. This model is called a hybrid model. The hybrid model has been extended to include closed-loop speed control using PI controller. This model is used also to examine the system performance under free acceleration and closed-loop speed control conditions. Finally, laboratory tests are presented to confirm the validity of the mathematical model. These tests also show the ability of the PI controller to achieve a reliable closed-loop speed control of the static Kramer drive system.


According to static model balancing, the electrostatic and mechanical forces from an equivalent circuit one can have an analytical solution useful for characterization of a self-reciprocating radioisotope-fueled micropower generator. Charge collection efficiency (CCE) , an empirical coefficient describing the portion of the total emitted current that gets collected by the cantilever, is an important parameter to gauge the usefulness of the cantilever. In this paper, based on MCNP Monte Carlo calculations, an applicable computational method has been proposed for assessment of the CCE in self-reciprocating radioisotope-powered cantilevers. Validity of the proposed method has been confirmed via comparison of the simulation results on CCE with the experimental value for this parameter, namely, 13.59% and 14.2%, respectively, in a previously demonstrated prototype cantilever device. The relative difference between computational and experimental results is within 4%, which confirms that the order of magnitude of the results is very close. Furthermore, suggestions have been proposed and investigated for the enhancement of the CCE in self-reciprocating radioisotope-fueled power generators. Effect of cantilever geometry and material on CCE has been investigated for some material and geometry specifications. The obtained results are indicative of the fact that this method can be used to investigate optimized design parameters in order to improve the total efficiency of the device.


PURPOSE
To evaluate the outcomes of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in the control of glaucoma in eyes with a Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) type 1.

METHODS
This study is a retrospective case series of patients who have undergone at least 1 CPC treatment after KPro implantation. Eighteen eyes of 17 patients were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP) (assessed by digital palpation) and the number of classes of glaucoma medications were recorded at 1 week, 1 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Optic nerve status, visual field parameters, and perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS
Twenty-one CPC sessions were administered overall. Seven eyes (39%) had IOP < 20 mm Hg preoperatively, and this increased to 15 eyes (83%) at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. The mean number of glaucoma medications used was 3.9 preoperatively and did not change significantly after treatment. Seven eyes (39%) had glaucoma progression despite CPC treatment. Three eyes (17%) initially responded to CPC but later failed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Two of them responded to repeat CPC, and 1 continued to progress despite retreatment. Two eyes (11%) developed early postoperative hypotony, 1 eye (6%) developed cystoid macular edema, 1 eye (6%) developed bacterial endophthalmitis with subsequent enucleation, and 1 eye (6%) lost light perception because of glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS
CPC was useful to control IOP in some KPro eyes with refractory glaucoma, although it did not significantly reduce concurrent medical therapy. In addition, caution must be taken because microbial infection can occur after CPC because of the lack of biointegration between the host cornea and the device.


Background: During the third trimester of pregnancy multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity is reduced. It is not fully understood which factors mediate this disease amelioration. Objective: To study alterations of the monocyte transcriptome during pregnancy in MS patients, using a genomewide approach to identify differentially regulated genes. Methods: Women with MS and healthy controls were longitudinally studied, including a visit before pregnancy. Results: RNA-microarray analysis was performed in six patients. We found a significant increase of CD64 (Fc gamma receptor 1a, FcgR1a) during the third trimester compared with baseline, confirmed by RT-PCR in a group of ten patients. Analysis with Ingenuity software was performed using all genes expression of which was altered at least 1.5-fold in at least five out of six patients. Major networks that were altered during MS pregnancy were: cell-to-cell signalling and interaction, immune response, and cell signalling. From the genes selected for Ingenuity analysis, seven additional candidate genes, selected for their biological interest, were tested using RT-PCR in ten patients with MS and nine controls. We found an increased expression of JAK2 and STAT1 directly postpartum in patients with MS and in controls. Conclusion: The increased CD64 expression during pregnancy is indicative of enhanced innate immune functions.


Pre-collision Cretaceous–lower Tertiary volcanic rocks of western Ecuador from the coastal area (Pinon and San Lorenzo Formations) and Western Cordillera (Macuchi and Celica Formations) consist of three rock suites. The first suite includes tholeiites of ocean-floor affinities that have distinct light REE-depleted patterns and low La/Nb, La/Hf, and Th/Hf ratios. The island-arc tholeiites of the second suite have lower contents of Ti, Zr, Hf, and Nb. The third suite comprises calc-alkalic rocks, mainly continental-margin andesites and dacites. The continental volcanic-arc rocks crop out in an area east of the tholeiitic rocks. The boundary between the two areas is the major suture separating continental South America from accreted terrenes to the west. A model is suggested for the geodynamic evolution of what is now western Ecuador during the Late Cretaceous. It includes two east-dipping subduction zones of Turonian to Santonian ages and the accretion of the oceanic island arc to the continent.


This article seeks to address the problem of historiography and perspective in Middle East studies concerning dominated ethno-nations, especially the Kurds, while examining the religio-political confrontations between the Islamic empires and their significant socio-political consequences in Kurdistan through a historical study (primarily) based on secondary sources. With the dominance of the early Islamic Caliphate from the 7th century, the political powers of the Kurds' ancestors were removed and the non-Muslim population severely declined. From the middle of the Abbasid Caliphate period (750-1258) Kurdish governments grew again. After the Abbasids, various Islamic sects gained power and Kurdistan gradually becoming the battlefield of various political powers. With the emergence of two empires, the Sunni Ottoman and Shiite Safavid (and its successors) in the 16th century, the internal conflicts in the Islamic world culminated and lasted until the early 20th century. Between the 7th and the early 20th century religio-political confrontations converging in Kurdistan have severely affected the land's socio-political situation. This article examines how the Islamic empires used religion politically as a means to fight each other, as well as engage with the Kurdish revolts.


Abstract The history of crystallography has been assessed in the context of the emergence and spread of the molecular theory. The present paper focuses on the 19th century, which saw the emancipation of crystallography as a science sui generis. Around 1800, Laplace's molecularism called the tune in the various sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, crystallography). In crystallography, two schools opposed each other: that of Weiss, in Berlin, and that of Haüy, in Paris. Symmetry proved essential. It will be shown how the lattice theory arose in an essentially molecular framework and how group theory imposed itself. The salt hydrates suggested the idea of (two or more) superimposed molecular lattices. Gradually it became clear that an ultimate lattice theory ought to be atomic. The experiments of Laue, Friedrich and Knipping confirmed that atomic basis.


