AIM
To investigate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in pouch mucosa of pediatric onset ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients with pediatric onset UC underwent ileal pouch biopsy 13 years (median) after proctocolectomy. Expression of MMPs-3, -7, -8, -9, -12 and -26 and TIMPs-1, -2 and -3 in samples was examined using immunohistochemichal methods, and another biopsy was used to evaluate the grade of histological inflammation. Two investigators independently graded the immunohistochemical specimens in a semiquantitative fashion, using a scale marking staining intensity as follows: 0 = less than 20 positive cells; 1 = 20-50 positive cells; 2 = 50-200 positive cells; 3 = over 20 positive cells. Fecal calprotectin and blood inflammatory markers [serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate] were determined during a follow-up visit to examine correlations between these markers and the expression of MMPs and TIMPs.

RESULTS
Of the 28 patients with pediatric onset UC, nine had not experienced pouchitis, whereas thirteen reported a single episode, and six had recurrent pouchitis (≥ 4 episodes). At the time of the study, six patients required metronidazole. In all of the others, the most recent episode of pouchitis had occurred over one month earlier, and none were on antibiotics. Only four samples depicted no sign of inflammation, and these were all from patients who had not had pouchitis. Two samples were too small to determine the grade of inflammation, but both had suffered pouchitis, the other recurrent. No sample depicted signs of colonic metaplasia. Most pouch samples showed expression of epithelial (e) and stromal (s) MMP-3 (e, n = 22; s, n = 20), MMP-7 (e, n = 28; s, n = 27), MMP-12 (e, n = 20; s, n =24), TIMP-2 (e, n = 23; s, n = 23) and MMP-3 (e, n = 23; s, n = 28) but MMP-8 (e, n = 0; s, n = 1), MMP-9 (e, n = 0; s, n = 9) and MMP-26 (e, n = 0; s, n = 3) and TIMP-1 (n = 0, both) were lacking. In samples with low grade of inflammatory activity, the epithelial MMP-3 and MMP-7 expression was increased (r = -0.614 and r = -0.472, respectively, P < 0.05 in both). MMPs and TIMPs did not correlate with the markers of inflammation, fecal calprotectin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or CRP, with the exception of patients with low fecal calprotectin (< 100 μg/g) in whom a higher expression of epithelial MMP-7 was found no differences in MMP- or TIMP-profiles were seen in patients with a history of pouchitis compared to ones with no such episodes. Anastomosis with either straight ileoanal anastomosis or ileoanal anastomosis with J-pouch did depict differences in MMP- or TIMP-expression.

CONCLUSION
The expression of MMPs pediatric UC pouch in the long-term shares characteristics with inflammatory bowel disease, but inflammation cannot be classified as a reactivation of the disease.


BACKGROUND
We report our initial experience combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus intraperitoneal chemotherapy with hyperthermia (HIPEC) in a selected group of patients presenting with disseminated peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectaL or appendiceaL origin at a single tertiary referral institution.

METHODS
The study included patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC at the Sheba Medical Center between April 2009 and December 2011. The HIPEC technique was administered with the open Coliseum technique reaching a steady state of mitomycin-C delivery at 410 C for perfusion duration of 90 minutes.

RESULTS
AnaLysis included 45 patients (18 males) incorporating 42 cases of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) or appendiceal cancer and 3 cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Thirty-seven patients (82%) underwent CC-0 resections with a median overall hospital stay of 8 days (range 5-43). There was one perioperative death at 90 days. The perioperative complication rate was 31.1%. The median follow-up was 12 months (range 2-36) during which 13 patients died. Among the CRC and appendiceal cancer group the median overall survival was 20.2 months and the median progression free survival was 16.4 months (Kaplan-Meier analysis). During follow-up, 23 patients experienced disease progression.

CONCLUSION
The selective use of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal or appendiceal origin is safe with acceptable morbidity and low mortality.


OBJECTIVES Our goal was to evaluate the operative outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk technique using the E‐Vita Open Plus® hybrid prosthesis in chronic aortic arch diseases and report clinical and radiological outcomes at the 1‐year follow‐up. METHODS As determined from a prospective multicentre registry, 94 patients underwent frozen elephant trunk procedures using the E‐Vita Open Plus hybrid device for the treatment of chronic aortic conditions, including 50% chronic aortic dissections, 40% degenerative aneurysms and 10% miscellaneous indications. Fifty percent of the cases were reoperations. RESULTS The perioperative mortality rate was 11.7%. Spinal cord ischaemia and stroke rates were 4% and 9.6%, respectively. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 252 ± 97 min, cardiac ischaemia time was 152 ± 53 min and cerebral perfusion time was 82 ± 22 min. Concomitant procedures were observed in 15% of patients. Among the 83 surviving patients, the survival rate after the 1‐year follow‐up was 98%. Eleven percent of patients underwent endovascular completion, whereas 4% of patients required aortic reintervention at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS The E‐Vita Open Plus hybrid device confirms the favourable short‐ and mid‐term outcomes offered by its predecessor in frozen elephant trunk procedures in patients with chronic aortic arch disease. Implantation of the E‐Vita Open Plus is associated with good 1‐year survival rates, good rates of favourable aortic remodelling in both chronic dissection and degenerative aneurysms and a reproducible technique in a multicentre registry. Continued follow‐up is required due to the risk of evolution at the downstream aorta.


ABSTRACT: Herbivores can be accidental hosts for the zoonotic nematode parasites Trichinella spp., which are endemic at high prevalence in wildlife in northeastern Europe. Using direct and indirect detection methods for Trichinella spp., we investigated samples from 463 wild moose (Alces alces) harvested by hunters in Estonia in 2015. A total of 460 moose were tested directly by artificial digestion of diaphragm muscle, 463 moose were tested indirectly by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and 34 moose also by western blot. Positive-control reference sera were from other host species. Nematode larvae were found in six muscle samples; five of which were pooled samples. None of the larvae were identified as Trichinella spp., based on their morphology and molecular analyses. Twelve moose (2.6%) were positive by ELISA, but none were positive by the western blot test. Trichinella spp. infection was not detected, but ELISA results may suggest Trichinella spp. exposure in a small proportion of moose in Estonia.


