AIM
The rates of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are between 5% and 30%. Nowadays, pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) represents the most common type of reconstruction after PD, but the ideal technique is still debated. Our randomized trial was conceived with the intent to evaluate if two variants of PJ could influence the post-operative outcome in term of early complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Forty-eight consecutive patients treated with PD were randomized into 2 groups (Group 1 or Large Jejunal Incision or LJI group and Group 2 or Small Jejunal Incision or SJI group). Outcome measures were the operative time, postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, amylase content in drains.

RESULTS
wenty-two patients were enrolled in the LJI and 26 in the SJI group. Median operative times did not differ between the 2 groups. The groups were homogeneous in respect to the median age of patients, the clinical presentation of jaundice and the presence of percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD). POPF developed in 3/22 (13.6%) and 1/26 (4%) patients among the LJI and SJI group respectively (3 grade B and 1 grade C respectively) (p=0.341). PPH occurred in 8/22 (36%) and 2/26 (8%) patients among the LJI and SJI group, respectively (p=0.018). The Amylase content in the drainage fluid measured at the 5th postoperative day showed a higher value in patients who underwent LJI anastomosis compared to those with SJI anastomosis [LJI group: 26.5 (6-254) U/l vs SJI group: 7 (0-38) U/l; p=0.051]. Delayed Gastric Emptying (DGE) was not different. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated both LJI anastomosis and DGE as independent predictors for pancreatic fistula (DGE: OR=20.04, CI 95%=1.92-208.83, P=0.012; LJI anastomosis: OR=24.58, CI 95%=1.71-354.32, P=0.019) and PPH (DGE: 30.5, CI 95%=3.02-308.16, P=0.004; LJI anastomosis: OR=12.71, CI 95%=1.23-131.55, P=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the present results, we suggest to adopt what a "pancreas duct-oriented" approach: if pancreas duct is large a SJI-PJ is recommended; if the duct is < than 3 mm, a LJI must be preferred. Our conclusion is that the association of some surgeons to perform always the techniques with them are more confident is a concept of the past: recent data suggest that the pancreatic surgeon must have the different techniques in his "armamentarium" and varying the technique depending on local characteristic of the pancreas to allow a tailored approach to the patient.

KEY WORDS
Pancreaticojejunostomy, Pancreatic fistula, Surgical Sutcome.


In this paper we claim that a consistent conversational approach to human-computer interaction can be applied feasibly to multimodal interaction. A comprehensive conversational model is presented that covers interrelated levels of the dialogue structure, i.e. illocutionary, rhetorical, and topical aspects. It thus provides the basis for a consistent interpretation of the linguistic as well as graphical actions of both participants during the ongoing dialogue. The model comprises a descriptive part capturing local dialogue tactics and the possible patterns of exchange. In our prototypical information system MERIT we have integrated another prescriptive part that relates sequences of dialogue contributions to global information-seeking strategies and allows a dialogue to be guided by dialogue scripts.


Polymer flooding offers the potential to recover more oil from reservoirs but requires significant investments, which necessitate a robust analysis of economic upsides and downsides. Key uncertainties in designing a polymer flood are often reservoir geology and polymer degradation. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of geological uncertainties and history matching techniques on designing the optimal strategy for, and quantifying the economic risks of, polymer flooding in a heterogeneous clastic reservoir.
 We applied two different history matching techniques (adjoint-based and a stochastic algorithm) to match data from a prolonged waterflood in the Watt Field, a semisynthetic reservoir that contains a wide range of geological and interpretational uncertainties. Next, sensitivity studies were carried out to identify first-order parameters that impact the net present value (NPV). These parameters were then deployed in an experimental design study using Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) to generate training runs from which a proxy model was created using polynomial regression. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was employed to optimize the NPV for the polymer flood. The same approach was used to optimize a standard waterflood for comparison. Optimizations of the polymer flood and waterflood were performed for the history-matched model ensemble and the original ensemble.
 The optimal strategy to deploy the polymer flood and maximize NPV varies based on the history matching technique. The average NPV and the variance are predicted to be higher in the stochastic history matching compared to the adjoint technique. This difference is due to the ability of the stochastic algorithm to explore the parameter space more broadly, which created situations in which the oil in place is shifted upward, resulting in a higher NPV. Optimizing a history-matched ensemble leads to a narrow range in absolute NPV compared to optimizing the original ensemble. This difference is because the uncertainties associated with polymer degradation are not captured during history matching. The result of cross comparison, in which an optimal polymer design strategy for one ensemble member is deployed to the other ensemble members, predicted a decline in NPV but surprisingly still showed that the overall NPV is higher than for an optimized waterflood, even for suboptimal polymer injection strategies. This observation indicates that a polymer flood could be beneficial compared to a waterflood, even if geological uncertainties are not captured properly.


Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is crucial to the development and homeostasis of the prostate gland, and its dysregulation mediates common prostate pathologies. The mechanisms whereby AR regulates growth suppression and differentiation of luminal epithelial cells in the prostate gland and proliferation of malignant versions of these cells have been investigated in human and rodent adult prostate. However, the cellular stress response of human prostate epithelial cells is not well understood, though it is central to prostate health and pathology. Here, we report that androgen sensitizes HPr-1AR and RWPE-AR human prostate epithelial cells to cell stress agents and apoptotic cell death. Although 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment alone did not induce cell death, co-treatment of HPr-1AR cells with DHT and an apoptosis inducer, such as staurosporine (STS), TNFt, or hydrogen peroxide, synergistically increased cell death in comparison to treatment with each apoptosis inducer by itself. We found that the synergy between DHT and apoptosis inducer led to activation of the intrinsic/mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, which is supported by robust cleavage activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Further, the dramatic depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential that we observed upon co-treatment with DHT and STS is consistent with increased mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) in the pro-apoptotic mechanism. Interestingly, the synergy between DHT and apoptosis inducer was abolished by AR antagonists and inhibitors of transcription and protein synthesis, suggesting that AR mediates pro-apoptotic synergy through transcriptional regulation of MOMP genes. Expression analysis revealed that pro-apoptotic genes (BCL2L11/BIM and AIFM2) were DHT-induced, whereas pro-survival genes (BCL2L1/BCL-XL and MCL1) were DHT-repressed. Hence, we propose that the net effect of these AR-mediated expression changes shifts the balance of BCL2-family proteins, such that androgen signaling sensitizes mitochondria to apoptotic signaling, thus rendering HPr-1AR more vulnerable to cell death signals. Our study offers insight into AR-mediated regulation of prostate epithelial cell death signaling.


To understand how contractions move gastric contents, we measured, in isolated cat stomachs, the effects of contractions on gastric length, diameters, pressures, and emptying. Movements of the stomach and of gastric contents were monitored by video camera and ultrasound and were related to mechanical events. Based on pressures, we defined the following four phases of contractions: 1) Po, a steady pressure associated with tonic contraction of proximal stomach; 2) P', a pressure wave during which the contraction indents the gastric body; 3) a pressure nadir while the contraction lifts the gastric sinus toward the incisura; and 4) a second pressure wave, P", as the contraction advances through the antrum. In open preparations, liquid output and shortening of the greater curvature are large during Po, stop during P', and resume with P". Contractions generate higher pressures when gastric volume is held steady. Contractions increase wall thickness and decrease gastric diameters at sites they involve and have opposite effects at remote sites. Contractions move the incisura and hence redraw the borders between gastric segments and shift volumes back and forth within the gastric lumen. Contractions furthermore stir up, compress, and disperse particulate beans without moving them to the pylorus. We conclude that gastric contractions 1) reverse changes in gastric length that occur during gastric filling, 2) move gastric contents directly through local contact and indirectly by changing the configuration of the stomach, and 3) interact with structures such as the incisura in retaining and breaking up solid gastric contents.


Background: The constellation of truncal obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia (high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol), and hypertension has been recognized as metabolic syndrome. However, the pathophysiological association between metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction (ED) has not yet been clearly determined. This study aimed to evaluate the penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) findings of ED patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one age-matched ED patients with or without metabolic syndrome were included in the study. Patients were investigated by grouping according to risk factors of metabolic syndrome with PDU parameters (5th, 10th and 20th minute peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity). PDU parameters of patients with and without metabolic syndrome were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients were 54.9 ± 8.3 and 54.9 ± 7.6 years for the groups of with (n = 27) and without (n = 34) metabolic syndrome, respectively. When the mean peak flow velocities were compared with presence of metabolic syndrome, we observed differences between at the 5th, 10th and 20th minute peak systolic velocities (p = 0.083, p = 0.022 and p = 0.080, respectively). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome seems to be the potential risk factor for ED, which may exert its effect by decreased arterial inflow due to endothelial dysfunction.


