Research evidence shows that various kinds of teacher training, capacity building and work experience have positive effects on education quality. Having well-trained and experienced teachers in schools is just as important as good education materials and good relationships between teachers and communities. However, children in rural Ethiopia face shortages of well-trained, experienced and motivated teachers. This paper seeks to understand the characteristics of teachers who teach the children in the Young Lives sample, the views of teachers and headteachers on the links between teacher quality and the quality of the education they deliver, and finally, the challenges that teachers in Ethiopia face in their attempt to provide a good education to the children they work with. The paper uses both quantitative and qualitative evidence from the first round of the Young Lives school survey carried out in 2010. We begin with the argument that teacher training and development programmes and the presence of experienced teachers in schools should be included among the indicators of quality schooling. Using Young Lives school survey data, the paper empirically examines the degree to which factors such as teachers' own attitudes, school management and community perceptions impact on the quality of education. We find teacher motivation (material, financial, social, etc.) is just as important as teacher training in increasing access to quality education. However, our findings emphasise the challenges inherent in assigning experienced teachers to remote schools where facilities and infrastructure are very poor. Consequently, the paper concludes that it is very difficult to provide access to quality education without properly managing factors related to teacher training and professional development, such as provision of well-run pre-service and inservice training plus continuous professional development focusing on content knowledge, pedagogy and language skills. Strengthening school-level management and promoting community participation in schools also reduces teachers' dissatisfaction and reduces the likelihood of their leaving the profession. Tackling all of these issues would improve the quality of education for children in rural Ethiopia.


Abstract The evaluation of the electrically induced bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) using electromyography (EMG) is a useful tool for evaluating the integrity of sacral spinal segments 2 to 4, and that of their afferent and efferent connections in the urogenital region. In the current retrospective study, the value of this technique in predicting the outcome of bladder dysfunction was investigated in patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES). Electrically induced BCR (E-BCR) was evaluated in 40 patients with bladder dysfunction due to CES at the subacute stage (7–90 days). Manually examined BCR, perianal pinprick sensation, and voluntary anal contraction were also investigated. The recovery of bladder function was evaluated 1 year after the onset of CES. All patients with the presence of E-BCR showed successful recovery of the bladder function, while all patients in whom E-BCR was absent showed poor recovery. E-BCR showed a higher positive predictive value than perianal pinprick sensation and voluntary anal contraction, and showed a higher negative predictive value than manually examined BCR. Results show that E-BCR has advantages in predicting the outcome of bladder dysfunction. Thus, this method can be used as a reference to predict the final outcome of bladder dysfunction at the subacute stage of CES.


PICO question
In dogs with metaldehyde intoxication, are benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, midazolam) more effective than methocarbamol in relaxing muscles and reducing tremors?

Clinical bottom line
Category of research question
Treatment
The number and type of study designs reviewed
Five papers were critically reviewed. There were five retrospective case series
Strength of evidence
Weak
Outcomes reported
Currently, five retrospective case series exist in the literature which discuss metaldehyde intoxication cases treated mainly with benzodiazepines, a few of which had methocarbamol. There is not really any study to compare directly benzodiazepines with methocarbamol. In addition to that, factors such as commercial (e.g. the low availability of methocarbamol in the UK market compared to the US market), administrational (e.g. multiple administration routes of benzodiazepines) and pharmacological (e.g. lack of anticonvulsant function of methocarbamol), have played an important role in the treatment choice. Several case reports exist as well
Conclusion
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether benzodiazepines are more effective than methocarbamol in relaxing muscles and reducing occurrence of muscle tremors

How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient's circumstances and owners' values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision-making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.


There is growth in evidence of intensification of the global hydrological cycle over the past few decades, possibly due to changing climate and/or land-use landcover associated with anthropogenic forcing. For sustainable water management, an efficient and effective streamflow network is essential as it facilitates accurate monitoring of spatio-temporal variations of surface water. However, in recent years a remarkable decline in stream gauge density is observed in both developed and developing countries, possibly due to economic constraints and changing government priorities. World Meteorological Organization recommends periodic reviewal of stream gauge networks (accounting for changes in budgetary, data and end user’s needs) to improve the database for better assessment of hydrological uncertainty. However, there is a dearth of such attempts in India. Entropy theory (specifically Shannon entropy-based method (SEBM)) has gained wide recognition over the past few decades for the optimal design of hydrometric networks owing to its advantages. However, the SEBM has some limitations, which include (i) lack of fixed upper bound for entropy when a uniform distribution is considered to determine the probability and (ii) loss of information due to discretization of data in analysis with continuous variables. In this backdrop, there is a need to locate feasible alternatives to the Shannon entropy method. There are various methods for entropy estimation and data discretization, but there is a lack of information on their relative performance. This study is envisaged to investigate these aspects and to propose a novel fuzzy approach for optimal design and performance assessment of a stream gauge monitoring network. The proposed methodology does not require the choice of bin size for the discretization of data to estimate entropy measures/indices. Therefore, it alleviates the associated uncertainty which is a concern in analysis with SEBM and its related theoretical improvement EEBM (exponential entropy-based methodology). This is demonstrated through case studies on 16 river basins of Peninsular India encompassing more than 600,000 km2 by considering objectives as prioritization of existing gauges, identification of gauge deficient zones and devising options for expansion of the existing stream gauge networks. Further, the effect of choice of bin size on entropy estimates obtained using SEBM and EEBM is demonstrated by considering nine bin size determination methods. Flows in ungauged catchments were simulated using SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) and optimization of the existing stream gauge network is performed using a Fast-Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). The study indicated that all the stream gauge networks in peninsular India are inadequate for effective monitoring of flows and there is a growing need for their expansion.  This study is first of its kind which evaluates the potential of different entropy-based methods in stream gauge network design. The proposed methodology could be readily considered for the evaluation of networks monitoring other hydro-meteorological and hydrological variables, and water quality parameters.


The architecture of the TX3 implementation of the TRON-CHIP32 specification is discussed. TX3 supports the full instruction set, including the decimal, floating-point, and other complex instructions. Average performance above 10-MIPS is expected. This performance level is obtained by the use of an 8-kB instruction cache, 8-kB data cache, decoded instruction loop buffer, three instruction execution units, and the ability to issue up to two instructions per cycle.<<ETX>>


This paper describes a concurrent mapping and localisation (CML) algorithm suitable for localising an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The proposed CML algorithm uses a standard off-the-shelf sonar for sensing the environment. The returns from the sonar are used to detect targets in the vehicle's vicinity. These targets are used in conjunction with a vehicle model by the CML algorithm to concurrently build an absolute map of the environment and localise the vehicle in absolute coordinates. In order for the algorithm to work, the stored targets must be associated to the sonar returns at each iteration. Given the nature of sonar data, false returns complicate this process. The choice of targets and a suitable data association strategy is, therefore, vital. The chosen targets consist of returns of a significant strength. The segmentation detects these targets and calculates (a) the relative position of their center of mass with respect to the vehicle, (b) the targets' surface size, and (c) the targets' first invariant moment. This information is used by the system to perform the data association. We have chosen to adapt the well known multiple hypothesis tracking filter (MHTF) to the CML structure. This is a measurement oriented approach that finds the probability that an established target gave rise to a certain return. The paper presents results with real sonar data.


: Primary brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children and the second most common cancer after leukemia and lymphoma to affect the pediatric population. The incidence, clinical presentation, imaging features, and treatment outcomes of various pediatric brain tumors are discussed.


This thesis consists of two independent essays on financial econometrics. The first study introduces a new family of portmanteau tests for serial correlation. Using the wavelet transform, we decompose the variance of the underlying process into the variance of its low frequency and of its high frequency components and we design a variance ratio test of no serial correlation in the presence of dependence. Such decomposition can be carried out iteratively, each wavelet filter leading to a rich family of tests whose joint limiting null distribution is a multivariate normal. We illustrate the size and power properties of the proposed tests through Monte Carlo simulations. The second study focuses on counterparty risk and its role as a determinant of corporate credit spreads. However, there are only a few techniques available to isolate it from other factors. In this paper we describe a model of financial networks that is suitable for the construction of proxies for counterparty risk. Using data on the U.S. supplier-customer network of public companies, we find that, for each supplier, counterparties' leverage and jump risk are significant determinants of corporate credit spreads. Our findings are robust after controlling for several idiosyncratic, industry, and market factors.


Background: The CRASH-3 trial is a randomised trial on the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus placebo on death and disability in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The CRASH-3 intracranial bleeding mechanistic study (IBMS) is a randomised trial nested within the CRASH-3 trial to examine the effect of TXA versus placebo on intracranial bleeding and infarction. Methods: Patients eligible for the CRASH-3 trial, with a GCS of 12 or less or intracranial bleeding on a pre-randomisation CT scan are eligible for the IBMS. The occurrence of intracranial bleeding, infarction, haemorrhagic oedematous lesions, mass effect and haemorrhage evacuation is examined within 28 days of randomisation using routinely collected brain scans. The primary outcome is the volume of intra-parenchymal bleeding in patients randomised within three hours of injury (adjusted for prognostic covariates). Secondary outcomes include a composite "poor" outcome, progressive and new intracranial bleeding, intracranial bleeding after neurosurgery and cerebral infarcts seen up to 28 days post-randomisation. All outcomes will be compared between treatment groups. Statistical analyses: The primary outcome will be analysed using a covariate adjusted linear mixed model. The same analysis will be done separately for patients who undergo haemorrhage evacuation post-randomisation. We will express the effect of TXA on the composite outcome, new and progressive bleeding using relative risks and 95% CIs, and on cerebral infarcts using hazard ratios and 95% CIs. We will conduct sensitivity analyses assuming missing data are MCAR or MNAR. Conclusion: The IBMS will provide information on the mechanism of action of TXA in TBI. This pre-specified statistical analysis plan is a technical extension of the published protocol. Trial registration: The CRASH-3 trial was prospectively registered at the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials registry (19 July 2011) and ClinicalTrials.gov (25 July 2011). The registries were updated with details for the IBMS on 20 December 2016.