This study develops a deformation limit based on the failure assessment diagram (FAD) for fatigue-cracked circular hollow section (CHS) X-joints subjected to brace in-plane bending. The proposed approach calibrates against two reported experimental tests on CHS X-joints. The subsequent numerical study considers CHS X-joints with two different brace-to-chord intersection angles. The parametric study focuses on both the material toughness level and the geometric parameters. The proposed, dimensionless deformation limit covers a wide range of material fracture-toughness and geometric parameters. The option 1 and option 3 failure assessment curves provide consistent deformation limits compared to the toughness-based deformation limits proposed in a previous study. The lower bound deformation limit exhibits an approximately linear relationship with respect to the crack-depth ratio for X-joints with different brace-to-chord intersection angles. The extrapolated deformation level at a zero crack-depth ratio represents a conservative estimation on the deformation level for intact joints.


The lawmaker has taken a positive step in securing the rights of the accused and enforcing our country's criminal law with international standards, but the shortcomings in the law are still significant. One of these shortcomings is the determination of the source of dispute resolution between the prosecutor and the prosecutor. Although the legislator in Article 272 of the Code of Criminal Procedure considers the dispute to be settled by the Criminal Court of Justice, the Prosecutor performs its task in this regard, but we know that there may sometimes be a criminal court in dispute settlement. The Prosecutor and the Prosecutor are expected to confirm the theory that Cr Takabi is considered to be in the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court, and it is obvious that the interrogator is obliged to prosecute a charge that has not been upheld by the Criminal Court, and, in the other case, to pursue a finding that is preferable, to seek a final hearing or judgment. If the objection authority not to prosecute the prosecutor (Criminal Court 1) does not agree with the opinion of the Criminal Court in resolving the dispute between the investigator and the prosecutor in determining the jurisdiction of the criminal court and violates the prohibition to prosecute the prosecutor; Order a hearing on a charge that he is competent to deal with. In fact, the Criminal Court One did this by resolving the former dispute between the prosecutor and the investigator, which has rendered the criminal court ineffective and ineffective, causing problems such as the prosecution. So what is the better for the legislator to amend the above article in view of this legal defect and to appeal to the court of appeals where the prosecutor and the investigator disagree on the type of charge assigned to the accused, or in cases where at least one of the charges is within the jurisdiction of the criminal court? Designate the competent authority for dispute resolution


Extremely low level dark current values are required for SWIR detection during the night when there is no active illumination due to weak sources and the lack of self emission. InGaAs detectors with planar pixel structures are the popular choice in SWIR range, even though there are some shortcomings such as the incompatability with dual color applications and the not tunable cut-off wavelength. To address these points, two nBn structured photodetector designs covering SWIR and extended SWIR in InGaAs material system will be discussed here.


The spectrum of atomic vanadium was recorded using high-resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy with optical bandpass filters in the wavelength range from 360 to 500 nm. Vanadium atoms are produced and excited in a hollow-cathode discharge. The main focus lies on the determination of the magnetic dipole hyperfine constants A of the lowest multiplet of odd parity, the 6G of the configuration 3d34s4p, the hyperfine structure (HFS) of which was unknown to date. The HFS of the lines, connecting this multiplet with the multiplets 3d34s5s 6F, 3d34s4d 6H and 3d34s4d 6G, was observed and analysed. New results are presented for all six levels belonging to 3d34s4p 6G as well as for seven high-lying levels belonging to 3d34s4d 6H and 3d34s4d 6G. The experimental results for the lowest multiplet of odd parity are compared with calculated magnetic dipole hyperfine constants which were estimated using the effective-operator formalism in the pure LS coupling case.


The impact of summer canopy management was investigated in Vitis vinifera L., cv. Riesling. Sugar and organic acid concentrations were measured for the six defoliation treatments. Titratable acidity (TA) was measured twice before harvest and once at the date of harvest. The same measurements were done twice during wine ageing. The young wine was measured for concentrations of malic, tartaric and volatile acids. Treatments with appropriate defoliation, where shortened lateral shoots (up to two leaves) were retained, supported the process of wine grape ripening to the greatest extend in the cool climate of the Czech Republic, while treatments with almost no defoliation yielded the worst results. The TA decreased during fruit ripening after veraison and continued to decrease during wine maturation. The tendency of decreasing with time was shown for the malic to tartaric acid ratio as well. Concentrations of volatile acids were sufficiently low in each of the treatments.


Background Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to metastases in various types of tumors, and is also the key step in the breast cancer metastatic cascade. In our previous study, a mouse model containing human-derived normal breast tissue was established and allowed EMT/MET process of human breast cancer cells to be mimicked in a humanized mammary microenvironment. Material/Methods Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry were used to detect different proteins between parental MDA-MB-231 and its variant sub-line obtained from tumors grown in transplanted normal human breast tissue (MDA-MB-231br). We knocked down the ezrin in 2 cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and SUM1315). The migration and invasion ability was assessed. EMT markers were examined by real-time reverse transcription PCR analysis and Western blot analysis. The relationship of ezrin with cortactin was tested by tissue microarray and co-immunoprecipitation. Results Proteomic analysis revealed 81 differentially expressed proteins between parental MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231br. Among these proteins, the expression of ezrin and cortactin and the phosphorylation of ezrin were significantly correlated, accompanied with a group of classic EMT makers. Knockdown of ezrin reversed the expression of EMT markers and downregulated cortactin and EMT transcription factors. Ezrin silencing inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion. Breast cancer tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry showed a significant positive association between ezrin and cortactin. Conclusions These findings indicate that ezrin is correlated with cortactin in facilitating EMT in breast cancer. The interaction between ezrin and cortactin is a novel mechanism contributing to the EMT process in cancer metastases.


Simulation-based design requires models at many levels of detail. In the early stages, models must approximate the coarse behavior of the system across many domains -- power, efficiency, cost, size, and weight. In later stages, the models must represent the system with increasing accuracy -- including dynamic performance, controllability, and other more-subtle manifestations. In this work, we focus on specification of the models for a simulation-based design of ship power systems. We address the issues of levels of detail in models, definition of model ports to support substitution of models at increasing levels of detail, and the application of multiple analyses to one set of simulation models. Eventually, we tackle very detailed issues such as insulation coordination and grounding scheme that are not at all important in the conceptual stages of design.