Selection for large pods based on 100-seed weight were carried out in F2
populations for four crosses, namely, Cross I (Kahori x AGS 186), Cross II (Kahori x
AGS 187), Cross III (AGS 292 x AGS 186), and Cross IV (AGS 292 x AGS 187).
The selected F 2 plants were then backcrossed to large seeded parents and the
progenies, due to subsequent selfing, were achieved for further studies. Two
experiments were conducted at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia and
one experiment at Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand. The results of these studies
showed that Kahori, AGS 292 and AGS 187 appeared to be potential parents for
large pods. Furthermore, Kahori and AGS 187 were good sources for protein and oil
while AGS 292 was a good source for sugar. AGS 186 was a good parent for high
yield. The F1 hybrids showed average mean values of pod size between the two
parents. The progenies due to subsequent selfings from crosses between large pod
and small pod varieties decreased pod size whereas crosses made among large pod
varieties remained unchanged. These findings revealed that small seed varieties could be improved by the backcross method using the large seed variety as the recurrent
parent.
Based on the principal component analysis, there was evidence that Kahori,
AGS 292 and AGS 187 were similar in terms of vegetative characters, yield. The F1 hybrids from all crosses among them were close to the means between
the respect ive parents involved and the F2 populations were well segregated
Vegetable soybean grown at UPM, Malaysia gave higher yield than that
grown at KU, Thailand due to the different growth conditions. There was an
excessive rainfall during growing period of the trial conducted in Thailand.
Nevertheless, good management of the crop at UPM probably was also the main
reason for better pod yield.
The heritability values for yield components derived from the experiment
conducted at UPM, Malaysia were lower than those derived from the experiment
conducted at KU, Thailand. The high heritable characters were found in pod size
both two-and three-seeded pod width, length and weight. Even though high
heritability estimates were obtained for pod size, it would be ineffective to improve
this trait due to the narrow genetic variability of the parents. Heritability estimates
for quality characters were found relatively high for all crosses. In these studies, no
significant a mount of heteros is was found among the four crosses.


Based on unit record data from four household surveys conducted by Statistics New Zealand for the years 1983/1984, 1991/1992, 1995/1996 and 1997/1998, this paper addresses some ethnic dimensions of income inequality among New Zealanders over the period of the surveys. It applies alternative techniques of decomposition of the Gini coefficient of inequality by subgroups of population. It then analyses how changes in the incomes of specific population subgroups affect the overall inequality. The results help quantify the economic distances among the different ethnic populations of New Zealand, and indicate how and why these distances have been changing over time.


This report presents the Basic WIOD CGE model. The model represents the first implementation of the World Input-Output Database (WIOD) into the CGE framework and is tailored to provide a maximum fit with WIOD data. The model is specifically designed such that it can serve as the basis for research in fields like environmental, climate and trade policy. It incorporates key features of WIOD such as bilateral and bisectoral trade ows, satellite accounts for energy consumption, greenhouse gas as well as other emissions to air on a sectoral level. As all WIOD data is available in the form of a consistent time series ranging from 1995 to 2009, the model can be calibrated to any year within this time period. The model relies on substitution elasticities which are consistently estimated from the same dataset the model itself is calibrated to. Moreover, the data preparation facilities and model are designed deliberately as exible as possible in order to allow researchers to use them as a basis for various applications. This enables researchers to secure the numerous advantages of the WIOD dataset when using CGE models for future research.


Two low carbon steels alloyed with 0.48wt% and 0.78wt% Cr were warm rolled to 65% reduction at 640°C. Annealing was carried out at 710°C to achieve a range of recrystallized volume fractions up to 100%. Texture analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction and Electron Back Scattering Diffraction. During the initial stages of recrystallization, more recrystallized grains nucleated at shear bands than at grain boundaries in the 0.48wt%Cr steel, whereas this was not the case in the 0.78wt%Cr steel. This is associated with a decrease in the propensity to form shear bands due to the lower amount of C in solid solution in the high-Cr steel. Additionally, the nuclei showed a preference to develop the same fiber as the deformed region within which they nucleated. In both steels, an increase in the annealing time led to the deterioration of the ND (or γ) –fiber and a strengthening of both the RD (or α) –fiber and Goss component. In the fully recrystallized samples, the ND component was somewhat stronger in the steel with the higher Cr content.


INTRODUCTION
The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of nasal oxygen as a supplementation to hydration therapy in reducing the risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a randomized controlled trial, 348 patients scheduled to undergo elective coronary angiography were randomly allocated to standard hydration plus 2 L/min to 3 L/min nasal oxygen (from 10 minutes before the procedure until the end of the procedure) (n = 176) or standard hydration alone (n = 176). The primary outcome measure was development of CIN defined as either an increase of 25% or more in serum creatinine concentrations or an increment of at least 0.5 mg/dL in serum creatinine concentrations 48 hours after catheterization.

RESULTS
Of the 348 patients who completed the study, 105 developed CIN (30.2%; 95% confidence interval, 25.4% to 35.0%). A diagnosis of CIN was made in 32 (18.6%) and 73 (41.5%) patients in the nasal oxygen and control arms, respectively (P < .001). In the intervention arm, creatinine concentrations postcontrast remained relatively constant (average change, 2.7%), whereas a significant increase of 17.3% was recorded in the control arm (P < .001; effect size, 11.8%).

CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation with nasal oxygen in addition to standard hydration appears to be an effective strategy in reducing CIN. The effect size for this intervention seems to be moderate.


This case report describes the long-term follow-up of a 22-year-old, female patient with type 1 diabetes managed by conservative oral care and glycemic control measures. She is on a twice a day insulin regimen. Tooth numbers 13 and 37 had pockets less than 6 mm while all remaining teeth had greater than 6 mm. Periodontal management consisted of root planing combined with instructions on diabetes self-management skills at home. Nine weeks after the first sextant was treated, Pocket depth measurements in 93 (81.6%) out of 114 sites and bleeding on probing (BOP) scores in 11 (57.9%) out of 19 teeth decreased. There was a 50% reduction in the C reactive Protein and a 46.7% decrease in the fructosamine assay levels. Initial glycohemoglobin level of 8.3% decreased substantially to 7.1%. The goal of the dentist is no longer just the improvement of oral health but ultimately the overall health of the patient and the physician's goal is to include oral health in the promotion of overall health.


Background: There is a growing body of literature identifying a relationship between experiences of child abuse and symptoms of psychosis in adults. However, the impact of this relationship on risk of violence has not been systematically explored. Aims: This meta-analysis aimed to consider the influence of childhood abuse on the risk of violence among individuals with psychosis. Method: Five bibliographic databases and two gray literature resources were systematically searched to identify quantitative research which measured risk of violence and experiences of childhood maltreatment in individuals with psychosis. Risk of bias for each study was assessed under predefined criteria. Logged odds ratios (OR) were synthesized quantitatively in a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 6,298 studies were identified, 11 of which were included in the final analysis (N = 2,215), all studies were of a cross-sectional or case-control design. Individuals with psychotic illnesses who reported historical child maltreatment were at approximately twice the risk of perpetrating violence than patients who reported no early abuse, OR = 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.91, 3.16]. There was no statistical heterogeneity between main effects (τ = .00; χ2 = 8.87, df = 10, p = .54, I 2 = 0%). Discussion: Risk assessments and interventions may benefit from considering the unique contribution of trauma to violence in this population. Future research considering the interaction between childhood experiences and other risk factors for violence in this population, including specific symptoms of psychosis, would inform the current findings. Findings are limited by the lack of longitudinal research in this area, and there was some evidence of publication bias.


CONTEXT
Clinicians are urged to document patient-based outcomes during rehabilitation to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from the patient's perspective. It is unclear how scores on patient-reported outcome instruments (PROs) vary over the course of an athletic season because of normal athletic participation.

OBJECTIVE
Our primary purpose was to evaluate the effect of administration time point on HRQOL during an athletic season. Secondary purposes were to determine test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores of 3 PROs commonly used in clinical practice and if a relationship exists between generic and region-specific outcome instruments.

DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.

SETTING
Athletic facility.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Twenty-three collegiate soccer athletes (11 men, 12 women).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
At 5 time points over a spring season, we administered the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPA), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sport, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

RESULTS
Time effects were observed for the DPA (P = .011) and KOOS Quality of Life subscale (P = .027). However, the differences between individual time points did not surpass the minimal detectable change for the DPA, and no post hoc analyses were significant for the KOOS-Quality of Life subscale. Test-retest reliability was moderate for the KOOS-Pain subscale (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.71) and good for the remaining KOOS subscales, DPA, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sport (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.79). The DPA and KOOS-Sport subscale demonstrated a significant moderate relationship (P = .018).

CONCLUSIONS
Athletic participation during a nontraditional, spring soccer season did not affect HRQOL. All 3 PROs were reliable and could be used clinically to monitor changes in health status throughout an athletic season. Our results demonstrate that significant deviations in scores were related to factors other than participation, such as injury. Finally, both generic and region-specific instruments should be used in clinical practice.


In this paper I describe work for my Ph.D. dissertation whieh is currently in progress. The overarching goal of the work is to develop a methodology for empirically evaluating the effects of different interface design decisions in spoken dialogue systems. The methodology I will use is the dual-task method, borrowed from cognitive psychology, which is advantageous because it provides fine-grained information about the cognitive load of the user while he/she is engaged in interacting with the system. For my dissertation I will focus specifically on the use of definite referring expressions and the question of whether "natural" or "fully-specified" definite referring expressions are easier for users to generate and/or understand. The answers are important because both strategies are used in systems on the market today. More importantly, I hope my work will provide a tool for software developers, and encourage them to carefully weigh the empirically observed costs and benefits of various design decisions.


Mylonites from three widely separated localities along the Fries ductile deformation zone in the Blue Ridge province show substantial enrichments in trace and minor elements (TiO{sub 2}, P{sub 2}O{sub 5}, Zr, Y, and V) and depletions in Rb and Sr relative to the protolith. Two end-member hypotheses can explain the enrichments: one involves partitioning to and from an infiltrating fluid and assumes that all the elements were mobile. The second hypothesis assumes the high-field-strength cations were largely immobile and that their enrichment is due to large volume losses in the mylonites. Modeling indicates that Ti is immobile for fluid/rock ratios as high as 10{sup 4}, and petrographic and modal data support a volume-loss mechanism. Volume loss was accommodated by loss of SiO{sub 2} and alkalies during feldspar dissolution. Calculated fluid/rock volume ratios required to produce the observed SiO{sub 2} losses (assuming Ti mobility) range from 70 to 600. Variable enrichments in P, Zr, Y, and V are attributed to selective mobility of these elements during fluid infiltration.


The differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes requires the suppression of canonical Wnt signaling, which appears to involve a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)-associated targeting of beta-catenin to the proteasome. In fact, sustained activation of beta-catenin by expression of Wnt1 or Wnt 10b in preadipocytes blocks adipogenesis by inhibiting PPARgamma-associated gene expression. In this report, we investigated the mechanisms regulating the balance between beta-catenin and PPARgamma signaling that determines whether mouse fibroblasts differentiate into adipocytes. Specifically, we show that activation of PPARgamma by exposure of Swiss mouse fibroblasts to troglitazone stimulates the degradation of beta-catenin, which depends on glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3beta activity. Mutation of serine 37 (a target of GSK3beta) to an alanine renders beta-catenin resistant to the degradatory action of PPARgamma. Ectopic expression of the GSK3beta phosphorylation-defective S37A-beta-catenin in Swiss mouse fibroblasts expressing PPARgamma stimulates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway without blocking their troglitazone-dependent differentiation into lipid-laden cells. Analysis of protein expression in these cells, however, shows that S37A-beta-catenin inhibits a select set of adipogenic genes because adiponectin expression is completely blocked, but FABP4/aP2 expression is unaffected. Furthermore, the mutant beta-catenin appears to have no affect on the ability of PPARgamma to bind to or transactivate a PPAR response element. The S37A-beta-catenin-associated inhibition of adiponectin expression coincides with an extensive decrease in the abundance of C/EBPalpha in the nuclei of the differentiated mouse fibroblasts. Taken together, these data suggest that GSKbeta is a key regulator of the balance between beta-catenin and PPARgamma activity and that activation of canonical Wnt signaling downstream of PPARgamma blocks expression of a select subset of adipogenic genes.


Pan-enteric capsule endoscopy (pan-CE) visualizes the entire gastrointestinal tract and provides an attractive alternative to conventional ileocolonoscopy to evaluate luminal disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD). An earlier study showed that pan-CE is feasible, safe and well tolerated by CD patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the Sensitivity TO measure Change (STOC) in mucosal disease activity using pan-CE in CD.

 Patients with CD and active disease based on symptoms (i.e. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) >150) and inflammatory biomarkers (i.e. C-reactive protein (CRP) >5 mg/L and/or fecal calprotectin (fCal) levels >250 mg/kg) underwent pan-CE, using the second-generation Pillcam colon capsule, prior to and 8-12 weeks after treatment initiation with infliximab, adalimumab or vedolizumab. Luminal disease activity was assessed using the Crohn's disease endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS) and the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD), expanded with two segments for the jejunum and pre-terminal ileum. Sensitivity to detect mucosal change was assumed if the standardized effect size was >0.8. Correlations between the evolution in CDAI, CRP and fCal with endoscopic activity scores before and after treatment initiation were calculated.

 Twenty-eight patients underwent pan-CE of whom two withdrew consent and four did not start biologic therapy. Twenty-two patients (78.6%) started biologic treatment and underwent pan-CE twice. Median duration between treatment initiation and pan-CE was 11 weeks (IQR: 9.8-12 weeks). Half of patients (11/22) were female and the median age was 24 years (IQR=22-38 years). The standardized effect size was 1.11 for CDEIS and 1.36 for SES-CD. Median CDEIS scores decreased from 6.8 (IQR=4.6-11.2) to 3 (IQR=0.9-6.0, p=0.01). Median SES-CD scores decreased from 15.5 (IQR=9.8-22.5) to 6 (IQR=2.8-11.3, p=0.001). SES-CD score per segment decreased significantly for colon segments, not for small bowel segments (figure 1). The difference in CDAI, CRP and fCal outcomes before and after treatment did not correlate with the change in CDEIS and SES-CD.

 Pan-CE is useful to assess luminal disease activity in CD patients who embark on biological treatment. Pan-CE is sensitive to monitor mucosal healing outcomes and might therefore replace ileocolonoscopy for this indication in CD patients.


ABSTRACT This study investigated academic norms related to faculty engagement with industry in one public research-intensive university in the United States in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical (STEMM). Primary methods included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, logistic regression, and ANOVA applied to responses to a survey instrument we implemented based on current literature on university/industry linkages. Results show how faculty embrace the coexistence of different logics in their norms differing by rank, type of engagement with industry, prior experience working in the industry, and field. Overall, faculty in this study hold values traditionally associated with the academic profession except when there are possibilities of participating in the market and seek commercial gain from research.


Abstract This paper investigates equity market risk and co-movements between the Lithuanian stock market and the Central European stock markets. We cover the equity market returns both in time and frequency domains. We focus our studies on the changes of the market risk and co-movements of the Lithuanian and the Central European markets returns during the period of 2000–2018. The wavelet analysis was applied to segregate the returns across different time horizons (frequencies). Our findings corroborate the findings from other authors, namely that crisis periods have a great impact on the interrelations of the Central European and Lithuanian markets. We discover that volatility is concentrated in the medium and long periods (medium and low frequencies) from 1 to 3,5 years for all the markets under consideration. The absolute maximum of volatility is achieved at the period of the frequencies corresponding to the period of 3 years. We found that the co-movements with Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary are slightly lower after the announcement of the introduction of the euro in Lithuania by the European Commission. From the investment diversification point of view, the investment horizon plays a crucial role for the level of co-movements. Our conclusion is that for Lithuanian investors, diversification with Central European markets is not useful for long horizons, because of the high co-movements. The benefit of the diversification can be achieved for the investors with time horizons less than 1 year.


Risk equations (RE) from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) remain the most commonly used within economic models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, clinical practice has evolved since UKPDS reported and the applicability of these RE to contemporary T2DM patients is uncertain. The Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)-TIMI 58 trial assessed cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in a broad T2DM population treated with dapagliflozin (DAPA) versus placebo (PLA). This study aimed to assess the performance of the UKPDS 82 RE in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 population. RE for myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF) and stroke were applied to baseline characteristics and 12-month effects of DAPA versus PLA on HbA1c, weight and blood pressure from DECLARE-TIMI 58. Predicted annual probabilities were converted to event rates per 1,000-person years and associated relative risks (RR) for DAPA versus PLA derived for comparison to trial outcomes. Due to misalignment of the UKPDS and DECLARE-TIMI 58 endpoints, predictions of congestive heart failure were compared to observed incidence of hospitalization for HF and stroke to ischemic stroke, respectively. Predicted (study reported) rates per 1,000 person years for MI, HF and stroke were 8.15 (11.7), 2.47 (6.20) and 3.28 (6.90) for DAPA, and 8.53 (13.2), 2.59 (8.50) and 3.46 (6.80) for PLA. Predicted RR of MI, HF and stroke for DAPA versus PLA were 0.96, 0.95, 0.95, respectively, compared to reported hazard ratios of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.01), 0.73 (0.61, 0.88) and 1.01 (0.84, 1.21) in DECLARE-TIMI 58. UKPDS 82 RE did not predict the reduction in CV events demonstrated for DAPA versus PLA based on risk factor improvements observed in DECLARE-TIMI 58. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests the CV effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors such as DAPA cannot be fully described via treatment-induced changes in conventional prognostic factors. Disclosure P. McEwan: Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. Employee; Self; Health Economics and Outcomes Research Ltd. V. Foos: Employee; Self; Health Economics and Outcomes Research Ltd., IQVIA. H. Bennett: Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. Employee; Self; Health Economics and Outcomes Research Ltd. B. Kartman: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. C. Edmonds: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. I.A. Gause-Nilsson: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Funding AstraZeneca


This study documents that analysts are more likely to issue revenue forecasts to complement earnings-per-share (EPS) estimates when the quality of firm financial reporting is low. This is because, compared to EPS forecast accuracy, revenue forecast accuracy is less adversely affected by poor reporting quality. Consequently, investors rely more on revenue than EPS estimates in their investment decisions, when the reporting quality is low. The result is robust to using five proxies for the quality of firm financial reporting: the variation in discretionary accruals, the absolute level of discretionary accruals, earnings persistence, absolute total accruals, and earnings volatility. Further, we document that better earnings forecasters are more likely to issue revenue estimates. This is because only more skilled analysts would want their forecasts to be subject to higher market scrutiny, and because a combination of accurate revenue and EPS forecasts is a stronger signal of the analyst forecasting skill compared to an accurate stand-alone EPS estimate.