Neuropsychological tests of verbal fluency are very widely used to characterize impaired cognitive function. For clinical neuroscience studies and potential medical applications, measuring the brain activity that underlies such tests with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is of significant interest—but a challenging proposition because overt speech can cause signal artifacts, which tend to worsen as the duration of speech tasks becomes longer. In a novel approach, we present the group brain activity of 12 subjects who performed a self-paced written version of phonemic fluency using fMRI-compatible tablet technology that recorded responses and provided task-related feedback on a projection screen display, over long-duration task blocks (60 s). As predicted, we observed robust activation in the left anterior inferior and medial frontal gyri, consistent with previously reported results of verbal fluency tasks which established the role of these areas in strategic word retrieval. In addition, the number of words produced in the late phase (last 30 s) of written phonemic fluency was significantly less (p < 0.05) than the number produced in the early phase (first 30 s). Activation during the late phase vs. the early phase was also assessed from the first 20 s and last 20 s of task performance, which eliminated the possibility that the sluggish hemodynamic response from the early phase would affect the activation estimates of the late phase. The last 20 s produced greater activation maps covering extended areas in bilateral precuneus, cuneus, middle temporal gyrus, insula, middle frontal gyrus and cingulate gyrus. Among these areas, greater activation was observed in the bilateral middle frontal gyrus (Brodmann area BA 9) and cingulate gyrus (BA 24, 32) likely as part of the initiation, maintenance, and shifting of attentional resources. Consistent with previous pertinent fMRI literature involving overt and covert verbal responses, these findings highlight the promise and practicality of fMRI of written phonemic fluency.


Like other African nations, Sierra Leone seemed to avoid the worst pandemic scenarios. Its previous experience with Ebola may have led to improved preparedness in the health system. But the government has once again reverted to a militarized response, and elites returning from international travel may pose a risk of spreading the coronavirus. The author also reflects on the challenges of tracking the situation from afar, in the midst of a global crisis, and critically assesses Western media coverage of African public health issues.


Corecoris dentiventris Berg, 1884 (HEM., Coreidae) represents a pest in the tobacco culture in Southern Brazil. Nymphs and adults cause the wilting and twisting of the tobacco leaves due to their sucking habit. There are very few works about this species and these are restricted to concise description of the adult morphology, records of host plants and enumeration of injuries. The present investigation aims to study the life cycle of this bug. The experiment was carried out in a tobacco culture (Virginia type, var. K 326) implanted in the experimental area of the Departamento de Fitossanidade of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, RS. The life cycle was studied in field conditions, in nylon cages, from egg clusters oviposited by females of the colonizing generation. The preferred oviposition site was the main vein in the abaxial side of the leaf. The average incubation period was 13.7 +/- 0.04 days and the egg viability, 99.63%. The average periods of the different instars of the bug, in days, were: 5.4 +/- 0.08, 9.7 +/- 0.19, 4.5 +/- 0.08, 5.3 +/- 0.08, 9.0 +/- 0.13 respectively for the first, second, third, fourth and fifth instars. The first instar presented the highest mortality (13.86%). The accumulated mortality of the nymphal phase was 35.29%. The sex ratio was 0.97 males: 1 female.


Lawrence Memorial Award – 2010 Nominations. The Award Committee of the Lawrence Memorial Fund invites nominations for the 2010 Lawrence Memorial Award. Honoring the memory of Dr. George H. M. Lawrence, founding Director of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, the annual Award of ($2,000) is given to support travel for doctoral dissertation research in systematic botany or horticulture, or the history of the plant sciences, including literature and exploration. Major professors are urged to nominate outstanding doctoral students who have achieved official candidacy for their degrees and will be conducting pertinent dissertation research that would benefit significantly from travel enabled by the Award. The Committee will not entertain direct applications. A student who wishes to be considered should arrange for nomination by his/her major professor; this may take the form of a letter which covers supporting materials prepared by the nominee. Supporting materials should describe briefly but clearly the candidate's program of research and how it would be significantly enhanced by travel that the Award would support. Letters of nomination and supporting materials, including seconding letters, should be received by the Committee no later than 1 May 2010 and should be directed to: Dr. R. W. Kiger, Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890 USA. Tel. (412) 268-2434 Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 136(4), 2009, pp. 551


Purpose: To determine the efficacy, feasibility, and toxicity of a new regimen for locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Patients had technically resectable stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, exclusive of T1-2N1. Induction chemotherapy consisted of carboplatin (area under the curve formula equal to 6) and paclitaxel 200 mg/m 2 for two cycles, followed by re-evaluation. Patients with major response continued to definitive radiotherapy (70 Gy over 7 weeks) plus concurrent once-weekly paclitaxel (30 mg/m 2 /wk). Patients with advanced neck disease also underwent post‐radiation therapy neck dissection and two more chemotherapy cycles. Results: Fifty-three patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 31 months (minimum follow-up for survivors was 18 months). The major response rate to induction chemotherapy was 89%; 90% of patients had a complete response after concurrent chemoradiation. Actuarial survival at 3 years was 70%, and 3-year event-free survival was 59%. The 3-year actuarial locoregional control was 82% and the 3-year actuarial rate of distant metastases was 19%. Organ preservation was achieved in 77% of all patients. One patient (2%) died during therapy. Late grade 3 toxicity occurred in 24% of patients, consisting mainly of chronic dysphagia/aspiration and/or radiation soft tissue ulceration. The treatment-related mortality rate was 4% (two patients died from respiratory failure). Conclusion: Response to induction chemotherapy as studied in this trial was not useful as a predictive marker for ultimate outcome or organ conservation. Overall, however, this regimen offers good disease control and survival for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma, comparable with other concurrent chemoradiation programs. Further study of similar protocols is indicated. J Clin Oncol 20:3964-3971. © 2002 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.


For five consecutive years, active trachoma has been surveyed and treated in the entire population of the San Xavier Papago Indian Reservation on the premise that only such a major effort would be successful in eradication of this disease. Numerous socioenvironmental factors have been evaluated in detail. During that time, rapid improvement in housing and sanitation standards has occurred. The incidence of active trachoma has been substantially reduced in the children and virtually eliminated in the adults as a result of this wide-scale effort. Nevertheless, the total reservation screening approach does not seem to have been warranted.


The systemic treatment of superficial fungus infections in man at last seems a near reality. Although the polyene antibiotics derived from streptomyces were a significant advance in antifungal chemotherapy against the yeast-like fungi, they failed to influence the common dermatomycoses.1Recent studies demonstrating the influence of serum factors in superficial fungous infections illustrated the importance of blood-borne substances in confining cutaneous invasion by dermatophytes.2,15Gentles' recent report of the successful oral treatment of Trichophyton and Microsporum infections in guinea pigs with griseofulvin, a product of several penicillia, was a great step forward.7Subsequently, Lauder and O'Sullivan found it effective by mouth in calves with Trichophyton verrucosum infections.11Our paper is a preliminary report of observations on the effectiveness of oral griseofulvin therapy in man. Griseofulvin is a colorless, neutral, thermostable antibiotic isolated from Penicillium griseofulvin by Oxford, Raistrick, and Simonet,


Since it was first established as a large-scale operation in 1911, the Indonesian palm oil industry has undergone a number of structural changes. There have been allegations that some of these changes have led to a significant market power exertion in this industry. However, empirical evidence to support the allegation appears lacking. This paper seeks to make an attempt at modelling and measuring market power in the Indonesian palm oil industry. A dynamic adjustment model with open-loop and Markovian strategies is proposed to achieve this objective on the basis of annual data, covering the period 1969 to 2003. The model is assumed to be linear-quadratic. However, failing to meet the symmetry condition, only the open-loop model can be applied to this study. Some justifications for using the open-loop model are provided. As the estimation of market power indices do not appear to lie in the desired range, the results are inconclusive. A possible reason is proposed, but, in order to obtain a clear explanation, further research is required.