We have investigated the saturation magnetization and structure of MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni and Mn) films prepared by annealing process of MO (1 nm) / Fe2O3 (1 nm) multilayers. The highest saturation magnetization Ms of 330 G and spinel structure are obtained in insulating CoFe2O4 films after annealing at 773 K. In the case of our semiconducting NiFe2O4 films, the highest saturation magnetization Ms of 167 G and iron segregated spinel structure are observed after annealing at 823 K. The highest saturation magnetization Ms of 198 G and spinel structure are found in MnFe2O4 films after annealing at 873 K. The spinel MFe2O4 films obtained by annealing are become the promising candidate materials for the research area of spintronics.


This paper presents a new equalizer for rapidly time varying selective fading without an apriori information about the shape of that fading in frequency domain. The basic idea is to analyze the output of the channel by a set of adjacent filters covering the band of channel. Then, a gradient algorithm is used to identify frequency bands at which fading takes place and an other gradient algorithm is used to adapt only the gains of filters lying in vicinity of fading. This idea enables a high tracking speed for the equalizer and enables equalization of rapid fadings that are beyond the capabilities of presently existing equalizers.


This paper argues that the greatly increased emphasis in our civilization today on expanding one of the oldest and most basic values, the idea of democracy, has given the public an interest in wanting more participation in the decision-making processes that vitally affect their welfare. It is the thesis of this paper that an extension of participative decision making into capitalism could develop what is called a postmodern theory of industrial democracy. At the same time, such a theory redefines the discourse on empowerment.


Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials play a major role in the field of photonics including optical information processing, sensor protector applications, data storage etc. Some organic compounds exhibit large NLO response, in many cases, orders of magnitude larger than widely known inorganic materials. The importance of amino acid in NLO application is due to the fact that all the amino acids, except glycine contain chiral carbon atom and crystallizes in noncentrosymmetric space group. Another added advantage of NLO active material is the presence of namely amino group and carboxyl group, which make it transparent in the UV-Visible region. Hence, this review paper presents theoretical aspect of nonlinear optics, solution growth of nonlinear crystals and the analysis of second order and third order NLO properties using Kurtz powder and Z-Scan technique.


The incidence of penetrating intra-oral trauma in children is unknown and most cases probably heal spontaneously without being seen by doctors.1 Occasionally these children develop acute life threatening complications. Retropharyngeal and mediastinal abscesses, mediastinitis, widespread emphysema, internal carotid artery thrombosis, and airway obstruction have all been reported. We recently treated two children with mediastinal sepsis after intra-oral injuries caused by toothbrushes.

### Case 1

A 13 month old girl presented to the accident and emergency department within two hours of an unwitnessed fall from a standing position with her toothbrush in her mouth. She looked well, with no respiratory distress or stridor but was noted to have a 1 cm abrasion to her right anterior faucial pillar. The tonsil was not pushed towards the midline, as occurs in peritonsillar abscess or bleeding lateral to the tonsillar bed. She was discharged home without treatment but returned to hospital 24 hours later with severe inspiratory and expiratory stridor and severely swollen cervical soft tissues. Radiography showed cervical surgical emphysema, a pneumomediastinum, widening of the prevertebral tissues displacing the trachea anteriorly, and a left pneumothorax.

Her trachea was intubated after gaseous induction, and an examination under anaesthesia showed a retropharyngeal abscess draining into the base of the right pyriform fossa. A right sided neck exploration was performed, the abscess was drained percutaneously, and a left sided intercostal drain inserted.

She was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she was mechanically ventilated for a week and treated with intravenous cefotaxime, penicillin, metronidazole, and fluconazole. The culture swab sent from the operating theatre grew pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae , and yeasts.

She remained feverish, and a right thoracotomy was performed to drain an abscess extending from the …


Abstract Context Medical students are faced with the challenge of synthesizing large volumes of information quickly. With the increasing accessibility of technology, a "flipped classroom" allows students to learn foundational material independently. Class time is instead devoted to in-depth skill building with instructors, promoting an active learning environment. This method of content delivery is also relevant given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives To comprehensively evaluate the benefit of adopting a flipped classroom approach in teaching physical exam skills (PES) to first-year osteopathic medical students. Methods A cohort study was conducted comparing first-year osteopathic students in the class of 2022 (n=201), who had taken the PES course traditionally, with the class of 2023 (n=203), who experienced the flipped classroom approach. Objective metrics such as cumulative grades, objective structural clinical examination performance (OSCE), and practical exam performance were compared using nonparametric Mann–Whitney U rank sum tests. Subjective measures such as student course evaluations were used to analyze course perceptions using independent sample t-tests assuming unequal variances. A faculty survey was administered to faculty who taught both cohorts to assess instructor attitudes toward the flipped classroom approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring 2020 quarter data was not included, given the transition of all classes to an online learning environment. Results The flipped classroom approach significantly improved objective student performance for the Fall (p=0.009) and Winter (p<0.001) student cumulative grades and the History-Taking OSCE (p=0.010). Performance on Fall and Winter practical exam scores had no significant association with the flipped classroom. General student perceptions of the course remained unchanged between both cohorts. Faculty survey results from 10 faculty members showed that six (60%) faculty members preferred the traditional classroom, while four (40%) preferred the flipped classroom. Conclusions The flipped classroom approach showed some statistically significant improvement in student PES. Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of a flipped classroom approach using skills-based assessments styles to measure student performance, with a focus on standardization of in-classroom groupwork.


Nonmarine sequence stratigraphic models are based largely on studies of fluvial units in the Cretaceous Western Interior of North America, including the Blackhawk and Castlegate formations of central Utah. These models suggest that fluvial units should show a transition from mudstone-prone, isolated meander-belt deposits of the transgressive and highstand systems tract into amalgamated braided-stream sandstones of the lowstand systems tract. These mudstone-rich fluvial strata are largely assumed, rather than documented, to represent the deposits of isolated meander-belt deposits, despite recent work that suggests that there is no simple relationship between the proportion of preserved floodplain mud and fluvial style.

There are numerous studies documenting the braided character of the sandstone-rich Castlegate Formation, but there are no corresponding studies that document the internal fluvial facies architecture within the Blackhawk Formation to support the interpretation that the Blackhawk comprises the deposits of a meandering-stream system. We test the validity of the sequence stratigraphic model by comparing dimensions and styles of associated bar and channel deposits, as well as cross-stratal thicknesses, between the Blackhawk and Castlegate formations along Salina Canyon in Utah.