We review the state‐of‐the‐art of cross‐disciplinary knowledge on phosphorus (P) cycling in temperate forest ecosystems, focused at studies from hydrology, biology, biogeochemistry, soil‐, and geosciences. Changes in soil P stocks during long‐term ecosystem development are addressed briefly; the general ranges of specific P pools and P fluxes within the ecosystem and the presumed underlying processes are covered more in depth. Wherever possible, we differentiate between coniferous and deciduous forests. As the most important P pools, mineral soil, forest floor, vegetation, and microbial biomass are described in terms of pool size, molecular composition, and turnover. Litterfall, soil water seepage, atmospheric deposition, and biotic uptake as the most studied P fluxes in the forest ecosystem are discussed in detail, spotlighting biogeochemical processes relevant for mobilization and retention of P in the rooting zone. Through a meta‐analysis of available literature, we build a dataset that allows the quantification of major P‐cycle components in temperate forests in terms of range and distribution, highlighting similarities and differences between coniferous and deciduous forests. The two forest types are notably distinct in their distribution of P within compartments of the plant biomass and forest floor. The possibility to construct closed local P balances is often hindered by missing information on fluxes of dissolved and particulate P across the ecosystem boundary, be it in the atmosphere, soil, or on the surface. These fluxes are irregular in space and time and feature large overall mass fluxes but comparatively small P fluxes, making the latter one difficult to quantify. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1243. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1243


The effect of ruthenium red, 2.5 to 5 muM, on ganglionic transmission in rat superior cervical ganglia and frog abdominal ganglia were studied in vitro. In rat ganglia, ruthenium red caused a spontaneous firing of ganglia cells, and an increase in the amplitude and duration of the compound action potential following a single stimulus volley. However, transmission following a conditioning volley or a repetitive stimulus train to the preganglionic nerve was depressed up to 60 sec. The asynchronous firing caused by bethanechol was potentiated by ruthenium red. In the frog, ruthenium red caused repetitive firing of ganglion neurons following either orthodromic or antidromic stimulation. It is suggested that the potentiation of the single potential and the spontaneous firing are due to a ruthenium red-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The depression of transmission may be due to a temporary depletion of readily releasable acetylcholine. It is also suggested that ruthenium red has an effect on the postsynaptic membrane.


Industry 4.0 and the introduction of human-robot collaboration offers manufacturing companies the potential for increased productivity and efficiency. However, robots can still be a concern for human operators. The present study aimed to investigate people's acceptance of working alongside an industrial robot. Participants completed a drilling and measuring task in three experimental conditions: working close to the robot, working at a further distance from the robot and, as a control condition not measuring proximity effects, working without the robot operating. Physiological responses (skin conductance and heart rate) and eye gaze were recorded, along with self-report psychometric measures of trust, attitudes towards the robot, technology readiness, workload, situation awareness, and qualitative opinions relating to satisfaction. Results show little to no change in any of the self-reported psychometric measures between the experimental conditions, indicating that proximity had no effect on participants' psychological states. However, in both of the experimental conditions examining proximity effects skin conductance levels were higher than in the control condition, indicating that arousal levels are increased by the robot simply being operational regardless of proximity. Results also suggest that participants evaluated their performance as better if they completed their task before the robot finished, which provides some insight into the potential dynamics of future human-robot partnerships and the need for collaborative tasks to be designed with care so that task cycle times suit requirements of both the robot and the operator.


Iraq has since post conflict of 2003 administrated the Euphrates and Tigris River in accordance to the countries plan management. It is researched in this study how the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have managed and prioritized its water resource comparing the Euphrates and Tigris River flowing through Western and Northern Iraq. The focus is also on approaches and the alternative consequences derived from different management perspectives. It is concluded in this study that there are different priorities and management approaches in Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional Government. Iraqi Government has not managed Euphrates River as needed post conflict of 2003 where the approach is not satisfactory to resolve the problem facing the Euphrates River. It can become an underlying problem to an additional distress among the population which can heighten the risk for disputes and uprising of further conflicts in the region if the problems are not solved in Western Iraq. Tigris River that is also managed by the Iraqi Government has not been the top priority and there are unsolved problems around the river. The distress amongst the population can outburst in a bad manner if problems not solved surrounding the Tigris River. However the tributaries that flow through Kurdistan Regional Government to the Tigris River are of better condition more attention is directed to water management and there are aspirations for meeting the challenges and well as changing management approach. Kurdistan Regional Government has managed to prioritize and manage water from the tributaries better than Iraqi Government.


Aims. We derived the dust properties for 753 local galaxies and examine how these relate to some of their physical properties. We present the derived dust emission properties, including model spectral energy distribution (SEDs), star formation rates (SFRs) and stellar masses, as well as their relations.
Methods. We modelled the global dust-SEDs for 753 galaxies, treated statistically as an ensemble within a hierarchical Bayesian dust-SED modelling approach, so as to derive their infrared (IR) emission properties. To create the observed dust-SEDs, we used a multi-wavelength set of observations, ranging from near-IR to far-IR-to-submillimeter wavelengths. The model-derived properties are the dust masses (Mdust), the average interstellar radiation field intensities (Uav), the mass fraction of very small dust grains ("QPAH" fraction), as well as their standard deviations. In addition, we used mid-IR observations to derive SFR and stellar masses, quantities independent of the dust-SED modelling.
Results. We derive distribution functions of the properties for the galaxy ensemble and as a function of galaxy type. The mean value of Mdust for the early-type galaxies (ETGs) is lower than that for the late-type and irregular galaxies (LTGs and Irs, respectively), despite ETGs and LTGs having stellar masses spanning across the whole range observed. The Uav and "QPAH" fraction show no difference among different galaxy types. When fixing Uav to the Galactic value, the derived "QPAH" fraction varies across the Galactic value (0.071). The specific SFR increases with galaxy type, while this is not the case for the dust-specific SFR (SFR/Mdust), showing an almost constant star formation efficiency per galaxy type. The galaxy sample is characterised by a tight relationship between the dust mass and the stellar mass for the LTGs and Irs, while ETGs scatter around this relation and tend towards smaller dust masses. While the relation indicates that Mdust may fundamentally be linked to M⋆, metallicity and Uav are the second parameter driving the scatter, which we investigate in a forthcoming work. We used the extended Kennicutt–Schmidt (KS) law to estimate the gas mass and the gas-to-dust mass ratio (GDR). The gas mass derived from the extended KS law is on average ∼20% higher than that derived from the KS law, and a large standard deviation indicates the importance of the average star formation present to regulate star formation and gas supply. The average GDR for the LTGs and Irs is 370, and including the ETGs gives an average of 550.


Weedy rice is conspecific, the most troublesome weed of cultivated rice identified as a threat to global rice production. The weed has inherited high reproductive ability and high dormancy by outcrossing with modern rice cultivars and wild cultivars, respectively. Traits such as rapid growth, high tillering, enhanced ability to uptake fertilizers, asynchronous maturation, seed shattering, and long dormancy periods make weedy rice more competitive than cultivated rice. Weedy rice infesting rice fields are morphologically diverse with different hull color, awn length, plant height, and variable tiller number. Morphological diversity in weedy rice can be attributed to its high genetic diversity. Introgression of alleles from cultivated rice into weedy has resulted in high genetic and morphological diversity in weedy rice. Although variations among weedy rice populations make them difficult to control, on the brighter side, competitive nature of weedy rice could be considered as raw genetic materials for rice breeding program to develop vigorous rice plants able to tolerate high biotic and abiotic stresses.


Stoica, Li and Li, (see IEEE Trans. Signal Processing, vol.48, p.338-52, 2000) introduced an amplitude estimation based scheme for one-dimensional (1-D) system identification that overcomes several drawbacks (e.g., computational complexity, local convergence, and statistical inefficiency when spectrally colored noise is present) suffered by the conventional output error method (OEM). Along the same line, we herein propose a two-dimensional (2-D) system identification scheme that makes use of 2-D amplitude estimation. In particular, we consider the recently introduced 2-D amplitude and phase estimation (APES) amplitude estimator, which has been shown to yield superior performance over its competitors. To benchmark the proposed scheme, we also derive the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for the 2-D system identification problem.


A 3-D geometrically and physically nonlinear problem of elastoplastic deformation, loss of stability, and supercritical behaviour of a cylindrical shell with discrete aggregate loaded in bending is analyzed. The numerical analysis of the problem is based on the FEM and an explicit cross-type time integration scheme. The results of the analysis are compared with the experimental data.


OBJECTIVES
To study the value of epicardial QT interval dispersion in predicting ischemia-induced heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization.

ANIMALS AND METHODS
Ischemia was produced by total occlusion of the obtuse branch of the circumflex coronary artery in seven open-chest sheep. A 64-channel electrocardiogram (ECG) was acquired from the epicardium before and after coronary artery occlusion. Wavelet transformation was used to determine the characteristic points of the epicardial ECGs, and to measure the QT interval and activation-recovery interval (ARI) and their dispersions.

RESULTS
The average QT interval and ARI from the epicardial ECG were not changed by acute myocardial ischemia (P=0.07 and P=0.13, respectively). QT dispersion remained unchanged during ischemia (P=0.17), whereas ARI dispersion was significantly increased by acute ischemia (59.9+/-24.0 ms versus 126.3+/-32.1 ms, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that epicardial QT dispersion is less sensitive than ARI dispersion in estimating repolarization heterogeneity induced by acute myocardial ischemia.


Canjerana (Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Martius) is a tree species indigenous to Brazil that when grown and managed in plantation systems are of great ecological and economic importance. Due to the difficulty of producing seminal seedlings, we examine the possibility of vegetative propagation by evaluating the rooting potential of canjerana mini-cuttings with different concentrations of indolbutyric acid (IBA) and substrate combinations. Mini-cuttings were treated with 2000 mg/L of IBA and planted in commercial substrate; coarse sand; carbonized rice husks; and a combination of the two. Apical and nodal mini-cuttings were treated with 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/L of IBA and planted in a combination of commercial substrate, coarse sand and carbonized rice husks. A mini-clonal hedge was formed with three clones of canjerana to evaluate mini-stump productivity and mini-cutting rooting. The combination of commercial substrate, coarse sand and carbonized rice husks maximized mini-cuttings rooting. Nodal mini-cuttings had higher rooting capability than apical ones. The application of 3000 mg/L of IBA improved rooting differentiation and growth of canjerana mini-cuttings. Canjerana clones differ in rooting capability and survival rates in vegetative propagation systems, but the use of a mini-cutting propagation system is a feasible production technique for this important species.