Given the importance of FDI for the economic growth of both home and host countries, the aim of this paper is to assess the importance granted to location advantages during the development of FDI theory. We start with the earliest theoretical directions as regards FDI location issues and extend our study to describing less debated theories, but of a particular importance for this theme. In this way, we have the opportunity to emphasize the changes in FDI location determinants. We find that a direction of the FDI theories' expansion is due to the incorporation of new variables on location, although the location advantages are barely mentioned in the first explanations regarding the international activity of the firms


Bacillus cereus commonly causes catheter-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) in hospital settings, and occasionally occurs fatal central nervous system (CNS) complications. B. cereus harboring Ba813, a specific chromosomal marker of Bacillus anthracis, has been found in patients with severe infection and nosocomial BSI. However, the bacteriological profile and clinical feature of Ba813 (+) B. cereus are unclear. Fifty-three patients with B. cereus BSI were examined. Isolates were evaluated for Ba813, B. anthracis-related and food poisoning-related virulence, multilocus sequencing typing, and biofilm formation. Patients' clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. The 53 isolates were comprised of 29 different sequence types in two distinct clades. Seventeen of the 53 (32%) B. cereus isolates including five sequence types possessed Ba813 and were classified into Clade-1/Cereus-III lineage which is most closely related to Anthracis lineage. No B. cereus possessed B. anthracis-related virulence genes. Ba813 (+) strains showed a lower prevalence of enterotoxin genes than Clade-2 strains (n = 4), but no difference from Clade-1. Ba813 (+) strains showed significantly lower biofilm formation than Clade-1/non-Cereus-III (n = 22) and Clade-2 strains, respectively. Compared to Clade-1/non-Cereus-III and Clade-2 B. cereus, Ba813 (+) strains were isolated more frequently from elderly patients, patients with indwelling central venous catheter rather than peripheral venous catheter, and patients who remained in the hospital for longer before BSI onset. No significant differences in disease severity or mortality were observed. Though two of the ten Ba813 (-) strains in Clade-1/Cereus III were isolated from the patients with CNS complication, no significant difference was observed in the bacterial profile and clinical characteristics among Clade-1/Cereus III strains. In conclusion, our report suggested that Ba813-harboring B. cereus strains, genetically closely related to B. anthracis, were abundant among B. cereus strains in the hospital setting, and might cause catheter-related nosocomial BSI. However, it did not affect the clinical outcomes.


In temporal-probabilistic (TP) databases, the combination of the temporal and the probabilistic dimension adds significant overhead to the computation of set operations. Although set queries are guaranteed to yield linearly sized output relations, all of the existing solutions exhibit a quadratic runtime complexity. They suffer from redundant interval comparisons and additional joins for the formation of lineage expressions. In this paper, we formally define TP set operations and study their properties. For their efficient computation, we introduce the lineage-aware temporal window, a mechanism that binds intervals with lineage expressions. We suggest the lineage-aware window advancer (LAWA) for producing lineage-aware temporal windows, which enable direct filtering of irrelevant intervals and finalization of output lineage expressions. This way, we compute TP set operations in linearithmic time. A series of experiments over both synthetic and real-world datasets show that (a) our approach has predictable performance, which depends only on the size of the input relations and not on the number of time intervals per fact or the overlap of the time intervals, and that (b) it outperforms state-of-the-art approaches.


nFuzzy multi attribute (F-MADM decision making is one of the decision to support quite a simple and can become one of the alternative method in decision-making or variable that if an alternative used quite a lot of quantitative data and of itself. A method of Simple Additive Weighting widely used because of a method of the simple concept , easily understood , computerized his efficient and have the ability to measure the performance of alternatives decision in the form of simple mathematical. The problem is whether a method of simple additive weighting having value reliability high enough to used in help stakeholders in decision-making Hence needs to be done testing value of the results of reliability of the simple additive weighting. Moved closer to the value of 1 to test his reliability of course this method will be more recommended to help the decision-making process.
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Keywords: DSS, FMADM, Pearson Correlation, SAW


Summary Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible significant role of some clinical factors in predicting cognitive outcome in a group of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 8 and duration of unconsciousness for at least 15 days (prolonged coma). Method. A consecutive sample of 25 survivors of severe TBI attending the Physical and Cognitive Rehabilitation program participated in this study. The neuropsychological test battery included: Word-list Learning, Prose recall, Rey Figure Delayed recall, Word fluency, Raven's Progressive Matrices' 47. The clinical variables evaluated in correlation with the neuropsychological outcome were the following: age, duration of unconsciousness, duration of post-traumatic amnesia, interval from head trauma to neuropsychological evaluation, interval from head trauma to recovery of oral feeding, and finally interval from head trauma to first verbal communication. Findings. The clinical variable with a significant predictive value on most neuropsychological scores was the interval from head trauma to the recovery of oral feeding. Conclusions. If this result is confirmed in larger samples, time interval of oral feeding recovery from head trauma should be considered as a possible predictor of neuropsychological outcome in TBI patients with prolonged coma.


After the banking crisis of 1997, corporate ownership in Japan shifted from an insider-dominated to an outsider-dominated structure. This paper analyzes the impact of dramatic changes in the ownership structure on corporate governance and firm value, focusing on the role of foreign institutional investors. There are two competing views on the role of increased foreign ownership. The positive view is that foreign investors have high monitoring capability, and encourage improvements in the governance arrangement of firms, resulting in higher performance. Conversely, the negative view is that they have strong bias in their investment strategies, and are less committed to a particular firm. Even though a correlation between foreign ownership and high performance has been observed, it may be a superficial one. Higher stock returns can be induced by the demand for a stock, while performance can simply reflect a foreign investor's preference for a high quality firm. To determine which view is more compelling, we constructed a unique long-term data set, and examined the determinants of foreign ownership and its impact on stock returns as well as performance. We found that the investment behavior of foreign investors is characterized by a particular bias, and takes into account governance arrangements. Second, their investment substantially affects the stock return of firms. Third, even after controlling for reverse causality, however, their growing presence positively affects firm performance, suggesting that foreign institutional investors play a disciplinary role once their shareholding increases.