Abstract Exploration drilling for hydrocarbons in southern England commenced over 50 years ago prompted by numerous seepages along the Dorset coast and gas shows in water boreholes. The two main depocentres, the Weald and Wessex basins, exhibit many similarities in both tectonic and stratigraphic evolution through Early Triassic-Tertiary times, reflecting the regional influences of Atlantic Margin rift-subsidence processes and subsequent Tertiary (Alpine) inversion tectonics. Given these similarities, the development of the hydrocarbon play system in both these areas can be compared using a common tectono-stratigraphic framework which has been identified and calibrated using well and seismic data. In detail, facies variability recognized within individual depositional units highlights differences in both source and reservoir distribution between the Weald and Wessex areas, which have in turn exerted fundamental controls on the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the two basins. These differences are influenced by the position of major basin-bounding fault systems and by the changing importance of the Cornubian-Armorican and the London-Brabant Massifs as clastic provenance areas through time. Sequence isopachs illustrate the same discrete episodes of rift-related subsidence in both areas. These rifting episodes led to the development of extensional trapping geometries particularly during Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous times. Subsequent Late Cretaceous thermal subsidence led to the formation of mature source kitchen areas focused within the hanging walls of the earlier extensional faults. Hydrocarbon expulsion from the source kitchen areas ceased during Tertiary uplift and subsequent cooling. Inversion movements on the old extensional faults led to the development of hanging wall anticlines which rely upon remigration mechanisms, including exsolution of gas from uplifted Liassic source rocks, to receive hydrocarbon charge. To date over 300 million barrels of oil and 100 bcf of gas have been discovered.


COVID-19 added urgency to the quest for the development of new vaccines, and academic researchers and biotechnology companies responded by capitalizing on already-in-the-pipeline advances and swiftly transitioning products from the lab to the clinic. Their efforts reaped rewards. According to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services analysis, the COVID vaccines delivered in the USA from January to May 2021 resulted in 39,000 fewer deaths and 107,000 fewer hospitalizations, and prevented another 265,000 cases among Medicare recipients alone [1].


Raman mapping was used to determine the lipid distribution inside human mesenchymal stem cells during induced adipogenesis by monitoring C-H stretching bands of the fats inside the lipid droplets. By incorporating deuterated glucose into the cell culture medium during induction it was possible to distinguish whether or not downstream metabolites, either in lipid droplets or in the cytoplasm, had been formed before or after the adipogenic cascade, because C-D stretching bands are 1/√2 shifted compared to the C-H bands. Thus, metabolites formed after the initiation of the process displayed both C-H and C-D stretching bands and so were forming during induced adipogenesis rather than prior to it. With the ability to distinguish small putative lipid drops formed by the induction of adipogenesis from those pre-formed in the cell, it was possible to analyze spectral changes occurring in the droplets at the earliest stages of adipogenesis. There were two key findings. Firstly, Raman spectra of lipid droplets evolved over time, suggesting that their composition at the early stages was not the same as at the later stages. Secondly, it was apparent that the proportion of unsaturated fats in droplets was higher at early stages than it was at later stages, suggesting that unsaturated fats arrive in the droplets faster than saturated ones.


BACKGROUND
Anemia is a major nutrition related problem in China. In addition to iron deficiency this may be due to deficiencies of other micronutrients.

OBJECTIVE
To describe the micronutrient status of anemic and non-anemic pregnant women in China.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
734 clinically normal pregnant women in the third trimester aged 20-35, were randomly recruited from the population of pregnant women regularly receiving pregnant examination in community medical centers. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, B12 and C, iron and zinc status parameters, and vitamin B2 in urine were determined. Subjects were categorized according to the presence or absence of anemia and compared according to micronutrient status.

RESULTS
Serum concentrations of iron and micronutrients were significantly lower in anemic women than non-anemic women: serum iron 909 microg/L versus 1109 microg/L, ferritin 13.8 microg/L versus 19.6 microg/L, vitamin C 308.9 microg/L versus 388.1 microg/dL, and retinol 50.0 microg/dL versus 59.3 microg/dL. Zinc concentrations were also lower in anemic women. Subnormal serum iron (<700 microg/L) and iron depletion (ferritin <12 microg/L) were 39.7% and 52.6%, significantly more frequent in anemic than 23.9% and 35.0% in non-anemic subjects, as were subnormal vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Subnormal vitamin B2 and B12 were frequent in both anemic and non-anemic groups.

CONCLUSION
Subnormal concentrations of iron and micronutrients in combination may contribute to this situation. Further studies on food-based or supplement-based approaches trying to increase intake of iron and certain vitamins are warranted to decrease anemia in pregnant Chinese women in the third trimester.


ABSTRACT Fever is situation of body temperature above normal as effect of make-up of center arrangement of temperature in hipotalamus which in influencing by IL-I. Fever usually happened effect of body of terpapar infection of mikroorganisme (virus, bacterium, parasite). Fever also can because of factor of[is non infection like immured complex, or inflammation (other peradangan). When bacterium or virus come into body, various phabocyte type or leucocyte discharge ? Iihat vitamin cause of fever (endogen pirogen)? later on trigger production of prostaglandin E2 i] anterior hipotalamus, what later;then improve temperature nilai-ambang and happened by fever. leaf of Cocor bebek (Kalanchoe pinnata L.) functioning as antipiretik. Compound Beta of sitosterol dissolve in blood and structure almost loo like with prostaglandin. This research aim to to know influence various dose of filtrat leaf of cocor parrot to degradation of white mouse body temperature and to know most effective dose of leaf filtrat of cocor parrot to degradation of white mouse body temperature. This research is executed in Chemical Laboratory UMM. this Method Research is True Experimental Research, with The Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design, sampling technique of Simple Random Sampling with plan attempt of Complete Random Device, with research sampel 24 white mouse tail of male (8 treatment group by 3 restating times). This research variable, that is free variable: dose of filtrat leaf of cocor parrot, varibel depended: degradation of mouse body temperature, control variable: mouse gender, mouse age, heavy of mouse body, vaccine dose of DPT, condition of white mouse cage, food type, and beverage. Technique data collecting is indirect perception because using materials and appliance. Data is here in after analysed with ANAVA and Test of Duncan?S Bedasarkan result of analysis of varians obtained one way F count > F tables of at level of signifikansi 1% meaning there influence various dose of filtrat leaf of cocor parrot to degradation of white mouse body temperature seen is big degradation of body temperature at perception 6 hour after fever. From result of test of Duncan?S 1% dose of filtrat leaf of cocor parrot most effective degrade mouse body temperature reach its dropsy temperature return group of H (dose of filtrat leaf of cocor parrot 4,5 ml / mouse tail) this result not differ reality with group of B (Parasetamol 0,083 mg / mouse tail). Result of research of menunjukan that Leaf filtrat of cocor parrot can be used as drug of antipiretik effective at dose 4,5 ml / mouse tail after 6 hour consume leaf filtrat of cocor bebek body temperature return normally (dropsy).


The fish pathogen Vibrio anguillarum causes a lethal infection in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Three different avirulent mutants, constructed by transposon insertion mutagenesis (VAN20 and VAN70) or as antibiotic-resistant mutants (VAN1000), were isolated by screening 200 individual isolated mutants for avirulence. When used as live vaccines, all three avirulent mutants were able to induce protective immunity against the homologous as well as a heterologous strain of V. anguillarum. When VAN1000 was used, protective immunity could be recorded 1 week after bath vaccination with 10(7) bacteria per ml of water for 30 min. A single-dose immunization was effective for at least 12 weeks. Western immunoblotting showed that strains of V. anguillarum have antigenic determinants in common with Aeromonas strains. Therefore, we tested and confirmed that VAN1000 also was able to induce protective immunity against challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida.


Does social protest following the police killing of unarmed Black civilians have a widespread "opinion-mobilizing" effect against the police? Or, does the racialized nature of these events polarize mass opinion based on standing racial and political orientations? To answer these questions, we use a large dataset comprised of weekly cross sections of the American public and employ a regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) approach leveraging the random timing of the police killing of George Floyd and ensuing nationwide protests. We find that the Floyd protests swiftly decreased favorability toward the police and increased perceived anti-Black discrimination among low-prejudice and politically liberal Americans. However, attitudes among high-prejudice and politically conservative Americans either remained unchanged or evinced only small and ephemeral shifts. Our evidence suggests that the Floyd protests served to further racialize and politicize attitudes within the domain of race and law enforcement in the U.S.


In the context of the appearance-based paradigm for object recognition, it is generally believed that algorithms based on LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis) are superior to those based on PCA (Principal Components Analysis). In this communication we show that this is not always the case. We present our case (cid:12)rst by using intuitively plausible arguments and then by showing actual results on a face database. Our overall conclusion is that when the training dataset is small, PCA can outperform LDA, and also that PCA is less sensitive to di(cid:11)erent training datasets.