 Key words: Vegetative propagation, miniclonal hedge, mini-cutting rooting, indolbutyric acid.


Marine heatwaves are extreme events that can have profound and lasting impacts on marine species. Field observations have shown seaweeds to be highly susceptible to marine heatwaves, but the physiological drivers of this susceptibility are poorly understood. Furthermore, the effects of marine heatwaves in conjunction with ocean warming and acidification are yet to be investigated. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a laboratory culture experiment in which we tested the growth and physiological responses of Phyllospora comosa juveniles from the southern extent of its range (43–31°S) to marine heatwaves, ocean warming and acidification. We used a 'collapsed factorial design' in which marine heatwaves were superimposed on current (today's pH and temperature) and future (pH and temperature projected by 2100) ocean conditions. Responses were tested both during the heatwaves, and after a 7‐day recovery period. Heatwaves reduced net photosynthetic rates in both current and future conditions, while respiration rates were elevated under heatwaves in the current conditions only. Following the recovery period, there was little evidence of heatwaves having lasting negative effects on growth, photosynthesis or respiration. Exposure to heatwaves, future ocean conditions or both caused an increase in the degree of saturation of fatty acids. This adjustment may have counteracted negative effects of elevated temperatures by decreasing membrane fluidity, which increases at higher temperatures. Furthermore, P. comosa appeared to down‐regulate the energetically expensive carbon dioxide concentrating mechanism in the future conditions with a reduction in δ13C values detected in these treatments. Any saved energy arising from this down‐regulation was not invested in growth and was likely invested in the adjustment of fatty acid composition. This adjustment is a mechanism by which P. comosa and other seaweeds may tolerate the negative effects of ocean warming and marine heatwaves through benefits arising from ocean acidification.


It is important to prove that supposedly terminating programs actually terminate, particularly if those programs must be run on critical systems or downloaded into a client such as a mobile phone. Although termination of computer programs is generally undecidable, it is possible and useful to prove termination of a large, nontrivial subset of the terminating programs. In this paper we present our termination analyser for sequential Java bytecode, based on a program property called path-length. We describe the analyses which are needed before the path-length can be computed, such as sharing, cyclicity and aliasing. Then we formally define the path-length analysis and prove it correct w.r.t. a reference denotational semantics of the bytecode. We show that a constraint logic program PCLP can be built from the result of the path-length analysis of a Java bytecode program P and formally prove that if PCLP terminates then also P terminates. Hence a termination prover for constraint logic programs can be applied to prove the termination of P . We conclude with some discussion of the possibilities and limitations of our approach. Ours is the first existing termination analyser for Java bytecode dealing with generic data structures dynamically allocated on the heap and which does not require any help or annotation on the part of the user.


Abstract Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) has allowed in vivo mapping of retinal metabolic derangements and structural changes not possible with conventional color imaging. Incident light is absorbed by molecules in the fundus, which are excited and in turn emit photons of specific wavelengths that are captured and processed by a sensor to create a metabolic map of the fundus. Studies on the growing number of FAF platforms has shown each may be suited to certain clinical scenarios. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, fundus cameras, and modifications of these each have benefits and drawbacks that must be considered before and after imaging to properly interpret the images. Emerging clinical evidence has demonstrated the usefulness of FAF in diagnosis and management of an increasing number of chorioretinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, retinal drug toxicities, and inherited retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease. This article reviews commercial imaging platforms, imaging techniques, and clinical applications of FAF.


The Bka' gdams pa (pronounced "Kadampa") emerged as a distinct tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the 11th century ce. The most common understanding of the name in Tibetan sources is that this tradition taught the complete word of the Buddha (bka') as explained in the instructions (gdams) of the Indian teacher Dīpaṃkaraśrījñāna (982–1054). This is sometimes specified as referring to his instructions on the graded path (lam rim) toward Buddhahood that were later adopted and propagated by the Dge lugs pa (pronounced "Gelugpa") school, beginning with Tsong kha pa's (1357–1419) influential Lam rim chen mo. It is commonly assumed that during the 15th century, the Bka' gdams pa were absorbed into Tsong kha pa's reform movement of the "new Bka' gdams pa" (bka' gdams gsar ma), later known as the Dge lugs pa, but further research is needed on this issue.
 Dīpaṃkaraśrījñāna, also known by his Indian honorific title Atiśa[ya] or Adhīśa, was invited to western Tibet by its rulers and arrived there in 1042. At the request of King Byang chub 'od (984–1078), he composed his famous "Lamp on the Path to Awakening" (Bo-dhi-pathapradīpa; Tib. Byang chub lam sgron), which became an important model for Tibetan works on the graded path to awakening. He then accepted an invitation to central Tibet where he spent the rest of his life. He passed away in Snye thang near Lhasa in 1054.
 Several of Atiśa's Tibetan students played an important role in the development of Buddhism on the Tibetan plateau. However, it is his student 'Brom ston Rgyal ba'i 'byung gnas (pronounced "Dromtön Gyelway Jungnay," 1004–1064) who is traditionally regarded as the founding father of the Tibetan Bka' gdams pa lineage since his students became instrumental in spreading the Bka' gdams pa teachings in central Tibet. In addition to the lam rim, they became famous for their instructions on "mental purification" or "mind training" (blo sbyong, pronounced "Lojong"), which is meant to free the mind from attachment to the ego and generate the attitude of the "awakening mind" (Skt. bodhicitta). Lam rim and blo sbyong became highly popular doctrinal and didactic genres and have had an impact on Tibetan Buddhism far beyond the Bka' gdams pa and Dge lugs pa traditions.
 The Bka' gdams pa are often perceived as a tradition with an emphasis on monasticism and Mahāyāna ethics, rather than on yogic and tantric practice. However, it should be kept in mind that Dīpaṃkaraśrījñāna himself had grown up in the tantric traditions of Bengal. His work on the stages of the path to awakening includes instructions on tantra, but states that tantric practice may not contradict the vows taken (thus excluding antinomian practices for monastics). The early Tibetan Bka' gdams pa masters take the same stance and promote the idea that Pāramitānaya (i.e., non-tantric Mahāyāna Buddhism) and tantra have the same validity and lead to the same goal, thus trying to strike a balance between the two approaches.


Direct volume rendering techniques are used to visualize and explore large scalar volumes. Transfer functions (TFs) that assign opacity and color to scalar values are very important to display volume features, but their specification is not trivial or intuitive. This work presents an interactive, semi-automatic tool to assist the user in the generation of opacity and color TFs. We use the histogram approach proposed by Kindlmann and Durkin [9] to reduce the scope of candidate TFs presented to the user following the Design Galleries method [18]. The combination of these two solutions leads to a single interactive tool that allows the user to deal with different aspects of TF specification.


According to the characteristic of solar photovoltaic, this paper designed an electric supply mode, combined with the solar photovoltaic system, the storage battery and the public power supply, to drive a portable refrigerator which could use outdoor. The refrigerator is installed two individual refrigeration systems with two special arranged evaporators and wind route for storing beverages under the sunlight. Besides, the refrigerator electricity supply has three ways including utilizing solar energy with sun shining, taking advantage of the storage battery in night time and making use of the public power while the sunlight is unavailable. Various tests are carried out to examine the performance of the system. The voltages and currents which are generated by the solar cell and monitored on refrigerator have been studied. In addition, an analysis in power consumption of the system is realized. The results indicated that the refrigerator could run normally and indeed satisfy the request in beverage cooling and storage.


Apprenticeship and the associated support mechanism of scaffolding have received considerable interest by educational researchers as ways of inducting students into science. Most studies treat scaffolding as a one-way process, where the expert supports the development of the novice. However, if social processes generally and conversations specifically are dialogical in nature then we would expect to observe two-way processes. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an ethnographic study of high school students' internships in a scientific laboratory. Data were collected through observation, fieldnotes, and videotaping. Drawing on discursive psychology and conversation analysis, we find that laboratory technicians and students draw on different forms of discursive strategies to articulate knowledgeability while transacting with each other. We put forth the notion of emergent expertise to describe new forms of expertise that are not a property of individuals but rather the product of collective transactions. Our study illustrates the importance of opportunities generated in the internship for both old-timers and newcomers to bring about knowledgeability. This study implies a rethinking of the role of the expert and the notion of scaffolding, which puts more emphasis on the transactional process rather than on learners as recipients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed93:1–25, 2009


This study sets out to display the inequality on gender basis in the Turkish education system while making a comparison of the current state in Turkey with that of EU countries. The method used in the research is document analysis. The population constituted Turkey and 27 EU countries, and without taking a sample, the whole population is intended to be reached. The research data come from such institutes as OECD (2012), UIS (2011), EURYDICE (2009), and the Ministry of Education (2012) since access to the latest statistical data is required. As for data analysis, the percentage of and the arithmetic mean of EU countries' values are examined on the relevant dimensions and comparison is made with the values of Turkey. According to the outcomes of the research, Turkey is still well behind the EU countries in terms of girls' gross schooling rates and gender parity index at all stages of education and expected number of years of girls' formal schooling from primary school to higher education


ABSTRACT The paper reflects on fieldwork conducted since 2000 with displaced communities in Lower and Middle Casamance, Senegal, amid West Africa's arguably longest running civil conflict. While this is a small conflict in a geographically confined space, Casamance presents a microcosm of dynamics common to other displacement situations in Africa. In this context the paper explores how the understandings, lived experiences and practices of the displaced transcend normative categories used by aid actors to define and manage such situations. Five thematic areas are examined: enumeration of the displaced; complex mobilities, both rural–urban and transnational; historiographic understandings of displacement; political manipulation of displacement situations; and the dynamics of return and reconstruction. The paper concludes by summarising failures of understanding in these areas among much of the aid community, and their consequences. It argues that well-grounded and socially nuanced understandings of displacement may inform more effective aid interventions and enhance the peace process.