If hermaphrodite genitals are present in the patient or a higher degree of hypospadia is shown with maldescensus testis, a chromosomal disorder must be considered as one potential cause of the anomaly. The case report of a child with cryptorchidism on the right, inguinal testis on the left and penoscrotal hypospadia is presented as an example. A mosaic karyotype 45, X/46, X, idic (Yp) was diagnosed in this patient after chromosomal analysis. The cell line with the isodicentric Y chromosome could be demonstrated in about 90% of the lymphocytes, but only in 7% of the fibroblasts of the preputium. A derivative Y could not be detected in interphase nuclei in the buccal mucosa, i.e. only the cell line with monosomy X was presented. There was thus chromosomal mosaicism with unequal tissue involvement and a high potential for malignant transformation. Guidelines of pediatric urological, cytogenetic and endocrinological investigations and the diagnostic procedures are described and discussed. A prevention protocol for patients with comparable gonosomal mosaicism is presented.


: In response to pressures on the practice of medicine, new practice management styles and organizations are being created to meet market demands. Managed care environments have encouraged the development of IPAs, closed panel HMOs, and other corporate structures to provide care for their patients. Early resistance of physicians to joining in administrative arrangements has now melted. Providers are beginning to adopt the philosophy of joining resources for survival and to improve market penetration. Physician executives must keep their minds open to the possibility that these provider-based organizations will occur even in the most unlikely places.


A within-subjects design was utilized to compare levels of wellbeing demonstrated by 25 individuals with mild to moderate dementia during three types of activity. The first was simple group reminiscence therapy (RT), using objects and photographs; the second was group activities (GA), involving simple goal directed crafts or games; and the third was unstructured time (UT), during which participants were left to their own devices with little staff interaction. These activities were all part of the usual programme of activities within three day hospitals where the study took place. Dementia Care Mapping was used to measure relative levels of wellbeing or illbeing during these three conditions. The results indicated that individuals experienced a greater level of relative wellbeing during RT than GA. The level of wellbeing in both RT and GA was significantly higher than in UT.


Brig. Osmnond (the President) expressed the Society~s gratitude to Dr. Erskine for his paper, which certainly contained some salutary wamings and was -somewhat provocative. On what evidence did he found his statement that sulphonamide administratiQn ought to be continued day and nigbt ? It had certainly been the experience in the Army that it did not matter very much, provided that a fairly big dose was given last thing at night and first thing in the morning. ,f there were evidence that the administration should be continued during the night, he would like to know what it was. The next controversial point was the use of vaccines between the first and second course of sulphonamides. Was their action specific or non-specific ? What were the doses ? Was there any pathological evidence that the giving of these vaccines increased the amount of antibody ? He agreed entirely with Dr. Erskine in his very suitable warning about the dosage of mapharside. He himself had always maintained that mapharside was not ten times as effective as neoarsphenamine, and the more that was stressed the more likely were cases to be treated adequately when mapharside was used as the arsenical.


Segmentation algorithms traditionally employ low-level features to divide images into different regions that show a certain degree of homogeneity. However, low-level features, spatial or temporal, are not always reliable when processing real-world video sequences, because of issues like illuminations or complex backgrounds. Furthermore, real world objects can be composed of different regions with heterogeneous features. Although the inclusion of motion can mitigate some of these effects, many problems are still present. This paper proposes the utilization of some spatio-temporal mid-level features that are related, on the one hand, to geometric properties of real objects and, on the other, to well-known motion patterns. Specifically, the proposed algorithm uses a mid-level module that controls the subsequent segmentation using these kinds of features. Some experiments and evaluations show that the inclusion of mid-level features can help to obtain perceptually more meaningful segmentations, thus resulting in regions that are closer to semantic concepts.


History research requires books, journal and newspaper articles, government documents, primary documents and more. Use this guide to lead you to the best sources.


Anthrax is an acute zoonoses infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. Bacillus anthracis had ability to form endospores for self-defense. Anthrax infectioncouldbedividedintofourtypesnamelyskinanthrax,gastrointestinalanthrax, anthrax of the respiratory tract (lung) and meningitis anthrax. The examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis of patients suspected of being infected with Bacillus anthracis. The examination methods consisted of culture for whole blood spesimens, konvensional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on growing colonies and whole blood specimens without growing colony, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for blood serum spesimens. The 6 cultured specimens, there were 2 colony-growing specimens with 1 identical colony with Bacillus anthracis colonies. The colonies confirmed with PCR and only 1 positive as Bacillus anthracis pathogens. The 6 specimens examined there was a positive specimen of Bacillus anthracis pathogen.


Metre-thick horizons of ironstone lithologically similar to 'sulphide-facies' banded iron formation, but interpreted as silicified and sulphide-impregnated shear zones, are a common component of the greenstone stratigraphy of the Archaean Zimbabwe craton. Such tectonic ironstones separate different lithostratigraphic units commonly regarded as autochthonous rock sequences. On outcrop scale, shearing along ironstone horizons is indicated by anastomosing foliation domains, folding, boudinage and mylonitic fabrics, and, on a regional scale, by truncation of bedding and/or foliation, an anastomosing geometry of the horizons and duplication or juxtaposition of lithostratigraphic units. Tectonic ironstone formation is attributed to in situ silicification and iron (sulphide)-impregnation of rocks, commonly sediments, by mineralized fluids that penetrated the shear zones and their immediate wall rocks. The shear zones formed as a result of thin-skinned thrust tectonics that gave rise to horizontal accretion, imbrication and juxtaposition of volcanic and sedimentary rock units before deformation associated with granitoid diapirism. As a result, 'layer-cake' stratigraphic models of greenstone sequences containing tectonic ironstone 'layers' have to be treated with care, and the use of ironstone horizons as stratigraphic markers should be discouraged.


Recently, we have witnessed an intensified interest from various fashion scholars on the subject of men and masculine identities. However, while most of the existing research initiatives explore various aspects of masculinity and fashion, they also seem to be limited in their choices of subjects to homosexual and/or young male adults. In this vein, Julia Twigg argues that older men remain 'largely disengaged from fashion as a cultural field' (2013a: 19). This article explores the nature of this theoretical disengagement when it comes to older heterosexual men's lived experience of fashion by drawing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews and personal inventories with a small sample of British men (n=5) based in, or strongly linked to, Nottingham, United Kingdom. In-depth qualitative analysis of the research material revealed various contradictions displayed by the participants in relation to their ageing masculine identities and their often lifelong interest in fashionable clothing. We inspect these discrepancies from two perspectives in which such a disengagement might emerge: between men and fashion and between fashion and ageing. By analysing the findings through Connell's (2005) influential concept of hegemonic masculinity, we argue that some men both resist and reproduce such a stereotypical disengagement.