Data compiled from 24 measured sections and 6 photomosaics show that the Blackhawk Formation comprises isolated sandy channel-belt sheet sandstones, 5–8 m thick, contained within thick floodplain mudstones, whereas the Castlegate Formation consists of about 80 m of amalgamated sandy channel-belt sheets, 4–7 m thick, with only minor mudstone. The average height of cross-sets is 13 cm in the Castlegate Formation and 14 cm in the Blackhawk Formation and formative dune height is estimated to be 38 cm for the Castlegate Formation and 45 cm for the Blackhawk Formation. Average bar-accretion thicknesses are 2 m in both the Blackhawk and Castlegate formations. Corresponding water depths are estimated to be 2.5–4.1 m for the Blackhawk and 2.3–3.8 m for the Castlegate. The correlation of master bedding planes in the Blackhawk Formation shows overlapping lens-shaped bar deposits and channel fills. Bar tops appear to dip in several directions, indicating both lateral and downstream accretion of mid-channel braid bars.

While there is some indication that Castlegate rivers were slightly shallower, the differences do not suggest a major change in fluvial style across the sequence boundary; both are braided. The lack of change in scale of channels also is not compatible with a hypothesized increase in aridity between the Blackhawk and the Castlegate. The difference in fluvial architecture between the two formations is interpreted to reflect changes in accommodation that were likely tectonic in origin. This supports that idea that preservation of thick successions of fine-grained overbank material is not a function of the plan-view channel geometry.


Transposon mutagenesis was used to introduce specific mutations in the chromosome of Bordetella avium. The transposon Tn5 was transferred by conjugation to B avium from Escherichia coli strain SM10 by the suicide plasmid vector pSUP1011. A defined minimal medium for growth of B avium was developed for scoring transposon-containing mutants for specific nutritional requirements. Approximately 1% of all mutants tested were auxotrophic in some form, and these organisms were grouped into 13 classes. Also, 2 classes of hemagglutination-negative mutants were isolated. Stability of Tn5 insertion was examined, and frequencies of reversion less than 10(-7) were observed, indicating stable mutations.


While prior research on performance evaluation bias has mainly focused on the determinants and consequences of rating errors, we investigate how a firm can provide implicit incentives to supervisors to mitigate these errors via its calibration committee. We empirically examine the extent to which a calibration committee incorporates supervisors' evaluation behavior with respect to their subordinates in the performance evaluation outcomes, i.e., performance ratings and promotion decisions, for these supervisors. In our study, we distinguish between lack of skills and opportunism as two important facets of evaluation behavior, which we expect the calibration committee to address differently. Using panel data of a professional service firm, we show that supervisors' opportunistic behavior to strategically inflate subordinates' performance ratings is disciplined through a decrease in the supervisors' own performance rating, while the supervisors' skills to provide less compressed and, thus, more informative performance ratings is rewarded through a higher likelihood of promotion.


Background: Self-medication is very common in pediatrics. Little is known about self-medication on children in Antananarivo. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of self-medication on children by their mothers. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was done by visiting homes. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on self-medication. Mothers were selected by simple random sampling. Results: Out of the 383 mothers interviewed, 157 have practiced self-medication. The prevalence was 40.99%. The fever was the main symptom treated with paracetamol. On the other hand, the oral rehydration salt has been little used, 6.25% before the consultation. The inappropriate use of antibiotics was found in this study. Drugs were of illegal origin in 40.27% of the cases. The urgency was the main reason for self-medication. Over 80% of mothers knew the risks of self-medication. Thus, the high level of maternal education was among the factors influencing this practice, particularly for children older than 60 months. Conclusions: Information to mothers about the responsible self-medication is necessary.


Bj\"orklund and Husfeldt developed a randomized polynomial time algorithm to solve the shortest two disjoint paths problem. Their algorithm is based on computation of permanents modulo 4 and the isolation lemma. In this paper, we consider the following generalization of the shortest two disjoint paths problem, and develop a similar algebraic algorithm. The shortest perfect $(A+B)$-path packing problem is: given an undirected graph $G$ and two disjoint node subsets $A,B$ with even cardinalities, find a shortest $|A|/2+|B|/2$ disjoint paths whose ends are both in $A$ or both in $B$. Besides its NP-hardness, we prove that this problem can be solved in randomized polynomial time if $|A|+|B|$ is fixed. Our algorithm basically follows the framework of Bj\"orklund and Husfeldt but uses a new technique: computation of hafnian modulo $2^k$ combined with Gallai's reduction from $T$-paths to matchings. We also generalize our technique for solving other path packing problems, and discuss its limitation.


Complexes of the respiratory chain are formed in a complex process where nuclearly-and mitochondrially-encoded components are assembled and inserted into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The coordination of this process is named mitonuclear balance and experimental manipulations of mitonuclear balance can increase longevity of laboratory species. Here, we investigated the pattern of positive selection in annual (i.e. short-lived)and non-annual (i.e. long-lived) African killifishes to identify a genomic substrate for evolution of annual life history (and reduced lifespan). We identified genes under positive selection in all mitonuclear balance: mitochondrial (mt) DNA replication, transcription from mt promoters, processing and stabilization of mt RNAs, mt translation, assembly of respiratory chain complexes and electron transport chain. Signs of convergent evolution are observed in four out of five steps. This strongly indicates that these genes are preferential genetic targets for the evolution of short lifespan and annual life cycle


In GAMMA 10 two types of low frequency plasma fluctuations have been observed in the central cell by several diagnostics. One of which is the electron drift mode rotating azimuthally in the direction of electron diamagnetic drift rotation observed during ion cyclotron range of frequency heating (ICH). Recently a new interferometer has been installed in the mid-plane of the west anchor cell in order to investigate plasma density and density fluctuations in the anchor cell. By using the new interferometer, line-integrated density fluctuations are measured in the anchor cell and are compared to fluctuations in the central cell obtained by conventional interferometer systems. Density fluctuations around 10 kHz are observed in both cells during the ICH period and they are suppressed during the formation of axial confining potentials by electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in the plug regions.