OF DISSERTATION STUDENT HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIORS AND TEACHER INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES: EXAMINING THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH U.S. STUDENT MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT Even though the United States (U.S.) spends, on average, more money per student than most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, it continues to lag behind its international peers in mathematics achievement. This study, which responded to the call for educational reforms that improve the mathematics achievement of U.S. students, aimed to examine the issue of student help-seeking behaviors and teacher instructional practices as they interact to affect student mathematics achievement. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) defines student help-seeking behaviors as the ways in which students have a propensity to depend on the knowledge and intellect of others, including both their peers and teachers, when attempting to solve problems. Because mathematics is perhaps the most difficult school subject, student helpseeking behaviors should be a critical component of mathematics learning and teaching. Unfortunately, the research literature is barren concerning this important educational issue. This study attempted to produce the first wave of empirical evidence and open up an avenue for future research in this less-charted academic field, with the ultimate goal being to use students' help-seeking behaviors to improve their mathematics achievement. Using the U.S. sample of 15-year-old students from PISA 2012 (the most recent PISA assessment in which the main area of focus was mathematical literacy), this study intended to determine whether students' help-seeking behaviors play a significant role in their mathematics achievement, whether this relationship varies from school to school, and whether teacher instructional practices contribute to the school-level variation. Due to the multilevel structure of the data, with students being nested within schools, a twolevel hierarchical linear model (HLM) was employed in the analysis of the data. Multiple measures of mathematics achievement were used as the dependent variables for separate analyses. Student help-seeking behavior was used as the key student-level independent variable, while three teacher instructional practices were used as the key school-level independent variables. In addition, several student and school background characteristics were used as control variables. The findings from this study indicate that student help-seeking behavior has a statistically significant effect on all measures of student mathematics achievement, even after controlling for various student background characteristics. On the other hand, the study did not find statistically significant evidence that the effects of student help-seeking behavior on any measure of student mathematics achievement vary from school to school. Overall, the issue of student help-seeking behaviors should be considered a worthy topic to pursue in future educational research. From a practical standpoint, since students' mathematics achievement is positively associated with their help-seeking behaviors, efforts should be made to educate mathematics teachers on how to encourage their students to be more proactive in seeking help in the learning of mathematics.


We present FLAIR, an NLP framework designed to facilitate training and distribution of state-of-the-art sequence labeling, text classification and language models. The core idea of the framework is to present a simple, unified interface for conceptually very different types of word and document embeddings. This effectively hides all embedding-specific engineering complexity and allows researchers to "mix and match" various embeddings with little effort. The framework also implements standard model training and hyperparameter selection routines, as well as a data fetching module that can download publicly available NLP datasets and convert them into data structures for quick set up of experiments. Finally, FLAIR also ships with a "model zoo" of pre-trained models to allow researchers to use state-of-the-art NLP models in their applications. This paper gives an overview of the framework and its functionality. The framework is available on GitHub at https://github.com/zalandoresearch/flair .


The past 40 years of theoretical and experimental research on contact heat transfer are reviewed. Thermophysical and mechanical processes involved in heat flow propagation through various kinds of solid–solid joints are considered. Analytical and semiempirical expressions are presented, which simulate these processes both under vacuum conditions and in the presence of a heat-conducting medium in gaps. Reasons for the experimentally examined heat flux rectification are explained. Studies on thermal contact under a nonstationary regime are covered, as is the possibility of applying classical heat conduction theory to describing the contact thermal properties. A thermodynamic interpretation of the thermal contact resistance is suggested and basic approaches to the study of contact phenomena are described. The heat conduction in nanosystems is briefly reviewed. Theoretical problems yet to be solved are pointed out and possible solution methods suggested.


Conflict in construction projects seems to be the reasons of high project cost, project delays, lower productivity, loss of profit, damage business relationships and dispute on the team. Effective functioning requires commitment of at least several key personnel to get the venture runs effectively even with the presence of distinctive intrigue. When individuals of fluctuating foundation meet-up on a task group, strife is unquestionably present there. As the individuals inside the venture alliance are interrelated, intrigue impacts and clashes are not uncommon within their activities. This study therefore sought to discover the causes of these conflicts in the construction sector and the manner by which these conflicts can be effectively resolved. Here a quantitative survey-type study has been carried out on construction project in Kuwait international airport for conflict management. One hundred eighty eight questionnaires have been distributed, fourteen of them have been lost and eleven of them have not been answered. The responses of 163 participants have been analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). This study showed that the general causes of conflict are predominantly create conflicts. Inadequate communication and contradicting instructions according to the results are the leading causes of conflict. The effects of conflict on project mainly include project delays, ineffective construction and reduced productivity, etc. The findings revealed that participants in the study prefer the role of collaborating and compromising styles in solving conflict of on-site construction. Every project starts and ends with communication, so communication is the life wire of all construction projects. To cure the communication problem, the study suggests strategies like Team Meeting Discussions, Site Review Meetings, and Project Status Reporting platform to manage the conflict and reduce the dispute of construction projects.


Early detection of deterioration at hospitals could be beneficial in terms of reducing mortality and morbidity rates and costs. In this paper, we present a model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network used in deep learning to predict the illness severity of patients in advance. Hence, by predicting health severity, this model can be used to identify deteriorating patients. Our proposed model utilizes continuous monitored vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure automatically collected from patients during hospitalization. In this study, a short-time prediction using a sliding window approach is applied. The performance of the proposed model was compared with the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, a feedforward class of neural network, based on R2 score and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) metrics. The results showed that the LSTM has a better performance and could predict the illness severity of patients more accurately.


The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a global health crisis. Public spaces need to be safeguarded from the adverse effects of this pandemic. Wearing a facemask becomes one of the effective protection solutions adopted by many governments. Manual real-time monitoring of facemask wearing for a large group of people is becoming a difficult task. The goal of this paper is to use deep learning (DL), which has shown excellent results in many real-life applications, to ensure efficient real-time facemask detection. The proposed approach is based on two steps. An off-line step aiming to create a DL model that is able to detect and locate facemasks and whether they are appropriately worn. An online step that deploys the DL model at edge computing in order to detect masks in real-time. In this study, we propose to use MobileNetV2 to detect facemask in real-time. Several experiments are conducted and show good performances of the proposed approach (99% for training and testing accuracy). In addition, several comparisons with many state-of-the-art models namely ResNet50, DenseNet, and VGG16 show good performance of the MobileNetV2 in terms of training time and accuracy.


Online learning algorithms often have to operate in the presence of concept drifts. A recent study revealed that different diversity levels in an ensemble of learning machines are required in order to maintain high generalization on both old and new concepts. Inspired by this study and based on a further study of diversity with different strategies to deal with drifts, we propose a new online ensemble learning approach called Diversity for Dealing with Drifts (DDD). DDD maintains ensembles with different diversity levels and is able to attain better accuracy than other approaches. Furthermore, it is very robust, outperforming other drift handling approaches in terms of accuracy when there are false positive drift detections. In all the experimental comparisons we have carried out, DDD always performed at least as well as other drift handling approaches under various conditions, with very few exceptions.


The IRS and other U.S. agencies have long seen foreign bank accounts of U.S. persons as potential instruments for tax evasion and other violations of U.S. law. A significant tool for uncovering these violations is a requirement that persons 'subject to the jurisdiction of the United States' must annually report to the IRS any 'financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, a bank, securities or other financial account in a foreign country.' This annual report is made to the IRS on Form TD F 90-22.1 ('Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts'), often known as FBAR. Although the FBAR is filed with the IRS, subject to IRS rules, governmental uses of the reported information are not limited to tax enforcement.The IRS revised its rules on FBARs for the calendar year 2008, significantly increasing the number of people required to file it and the number of foreign accounts required to be reported. Because penalties for failing to file complete and accurate FBARs can be heavy, these revisions have provoked widespread concern among lawyers, accountants, and their clients. This paper, an except from the treatise, Boris I. Bittker & Lawrence Lokken, Federal Taxation of Income, Estates & Gifts, explains the current rules on FBARs.


Kinetics of changes of microstructure of beryllium bronze BrB-2 in d decomposition process of supersaturated solid solution in the pulse magnetic field with 0 – 7 Hz frequency with pulse intensity amplitude 318.4 кA/m (4 kOe) and magnetic field constant component 238.8 кA/m (3 kOe) under the temperature 350 °С and ageing duration 1 hour was investigated by microhardness measurements and X-ray diffraction. Frequency dependences of microhardness, lattice parameter, beryllium concentration in a residual matrix, size of coherent scattering blocks, dislocations density and the value of relative microdeformation of the matrix blocks under ageing in the pulse magnetic field and without it have been investigated. Experiment results show that the pulse magnetic field essentially influences the parameters of the fine structure and also physical and mechanical properties of bronze.