We present a method using contour integration to derive definite integrals and their associated infinite sums which can be expressed as a special function. The advantage of using special functions is their analytic continuation which widens the range of the parameters of the definite integral over which the formula is valid. We give as examples definite integrals of logarithmic functions times a trigonometric function. In various cases these generalizations evaluate to known mathematical constants such as Catalan's constant and $\pi$.


The use of computer-based automated assignment systems in economics has expanded significantly in recent years. The most widely used system is Aplia which was developed by Paul Romer in 2000. Aplia is a computer application designed to replace traditional paper-based assignments in economics. The main features of Aplia are: (1) interactive content including problem sets, experiments and news analysis; (2) digital editions of a textbook; (3) assignment sets that are customised to specific textbooks; and (4) immediate feedback for both students and instructors. Its ability to present the dynamics of diagrams and graphs is critical to its use in economics. This paper analyses the effectiveness of Aplia and traditional paper-based assignments and tutorials using summative assessment results. The analysis is based on a managerial economics course that was taught to over 380 students at NUI Galway in the first semester of 2008-09. The course was designed so that each student was required to complete eight assignments for 25% m arks available for the course. They completed six of the eight assignments by Aplia and the remaining two by paper. The final exam was organised into eight sections with each section corresponding to a particular assignment. Our basic test is to examine whether a student's performance in a particular section of the exam is affected by whether the student completed the corresponding assignment on paper or online. We also examined if how the student performed on a particular assignment, regardless of the type, predicted how well they did on the corresponding examination question. We found little statistical evidence in support of either hypothesis


SUMMARY: The intracellular concentrations of 14C-streptomycin accumulated by Escherichia coli strain B during growth in the presence of different extracellular concentrations of the compound have been measured. They increased logarithmically with time at rates proportional to the logarithm of the extracellular concentration; the growth rates declined linearly with time at rates which were also proportional to the extracellular concentrations. Thus the same decrease in growth rate resulted from different intracellular concentrations of streptomycin, according to the conditions of uptake. After removal of extracellular streptomycin, the growth rates remained constant for several hours, during which time 40-60% of the total cell-bound radioactivity was lost. Of the radioactivity lost from the organisms during growth after removal of extracellular streptomycin, 50-80% was recovered from culture filtrates but did not behave as streptomycin with respect to adsorption to charcoal.


There is a strong scholarly consensus that scientific expertise plays an important role in addressing complex and uncertain issues in environmental governance. It is expected that when scientific ideas are put into practice, they should significantly contribute to the improvement of environmental solutions and a better science should lead to a better policy. However, such a perspective is rare in practice. There have been many efforts to explain the transfer of scientific knowledge from various perspectives. In this dissertation, Do Thi Huong uses a novel theoretical model of scientific knowledge transfer (RIU model) to explore limits of scientific knowledge transfer in cases of nature conservation in Vietnam, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and Sweden with a great focus on three factors: Research, Integration, and Utilization.
This dissertation consists of Do Thi Huong's four constitutive publications and a literature review of publications based on the RIU model from Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and Sweden. The dissertation focuses on three research questions:
1. What are the limits of scientific knowledge transfer?
2. Which factors determine the limits for scientific knowledge transfer according to RIU model?
3. Are these factors independent of each other?
The RIU model served as a theoretical foundation for this dissertation. The RIU model predominantly follows the idea that policies are the result of co-production between scientific arguments and political reasoning. In the RIU model, knowledge transfer process is defined as a connection of three spheres: Research (R), Integration (I), and Utilization (U), each of which follows an individual logic. With the differentiation between research, integration, and utilization, typical activities of scientific knowledge transfer, based on different rationalities, can be analyzed and explained. Nevertheless, there is still the question of whether the factors limiting research, integration, and utilization depend on each other or they are independent of each other. This means whether a high amount of scientific statements causes much utilization always or they are independent of each other. The basic assumption of the RIU model is that the factors of research, integration, and utilization are independent of each other in limiting the transfer of knowledge. Do Thi Huong takes this assumption and formulates a leading hypothesis of her synthesis dissertation: The factors of research, integration, and utilization determine independently from each other the transfer of scientific knowledge.
This dissertation was conducted using a meta-analysis of 15 publications based on the RIU model in five countries including Vietnam, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and Sweden. The independence of research, integration, and utilization could be tested through direct hypotheses and indirect hypotheses in all 15 cases. The primary analysis of this dissertation consists of Do Thi Huong's four constitutive articles that relied principally on two sources of data: document analysis and semi-structured expert interviews. During the last four years, Do Thi Huong has conducted two field studies in Vietnam between October 2015 and February 2016, and between May and August 2017. She used the triangulation method (data, methodology, and investigator) for increasing study credibility. Qualitative content analysis and stakeholder analysis were also conducted to analyze all collected documents and role of actors with the aim of testing the hypotheses in particular cases studies in Vietnam.
The results show that, first, there are five hypotheses that directly support the independence from each other of research, integration and utilization activities in the RIU model. These hypotheses have been examined in the comparative studies on forest policy development between Japan and Sweden, case studies of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, and case studies of fishery management in Indonesia. All five hypotheses are supported by empirical evidence of the case studies.
Second, independence of research, integration, and utilization is tested indirectly. The truth table formulates eight combinations of research, integration, and utilization. Out of these, five are supported by empirical evidence of cases in Vietnam, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, and Sweden. These results indicate that the research, integration, and utilization are independent of each other in the investigated cases. One important consequence of independence is that a big amount of research does not necessarily lead to effective integration or utilization and vice versa.
Third, by applying the RIU model, the limiting factors of knowledge transfer could be identified within research, integration, and utilization. The RIU model is a useful tool to particularly indicate these limitations and give recommendations to improve research or/and integration or/and utilization in an effort to enhance science – based policy support.
Fourth, since the factors of research, integration, and utilization determine independently from each other the transfer of scientific knowledge, the author emphasizes the importance of checking all three factors to assess the transfer of scientific knowledge in practice.


Sabga-Bamessing is a part of the
Bamenda Mountains, an extinct volcanic center of the West Cameroon Highlands
along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). The pristine volcanic rocks of the
Sabga area are alkali mafic to felsic (basanites, phonolites, trachytes and
rhyolites). Some weathered sections of a heterolithologic debris flow with a
suppositious primary chemistry of the original volcanic rocks prior to
weathering have shown significant calcium carbonate enrichment. CaO and LOI
values of up 61.31% and 41.72% respectively show corresponding
enrichment of 16.54 and 10.88, when compared with average fresh volcanic rocks.
Na+ normalized molar ratios computed from the chemistry of springs
and rivers show carbonate dissolution signature which is contrary to silicate
dissolution expected in acid volcanic rocks. Saturation indices (SI) calculated
with PHREEQC reveal that brackish to saline springs are supersaturated with
Calcite (CaCO3), Aragonite (CaCO3), Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2 and Hydroxyl apatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH).
Recharging contributions to spring water chemistry deviate from those
produced by rock weathering, precipitation and evaporation/crystallization. An
enrichment process is therefore predicted as a recharging contributor to water
chemistry.


A three-dimensional biomimetic electrospun scaffold was prepared from a nanohydroxyapatite/ polymer blend in the present study. Viscosity of n-HA/PEA compound solution determined by PEA concentration and additives of n-HA was investigated while other parameters were fixed in the electrospinning process. The fiber diameter increased with the increasing viscosity of solution. 20wt% n-HA in the composite ultrafine fibrous scaffold was proved to be a preferable ratio. The n-HA/PEA scaffold was characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX. The fibrous electrospun scaffold, which is made up of ultrafine fibers with average diameter 400±50 nm and well-interconnected pores, was characterized with high surface–to-volume ratio, which is conducive to cell and tissue growth. A comparatively uniform distribution of n-HA crystals in a single fiber even in the whole scaffold was confirmed by EDX. The biocompatibility of the composite was investigated by culturing osteobalsts on the scaffold. Good cell adhesion and proliferation manner was observed on the fibrous scaffold by SEM and MTT assay. It could be expected that the electrospun HA/PEA composite scaffold would be a potential biomimetic extracellular matrix biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.


ABSTRACT During territorial behaviour and pair formation willow ptarmigan cocks and hens use several different calls. Cocks use mainly a "flight call", a "ground call" and three different "threat calls". Hens give similar calls to cocks. It is suggested that the structure of the calls is well adapted to (1) transmit their possible information content over long distances, and (2) make localization easier for birds during the territorial display periods, which take place mainly in poor light at dusk and dawn. We also suggest that the cock and hen calls express different degrees of aggressiveness, and that hen calls, in addition to attracting cocks, function as territorial "keep out" signals to other hens.


INTRODUCTION
Leukaemia is a neoplastic dsorder characterized by an excessive proliferation of immature white blood cells and their precursors. Patients with this potentially fatal condition may often first present with gingival enlargement. Early diagnosis of the underlying condition and prompt referral for appropriate therapy, may be life-saving.

CASE REPORT
A 27-year-old female was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology complaining of a generalised gingival enlargement that was aesthetically displeasing to her. She insisted on immediate surgical removal of the enlarged gingival tissue but, on counseling, agreed to have prior diagnostic tests performed. A full blood count suggested the presence of an underlying acute myeloid leukaemia. The patient was consequently referred to the Oncology Department for further investigation and management. The diagnosis was confirmed and the subsequent chemotherapeutic intervention was strikingly successful, leading to the complete resolution of the gingival enlargement.