The study was undertaken to examine the incidence and specific features of peptic ulcer (PU) of the gastroduodenal area (GDA) in bronchial asthma (BA) and the impact of long-term oral maintenance therapy with systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS) on the occurrence and course of peptic ulcer. Among the 260 examined patients with BA, GDA PU was revealed in 70(26.9%). The commonest site of an ulcerative process in the duodenum (90%) and its frequent combination with reflux esophagitis (84.1%) are noteworthy, which is likely to import some specific features to the clinical picture of GDA PU in BA. The latter is characterized by mild pain and a predominance of dyspepsia, which should be taken into account in assessing the clinical picture in patients with BA when there is a high risk for PU and in defining indications for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The clinical and endoscopic features of the course of PU in patients with comorbidity were analyzed in relation to the use of GCS therapy. The analysis revealed that the incidence of PU did not depend on the severity and type of BA and on the use of GCS therapy. The study failed to provide evidence for the generally accepted idea of the leading role of GCS in the development of PU in BA. There was no significant negative impact of long-term small-dose GCS therapy on the clinical and endoscopic picture of PU in BA. The findings suggest that in BA, favorable conditions arose for realizing the predisposition to PU, which makes it necessary to carry out further studies to reveal the possible mechanisms that are responsible for the formation of concomitant diseases; this may be of fundamental importance in developing pathogenetically substantiated therapy for the above category of patients.


Kinetic tremor recorded with a laser system during a compensatory tracking task of the index finger was analyzed in 21 patients with PD whose tremor amplitude was between low and moderate, and 30 control subjects. Nine characteristics quantifying the tracking task and tremor including mean tracking error, reaction time, peakedness, harmonicity, median frequency, proportional power in the 3-4 Hz, 4-6 Hz and 7-12 Hz ranges, and power at 0.25 Hz, were applied to the processed signal. The discriminating power of each characteristic was evaluated using differences between group means (p values), maximum percentage discrimination, and number of outliers in the patient group using z-score and 96.7(th) percentile of the control group. All nine characteristics showed significant differences between means of the two groups using Welch-modified t-tests for unequal variances. The most discriminating characteristics reflected differences in the frequency distribution of the movement and did not correlate highly with postural tremor amplitude nor with clinical ratings of tremor. Discrimination methods classified correctly up to 66.7 p.cent of the patients. Combining representative information about proportional power during posture and tracking gave a much higher discrimination (90 p.cent) with respect to the 96.7th percentile of the control group. These results suggest that by combining information coming from postural and kinetic tremors it is possible to isolate a specific aspect of PD symptomatology which could be used to reevaluate the classic distinction made between the akineto-rigid and tremulous forms of PD independently of tremor amplitude.


Study Design. A retrospective medical record review of cases with congenital vertebral malformations (CVMs) and controls with normal spine morphology. Objective. To determine the relative contribution of maternal environmental factors (MEFs) during pregnancy to CVM development. Summary of Background Data. CVMs represent defects in formation and segmentation of somites occurring with an estimated incidence of between 0.13 and 0.50 per 1000 live births. CVMs may be associated with various phenotypes and represent significant morbidity due to pain and cosmetic disfigurement. Methods. A multicenter retrospective medical record review of 229 cases with CVM and 267 controls with normal spine morphology between the ages of 1 and 50 years was performed to obtain the odds ratio (OR) of MEF related to CVM among cases versus controls. An imputation-based analysis was performed in which subjects with no documentation of MEF history were treated as "no maternal exposure." Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to calculate the OR. Results. Of the 229 total cases, 104 cases had single or multiple CVMs without additional congenital malformations (group 1) and 125 cases had single or multiple CVMs and additional congenital malformations (group 2). Nineteen percent of total cases had an identified MEF. The OR for MEF history for group 1 was 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.4–15.1; P < 0.001) in the univariate analysis. The OR for MEF history in group 2 was 9.1 (95% confidence interval, 3.8–21.6, P < 0.001) in the univariate analysis. The results were confirmed in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, and institution. Conclusions. These results support a hypothesis for an association between these MEFs during pregnancy and CVM and have implications for development of prevention strategies. Further prospective studies are needed to quantify association between CVMs and specific MEF. Level of Evidence: 4


The passive K influx in low K(LK) red blood cells of sheep saturates with increasing external K concentration, indicating that this mode of transport is mediated by membrane-associated sites. The passive K influx, iMLK, is inhibited by external Na. Isoimmune anti-L serum, known to stimulate active K transport in LK sheep red cells, inhibits iMLK about twofold. iMLK is affected by changes in intracellular K concentration, [K]i, in a complex fashion: increasing [K]i from near zero stimulates iMLK, while further increases in [K]i, above 3 mmol/liter cells, inhibit iMLK. The passive K influx is not mediated by K-K exchange diffusion. The effects of anti-L antibody and [K]i on passive cation transport are specific for K: neither factor affects passive Na transport. The common characteristics of passive and active K influx suggest that iMLK is mediated by inactive Na-K pump sites, and that the inability to translocate Na characterizes the inactive pumps. Anti-L antibody stimulates the K pump in reticulocytes of LK sheep. However, anti-L has no effect on iMLK in these cells, apparently because reticulocytes do not have the inactive pump sites which, in mature LK cells, are a consequence of the process of maturation of circulating LK cells. The results also indicate that anti-L alters the maximum velocity of both active and passive K fluxes by converting pumps sites from a form mediating passive K influx to an actively transporting form.


A commercial pressure logger has been adapted for long-term field use. Its flash memory affords the large data volume to allow months of pressure measurements to be acquired at the rapid cadence (> 1 Hz) required to detect dust devils, small dust-laden convective vortices observed in arid regions. The power consumption of the unit is studied and battery and solar/battery options evaluated for long-term observations. A two-month long field test is described, and several example dust devil encounters are examined. In addition, a periodic (∼ 20 min) convective signature is observed, and some lessons in operations and correction of data for temperature drift are reported. The unit shows promise for obtaining good statistics on dust devil pressure drops, to permit comparison with Mars lander measurements, and for array measurements.


Recently, antihydrogen atoms were trapped at CERN in a magnetic minimum (minimum-B) trap formed by superconducting octupole and mirror magnet coils. The trapped antiatoms were detected by rapidly turning off these magnets, thereby eliminating the magnetic minimum and releasing any antiatoms contained in the trap. Once released, these antiatoms quickly hit the trap wall, whereupon the positrons and antiprotons in the antiatoms annihilate. The antiproton annihilations produce easily detected signals; we used these signals to prove that we trapped antihydrogen. However, our technique could be confounded by mirror-trapped antiprotons, which would produce seemingly identical annihilation signals upon hitting the trap wall. In this paper, we discuss possible sources of mirror-trapped antiprotons and show that antihydrogen and antiprotons can be readily distinguished, often with the aid of applied electric fields, by analyzing the annihilation locations and times. We further discuss the general properties of antiproton and antihydrogen trajectories in this magnetic geometry, and reconstruct the antihydrogen energy distribution from the measured annihilation time history.