This article re-evaluates the relationship between gender identities, embodiment, sexuality and text-based, synchronous CMC (computer-mediated communication). A discourse analysis was conducted on two different IRC channels: #Cyberbar, a channel that hosts predominantly "straight" male/female gender performances; and #Queer, a channel mostly visited by participants who articulate "gay male" gender identities. The notion of embodiment played a pivotal role in both channels, as demonstrated by the identification of three "interpretative repertoires" that involve the invocation of corporeal aspects in the participants' performance of gender and sexuality. This invocation reaffirms gender's status as connected to a binary sexed body, which limits the scope of gender performances in a text-based environment such as IRC. However, the discursive interactions in #Queer did articulate alternative interpretations of masculinity, which challenged traditional heteronormative standards governing "male behavior." Eventually, it is concluded that the discourse in both channels is constructed by participants who bring their everyday, embodied experiences online. IRC might be a textual environment, in contrast to many of the web's popular graphical spaces, but this does not mean that the body is any less present.


Apoptosis appears to play important roles in physiological and pathological processes in the endocrine system including the thyroid, but little is known about the regulation of apoptosis in the thyroid. The functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5), a cloned cell line of differentiated thyroid cells, hardly undergoes apoptosis. In this study we examined the factors which prevent FRTL-5 cells from undergoing apoptosis. After culturing FRTL-5 cells in medium with and without TSH, actinomycin D (AMD) or cycloheximide (CHX) was added. CHX did not induce apoptosis. AMD induced apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured in medium lacking TSH, as confirmed by the presence of DNA fragmentation, together with nuclear fragmentation and condensation, but AMD did not induce apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured in the presence of TSH. Furthermore, the fact that AMD did not induce apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt2cAMP), or forskolin suggests that TSH has an inhibitory effect on apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells via the TSH-cAMP pathway.


OBJECTIVE
To examine whether video consultations preceded by measurements of blood glucose, weight and blood pressure as add-on to standard care could contribute to achieving and maintaining good diabetes control among patients with poorly regulated type 2 diabetes (T2D).

DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS
165 patients with T2D were randomized 1:1 to telemedicine intervention as add-on to clinic-based care or control (clinic-based care). The intervention consisted of monthly video conferences with a nurse via a tablet computer and lasted for 32 weeks. Regularly self-monitored measurements of blood sugar, blood pressure and weight were uploaded and visible to patient and nurse. Both groups were followed up six months after the end of the intervention period.

PRIMARY ENDPOINT
HbA1c after eight months.

RESULTS
Video conferences preceded by uploads of measurements as add-on to clinic-based care led to a significant reduction of HbA1c compared to that in standard care (0.69% vs 0.18%, P = 0.022). However, at six-month follow-up, the inter-group difference in HbA1c-reduction was no longer significant. Non-completers had higher HbA1c levels at baseline and a lower degree of education.

CONCLUSION
Video consultations preceded by uploading relevant measurements can lead to clinically and statistically significant improvements in glycemic control among patients who have not responded to standard regimens. However, continuing effort and attention are essential as the effect does not persist when intervention ends. Furthermore, future studies should focus on differentiation as the most vulnerable patients are at greater risk of non-adherence.


This data set is an LAZ (compressed LAS) format file containing LIDAR point cloud data. The project area is composed of 16 counties in the State of South Carolina - Cherokee, Union, Laurens, Greenwood, Newberry, Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Williamsburg, Clarendon, and Orangeburg. This metadata file is for the lidar county deliverables for Orangeburg County, SC. The project area consists of approximately 10,194 square miles including a buffer of 50 feet along the edges of the project area and an additional buffer in some areas. The project design of the lidar data acquisition was developed to support a nominal post spacing of 1.4 meters. The Fugro EarthData, Inc. acquisition team of Fugro Horizons, Inc. and North West Group acquired 721 flight lines in 44 lifts from January 15, 2008 through February 10, 2008. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' foot cells that serve as the tiling scheme. Lidar data collection was performed with a Cessna 310 aircraft, utilizing a Leica ALS50-II MPiA sensor, collecting multiple return x, y, and z data as well as intensity data. Lidar data was processed to achieve a bare ground surface (Classes 2 and 8). Lidar data is remotely sensed high-resolution elevation data collected by an airborne collection platform. Using a combination of laser range finding, GPS positioning and inertial measurement technologies, lidar instruments are able to make highly detailed Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of the earth's terrain, man-made structures, and vegetation.


Background and Objectives: Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths around the world in human beings. In the present investigation, pharmacokinetic and biodistribution analysis of eudragit-coated chitosan microspheres bearing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and celecoxib (Cb) combination (5-FU-Cb-Ch-ES-MSs) was carried out in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The tailored microspheres and a suspension of 5-FU and Cb (5-FU-Cb-PS) at the dose of 15 mg/kg of 5-FU and 3.3 mg/kg of Cb, respectively, were administered through oral route of administration. Results and Discussion: 5-FU-Cb-PS exhibited Cmax of 36.71 ± 3.23 μg/ml at tmax of 1 ± 0.17 h for 5-FU. On the other hand, Cmax of 10.14 ± 1.16 μg/ml at tmax of 10.26 ± 0.58 h was noticed for 5-FU released from 5-FU-Cb-Ch-ES-MSs. 5-FU-Cb-PS showed Cmax of 22.48 ± 5.32 μg/ml at tmax of 8 ± 0.00 h for Cb. Correspondingly, Cmax of 3.18 ± 0.16 μg/ml at tmax of 12.39 ± 0.62 h was observed for Cb released from 5-FU-Cb-Ch-ES-MSs. Moreover, at the end of 8 h, 5-FU-Cb-Ch-ES-MSs delivered a substantial amount of 5-FU (56.3 μg/g) and Cb (78.6 μg/g) in the colon, the site of action. Conclusion: This remarkable therapeutic concentration of both the drugs in the colon may be associated with pH-dependent solubility of eudragit S100 and subsequent degradation of Ch core in the colonic milieu due to the presence of polysacharidase enzyme. Therefore, it can be postulated that the 5-FU-Cb-Ch-ES-MSs is a potential candidate for further in vivo study.


Xanthan gum, an anionic polysaccharide with an exceptionally high molecular weight, is produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas sp. It is a versatile compound that has been utilized in various industries for decades. Xanthan gum was the second exopolysaccharide to be commercially produced, following dextran. In 1969, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved xanthan gum for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The food industry values xanthan gum for its exceptional rheological properties, which make it a popular thickening agent in many products. Meanwhile, the cosmetics industry capitalizes on xanthan gum's ability to form stable emulsions. The industrial production process of xanthan gum involves fermenting Xanthomonas in a medium that contains glucose, sucrose, starch, etc. as a substrate and other necessary nutrients to facilitate growth. This is achieved through batch fermentation under optimal conditions. However, the increasing costs of glucose in recent years have made the production of xanthan economically unviable. Therefore, many researchers have investigated alternative, cost-effective substrates for xanthan production, using various modified and unmodified raw materials. The objective of this analysis is to investigate how utilizing different raw materials can improve the cost-efficient production of xanthan gum.


Aims and Objectives: The penetration of mobile phone devices is widespread across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recently, there has been evidence of the success of phone-based applications in the provision of preventive oral health care to children and their parents. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based application in educating mothers of children aged below 6 years of age in preventive dental care. Materials and Methods: A mobile phone-based application (iTeethey™) was developed for iPhone and Android and made freely available on Google Play and App Store. The application was then distributed to 3879 mothers of children below 6 years of age (1989 in Riyadh Region and 1890 in Najran region). The mothers were subjected to a standardized knowledge attitude and practice of oral hygiene questionnaire before being asked to download the application. A total of 1055 mothers who downloaded the application completed 3-month recall process. Results: Significant improvement in the knowledge of the mothers was reported after the use of the application from both regions. The mothers from Najran showed significantly greater improvement in knowledge when compared to the mothers from Riyadh region. The application was also more effective in mothers with more than one child when compared to first-time mothers. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we can state that the mobile phone application used in this study significantly improves the knowledge of mothers toward their child's oral health.


Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in developed countries both for men and women; and the second most common type of cancer diagnosed, with less than 15% of patients surviving beyond 5 years. Since more than 60% of lung adenocarcinomas and more than 90% of lung squamous cell carcinomas express high levels of EGFR mRNA and protein, it has been the focus of efforts to develop new agents that target the EGFR pathway. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patient selection plays a major role for patient response. Patients that present amplification or activating mutations (L878R or exon 19 deletions) of EGFR, have higher response rates. Selection improved response rates from less than 10% to over 60–80%. Despite the promising results, all patients that receive TKI therapy develop resistance to treatment in less than one year. The mechanisms of resistance to EGFR TKi's described so far are those dependant on the overactivation/amplification of other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) capable to sustain anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Our study proposes the use of genome-wide screenings using an 80,000 shRNA library on EGFR resistant cells can identify new genes that mediate the resistance to EGFR targeted therapy and provide the basis for designing new therapeutic approaches to avoid the emergence of resistance. So far, we have generated a shortlist of gene candidates that confer synergistic synthetic lethal interactions with EGFR targeted therapies and that are also highly expressed in resistant cells. We are currently overexpressing candidate genes in sensitive cells searching for those that can confer resistance to EGFR targeted therapies. Our study proposes target genes that can synergize with the current treatments to create new therapeutical strategies that can avoid the acquisition of resistance to targeted therapies. Overall, the information gained from this type of study can be applicable to tumors where ERBB receptor(s) play an important role and targeted therapies are currently used.


This paper ―Population Dynamics in Artificial Agent Society‖ broadly covers the change of population in human and agent societies. There are certain causes like Natality, Mortality, and Migration that are responsible for such a change. These causes are referred to as key elements of population dynamics. Moreover a Demographic view of population is provided. To simulate the human society agent-based modeling is implemented in object oriented programming language that society is called artificial agent society. Through this paper introduction of new agent ,death of agent in society and migration of agents are discussed. At last the metrics for measuring number of agents migrating to and from society, and metrics for measuring agent-based society are discussed.