CONCLUSION
This paper emphasises the importance of a full diagnostic evaluation of all cases of gingival enlargement and immediate referral should a life-threatening condition be identified, such as, in the present case, acute myeloid leukaemia.


Osteoporosis per se is not a harmful disease. It is the sequela of osteoporosis and most particularly the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture that makes osteoporosis a serious medical condition. All of the preventative measures, investigations, treatment and research into osteoporosis have one primary goal and that is to prevent the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture. Vertebral fracture is by far and away the most prevalent osteoporotic fracture. The significance and diagnosis of vertebral fracture are discussed in this article.


Density functional theory, or DFT, has become ubiquitous for chemical applications in research and in education. The exact functional at the foundation of DFT is unfortunately unknown, and issues arise when choosing an approximation for a specific application. With this tutorial review, we tackle the selection problem and many related ones, such as the choices of a basis set and of an integration grid, that are often overlooked by occasional practitioners and by more experienced users as well. We offer a practical approach in the form of a commented notebook containing 12 experiments that can be run on a simple computer in just a few hours. We propose this review as a primary source for those who are willing to include DFT in their everyday research or teaching activities in a way that reflects the research advances of the field in the last couple of decades


The reliability of knee extensor and flexor strength measurements was assessed in 20 women (aged 68-88 years) who had experienced a hip fracture two to four weeks before but who were otherwise healthy. Using the Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength (peak torque, total work and power) at 30 and 120 degree/second and isometric knee extensor and flexor strength (peak torque) were measured by the same examiner in both legs, successively, on four separate days within one week. Compared with the non-involved leg, the median reduction in peak extensor and flexor torque of the involved leg was 50% (p <0.001). With the protocol used, no significant change in muscle strength occurred during the test period Individual coefficients of variation (CVs) were calculated for each muscle strength variable. Depending on whether torque, work or power were measured, the median CVs of extensor and flexor strength measurements of the non-involved leg ranged from 5.6-14.6% and 10.8-28.6%, respectively. The corresponding CVs for the involved leg were 10.9-22.1% and 13.0-35.2%. Substantial variability between individual CVs were found for all strength variables. In conclusion, although muscle strength measurements may be applicable when comparing larger groups of hip fracture patients, the large CVs may be a limitation in monitoring individual patients. This finding should be taken into consideration when planning individual training programmes.


The Stress Control (SC) programme (White & Keenan, 1990) is routinely provided in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services in England at step 2 in the stepped care model. SC is a group-based didactic intervention that teaches anxiety and depression coping skills. The content is similar to other CBT-based self-help interventions but it is often delivered to large groups in community settings, thereby potentially improving access and acceptability. I will describe a multi-service evaluation of the clinical and organisational effectiveness of stress control classes in IAPT services.
Clinical outcomes for 4,451 participants in 163 stress control interventions delivered across five IAPT services were analysed by calculating pre-post treatment anxiety (GAD-7) effect sizes (Cohen's d). Overall and between-service effects were compared to published efficacy benchmarks. Multilevel modelling was used to examine if variability in clinical outcomes was explained by differences in service, group and patient-level (case-mix) variables. The findings were fed back to service users who attended SC in one of the IAPT services and they gave their views of their experiences and suggestions for future service improvements and research.
The pooled GAD-7 effect size for all services was d = 0.70, which was consistent with efficacy benchmarks for guided self-help interventions (d = 0.69). One service had significantly smaller effects (d = 0.48), which was explained by differences in group treatment length and case-mix, including socioeconomic context and initial severity. There was evidence of variability of outcomes between groups, explaining up to 3.6% of variance in treatment outcomes. Service users' views included the value of taking a friend or family member to the classes, ways to engage and retain attenders and the importance of alternative therapy options for those who do not find SC classes acceptable or helpful. The presentation will consider the implications of the study for the role of SC classes in stepped care service model.


In this paper, we propose a WebSIS which provides various semantic information services based on Web service and ontology for grid computing environment. The prototype of WebSIS provides resource information service for resource discovery, resource matching and resource monitoring, in order to allocate appropriate resource for user task. Since WebSIS creates a virtual organization by defining a resource pool which consists of ontology instance data, it can build a extensible and scalable resource pool dynamically by creating and deleting ontology instance data for each resource. Moreover, the hierarchical structure of ontology and the separate description of schema, instance and rule enables users to build flexible and extensible knowledge base for various domains. We present an extensible and flexible architecture of WebSIS which can efficiently create a new information service and can easily add a new ontology domain. It allows users to build a manifold and reliable information processing service by enabling the incorporation of various semantic ontologies for the inference of semantic information. Moreover, it provides reliability and accurate resource related service by using dynamic resource information obtained through resource agent. We shall show how the semantic information service for resource discovery, resource matching and resource monitoring is carried out in WebSIS.


Abstract We develop a method for constraining the kinematics and finite strain of deformation in shear zones based on a three-dimensional numerical model of the rotation populations of rigid clasts. The results of the model are characterized in terms of a fabric ellipsoid, which is directly measurable from field data. Fabric ellipsoids measured from populations of prolate clasts have anisotropies that increase steadily and plateau; the shape of the fabric ellipsoid becomes increasingly more prolate with progressive deformation. The behaviour of populations of oblate clasts is much more complex because the stability of individual oblate clasts depends on their aspect ratio and the vorticity of deformation. Populations of oblate clasts may produce fabric ellipsoids with oscillating anisotropies and shapes if their aspect ratio is low enough for a continuous rotation. For either prolate or oblate clasts, the maximum anisotropy that a fabric ellipsoid will reach is governed by the aspect ratio of the individual clasts of that population. The theoretical maximum anisotropy is achieved when all of the clasts are perfectly aligned. The shape of the fabric ellipsoid, in conjuncture with the anisotropy, can be used to constrain the vorticity and finite strain of deformation. The numerical model suggests that there is no consistent relationship between the asymmetrical orientation of a population of rigid markers and the simple shear component of deformation. Therefore, the asymmetrical alignment of a population of porphyroclasts is not a reliable shear sense indicator. Additionally, there is no direct correlation between the fabric ellipsoid and the strain ellipsoid. Model results are applied to shape preferred orientation data collected from a feldspar megacrystic granite in the western Idaho shear zone (USA). Three-dimensional fabric ellipsoids are calculated from two-dimensional sectional measurements of oblate-shaped, unmantled, potassium feldspar porphyroclasts. Comparison of these data with the results of the numerical model suggests that transpressional deformation had an intermediate angle of oblique convergence (30°–60°). This implies that deformation in the western Idaho shear zone was characterized by a large component of convergent motion.


Growth, yield and yield attributes responses of ginger were assessed in a two-year (2010 and 2011 cropping seasons) field investigation conducted at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, South Eastern Nigeria. Treatments comprised three pigeon pea hedgerow alley  populations of 20,000, 33,333 and 66,667 plants/ha in factorial  combinations with three inter row alley spacings of 1m, 2 m and 3 m fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that optimum performance in terms of plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers/plant and fresh rhizome yield of ginger were obtained with pigeon pea population of 20,000 plants/ha spaced 2 m apart. Although ginger plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers/plant, and fresh rhizome yield were relatively reduced in the pigeon pea treatments relative to the control, planting ginger within hedgerow alleys of pigeon pea resulted in an improvement in the productivity of the system in addition to significant reductions in the incidence of yellow leaf spot disease occurence of ginger. Key words : Productivity, Response, Hedgerow, Alley, Management


This paper utilizes the characteristics of the Human Visual System (HVS) for obtaining better results in denoising color images corrupted by Gaussian noise. Implementation of the Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) of the HVS is done in each of the sub-bands in the wavelet domain. In this paper, an 11-weight Invariant Single Factor (ISF) system is proposed and implemented which outperforms the generally used 6-weight ISF system. The major strength of the incorporation of this vision model is the optimum way in which the scales are distributed among the luminance and chrominance components to achieve better image quality without color degradation. Two adaptive thresholding schemes in the wavelet domain have been used in the denoising process. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm universal image quality index (Q) and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) have been used.


Human genome project provided infrastructure of biological information and essential information of gene sequences make it possible to predict proteins for which there is no experimental evidence. Characterization of hypothetical proteins is provided by sequence similarity with proteins of known function. Aim of this study was to describe Hypothetical proteins [Q9Y4F4, Q14166, Q9NUQ6, Q9H0W9 and Q9H0R4] in the perireticular nucleus, a key structure in human brain development. The functional domain prediction was carried out using InterPro, BLASTcds, COGs and CDART. I-TASSER server was used for tertiary structure prediction and structure comparison studies performed using VAST and DALI. This study revealed some probable functions of hypothetical proteins. These proteins were predicted to serve the functional roles in various activities like DNA - protein binding, protein modification process, ligase activity, hydrolase activity and are also involved in the metabolic processes.


A 3D finite element modelling is carried out to test the rheology of the South American subduction zone. Two study areas are chosen, one from the Northern Andes (20°S-25°S) and another from the Southern Andes (36°S-40°S) having different geometric features. Both models contain six homogeneous units with different rheological parameters. A frictionally coupled zone is assigned between the subducting and the overriding plate. The coefficient of friction (µ = 0.14) is found to produce the geological estimated uplift rate of 0.2 mm/yr for the Altiplano plateau region. Increase in the strength of the frictionally coupled zone amplifies the drag of the subducting plate, which in turn decreases the amount of uplift of the overriding plate. Combined mechanical effect of slab pull velocity and the gravity force is observed to create subsidence in the overriding plate for all coefficients of friction (µ = 0.1, 0.2, 0.5). The overriding plate subsidence increases with increase in coefficient of friction. Overriding plate uplift is also found to dependent on its crustal thickness. Decrease in the crustal thickness of the overriding plate implies increase in its uplift. Slab dip angle is also an important physical parameter that affects the overriding plate uplift. The Southern Andean model with shallower dip angle (β = 13.4°) is observed to produce lower uplift in the fore-arc region but higher uplift in the back-arc region as compared to the Northern Andean model having a steep slab dip angle (β = 18.4°). The oblique subduction of the subducting plate leads to subsidence in the overriding plate for all coefficients of friction (µ = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5).