The present study investigated the effects of dietary trans‐cinnamic acid (TrCin) on growth performance, biochemical composition, fatty acid composition, blood biochemistry, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme and liver antioxidant gene (EF1α, SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPX1, GPX4, GR and GST) expression responses of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Five experimental groups of fish with mean weights of 17.49 ± 0.08 g were used in the study; four of them were fed with TrCin‐supplemented diets (0.25 g/kg TrCin25, 0.50 g/kg TrCin50, 0.75 g/kg TrCin75 and 1.50 g/kg TrCin150), whereas an additive‐free basal diet served as the control (Cntr). At the end of the 60‐day feeding trial, the growth performance, biochemical composition and fatty acid composition were similar for all experimental groups. A decrease was observed in intestinal and stomach pH, serum triglyceride and AST, ALT, LDH and ALP levels in fish fed with especially 0.50 g/kg TrCin‐supplemented diet. Moreover, dietary TrCin especially at 0.50 g/kg incorporation level significantly increased the serum SOD and liver SOD2, CAT, GST, GPX1, GPX4 and GR gene expression responses. As a conclusion, feeding rainbow trout for a period of 60 days with a diet containing 0.50 g/kg TrCin might be sufficiently enough to improve the levels of antioxidant enzymes and health status in fish.


Background: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare. Traditional diagnosis with two-dimensional ultrasound was hypervascular region in the part of uterine myometrium under color Doppler use. We reported a case with uterine AVMs diagnosed with 2D and 3D sonography. Case: A 36-year-old female, gradvida 4, para 1, spontaneous abortion 1 and D&C x 2 visited our clinic due to intermittent vaginal bleeding for 5 months. Tracing her history, she had a missed abortion and D&C was performed about 2 years ago. After this, she got a normal intra-uterine pregnancy. In the third trimester pregnancy, a progressive enlarged hypervascular fundal tumor with the symptom of intermittent antepartum hemorrhage was found. At term, she delivered smoothly but postpartum hemorrhage occurred. Postpartum hemorrhage was controlled successfully with conservative treatment. During 5 months postpartum until now, sudden intermittent painless vaginal bleeding attacked her several times. The sonar presented a fundal myometrial heterogenous mass and a tangle of vessels with high velocity flow under color Doppler mapping. We also presented the mass with three-dimensional VOCAL programs in GE Volusion 730 Expert. The lab data of serum hCG reported < 1.2 mIU/mL. A uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was highly impressed. MR imaging reported massive dilated vessels on the fundal region with early venous return from marked dilated left renal vein, uterine AVM was considered. Embolization was suggested but the patient preferred hysterectomy. The permanent pathology proved the diagnosis. Discussion: The diagnosis of uterine AVM with 2D ultrasound is enough. Three-dimensional ultrasound with VOCAL programs can more exactly estimate the volume and blood flow condition of uterine AVMs. This is more helpful for preoperative evaluation about the bleeding condition or calculating more definite volume of AVMs at serial follow-up with conservative management about AVMs.


Introduction: In recent years patient self-care has emerged as an important component of disease management programs. The ICT tools facilitate the self-care process with improved access to information resources, effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and social support services. Aim: The purpose of this study was identifying the perception of patients from the application of information communication technology in self-care in educational centers of Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2018. The studied population consisted 540 hospitalized patients from educational hospitals affiliated to Urmia university of medical sciences. For data collection, a self-designed questionnaire was developed which valid and reliable instrument to be measured. The statistical analysis of data was done using the SPSS Software. Results: more patients' interest to use of ICT tools in case of social media (34%), computer-based (25%) and the most common applications ICT tools included patient education (34%) and searching health information (23%). The most factors effective in the usage of ICT tools by patients were related to ease of using ICT tools (4.82), ICT tools reliability (4.73) and design ICT tools based on patient needs and preferences (4.68) respectively. Conclusion: The ICT tools are critical to patient self- care. To encourage more ICT adoption, patients should be made aware of the benefits of ICT and active involvement in the process of technology development. It seems necessary; ICT tools should be designed user-friendly, easy to use, reliable and usable.


ABSTRACT: In a patient with an asymptomatic left upper lobe pulmonary arterivenous fistula, preoperative chest roentgenograms simulated bronchogenic carcinoma, but no overt feeding vessel was demonstrated. Intraoperatively no lesion could be palpated. Postoperative evaluation revealed a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. This entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of single or multiple pulmonary nodules. Careful review of chest roentgenograms for feeding arteries, or draining veins, and observation under fluoroscopy for changing size will aid in diagnosis, and potentially avoid bronchoscopy and possible transbronchoscopic biopsy of these vascular lesions.


In Zombie Vortex Instability (ZVI), perturbations excite critical layers in stratified, rotating shear flow (as in protoplanetary disks (PPDs)), causing them to generate vortex layers, which roll up into anticyclonic zombie vortices and cyclonic vortex sheets. The process is self-sustaining as zombie vortices perturb new critical layers, spawning a next generation of zombie vortices. Here, we focus on two issues: the minimum threshold of perturbations that trigger self-sustaining vortex generation, and the properties of the late-time zombie turbulence on large and small scales. The critical parameter that determines whether ZVI is triggered is the magnitude of the vorticity on the small scales (and not velocity); the minimum Rossby number needed for instability is for , where N is the Brunt–Väisälä frequency. While the threshold is set by vorticity, it is useful to infer a criterion on the Mach number; for Kolmogorov noise, the critical Mach number scales with Reynolds number: . In PPDs, this is . On large scales, zombie turbulence is characterized by anticyclones and cyclonic sheets with typical Rossby number ∼0.3. The spacing of the cyclonic sheets and anticyclones appears to have a "memory" of the spacing of the critical layers. On small scales, zombie turbulence has no memory of the initial conditions and has a Kolmogorov-like energy spectrum. While our earlier work was in the limit of uniform stratification, we have demonstrated that ZVI works for non-uniform Brunt–Väisälä frequency profiles that may be found in PPDs.


With a population of more than 120 million people, most Mexican cities suffer from socioeconomic inequalities and these are worsened by spatial inequalities resulting from their urban form and structure. A number of studies have been published looking at limited public services and how this may affect those on lower incomes in Mexico. However, very few studies have used spatial accessibility as a means of explaining urban inequalities and informing city planning. Spatial accessibility is defined as the measurable geographical access from residential locations to destinations for services and public goods. This paper investigates the potential of a spatial accessibility index to provide evidence for making location/planning decisions that benefit the largest number of residents. To achieve this aim, we combine three geographical secondary data sets with geospatial analysis. First, two important urban public services, i.e. health and education, are located, and catchment areas are then generated according to their respective sizes. For the second set, the integration values of each city at metropolitan and district scales are calculated using Space Syntax to observe how its configuration may influence the distribution of activities and the way the inhabitants live and move. The third set is demographic data from the 2010 national census of Population and Housing, analysed at the residential block level. This paper focuses on the results of combining two accessibility indices (cumulative opportunities and Space Syntax's integration value) that examine the degree to which the lack of a basic public service could be associated with the spatial segregation of an area to provide evidence (comprehensible by decision-makers) for making location and planning decisions that benefit the largest number of residents.