A 37-year-old female patient reported marked weight loss, prolonged alopecia, recurrent infections and watery diarrhoea. Examination revealed Salmonella infection, candidiasis and immunological signs of previous toxoplasmosis. Between 1978 and 1981, the patient had had close sexual relations to a patient with haemophilia A. Due to this fact, AIDS was suspected. Serological tests for HIV were not available at the time. The findings in DNA image cytometry (nuclear DNA inclusion bodies, polyploid lymphocyte nuclei and binuclear lymphocytes) suggested a viral infection of the lymphoid cells. Electron microscopy revealed in hepatocytes and cerebral cells intranuclear inclusion bodies whose size and contents were not compatible with an infection caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes virus or Epstein-Barr virus. In autopsy, infections of various organ systems such as pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, urocystitis, pyelonephritis, Candida oesophagitis and enteritis were found.


The purpose of this study is to build a monaural auditory display to convey four pieces of directional information (upward, downward, rightward, and leftward) to users effectively and intuitively without the need for wearing headphones or preparing more than one speaker. We prepared five types of monaural auditory displays consisting of triangle wave sounds and conducted an experiment to investigate which kinds of displays succeeded in conveying the four pieces of information to participants. As a result, we could confirm that one of the prepared monaural auditory displays, designed as a "progress bar" on the basis of the mentalnumber line and spatial-number association of the response code effect, succeeded in conveying the four pieces of information more effectively compared with the other candidate sets (its average correct rates were about 0.88). This result thus strongly shows that this monaural auditory display was quite useful for conveying primitive spatial information to users


Introduction: Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes presents deleterious effects on quality of life (QoL). We aimed to utilize electronically patient-reported data to identify the correlation of patients' behaviors, intended to prevent and manage hypoglycemia, with QoL scores. Methods: In a retrospective single center cohort study, we identified adults with type 1 or 2 DM seen between January 2017 and March 2018 who completed two questionnaires. First, the ADA Low Blood Sugar Questionnaire which assessed the incidence of self-reported hypoglycemia and behaviors intended to prevent and manage hypoglycemia. Second, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Survey which evaluated self-reported physical and mental QoL scores. Associations between hypoglycemic behaviors and QoL scores were determined using Spearman correlations. Results: We identified 538 subjects, with a mean (±SD) age of 53.1±15.3 years, a mean household income of $51,400 ±17,9384, 55% were female, and 66% were on insulin therapy. Patients with fewer severe hypoglycemic episodes had significantly better physical and mental QoL scores (p Conclusion: Significant positive correlations were found between patients' practices intended to reduce and treat hypoglycemia and QoL scores. People with diabetes and low QoL scores require special treatment considerations. Disclosure K.F. Ali: None. L. Lawrence: None. L.A. Buehler: None. R.R. Gambino: None. M. Hamaty: Consultant; Self; Applied Clinical Intelligence, LLC. Funding Merck & Co., Inc.


Progression through the eukaryotic cell cycle is characterized by specific transitions, where cells move irreversibly from stage i−1 of the cycle into stage i. These irreversible cell cycle transitions are regulated by underlying bistable switches, which share some common features. An inhibitory protein stalls progression, and an activatory protein promotes progression. The inhibitor and activator are locked in a double-negative feedback loop, creating a one-way toggle switch that guarantees an irreversible commitment to move forward through the cell cycle, and it opposes regression from stage i to stage i−1. In many cases, the activator is an enzyme that modifies the inhibitor in multiple steps, whereas the hypo-modified inhibitor binds strongly to the activator and resists its enzymatic activity. These interactions are the basis of a reaction motif that provides a simple and generic account of many characteristic properties of cell cycle transitions. To demonstrate this assertion, we apply the motif in detail to the G1/S transition in budding yeast and to the mitotic checkpoint in mammalian cells. Variations of the motif might support irreversible cellular decision-making in other contexts.


Tumor lysis syndrome is caused by the massive lysis of tumor cells. It frequently occurs in rapidly proliferating malignancies and less often after solid tumor treatment. Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome is extremely rare and only occurs in bulky, advanced, and metastatic tumors. Electrolyte abnormalities in tumor lysis syndrome could be life-threatening without prompt recognition and treatment. In this case, we present a spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in a 22-year-old man with primitive neuroectodermal tumor. When managing bulky, advanced solid tumors, especially with liver metastasis, cautious observation should be sought because of the possibility of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome.


The Acute Medicine Programme or AMP is a clinician-led initiative between the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), the Irish Association of Directors of Nursing and Midwifery (IADNAM), the Therapy Professions Committee (TPC), the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and the Quality and Clinical Care Directorate (QCCD), HSE.

The programme recognises the essential role of large and small hospitals, general practitioners (GPs) and community services.

It provides a framework for the delivery of acute medical services which seeks to substantially improve patient care.

Extensive feedback and support has been received from the Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, GPs and Management staff, as well as input from other key parties such as Patient Representatives, Professional Training Bodies, the Department of Health and many others.

At the heart of the AMP is the collective desire to provide acute medical patients' timely, safe and quality care in the appropriate setting and to encourage integrated clinical team working between colleagues of all specialities and disciplines across the whole patient journey.

The AMP is one of a number of National Clinical Programmes seeking to commence implementation in 2011. Therefore the attached document will be supported in 2011 with complimentary models of care for areas such as Heart Failure, Stroke, COPD, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Epilepsy and other clinical areas.


Properly implemented, e-government enables improved government efficiency and greater engagement with citizens. The State of Qatar has implemented many e-government initiatives but little has been done to investigate their progress. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by shedding the light on a specific e-government initiative: the Baladiya application system, the electronic service for municipalities. It uses qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with the director of customer service in each of the municipalities in Qatar. An inductive approach allowed findings to emerge. E-government provides a broad array of services to local users however three main aspects remain problematic. First, the high quantity but low quality of information received from users via e-government hinders the customer relations. Second, while services are readily available, e-government channels are not widely adopted. Finally, the complex process for service delivery contributes to create a relatively opaque user experience.


In chosen periodicals of the food industry and so-called "women's press," food advertisements containing nutritional marketing messages were analysed. The frequency and type of these tools was observed and scientific value and correctness was evaluated. The study results show that most of the advertisements do not comply with current legal regulations. Producers often emphasize the presence of ingredients which are recommended from the nutritional point of view although the product's overall nutritional value is low or controversial.