The standard method of mapping the interstellar medium in a galaxy, by observing the molecular gas in the CO 1-0 line and the atomic gas in the 21-cm line, is largely limited with current telescopes to galaxies in the nearby universe. In this letter, we use SPIRE observations of the galaxies
M99 and M100 to explore the alternative approach of mapping the interstellar medium using the continuum emission from the dust. We have compared the methods by measuring the relationship between the star-formation rate and the surface density of gas in the galaxies using both
methods. We find the two methods give relationships with a similar dispersion, confirming that observing the continuum emission from the dust is a promising method of mapping the interstellar medium in galaxies.


Academic programs are experiencing pressure to produce efficiencies in education by incorporating online learning. Simply transplanting a text-based resource to an online setting by itself does not necessarily provide an effective online learning environment. In collaboration with clinical educators, our academic team constructed an online learning activity designed to reinforce allied health student knowledge of pharmacology. However, anecdotal reports from students entering the clinical environment indicated poor engagement with the online resources. These reports prompted the need for a method of formal analysis of student engagement and insights into student preferences and behaviours with online learning. Through auditing online usage data and survey analysis, our study determines a set of practical recommendations for the design of online resources, and their implementation, in order optimise their utilization and educational value.


Taking resource limitations into account in the design of wireless sensor networks are important in many emerging applications. The need for minimizing the communication and power consumption of individual nodes and other units pose interesting challenges for estimation and control strategies.This document describes the design, implementation, obtained results and conclusions of a cooperative localization and tracking system based on two types of sensors. Practical investigations are made to reach the optimal sensor scheduling based on offline and covariance-based scheduler approaches. One sensor gives low quality measurements and is based on an ultrasound sensor and the other is a web-camera with high precision but with delayed results. The ultrasound sensor is connected to wireless sensor nodes which are part of the KTH Wireless Sensor Network Testbed and the web-camera is connected to a data processing unit and placed in the same area. An overview about localization techniques and solutions are presented. The design, development, and implementation of the KTH Wireless Sensor Network Testbed is also discussed. The software implemented on the system is fully detailed as well as the necessary hardware. A presentation of the filtering methods used to perform localization and tracking is put forward. Analysis and conclusions of all the different approaches used are discussed. Guidelines for future work are also proposed.


CMOS Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) provide an attractive solution for high precision tracking of minimum ionizing particles. In these devices, a thin, moderately doped, undepleted silicon layer is used as the active detector volume with the readout electronics implemented on top of it. Recently, a new MAPS prototype was fabricated using the AMS 0.35 mum OPTO process, featuring a thick epitaxial layer. A systematic study of tracking performance of that prototype using high-energy particle beam is presented in this work. Noise performance, signal amplitude from minimum ionizing particles, detection efficiency, spurious hit suppression and spatial resolution are shown as a function of the readout pitch and the charge collecting diode size. A test array with a novel readout circuitry was also fabricated and tested. Each pixel circuit consists of a front-end voltage amplifier, capacitively coupled to the charge collecting diode, followed by two analog memory cells. This architecture implements an on-pixel correlated double sampling method, allowing for optimization of integration independently of full frame readout time and strongly reduces the pixel-to-pixel output signal dispersion. First measurements using this structure are also presented


STKE
Binding domains are essential for the proper docking and alignment of protein partners and the subsequent transmittal of intracellular signals. Tanoue et al. have uncovered new docking motifs in the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and their upstream and downstream regulators. A small cluster of negatively charged residues, referred to as the common docking (CD) motif, interacts electrostatically with a cluster of positively charged residues found on MAPK activators, inactivators, and substrates. Coexpression studies revealed that mutation of either charged cluster abrogated protein-protein interaction, whereas in vitro experiments demonstrated that association increased kinase activity. They suggest that phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of MAPKs and the proteins that associate with them may induce conformation changes that allow one protein to dissociate as another binds to the CD motif. Such a mechanism might contribute specificity to signal transduction in MAPK pathways.— JN

Nat. Cell Biol. 2 , 110 (2000).


In this study, ultrafine grain structure evolution during high pressure torsion (HPT) of commercial aluminium alloy AA6082 at an elevated temperature is presented. Two different initial structural states of the alloy were prepared by thermal treatment. The dependence of the progress of microstructure refinement on shear strain was investigated by TEM observation of thin foils. The impact of various amounts of strain (εef) was analysed with respect to the increased temperature of deformation. Microhardness data measured across the deformed discs show scatter. Observation of microstructure revealed that an ultrafine grain (UFG) structure formed in the deformed disc as early as the end of the first turn, regardless of the initial structure of alloy resulting from the prior thermal treatment. The heterogeneity of UFG deformed structure in the deformed discs is consistent with the scatter in microhardness values. By increasing the strain level through adding turns (N = 2, 4, 6), the UFG structure was homogenized in the deformed discs. The effect of the increase in deformation temperature became more evident at higher straining when dynamic recrystallization modified the UFG structure locally. In the specimens prepared by two-stage thermal treatment (quenching and ageing) prior to torsion deformation, the growth of new grains was inhibited and the UFG microstructure was more stable. Tensile strength values suggest that strengthening was partially relaxed by local recrystallization. Torque vs. time plots reveal that the torque required to deform the sample was increasing until the completion of the first turn and then remained stable or even decreased slightly. K e y w o r d s: 6082 Al alloy, thermal treatment, structure modification, HPT severe plastic deformation, ultrafine grain structure, mechanical properties, torque


The golden Syrian hamster was selected to study molar odontogenesis. The development of the first molar was examined from the dental lamina stage through apposition. The dentition of the hamster follows the basic dental formula of the rodent. The morphology and chronology of the various stages of odontogenesis were studied and were compared to that of the gerbil, rat, and mouse. Observation of the initiation of odontogenesis at the dental lamina stage was noted on prenatal day 11. The bud stage was present on prenatal day 12, followed by the cap stage on prenatal day 13. The bell stage occurred on prenatal day 14 and 15, and the apposition stage was initiated on prenatal day 16. The process of odontogenesis in the hamster was recognized as typically rodent. Combined with the fact that the hamster is very docile in nature and an easy laboratory animal to handle, data from this investigation suggest that the hamster will continue to be a useful model in dental research.


Informal settlements are home to nearly a quarter of global urban population - many of which are extreme poor. Prompted by both local and global initiatives and executed by donors and NGOs, these settlements have been undergoing infrastructural upgrading for the past 4-5 decades. Yet, the number of extreme poor and their settlements increased, while their overall livelihood situation remained unchanged. Hence, one becomes skeptical about the usefulness of these mostly settlement-level infrastructural upgrading works and asks about their right focus. Infrastructural development often also appear less useful for this group as their priorities are guided by market-led principles - planned and executed in a top down manner, while at the ground level, the extreme poor people having to deal with other 'smaller' housing and non-housing issues at the household/dwelling level. In the physical upgrading of informal settlements, extreme poor dwellers' such 'smaller' needs are therefore seldom prioritized. But being aware of these peoples' exact needs and priorities, and their inabilities to afford dwelling upgrading and their non-housing livelihood needs governing their priorities, we would still like to underscore if some contextual housing priorities can still be identified for future upgrading works. But in the broader context, we would also like to see why uncritical and un-contextual housing interventions are still conceptualized without considering extreme poor's needs? We used a case study approach for this research and studied two extreme poor settlements in Khulna, Bangladesh. We found that no intervention so far prioritized the dwelling-unit with the goal to improving their livelihoods. Key constraints behind this were the lack of tenure security, chronic exposure to natural hazards, high renter-owner ratio, not enough investments in non-monetary livelihood dimensions, and missing HBE components in housing credit. Issues regarding beneficiary selection, appreciation of extreme poor peoples' capacities and practices, prioritizing non-housing needs, absence of incremental upgrading schemes and housing not being considered as key livelihood instrument also compounded the matter. We realized that market-driven neoliberal principles that advocate state withdrawal and privatization had played a key role in setting priorities for the donors, NGOs and even local government bodies. We suggested that physical upgrading priority for the extreme poor should hence be set in two mutually dependent fronts. One, a continuation of UPPR's partnership approach should be ensured, supplemented by subsidies. This needs to be extended more into housing/dwelling levels. For the poorest and the most vulnerable, greater presences of Government in providing social safety nets also need to be provisioned simultaneously. Two, livelihood dimensions need to be mainstreamed and integrated with all housing and non-housing upgrading.


Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) represent a new class of fluorescent nanoparticles for biological applications. In this study, we investigated their size-dependent fluorescence and cellular labeling properties. We demonstrate that the polymer conformation in solution phase largely affects the polymer folding and packing during the nanoparticle preparation process, resulting in solution-phase control over the fluorescence properties of semiconducting polymer nanoparticles. The resulting Pdots exhibit apparent size dependent absorption and emission, a characteristic feature of different chain packing behaviors due to the preparation conditions. Single-particle fluorescence imaging was employed to perform a side-by-side comparison on the Pdot brightness, indicating a quadratic dependence of single-particle brightness on particle size. Upon introducing a positively charged dye Nile blue, all the three type of Pdots were quenched very efficiently (Ksv > 1 × 10(7) M(-1)) in an applied quenching process at low dye concentrations, but exhibit apparent difference in quenching efficiency with increasing dye concentration. Furthermore, Pdots of different sizes were used for cell uptake and cellular labeling involving biotin-streptavidin interactions. Fluorescence imaging together with flow cytometry studies clearly showed size dependent labeling brightness. Small-sized Pdots appear to be more effective for immunolabeling of cell surface, whereas medium-sized Pdots exhibit the highest uptake efficiency. This study provides a concrete guidance for selecting appropriate particle size for biological imaging and sensing applications.


Abstract This paper adopts a psychological perspective to analyze the self-presentation of a populist leader in times of a national crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the narrative he presents to his audience. Using a constructivist approach of the Dialogical Self Theory (DST), we analyze I-positions emergent in speeches by Czech Prime Minister Babis released on his Facebook profile during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are consistent with existing literature on populist self-presentation, highlighting that the leader constructs himself as being responsive and prototypical, as expected by the Social Identity Approach, and employs a hyper-personal model of online communication. Furthermore, we suggest, based on our results, that it might be useful to extend the DST to analyze how populist politicians relate to the people. In these positions, the politician relates to the out-group as if they were an in-group member or vice versa. This positioning might reflect the underlying worldview of public figures that try to relate to the common people. Overall, our research shows that the DST serves as a useful framework for further research in the area of political populism.


Background
Pterygium is one of the common ocular surface disorders, and the main drugs for pterygium include dexamethasone (DXM), interferon α-2b (IFN-α2b), mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506). However, the efficacy of these drugs on the fibroblasts from recurrence pterygium is unelucidated.

Objective
This study was to compare the efficacy of DXM, IFN-α2b, MMC, 5-FU, CsA and FK506 on proliferation and apoptosis of recurrent pterygium-derived fibroblasts in vitro.

Methods
The specimens of recurrence pterygium were collected during surgery in Tianjin Medical University Ophthalmological Hospital from May 2015 to July 2016 under the written informed consent.Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured by explant culture method and identified by immunochemistry.DXM, IFN-α2b, MMC, 5-FU, CsA and FK506 were added into the medium for 48 hours, respectively, and the cells cultured without drug were used as the control group.The inhibitory efficiency of different concentrations of DXM, IFN-α2b, MMC, 5-FU, CsA and FK506 on the cell proliferation was assayed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) of the drugs was calculated.The cells were treated by the IC50 dose of drugs for 48 hours, and cell apoptotic proportion and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry analysis.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the cells after treated by drugs was detected by immunochemistry.

Results
Cultured cells grew well with the fusiform shape and radial arrangement.Vimentine showed the positive expression and keratin was absently expressed in the cells.The IC50 to the cells was (3.5×103±2.83×10-2)mg/L, (6.1×102±3.6×10-3)mg/L, (3.2×10-1±1×10-4)mg/L, (2.2×101±1.2×10-3)mg/L, (6.3×101±2.5×10-3)mg/L and (6.0×101± 0.0×100) mg/L in the DXM, IFN-α2b, MMC, 5-FU, CsA and FK506, respectively.In the 48 hours after treated by the IC50 drugs, the apoptotic ratio was (35.00±3.21)%, (30.37±1.67)%, (26.11±0.75)%, (22.01±0.07)%, (20.95±1.68)% and (19.85±0.52)% in the IFN-α2b group, CsA group, MMC group, FK506 group, DXM group and 5-FU group, which was significantly higher than (11.38±2.18) % in the control group (all at P<0.05). The cell proportion of G0/G1 phase, S phase and G2/M phase was (85.64±2.62)%, (5.29±1.56)% and (2.73±2.66)% in the control group, and the cell proportion of G0/G1 phase was reduced, while that of S phase or G2/M phase was considerably increased in various drug groups (all at P<0.05), with the blocking efficiency of cell cycle was in turn MMC, CsA, 5-FU, DXM, IFN-α2b and FK506.The expressional rate of PCNA in the cells was (95.00±2.00)%, (82.67±5.04)%, (80.00±2.78)%, (64.00±6.55)%, (38.00±3.00)%, (32.00±4.36)% and (29.67±3.02)% in the control group, FK506 group, DXM group, 5-FU group, IFN-α2b group, CsA group and MMC group, showing a significant difference among the groups (F=25.995, P<0.01), and the expressional rate of PCNA was significant lower in various drug groups than that in the control group (all at P<0.05).

Conclusions
DXM, IFN-α2b, MMC, 5-FU, CsA and FK506 are all able to inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of recurrent pterygium-derived fibroblasts in vitro, and MMC and CsA appear to have a stronger effect.

Key words:
Pterygium/surgery; Pterygium/drug therapy; Recurrence; Fibroblasts; Dexamethasone; Interferon-α; Mitomycin C; 5-Fluorouracil; Cyclosporin A; Tacrolimus; Cells, cultured


This study aims to analyze the effect of ethanol extract of black cumin seeds (Nigella Sativa) on iNOS expression in the kidney of mice model preeclampsia. Design This study uses an experimental design with a posttest only control group design. Using a mice model preeclampsia. This study was divided into 6 groups: negative control, positive control (preeclampsia model), model + black cumin seed extract 500 mg/KgBB/day, 1000 mg/KgBB/day, 1500 mg/KgBB/day, and 2000 mg/KgBB/day days, after surgery on mice then examined iNOS Kidney expression by methods Immunohistochemical. Data from observations were analyzed by one way ANOVA test. The result there is an effect of ethanol extract of black cumin seeds on renal iNOS expression in mice model preeclampsia (p <0.05) at doses of 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, and 2000mg on decreasing renal iNOS expression. The conclusion Ethanol extract of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) can reduce iNOS Kidney expression in Mice Preeclampsia.


Low salinity water flooding (LSWF) is a cost-effective EOR technique. However, the underlining mechanism of LSWF EOR is still a matter of debate due to the complexity of the Crude Oil/Brine/Rock (COBR) system. The objective of this paper is to study the mechanisms of LSWF EOR processes by means of geochemical modeling.
 A reactive transport geochemical modelling approach with a geochemical simulator PHREEQC (pH-REdox-EQuilibrium in C programing language) is applied in this paper to handle complex interplay of different geochemical effects such as ion exchange, rock mineral dissolution, flow and transport during LSWF EOR processes.
 This paper proposes and demonstrates a geochemical mechanism for LSWF EOR, i.e., spreading of mineral dissolution waves driven by cation exchange process.
 The sandstone reservoirs often contain clays and carbonate cements. Clay minerals are present in some carbonate reservoirs. LSWF disturbs the geochemical equilibrium between connate brine and rock minerals in the reservoirs and results in carbonate dissolution. This study shows that without the presence of clay minerals, carbonate mineral dissolution can only occurs locally close to the inlet of core plug or injection well in the field during LSWF and then new equilibrium between brine and rock minerals is reached. Because of the presence of clay minerals and the nature of cation exchange process, clay surface even more preferentially absorbs divalent cations over mono valiant cations during LSWF. This cation exchange process softens the injected low salinity brine and propagates the softened low salinity brine and therefore carbonate mineral dissolution waves from injection well to production well in the field. The spreading of carbonate mineral dissolution waves and the resulting local pH rise have several field wide consequences: (1) The carbonate mineral dissolution and the resulting local pH increase can occur field wide. (2) Mineral dissolution not only releases oil attached to the mineral surfaces but also creates more fresh water-wet rock surfaces and improves oil recovery of LSWF. (3) Rising pH makes both rock surfaces and acid components of crude oil more negatively charged. The subsequent electrostatic interactions help release of polar components from rock surfaces, and increase the water wetness of the rock surface and therefore improve oil recovery.


Between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, the USDA Forest Service installed 155 shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) progeny tests in national forests across the Southern Region of the United States. Using control-pollinated crosses from the Mount Ida Seed Orchard, 84 of these progeny tests were established in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Each of these 84 test locations had, on average, 33 full-sibling families representing three local geographic seed sources (East Ouachita, West Ouachita, and Ozark). Though largely abandoned years ago, the progeny tests that remain provided an opportunity to determine if significant genetic and genetic × environment variance exists for performance traits (d.b.h., tree height, and survival) decades after installation. In 2018 and 2019, we remeasured d.b.h. and height and determined survival in 15 fully stocked progeny tests. Family variances were significant (p < 0.01) for both d.b.h. and height but not for survival (p > 0.05). Seed sources differed significantly (p < 0.05) for d.b.h., with more pronounced latitudinal differences. Additionally, we determined that individual tree and full-sibling family mean heritabilities were moderate (0.15 and 0.72, respectively, for d.b.h and 0.09 and 0.41, for height), suggesting relatively high genetic to environmental variation and good potential for genetic improvement. We also found that shortleaf pine families were broadly adapted in this region since family-by-test variances were non-significant (p > 0.05).