Abstract
 Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller), leek moth, is a widespread and common pest of species of Allium L. (Liliaceae) in the western Palaearctic subregion. The establishment of A. assectella in eastern North America has resulted in economic losses to garlic (Allium sativum L.), leek (Allium porrum L.), and onion (Allium cepa L.) growers, especially to organic producers in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Acrolepiopsis assectella was first recorded in the Ottawa area in 1993. By 2010, A. assectella had expanded its range into eastern Ontario, southwestern Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and New York. A bioclimate model, using CLIMEX simulation software, was developed to produce mapped results that closely approximated known distributions for A. assectella in central Europe. This model was then validated with recorded distribution records in eastern Europe, Asia, and North America. Model output predicted that A. assectella will readily survive in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States of America. Other areas potentially suitable for A. assectella include coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, the interior of southern British Columbia, and north-central Mexico. The continued range expansion of A. assectella into other Allium-growing areas of eastern North America appears to be inevitable. Establishment in these areas presents the risk of substantial production losses to Allium spp. producers.


The article sets out the main historical milestones in the development of forensic ballistics, summarizes the literature on the incidence of lethal gunshot injuries in the world, and presents the results of our own study of deaths from gunshot injuries in Minsk from 2009 to 2018. Medical and social laws have been established on the basis of which the forensic medical characteristic of a fatal gunshot injury, compiled average statistical "portraits" of those killed as a result of this type of violent death have been drawn up.

Analysis of the results of the study allows us to come to the following conclusions:

– the results of statistical reports and scientific literature indicate a high level of occurrence of fatal injuries in the structure of violent death in the world, is one of the main areas studied by forensic science and practice in the study of gunshot injuries;

– on the basis of a retrospective study, this forensic medical characteristic of a fatal gunshot injury in Minsk for the period from January 01, 2009 to December 31, 2018. It includes the type of death, gender, age, time of year, time of day, district of the city, place of causing gunshot injuries, presence ethyl alcohol, the place of death, the type of weapon, the type of ammunition, the type and location of the wound;

– the average "portraits" of people who died in Minsk in 2009-2018 were compiled because of this type of violent death.

In the "Expert Conclusion" and the decisions on the appointment of forensic medical examinations for the studied period, information about the possible ricocheting nature of the gunshot injuries was not found. This may be due to the lack of methods for establishing the fact and parameters of the ricochet of the gunshot and testifies to the need for further experimental studies in areas of forensic ballistics.


A dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator is employed to generate an optical frequency comb. Flat spectral response is obtained by optimizing the dc bias and the RF drive parameters of the device which is driven in the gigahertz frequency range. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally, a flat spectral output across nine sidebands. A tunable multiwavelength source based on this approach allows for very precise wavelength spacing for dense wavelength-division-multiplexing applications and has the advantages of efficiency and simplicity.


The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a high carbohydrate diet on glycaemic control, resting muscle glycogen levels and exercise performance in athletes with insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM). Seven trained (mean +/- S.D., VO2max 50.3 +/- 7.4 ml/kg/min) IDDM males consumed a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or a normal mixed diet (NMD) for 3 week periods in a randomised crossover trial with a one week wash-out. Carbohydrate provided 59% or 50% of total energy intake, respectively, on the two diets. Fasting plasma lipids, mean blood glucose (over 96 h), fructosamine and muscle glycogen were measured and insulin use recorded. Exercise performance was evaluated by a 15 min time trial following a 50 min pre-loading block. Statistical significance was assessed using two tailed paired Student t-tests. Mean blood glucose was 10% higher on HCD than NMD (p = 0.005), fructosamine levels were 375 +/- 54 and 353 +/- 51 (mol/L on HCD and NMD, resp., p = 0.04) and daily insulin requirements were 15% higher on HCD than NMD (p = 0.02). Fasting blood lipids were similar on the two diets. Muscle glycogen was significantly lower on HCD than NMD (88.2 +/- 19.2 and 95.6 +/- 14.6 mmol/kg ww, respectively, p = 0.02). Exercise completed during the time trial was 6% less on HCD than on NMD (p = 0.007). An increased carbohydrate intake for three weeks, in IDDM athletes, is associated with a deterioration in glycaemic control, increased insulin requirements, decreased muscle glycogen and reduced exercise performance. These data do not support recommendations for IDDM athletes to consume a high carbohydrate diet, at least not when glycaemic control worsens upon following this advice, as was observed in this short-term study.


Neutrophil adherence to cytokine-activated endothelial cell (EC) monolayers depends on the expression of the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1). The ligand for ELAM-1 is the sialylated Lewis-x antigen (SLe(x)) structure. The selectin LAM-1 (or LECAM-1) has been described as one of the SLe(x)-presenting glycoproteins involved in neutrophil binding to ELAM-1. Other presenter molecules have not yet been described. Our data demonstrate that the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-like surface molecules on neutrophils--known as the nonspecific cross-reacting antigens (NCAs)--are involved in neutrophil adherence to monolayers of IL-1-beta-activated EC. The NCAs are recognized by CD66 (NCA-160 and NCA-90) and CD67 (NCA-95). Because NCA-95 and NCA-90 have previously been found to be phosphatidylinositol (PI)-linked, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) neutrophils (which lack PI- linked surface proteins) were tested as well. PNH neutrophils showed a diminished binding to activated EC. CD66 (on PNH cells still recognizing the transmembrane NCA-160 form) still inhibited the adherence of PNH cells to IL-1-beta-activated EC, but to a limited extent. Soluble CEA(-related) antigens inhibited normal neutrophil adherence as well, whereas neutrophil transmigration was unaffected. Sialidase-treatment as well as CD66 preclearing abolished the inhibitory capacity of the CEA(-related) antigens. The binding of soluble CEA antigens to IL-1-beta-pretreated EC was blocked by anti- ELAM-1. These soluble antigens, as well as the neutrophil NCA-160 and NCA-90, both recognized by CD66 antibodies, presented the SLe(x) determinant. Together, these findings indicate that the CD66 antigens (i.e., NCA-160/NCA-90) function as presenter molecules of the SLe(x) oligosaccharide structures on neutrophils that bind to ELAM-1 on EC.


Introduction. Urolithiasis remains one of the most common diseases in the pediatric urology practice. A special category is made up of children weighing up to 15 kg with large and coral-like kidney stones, which require a smaller instrument to remove. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, used for urolithiasis treatment in children aged 1 to 3 years. Materials and methods. Between 2008 and 2019 in the pediatric uroandrology department of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation 93 children aged 1 to 3 years (69 (74.2%) boys and 24 (25.8%) girls) had nephrolithotripsy. The average patients age was 1 year and 9 months. Fifty-one (54.8%) patients had coral-like kidney stones, while the remaining 42 (45.2%) had kidney pelvic stones. The average stone size was 25.8mm. (15 – 56 mm). Nephrolithotripsy was performed according to the standard technique, all patients underwent cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization. In the prone position, under ultrasound and X-ray guidance, a puncture of the renal collecting system was performed. In 59 cases (63.5.1%) the puncture was performed through the lower calyx, in 31 cases (33.3%) – through the middle one, and in nine children two approaches were performed. In 93 children the intervention was performed using a mini-nephroscope with tubes of 12, 15 and 16.5 Ch. To disintegrate the stone, a pneumatic lithotripter and a holmium laser "Auriga" with a fiber of 365 and 600 μm in diameter were used. Only in 31 cases, when the kidney size allowed, a standard 24 Ch nephroscope and combined lithotripsy (ultrasound and pneumatic) were used. The duration of the procedure varied from 32 to 145 minutes, with an average of 43.5 minutes. In the postoperative period, all patients underwent infusion and antibiotic therapy based on the results of urine bacteriological examination. After the patients' activation on days 1 – 3, a survey urography and antegrade pyeloureterography were performed. In the absence of residual stones and urinary passage disorders, nephrostomy drainage was removed. Results. The effectiveness of nephrolithotripsy in our cohort of patients was 87.1% (81 patients). Four children (4.3%) required second percutaneous intervention. The remaining 8 (8.6%) patients with residual stones underwent distance lithotripsy in the short postoperative period. Significant bleeding occurred in 2 patients who then required transfusion of blood products. Fever was noted in 5 (5.4%) patients. We have not observed a single case of septic and bacteriotoxic shock. Discussion. As a first-line surgical treatment in pediatric practice, it is recommended to use extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This treatment is ideal for stones ≤ 15 mm in size, with SFR of 68-95%. However, the need for repeated ESWL sessions occurs in 14-54% cases. Complications rate, frequency of retreatment, as well as a decrease in SFR, increase when a stone size is greater than 1.5 cm. Since all types of surgical treatment in children require anesthesia, and the treatment approach may not provide a complete problem solution, it is preferable to choose a procedure with the greatest possible success in one session. Primary SFR was significantly lower in children with stones ≥ 30 mm in size and multiple kidney stones. Mini– percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is an effective (87.1%) method for nephrolithiasis treatment in children aged 1 to 3 years. Conclusion. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in children aged 1 to 3 years is an effective treatment for nephrolithiasis. However, in a small percentage of cases, it becomes necessary to combine the procedure with extracorporeal lithotripsy. Paying attention to the small size of the organ, to reduce the number of hemorrhagic complications, it is preferable to perform this intervention with one approach. The occurrence of even a small amount of bleeding during the operation is a formidable complication, given the small volume of circulating blood in children.