SUMMARY: Pyronin Y (0.06 and 0.16 mM), coumarin (2 and 4 mM), 6,9-dimethyl 2-methyl-thiopurine (2 mM) and caffeine (8 mM), strongly inhibit Uvr repair (presumed excision repair) of u.v. lesions in Escherichia coli. With 0.16 mM-pyronin Y or 4 mM-coumarin, one thymine dimer was a lethal event in the K12 strain JC 2926 rec A-13 and one to three dimers in the B/r derivative WP-2 rec A-13 and the B exr A derivative BS-2. Neither these compounds nor 8 mM-caffeine had a significant effect on the survival of irradiated bacteria of the corresponding uvr strains WP-2 Hcr-, BS-12, and BS-8. I suggest that 8 mM-caffeine, 0.16 mM-pyronin Y, 4 mM-coumarin and 2 mM-6,9-dimethyl 2-methylthiopurine selectively block excision repair without substantially affecting recombination repair. Caffeine at 12 mM only slightly depressed the viability of a u.v.-irradiated culture of WP-2 Hcr- or BS-12, but at 16 mM there was a much greater effect, particularly at low u.v. doses (< 40 ergs/mm2). Since excision repair appeared to be effectively blocked by 8 mM-caffeine, the depression of u.v. survival of the uvr mutants by 16 mM-caffeine was presumed to be due to interference with recombination repair (Witkin & Farquharson, 1969).


A mouse pulmonary hypersensitivity experimental model that mimics human asthma was developed, and electroacupuncture (EA) treatment was shown to reduce allergic inflammatory processes. In addition, we also assessed whether the beneficial effects of EA on allergic asthma could be correlated with CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Cellular profiles and histopathologic analysis demonstrated that peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates were significantly decreased in the EA-treated groups when compared to the OVA and anti-CD25 Ab-injected (Treg depletion) groups. Furthermore, total BAL cells were reduced in the EA groups when compared to other groups. Interestingly, the population of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs in pneumonocytes increased in EA-treated group when compared to OVA and Treg depletion groups. These results imply that EA stimulation at ST 36 may affect CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in an OVA-induced experimental model and may enhance Treg function by suppressing other T cells and limiting the immune response.


This paper examines how price shocks of energy resources including gasoline, natural gas, electricity and heating degree days affect three indicators of food insufficiency at a household level. Using the Current Population Survey-Food Security Supplement combined with energy price data from the Energy Information Administration and weather information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we find that positive price shocks in gas and natural gas increase the probability of food insecurity and food stress while negative price shocks of heating fuels decrease the probability each indicator of food stress. The most important effects occurred with negative heating fuel price shocks in the low income and cold state-residing low income subgroups. We also consider the effectiveness of federal assistance programs in cushioning households from price or weather shocks. We find that heating and food assistance are most effective in low income households that reside in cold states.


Objective: Ex-vivo preservation of autologous bone flap for cranioplasty involves various techniques but there are no fixed guidelines as preservation time, temperature ,technique differs. It was  preserved submerging in the mixture of 10% betadine and 80 % ethyl alcohol solution in an airtight container in  refrigerator at constant temperature of 0 ﹾ C and was autoclaved 1 hour before reimplantation. The Primary objective of the study is to analyze  Surgical site infection (SSI) ,secondary  its association with dependent variables age,sex,mode of injury, number of procedure performed .
Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in Nepal Mediciti hospital  from September 2017 to November 2019 .Data of all patients who underwent cranioplasty was reviewed from medical record and U/L autologous bone cranioplasty preserved with this technique were included and other were excluded from the study.The primary outcome SSI was classified according to guidelines of the centers of disease control(CDC) and stablished with organism isolated in the culture.
Results: Only 66 out of 78 cranioplasty was included in this study .The majority was male 83.3%.The mean age was 37.16(standard deviation [SD]±14.58).The SSI was 7.5% and was associated with number of procedures performed (p0.08).RTA was major cause of cranioplasty in 60.61%.
Conclusion: Ex-vivo preservation of autologous bone flap for cranioplasty with this technique is safe to be applied in resource limited settings as it can produce similar results as  other techniques.


Selfish genetic interactions in nematodes Identifying the effects and evolution of selfish genetic elements can be difficult because of their biased inheritance. Ben-David et al. identified a selfish genetic element that drives maternal-effect lethality in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (see the Perspective by Phadnis). This incompatibility stems from the interaction between a maternally deposited toxin and a zygotically expressed antidote. Interestingly, the antidote is encoded by the gene pha-1, which has been described as an essential gene in embryonic development. Science, this issue p. 1051; see also p. 1013 A gene thought to be essential for nematode worm development is, in fact, a toxin antidote and part of a selfish genetic element. Selfish genetic elements spread in natural populations and have an important role in genome evolution. We discovered a selfish element causing embryonic lethality in crosses between wild strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The element is made up of sup-35, a maternal-effect toxin that kills developing embryos, and pha-1, its zygotically expressed antidote. pha-1 has long been considered essential for pharynx development on the basis of its mutant phenotype, but this phenotype arises from a loss of suppression of sup-35 toxicity. Inactive copies of the sup-35/pha-1 element show high sequence divergence from active copies, and phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that they represent ancestral stages in the evolution of the element. Our results suggest that other essential genes identified by genetic screens may turn out to be components of selfish elements.


An automated sequential injection on-line preconcentration procedure for trace metals by using a PTFE bead-packed microcolumn coupled to ICP-MS is described, and used for simultaneous analyses of cadmium and lead. In dilute nitric acid (0.5%, v/v), neutral complexes between the analytes and chelating reagent, diethyldithiophosphate (DDPA), are formed and adsorbed onto the surface of the PTFE beads. The adsorbed complexes are afterwards eluted with 20% nitric acid and the leading part of the eluate (40 µl) is stored in a sample loop (SL), the contents of which are subsequently transported, via a direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN), into the ICP-MS for quantification. The packed column (PC) generates considerably lower hydrodynamic impedance than other commonly used sorbent columns, while its preconcentration efficiencies, in terms of retention efficiency and enrichment factor, are significantly improved as compared to a knotted reactor (KR). Inherently, the column approach results in low blank values and consequently in low limits of detection (LODs). With a 40 s sample loading time at 4.5 ml min−1, along with a sampling frequency of 18 h−1, the retention efficiencies/enrichment factors for cadmium and lead were 96%/72 and 104%/81, respectively, versus 45%/34 and 54%/41 for a knotted reactor with similar internal surface area. In addition, the limits of detection (LODs) and precisions were at the same levels, i.e., the LODs were 2.9 ng l−1 Cd (PC), 3.5 ng l−1 Cd (KR), 6.0 ng l−1 Pb (PC) and 4.7 ng l−1 Pb (KR), while the RSDs were 1.9%
(Cd, PC), 2.7%
(Cd, KR), 2.2%
(Pb, PC) and 2.5%
(Pb, KR). The procedure was validated by determination of trace cadmium and lead in certified reference materials and urine samples.