We model interface formation by metal deposition on the conjugated polymer poly-para-phenylene vinylene, studying direct aluminum and layered aluminum-calcium structures Al/PPV and Al/Ca/PPV. To do that we use classical molecular dynamics simulations, checked by ab initio density-functional theory calculations, for selected relevant configurations. We find that Al not only migrates easily into the film, with a strong charge transfer to the neighboring chains, but also promotes rearrangement of the polymer in the interfacial region to the hexagonal structure. On the other hand, our results indicate that a thin Ca layer is sufficient to protect the film and maintain a well-defined metal/polymer interface, and that also a thin Al capping layer may protect the whole from environmental degradation.


Endovascular treatment of aortic disorders has gained wide acceptance due to reduced physiological burden to the patient compared to open surgery, and ongoing stent‐graft evolution has made aortic repair an option for patients with more complex anatomies. To date, commercial stent‐grafts are typically developed from established production techniques with simple design structures and limited material ranges. Despite the numerous updated versions of stent‐grafts by manufacturers, the reoccurrence of device‐related complications raises questions about whether the current manfacturing methods are technically able to eliminate these problems. The technology trend to produce efficient medical devices, including stent‐grafts and all similar implants, should eventually change direction to advanced manufacturing techniques. It is expected that through recent advancements, especially the emergence of 4D‐printing and smart materials, unprecedented features can be defined for cardiovascular medical implants, like shape change and remote battery‐free self‐monitoring. 4D‐printing technology promises adaptive functionality, a highly desirable feature enabling printed cardiovascular implants to physically transform with time to perform a programmed task. This review provides a thorough assessment of the established technologies for existing stent‐grafts and provides technical commentaries on known failure modes. They then discuss the future of advanced technologies and the efforts needed to produce next‐generation endovascular implants.


Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) can not only support hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) expansion in vitro as stromal cells, but also alleviate complications and accelerate the recovery of hematopoiesis during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ratio of successful isolation and culture of UCB-MSCs, however is only about 20%~30% to date. Many cell culture parameters contribute to this outcome and hence optimization of culture conditions is critical to increase the probability of success. In order to improve this ratio and optimize the culture method for UCB-MSCs, factorial design were applied to investigate the main influencing factors, including cell inoculate density (ID), combination and dose of cytokines, presence of serum and stromal cells or not. The experimental results indicated that ID was the most significant influencing factor for UCB-MSCs culture when P 0.1. Higher ID leaded to higher probability of success and better growth for UCB-MSCs. Then were cytokines, which could stimulate the growth of UCB-MSCs effectively. Based on the high cell ID, the optimized culture condition was determined with cytokines IL-3 (15 μg/L) and GM-CSF (5 μg/L) added in the traditional medium of MSCs. Then the probability of obtaining UCB-MSCs can be increased up to 90% from 30% with traditional culture method. Moreover, the characteristics of UCB-MSCs were tested by flow cytometric analysis and multi-lineage differentiation identification for osteoblast, chondrocyte and adipocyte. The results showed that the fibroblast-like cells expressed MSCs surface markers of CD13, CD29, CD105,CD166 and CD44 positively and CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR negatively. Meanwhile the cells could differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes similarly to MSCs derived from bone marrow. In conclusion, an efficient protocol have been developed to culture UCB-MSCs by adding cytokines IL-3 (15 μg/L) and GM-CSF (5 μg/L).


Basic copper chloride Cu2(OH)3Cl and Cu2(OD)3Cl polycrystalline sample were successfully synthesized in the same single phase of clinoatacamite-structure, and the latter's mid-infrared absorption spectra (4000-400cm–1) and Raman spectra (4000-95cm–1) were first, to the best of our knowledge, measured respectively by FTIR spectroscopy and Micro-Raman spectroscopy to study the corresponding relationship between their spectral properties and crystal structure. Through the comparative analysis of the four spectra we definitely assign or tentatively suggest the vibration modes of OH/D groups in the trimeric hydrogen bond environment, (H/DO)–Cu–(OH/D), Cl–Cu–Cl. These results can be propitious to their low temperature spectral properties which must help to understand the underlying physics of their exotic geometric frustration phenomenon.


The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~21,000 years ago) has been a major focus for evaluating how well state-of-the-art climate models simulate climate changes as large as those expected in the future using paleoclimate reconstructions. A new generation of climate models have been used to generate LGM simulations as part of the Palaeoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) contributionto CMIP6. Here we provide a preliminary analysis and evaluation of the results of these LGM experiments and compare them with the previous generation of simulations (PMIP3-CMIP5). We show that the PMIP4-CMIP6 are globally less cold and less dry than the PMIP3-CMIP5 simulations, most probably because of the use of a more realistic specification of the northern hemisphere ice sheets in the latest simulations although changes in model configuration may also contribute to this. There are important differences in both atmospheric and ocean circulation between the two sets of experiments, with the northern and southern jet streams being more poleward and the changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation being less pronounced in the PMIP4-CMIP6 simulations than in the PMIP3-CMIP5 simulations. Changes in simulated precipitation patterns are influenced by both temperature and circulation changes. Differences in simulated climate between individual models remain large so, although there are differences in the average behaviour across the two ensembles, the new simulation results are not fundamentally different from the PMIP3-CMIP5 results. Evaluation of large-scale climate features, such as land-sea contrast and polar amplification, confirms that the models capture these well and within the uncertainty of the palaeoclimate reconstructions. Nevertheless, regional climate changes are less well simulated: the models underestimate extratropical cooling, particularly in winter, and precipitation changes. The spatial patterns of increased precipitation associated with changes in the jet streams are also poorly captured. However, changes in the tropics are more realistic, particularly the changes in tropical temperatures over the oceans. Although these results are preliminary in nature, because of the limited number of LGM simulations currently available, they nevertheless point to the utility of using paleoclimate simulations to understand the mechanisms of climate change and evaluate model performance.


ABSTRACT Introduction: Clinical practice and research are traditionally seen as distinct activities that are governed by different principles and processes. Innovative technologies such as genomic testing challenge this model, involving many activities that cannot be easily categorized as purely research, or purely clinical care. Areas covered: We discuss the interdependence of research and clinical practice in the context of genomics, for example, when determining the significance of rare genetic variants, or diagnosing newly described rare diseases. We highlight the potential of the symbiotic relationship between clinical practice and research. Expert opinion: In the context of genomics, it is not appropriate to treat clinical practice and research as entirely separable. Forcing binary categorization of activities as one or the other risks losing the many benefits that derive from their integration. We need to explore the hybrid area where clinical practice and research coincide, developing governance that allows us to maximize its potential, rather than insisting that hybrid clinical-research activities conform to processes built for 'pure clinical practice' or 'pure research'. We argue the need for a renegotiation of the contract around genomic testing, recognizing, valuing and facilitating the hybrid space where clinical practice and research co-exist.