We have undertaken a prospective evaluation of health-related quality-of-life outcomes in 26 consecutive patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy with a minimum follow-up of 24 months (24 to 42). The Western Ontario-Macmaster (WOMAC) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) outcome measures were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included retrospective assessment of sports activity and satisfaction with the procedure. Follow-up data were available for 22 patients (85%). A significant improvement in the pain (p < 0.0001) and function (p < 0.0001) scales of the WOMAC and the SF-36 physical score (p < 0.0001) was seen. The mean sports activity score improved from 1.9 to 4.4, with a very high mean satisfaction rating of 89.7/100. A significant improvement in both global and disease-specific health outcomes can be expected after this operation, with a high rate of satisfaction and improvement in sporting activities.


Abstract Undergraduate medical education has expanded substantially in recent years, through both establishing new programs and increasing student numbers in existing programs. This expansion has placed pressure on the capacity for training students in clinical placements, raising concerns about the risk of dilution of experience, and reducing work readiness. The concerns have been greatest in more traditional environments, where clinical placements in large academic medical centers are often the "gold standard". However, there are ways of exposing medical students to patient interactions and clinical supervisors in many other contexts. In this paper, we share our experiences and observations of expanding clinical placements for both existing and new medical programs in several international locations. While this is not necessarily an easy task, a wide range of opportunities can be accessed by asking the right questions of the right people, often with only relatively modest changes in resource allocation.


Abstract The current experiments examined whether non-temporal associations can affect duration judgments without affecting the rate of subjective time. In both experiments, participants performed a temporal bisection task, judging on each trial whether stimulus' duration was closer to pre-learned short or long standards. In each experiment, the spatial compatibility between stimuli and responses was manipulated. In both experiments, stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) affected duration judgments: stimuli that were spatially compatible with the key used for long judgments elicited long responses at shorter objective durations than stimuli that were compatible with the key used for short judgments. The size of SRC's effect did not depend on the magnitude of the standard durations and SRC's effect was magnified even when SRC was introduced after the relevant temporal interval had ended. Thus, these findings are consistent with the idea that duration judgments can be affected without influencing the rate at which subjective time passes.


Significance Most recent analyses of the environmental impact of natural gas have focused on production, with very sparse information on emissions from distribution and end use. This study quantifies the full seasonal cycle of methane emissions and the fractional contribution of natural gas for the urbanized region centered on Boston. Emissions from natural gas are found to be two to three times larger than predicted by existing inventory methodologies and industry reports. Our findings suggest that natural-gas–consuming regions may be larger sources of methane to the atmosphere than is currently estimated and represent areas of significant resource loss. Methane emissions from natural gas delivery and end use must be quantified to evaluate the environmental impacts of natural gas and to develop and assess the efficacy of emission reduction strategies. We report natural gas emission rates for 1 y in the urban region of Boston, using a comprehensive atmospheric measurement and modeling framework. Continuous methane observations from four stations are combined with a high-resolution transport model to quantify the regional average emission flux, 18.5 ± 3.7 (95% confidence interval) g CH4⋅m−2⋅y−1. Simultaneous observations of atmospheric ethane, compared with the ethane-to-methane ratio in the pipeline gas delivered to the region, demonstrate that natural gas accounted for ∼60–100% of methane emissions, depending on season. Using government statistics and geospatial data on natural gas use, we find the average fractional loss rate to the atmosphere from all downstream components of the natural gas system, including transmission, distribution, and end use, was 2.7 ± 0.6% in the Boston urban region, with little seasonal variability. This fraction is notably higher than the 1.1% implied by the most closely comparable emission inventory.


The Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) established a laboratory network within the GHSI community to develop collective surge capacity for radionuclide bioassay in response to a radiological or nuclear emergency as a means of enhancing response capability, health outcomes and community resilience. GHSI partners conducted an exercise in collaboration with the WHO Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network and the IAEA Response and Assistance Network, to test the participating laboratories (18) for their capabilities in in vitro assay of biological samples, using a urine sample spiked with multiple high-risk radionuclides (90Sr, 106Ru, 137Cs, and 239Pu). Laboratories were required to submit their reports within 72 h following receipt of the sample, using a pre-formatted template, on the procedures, methods and techniques used to identify and quantify the radionuclides in the sample, as well as the bioassay results with a 95% confidence interval. All of the participating laboratories identified and measured all or some of the radionuclides in the sample. However, gaps were identified in both the procedures used to assay multiple radionuclides in one sample, as well as in the methods or techniques used to assay specific radionuclides in urine. Two-third of the participating laboratories had difficulties in determining all the radionuclides in the sample. Results from this exercise indicate that challenges remain with respect to ensuring that results are delivered in a timely, consistent and reliable manner to support medical interventions. Laboratories within the networks are encouraged to work together to develop and maintain collective capabilities and capacity for emergency bioassay, which is an important component of radiation emergency response.


The precision of formal specifications allows us to prove program correctness.
Even if formal methods are not used throughout the software project, formalisation
improves our understanding of the problem. Formal specifications
are amenable to automated analysis and consistency checking. However using
them is challenging. Customers do not understand formal notations.
Specifiers have difficulty tackling large problems. Once systems are built,
formal specifications quickly become outdated during software maintenance.
A method of developing formal specifications using concrete scenarios is proposed
to tackle the disadvantages just mentioned.
A concrete scenario describes system behaviour with successive steps.
The pre- and post-states of scenario steps are expressed with actual data
rather than variables. Concrete scenarios are expressed in a natural language
or formal notation. They increase customer involvement in the creation
of formal specifications. Scenarios may be ranked by priorities allowing
specifiers to focus on a small part of the system. Formal specifications are
constructed incrementally. New requirements are also captured in concrete
scenarios which guide the modification of formal specifications.
On one hand, concrete scenarios assist the creation and maintenance of
formal specifications. On the other hand, they facilitate program correctness
proofs without using conventional formal specifications. This is achieved by
adding implementation details to customer scenarios. The resulting developer
scenarios, encapsulating decisions of data structures and algorithms,
are generalised to operation schemas. With the implementation details, the
schemas written in formal notations are programs rather than specifications.


The article is dedicated to the interpretation of the dance theme in the work of famous French artist E. Degas (1834-1917) in connection with the development of the Paris Opera's ballet theatre. The main objective of the study is to determine the main trends in the development of the French artistic culture of the late 19th century; in addition, it aims to study the time of E. Degas's life and work, analyse his works on ballet themes, understand the artist's method under the direct influence of the artistic system of the era, and the French classical dance; to identify the features of the interpretation of the ballet theme by E. Degas within the impressionistic trend opposing academicism and formulate its historical significance. His work introduces new forms of dialogue and communication into the sphere of the interaction of related arts. The author demonstrates that the artist's works, despite the general theme, solve various creative tasks in the sphere of the impressionist image method. Also, they form the artistic consciousness that requires creativity necessary to develop search thinking in the image of the backstage life of dancers. Having studied works in museum collections, the author formulates the main dynamic characteristics of the created artistic images of the ballet and their unique identity. Determined that his drawings contain mathematics and pictorial ease at an equal rate. Muted, but expressive details develop the atmosphere of his paintings, where everything is rather simple, people are reserved, and their feelings are hidden from the eyes of others.


Non-operative diagnosis has become the norm in breast disease assessment and, until relatively recently, fine needle aspiration cytology has been the sampling method of choice. The introduction of automated core biopsy guns in the mid 1990s led to the additional introduction of core biopsy in assessment units. This paper presents a summary of the guidance on handling and routine reporting of breast needle core biopsy specimens in the context of breast disease multidisciplinary assessment. This guidance has been produced by the UK National Coordinating Committee for Breast Screening Pathology and is endorsed by the European Commission working group on breast screening pathology.


Nutritional guidelines and environmental issues are adversely affecting palm oil's image among consumers. However, hybrid palm oils are currently receiving increasing attention because of their interesting chemical characteristics and nutritional properties. Interspecific hybridization Elaeis oleifera × E. guineensis (O×G) has been originally exploited with the main aim of developing disease-resistant varieties. However, available literature data contribute to reinforcing the idea that interspecific hybrid O×G palm oil could be a potential substitute for other vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e., high oleic sunflower and safflower oils). The chapter aims to review current knowledge on various aspects of hybrid palm oil chemical composition (fatty acids, triacylglycerols, partial glycerides, unsaponifiable matter components) and their changes during fruit ripening. The nutritional attributes of hybrid palm oils are compared with the ones of conventional African palm oils.


Scenario-based serious-games have become an important tool for teaching new skills and capabilities. An important factor in the development of such systems is reducing the time and cost overheads in manually creating content for these scenarios. To address this challenge, we present ScenarioGen, an automatic method for generating content about everyday activities through combining computer science techniques with the crowd. ScenarioGen uses the crowd in three different ways: to capture a database of scenarios of everyday activities, to generate a database of likely replacements for specific events within that scenario, and to evaluate the resulting scenarios. We evaluated ScenarioGen in 6 different content domains and found that it was consistently rated as coherent and consistent as the originally captured content. We also compared ScenarioGen's content to that created by traditional planning techniques. We found that both methods were equally effective in generating coherent and consistent scenarios, yet ScenarioGen's content was found to be more varied and easier to create.


Background: Glutamate is the most widespread excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and plays major role in the pathogenesis of ischemia brain injury.Glutamate transporters have a major role in glutamate removal and maintain its concentration below excitotoxic levels. Although estrogen's and progesterone's neuroprotective effects were well-described, the exact molecular mechanism has yet to be determined. This study has investigated estrogen and progesterone effect on glutamate transporters expression in the ischemic penumbra/peri-infarct region in rat. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 1 h. Estrogen and progesterone combination was immediately injected after tMCAO subcutaneously. Sensorimotor functional tests for evaluating behavioral deficits and TTC staining for measurement of infarct volume were performed 24 h after MCAO. Real-time PCR technique was used for gene expression analysis of glutamate transporters EAAT2 and EAAT3. Results: The combination of estrogen and progesterone could significantly reduce lesion volume. Also, hormone therapy could improve ischemic neurological disorders. After hormone therapy, gene expression of glutamate transporters EAAT2 and EAAT3 did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Combined estrogen–progesterone treatment significantly reduces neurological deficits and infarct volume; these effects are independent of the glutamate transporters signaling pathways.


Intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent among the general population in developing countries and these infections can lead to a number of adverse effects. This study was done to determine the predominant intestinal parasitic infestations with haematological correlation among all age groups of patients attending tertiary care hospital. A total of 238 stool & blood samples were collected from the patients for examination and haematological analysis. Out of 238 stool samples, 52 (21.8%) showed presence of ova/cysts of Protozoa or helminths. Helminthic eggs were 14.3% and Protozoal cysts or trophozoites were found in 7.5% of them screened for the parasites. Among these Ancylostoma duodenale was found predominant with 10.5% followed by Entamoeba histolytica with 5.5% of total patients. In our study parasitic infestations was predominant in 41-60 yrs. The study showed a relationship between parasitic infestation and Hb, Platelet count, PCV and MCHC which was decreased in protozoal infestations. Their occurrence is quite low compared to other studies which suggests an improved awareness of hygiene. Prevalence of helminths was higher than protozoa in the present study. Hence, it is recommended that appropriate steps be taken at the district level to prevent such infections among pediatric and adult age groups in rural Devanahalli.


Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies demonstrated responses (≥50 000/μL) to fostamatinib in adults with long‐standing immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The long‐term safety and efficacy of fostamatinib were evaluated in a follow‐on, open‐label extension (OLE) study. Patients received double‐blind fostamatinib in the randomized trials, and responders continued the same dose, 100 to 150 mg BID, in the OLE study. Nonresponders received 100 mg BID for 4 weeks and could escalate to 150 mg BID at week 4. Endpoints included stable response, platelet count ≥50 000/μL at 4/6 biweekly (randomized trials) or 2/3 monthly visits (OLE), and overall response, ≥1 platelet count ≥50 000/μL during weeks 1 to 12. A total of 146 patients received fostamatinib including 123 in the OLE study. Median treatment duration was 6.7 months. Baseline median ITP duration was 8 years and median platelet count was 16 000/μL; prior treatments included thrombopoietic (TPO) agents (47%), splenectomy (35%), and rituximab (32%). Twenty‐seven (18%) patients achieved a stable response with median duration of >28 months and a median platelet count of 89 000/μL. Sixty‐four (44%) patients achieved an overall response (including stable responders) with a median platelet count of 63 000/μL and a median response duration of >28 months. Twenty‐four of 71 (34%) patients who had failed TPO agents achieved overall responses to fostamatinib. The most common adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, epistaxis, and abnormal liver function tests. Most AEs were mild/moderate and resolved or were managed with dose reduction, dose interruption, and/or secondary medication. Almost half of the patients achieved an overall response, and most of these maintained their responses for >2 years. No new or increased frequency of AEs was seen at up to 31 months of treatment.


In vivo, cortical pyramidal cells are bombarded by asynchronous synaptic input arising from ongoing network activity. However, little is known about how such 'background' synaptic input interacts with nonlinear dendritic mechanisms. We have modified an existing model of a layer 5 (L5) pyramidal cell to explore how dendritic integration in the apical dendritic tuft could be altered by the levels of network activity observed in vivo. Here we show that asynchronous background excitatory input increases neuronal gain and extends both temporal and spatial integration of stimulus-evoked synaptic input onto the dendritic tuft. Addition of fast and slow inhibitory synaptic conductances, with properties similar to those from dendritic targeting interneurons, that provided a 'balanced' background configuration, partially counteracted these effects, suggesting that inhibition can tune spatio-temporal integration in the tuft. Excitatory background input lowered the threshold for NMDA receptor-mediated dendritic spikes, extended their duration and increased the probability of additional regenerative events occurring in neighbouring branches. These effects were also observed in a passive model where all the non-synaptic voltage-gated conductances were removed. Our results show that glutamate-bound NMDA receptors arising from ongoing network activity can provide a powerful spatially distributed nonlinear dendritic conductance. This may enable L5 pyramidal cells to change their integrative properties as a function of local network activity, potentially allowing both clustered and spatially distributed synaptic inputs to be integrated over extended timescales.


Abstract : As a result of a number of analytic projects for different intelligence agencies, a major focus of my work during the past several years has involved examining the practice of analysis within the US Intelligence Community. This study was prompted by a growing conviction-shared by others, to be sure-that improving the analytic products delivered by Intelligence Community components had to begin with a critical and thorough appraisal of the way those products are created. A conversation with a physicist friend in 2002 had triggered thoughts on several basic differences between the practice of science and intelligence analysis. Shortly thereafter, an invitation to give a seminar on intelligence analysis at Stanford University led me to prepare a briefing entitled "Intelligence and Warning: Analytic Pathologies," which focused on a diagnosis of the problems highlighted by recent intelligence failures. As Donald Stokes noted in his seminal book on science and technological innovation, Pasteur's Quadrant, "Pathologies have proved to be both a continuing source of insight into the system's normal functioning and a motive for extending basic knowledge." The Analytic Pathologies framework yields four insights that are crucial both to accurate diagnosis and to developing effective remedies. First, the framework enables analysts to identify individual analytic impediments and determine their sources. Second, it prompts analysts to detect the systemic pathologies that result from closely-coupled networks and to find the linkages among the individual impediments. Third, it demonstrates that each of these networks, and thus each systemic pathology, usually spans multiple levels within the hierarchy of the Intelligence Community. Fourth, the framework highlights the need to treat both the systemic pathologies and the individual impediments by focusing effective remedial measures on the right target and at the appropriate level.


Little is known about the mechanisms by which mRNAs are transported over long distances in the phloem between the rootstock and the scion in grafted woody plants. We identified an mRNA in the pear variety 'Du Li' (Pyrus betulaefolia) that was shown to be transportable in the phloem. It contains a WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) domain and was therefore named Wox Transport 1 (PbWoxT1). A 548-bp fragment of PbWoxT1 is critical in long-distance transport. PbWoxT1 is rich in CUCU polypyrimidine domains and its mRNAs interact with a polypyrimidine tract binding protein, PbPTB3. Furthermore, the expression of PbWoxT1 significantly increased in the stems of wild-type (WT) tobacco grafted onto the rootstocks of PbWoxT1 or PbPTB3 co-overexpressing lines, but this was not the case in WT plants grafted onto PbWoxT1 overexpressing rootstocks, suggesting that PbPTB3 mediates PbWoxT1 mRNA long-distance transport. We provide novel information that adds a new mechanism with which to explain the noncell-autonomous manner of WOX gene function, which enriches our understanding of how WOX genes work in fruit trees and other species.


This single journal article level indicator study investigated the relationship between download usage statistics, Mendeley readership scores and Google Scholar citation counts. The 378 articles published in the Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC) in the 14‐year period 2000 to 2013 were examined. Results showed that all 378 articles were downloaded and had Mendeley readers. Of the 378 articles, 359 (94.97%) articles received Google Scholar citations and 19 (5.03%) articles received no citations. For the 359 cited articles, the average Google Scholar citations per article were 28.82. The average EJISDC downloads were 7440.69, the average Mendeley readership was 19.30 and Google Scholar citations were 27.36. The most influential articles in the EJISDC were identified by ranking and by comparing the top 20 articles by downloads, Mendeley readership and Google Scholar citations. The leading authors were identified using the top 20 ranking and comparing it to the most productive authors. For this journal, the results seem to indicate that the highest correlations (Spearman correlation coefficient) were between Google Scholar citations and downloads, a slightly lower correlation between Google Scholar citations and Mendeley readership, and the lowest correlation was between downloads and Mendeley readership.


The authors analyze the results of bacteriologic studies carried out in patients with intestinal infections at the laboratory of the Sanitary Epidemiologic Center of the town of Irkutsk over 1984-1988. The records of 24,490 case histories show infections induced by opportunistic microflora in 37 percent of cases. The most frequent etiologic agents were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae, genera: Proteus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Hafnia. Analysis of the incidence of acute intestinal infections induced by opportunistic bacteria in various age groups evidence that mostly infants aged under 1 suffer from them. In older children S. aureus is no longer etiologically significant and it is replaced by Enterobacter and Klebsiella. The authors find it interesting to compare the etiological patterns of enteritis induced by opportunistic microorganisms in various regions of our country.


Ulysses‧ initial transit to high heliographic latitudes at a heliocentric distance of ∼5 AU has revealed systematic effects in the latitudinal evolution of corotating interaction regions (CIRs). At a latitude corresponding roughly to, but slightly less than, the inferred tilt of the coronal streamer belt and embedded heliospheric current sheet, the strong forward shocks commonly associated with CIRs at lower latitudes disappeared almost entirely; however, the reverse shocks associated with these CIRs persisted to latitudes ∼ 10° above the streamer belt. Systematic meridional flow deflections observed in association with the forward and reverse waves bounding the CIRs demonstrate that the above effect is the result of the fact that the forward waves propagate to lower latitudes and the reverse waves to higher latitudes with increasing heliocentric distance. These observational results are in excellent agreement with the predictions of a three-dimensional model of corotating solar wind flows that originate in a tilted dipole geometry back at the Sun.