Clinical assessment is the cornerstone of diagnosis in headache but can prove misleading when more than one type of headache coexists. We describe two patients with phenotypically classical cluster headache who were found to have giant cell arteritis. Case 1 was a 52-year-old lady who presented with episodic, intense left eye pain accompanied by ipsilateral lacrimation and a transient Horner's syndrome; she responded partially to treatment with topiramate and then verapamil but went on to develop diffuse shoulder girdle pains and a left subclavian artery stenosis with an ESR of 47. Treatment with prednisolone 40 mg produced prompt resolution of her systemic symptoms, but only transient relief of her cluster headaches which have subsequently been poorly responsive to medical therapies. Case 2 was a 58-year-old gentleman who presented with severe episodic unilateral orbital headaches in the evenings, associated with scleral injection, swelling, and a left Horner's syndrome. Again it was the ESR that raised concern regarding giant cell arteritis, which was confirmed on temporal artery biopsy. Prednisolone provided good acute relief of symptoms. To our knowledge, only two other cases of giant cell arteritis presenting in patients with cluster headaches have been reported in the literature. The basis of the association is not clear. As has previously been suggested, ESR is a helpful investigation in such instances as it is seldom raised in isolated cluster headache. References 1. Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, García-Albea E, Zurdo M, Martínez-Onsurbe P, Ruiz de Villaespesa A. Giant cell arteritis presenting as cluster headache. Neurology 1998;51:1767–8. 2. Baskar S, Etti R, Kitas G, Klocke R. Cluster headache or giant cell arteritis? BMJ Case Rep 2008;2008:bcr0720080444. 3. Remahl IN, Waldenlind E, Bratt J, Ekbom K. Cluster headache is not associated with signs of a systemic inflammation. Headache 2000;40:276–82.


Mark A. Vincent, Arnaldo F. Silva and Paul L. A. Popelier  Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, Great Britain and School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, Great Britain    Abstract: Recently the quantum topological energy partitioning method called Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) has been extended to MPn (n=2,3,4) wavefunctions. This enables the extraction of chemical insight related to dynamic electron correlation. The large computational expense of the IQA‐MPn approach is compensated by the advantages that IQA offers compared to older non‐topological energy decomposition schemes. This expense is problematic in the construction of a machine learning training set to create kriging models for topological atoms. However, the algorithm presented here markedly accelerates the calculation of atomically partitioned electron correlation energies. Then again, the algorithm cannot calculate pairwise interatomic energies because it applies analytical integrals over whole space (rather than over atomic volumes). However, these pairwise energies are not needed in the quantum topological force field FFLUX, which only uses the energy of an atom interacting with all remaining atoms of the system that it is part of. Thus it is now feasible to generate accurate and sizeable training sets at MPn level of theory.


The study was undertaken on the River Gelså, Denmark, where a 1.8 km meandering course was established in 1989 to replace a channelized river reach. This restoration project was the first of its kind in Denmark and has the longest time-series of post-intervention data of any restoration project conducted world-wide. Additionally, a 0.5 km upstream (control) reach that remained channelized has been sampled since 1989. In this paper, we examined macroinvertebrate assemblages in distinct habitats in 2008, 19 years after the restoration, and community persistence between two years, 1997 and 2008, to investigate the longer-term effects of restoration on the biota. We found that habitat type influenced macroinvertebrate community composition to some degree, while there were no clear effects on and -diversity of habitat or reach type. Stony substrate habitats introduced as part of the restoration could, however, still be separated from other habitat types and were much more frequent in the restored reach. Furthermore, very little change had occurred over the 11-year period from 1997 to 2008, suggesting a high degree of community persistence. Our results suggest that the local species pool was already close to saturation in 1997 and that only limited immigration of new species occurred in the intervening period until 2008. The lack of long term benefits could be attributed to the simultaneous cessation of weed cutting (which had almost as big a positive impact as restoration), other types of stress on the river (eutrophication) and dispersal limitations. However, it might also reflect that River Gelså is still functionally channelized and is far from exhibiting a dynamic river morphology governed by natural processes that create a range of habitats for the biota and this might explain why there has not been a more pronounced increase in macroinvertebrate diversity in River Gelså. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.


Cancer metastasis is a central oncology concern that worsens patient conditions and increases mortality in a short period of time. During metastatic events, mitochondria undergo specific physiological alterations that have emerged as notable therapeutic targets to counter cancer progression. In this study, we use drug-free, cationic peptide fibrillar assemblies (PFAs) formed by poly(L-Lysine)-block-poly(L-Threonine) (Lys-b-Thr) to target mitochondria. These PFAs interact with cellular and mitochondrial membranes via electrostatic interactions, resulting in membranolysis. Charge repulsion and hydrogen-bonding interactions exerted by Lys and Thr segments dictate the packing of the peptides and enable the PFAs to display enhanced membranolytic activity toward cancer cells. Cytochrome c (cyt c), endonuclease G (Endo G), and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) were released from mitochondria after treatment on lung cancer cells, subsequently inducing caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic pathways. A metastatic xenograft mouse model was used to show how the PFAs significantly suppressed lung metastasis and inhibited tumor growth, while avoiding significant body weight loss and mortality. Anti-metastatic activities of PFAs are also demonstrated by in vitro inhibition of lung cancer cell migration and clonogenesis. Our results imply that the cationic PFAs achieved intended and targeted mitochondrial damage, providing an efficient anti-metastatic therapy.