Allotment gardens are quite common in many European countries. In particular, they are an important part of the urban space in Central and Eastern Europe. They served to improve the inhabitants' physical and mental well-being during the communist period and relieved the family budget thanks to their own crops. The article analyzes the functioning of allotment gardens in Poland based on the example of the Tri-City, with particular emphasis on allotment gardens in a prestigious, attractive location. Several research questions were asked regarding the change of the traditional function related to growing fruit and vegetables towards the modern function related to recreation and relaxation. A thesis was put forward that the attractive, seaside location of one of the allotment gardens on the border of Gdańsk and Sopot favors the dynamics of the changes in the function. New garden houses often resemble residential apartments in terms of comfort and function and are used for commercial rent during the summer, even though this is prohibited. In the study, the methods of a field query as well as a questionnaire survey and an in-depth interview were applied to check the state of the allotment holders' knowledge on the applicable regulations regarding the functions of allotment gardens and their development, the size of garden houses and the rules of staying in the gardens, in particular living there. The questionnaire research and in-depth interviews were conducted at the beginning of 2020. The questionnaire research was conducted in February and March, and the in-depth interviews in May. The most pressing issues concerned the changing functions of allotment gardens and the perception of these changes by allotment owners who have gardens in a traditional form of cultivation. This study also allowed looking at possible neighborhood conflicts that may arise from a change in the function, in particular from the construction of houses with residential facilities, which encourages permanent residence in them, and sometimes subletting to tourists due to their attractive coastal location. The study helped to deepen the knowledge on the functioning of allotment gardens and transforming their functions into residential ones during the summer season. The obtained results show that nearly 60% of the surveyed respondents believe that seasonal occupation of allotment gardens should be allowed if their owners wish to do so. Most of the respondents encountered the problem of abnormal buildings and believe that the regulations in this respect should be followed. At the same time, they do not think that it is causing any problems for them. Conducting in-depth interviews, the information was obtained that the change of functions does not affect the existing, traditional users, and they mostly accept the changes taking place.


We investigate the interaction of a high intensity ultrashort laser pulse with an underdense collisionless plasma in the regime where the Langmuir wake wave excited behind the laser pulse is loaded by fast particle beams, formed during the wake wave breaking. The beam loading causes the deterioration of the central part of the wake wave near the pulse axis, and the formation of bunches of sharply focalized ultrarelativistic electrons. The bunches of electrons generate a fast propagating magnetic field, which we interpret in terms of the magnetic component of the Lienard-Wiechert potential of a moving electric charge.


In the past several years, a new variant of structured finance transactions has been developed that has the promise of growing into a major new area of finance. Variously labeled "whole-business" or "operating-asset" securitization, this new financing technique straddles a broad area between traditional corporate finance and structured finance. Transactions in this asset class have been focused primarily in the intellectual property arena, including fast food, licensing, music, and film and drug royalties. More recently, a broader area of transactions including leased containers and timber have been securitized using newly created whole-business or operating-asset techniques. Among the advantages of this new form of finance are attractive economic terms and less restrictive covenants than generally found in bank financings and high-yield bond deals. Since these deals involve the transfer of an ongoing business instead of passive assets like mortgages and credit cards, the role of the issuer is crucial. In virtually all of the relevant transactions to date, the issuer has retained the sponsor as the servicer or manager of the assets after they have been deposited into the issuer. Probably the most significant legal challenges accompanying whole-business securitizations or securitizations of operating assets are bankruptcy related. Because of the operating nature of the issuer and its affiliates after the completion of the securitization, these transactions have been alleged to have a heightened risk of substantive consolidation.


In the estimation of the bearing of an angularly spread source, the Taylor-expansion is commonly used, which may lead to a distinct model approximation error, especially for the large spread case. In order to overcome this problem as much as possible, we employ the JA-expansion model. On one hand, the model accuracy mainly depends on the order of the JA expansion but has no direct relation with angular spread; on the other hand, as the coefficients of the JA expansion for array response are just the harmonics of the incident angle, and hence of the array, a covariance matrix can be computed exactly by the Fourier transform of the angular power density. For a symmetric angular spread, utilizing the structural knowledge of the array covariance matrix and the decoupling property of the JA-expansion model, a nonlinear least squares estimator is proposed. Numerical results demonstrate its robustness for large angular spread and extension of the array size. Its asymptotic performance is also examined for the large sample case.


ABSTRACT Andes virus (ANDV) is the predominant etiologic agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in southern South America. In Chile, serologically confirmed human hantavirus infections have occurred throughout a wide latitudinal distribution extending from the regions of Valparaíso (32 to 33°S) to Aysén (46°S) in southern Patagonia. In this study, we found seropositive rodents further north in the Coquimbo region (30°S) in Chile. Rodent seroprevalence was 1.4%, with Oligoryzomys longicaudatus displaying the highest seroprevalence (5.9%), followed by Abrothrix longipilis (1.9%) and other species exhibiting ≤0.6% seropositivity. We sequenced partial ANDV small (S) segment RNA from 6 HCPS patients and 32 rodents of four different species collected throughout the known range of hantavirus infection in Chile. Phylogenetic analyses showed two major ANDV South (ANDV Sout) clades, congruent with two major Chilean ecoregions, Mediterranean (Chilean matorral [shrubland]) and Valdivian temperate forest. Human and rodent samples grouped according to geographic location. Phylogenetic comparative analyses of portions of S and medium segments (encoding glycoproteins Gn and Gc) from a subset of rodent specimens exhibited similar topologies, corroborating two major ANDV Sout clades in Chile and suggesting that yet unknown factors influence viral gene flow and persistence throughout the two Chilean ecoregions. Genetic algorithms for recombination detection identified recombination events within the S segment. Molecular demographic analyses showed that the virus is undergoing purifying selection and demonstrated a recent exponential growth in the effective number of ANDV Sout infections in Chile that correlates with the increased number of human cases reported. Although we determined virus sequences from four rodent species, our results confirmed O. longicaudatus as the primary ANDV Sout reservoir in Chile. While evidence of geographic differentiation exists, a single cosmopolitan lineage of ANDV Sout remains the sole etiologic agent for HCPS in Chile.


Electrical shock may result in death with variable degrees of damage to different organs. The final picture is determined by the type, voltage and intensity of the current. Except for cutaneous electrical and heat-related effects, electricity essentially leaves no trace. Though ventricular fibrillation is considered the main cause of death, no morphologic changes in heart has ever specifically been linked to electrocution. In few electrocution cases due to well moistened skin i.e. bathtub deaths, diagnosis becomes difficult as no burn marks are seen over the body. Changes in internal organs of the body can be of immense help in this regard.
We present a case of electrocution where deceased had external entry and exit wounds and changes in heart wall on histopathological examination like hypercontracted cells with square shaped nuclei and fragmentation of muscle fibres or myocardial fibre breakup (MFB) which probably is a feature of electrocution in this case.


With E-business evolving at a lightning pace, fads fading in and out of avor, and corporate valuations rising and falling someimes on as little as a whispered rumor, how is an investor to determine the real, underlying value of an internet company? Steven Rosner suggests that by discounting expected cash flows, one can achieve a more realistic portrait of current valuation - but one which may be vastly different from that painted by Wall Street. Three benchmark firms with different business models and strategies are considered, and from their lessons one may be able to fine-tune conclusions about internet valuations.