This paper is concerned with the ways in which race is commodified in Nicki Minaj's music videos. It is argued that by selling both whiteness and blackness in various forms, Minaj establishes and sustains her persona as a multicultural star and is thus able to satisfy the demands of a wide, racially mixed audience. Most of Minaj's videos are analyzed to support this point. The paper discusses Minaj's music regarding genres and lyrical content, as well as the images in her clips, including her looks and moves. It is demonstrated how Minaj succeeds in and switches between both white-coded pop and black-coded rap music, how she embodies the white beauty standard as well as the exotic, sexual black woman, and how she successfully juggles markers of whiteness and blackness in a way that allows her to use both simultaneously and to easily switch from one to the other without losing credibility. Thus, Minaj becomes a multicultural star who occupies a space beyond common constraints of the conventional black/white binary.


On a catchment scale, chloride (Cl-) leached from forest soil due to dry deposition and interaction between vegetation and soil could attribute to the Cl- mass balance. The availability of Cl- data from monitoring works enables the assessment of net ecosystem budgets of Cl-, which compares Cl- amount from wet deposition to that in stream export. Some studies have shown that Cl- imbalances could occur in some catchments and one of such catchments with negative budget is Kringlan. The Kringlan catchment is a sub-basin located on the western boundary of Norrstrom basin and for this project, a southern sub-catchment with a size of 54.5 km2 within Kringlan catchment was chosen to be studied. To fulfill the Cl- budget, one possible internal source of Cl- leached from forest soil was added and tested. Moreover, a field trip to the study site was performed and soil samples were taken back for leaching test analysis. The evaluation of Cl- transport through the catchment requires the water flow and MIKE SHE was selected as the tool for flow simulation in an integrated manner. Lastly, the Particle Tracking (PT) module helped to analyze the Cl- transport through saturated zone in a time span of 100 years for a simplified scenario. Results show that the calibrated chloride concentration to groundwater leached from forest soil (-1 m to -5 m below the ground) was 200 mg/l. A total chloride leaching amount from forest subsurface was calculated as 4287 tons during calibration stage of 5 years. However, only 265 tons of chloride for 5 years could be transported out from the catchment for the calibration period, which corresponds to a leaching flux rate of 1.3g/m2/yr. It was found that the flow discharge rather than the Cl- concentration dominated the Cl- transport loads at the outlet, both in variation and magnitude. For future studies, some other possible internal sources, e.g., mineral weathering, road salting and etc. need to be researched.


Synopsis: Now that PHEVs and electric vehicles are available at retail, an on-the-ground legal analysis is necessary to analyze how these vehicles can be integrated into existing legal regimes for the regulation of electricity. Using Vermont as a case study, we identify the key legal issues which must be resolved for widespread fleet penetration of PHEVs to be achieved. These involve integrated resource planning and transmission cost allocation for PHEVs' anticipated cumulative impact on base load and peak electric demand; statewide charging infrastructure development; and integration with the smart grid. Such a legal analysis should be used to inform economic modeling of PHEV fleet penetration both in Vermont and nationwide. The policy justification for the significant charging infrastructure and smart grid costs related to PHEVs is the reduction of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. The relative cleanliness of Vermont's existing energy mix means that PHEVs will reduce greenhouse gases at a higher rate than in more carbon-intensive areas of the United States. However, while PHEVs might play a role in Vermont's low-carbon future, the extent of that role remains in doubt. PHEVs' future role depends in significant part on how this new technology will be integrated into Vermont's pre-existing legal regime for the regulation of electricity. We demonstrate in this article what such an empirical legal analysis should look like, and conclude that continued on-the-ground analysis of the major legal issues confronting the widespread adoption of PHEVs is required. I. INTRODUCTION: THE NEED FOR EMPIRICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS The future of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is now. The PHEV Chevrolet Volt and the electric vehicle (EV) Nissan Leaf became commercially available in late 2010.1 Legal commentators and policymakers have analyzed the potential role PHEVs could play in a low-carbon future.2 However, the recent rollout of the Volt and the Leaf underscores the need to take this legal analysis to the next empirical level. Such an on-the-ground legal analysis requires that the potential widespread adoption of PHEVs be examined with respect to the legal regime of a specific jurisdiction. Stated differently, expansive PHEV fleet penetration will not be possible unless this new technology is fully integrated into pre-existing and adaptable state legal frameworks for the regulation of electricity. To achieve this empirical understanding, we focus on the state of Vermont. By examining the interplay between PHEV technology and Vermont's existing regime for the regulation of electricity, we identify the key legal issues which must be resolved for the widespread penetration of PHEVs to occur. Most of these legal issues are not state-specific; they will be encountered by every state in some incarnation. Furthermore, the particular manner by which each state incorporates PHEVs into its regulatory framework will help to determine how quickly PHEV technology is adopted nationwide. In this article, we examine a few of the empirical questions which states must consider: 1) whether existing and planned generation infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate the increased electric demand from PHEVs; 2) how federal transmission planning requirements will determine PHEVs' relative contribution to new regional transmission infrastructure costs; 3) whether the costs of local charging station infrastructure will be borne by ratepayers; and 4) what role PHEVs will play in the development and implementation of the smart grid. These and similar questions must be confronted by energy regulators in every state. However, the manner by which these questions will be confronted, and the answers to these questions which state regulators will ultimately provide, cannot be generalized. Rather, these issues must be empirically explored. We articulate in this article what this analysis should look like for the state of Vermont. …


Flooding in cities of developing countries is common, primarily due to poor planning and project designing and execution. Factors causing floods are due to increase population, outdated and non-functional drainage system, heavily silted and reduced river size, poor waste management, no erosion control measures, reduced vegetative cover and the unusually heavier precipitation. In response to this flood problem, the local government asked help from the Department of Public Works and Highways which in turn developed a Flood Management and Drainage System Master Plan wherein a River Control Project which includes desilting of an almost 2km stretch of the river, and the construction of river walls. Using a hydrologic modeling system (HEC-HMS) version 4, river discharge was calculated for at least four extreme events. Results have shown that the project will not solve the flooding problem due to extreme precipitation. The river walls are more needed upstream than the downstream portion of the river while the disiltation of the river is not enough to carry storm water. There is, therefore, an urgent need to construct river walls in the upstream as well as other interventions specified in the master plan to manage the flooding problems in Catbalogan.


This study proposed a simple side-incident TE11 mode microwave probe for the rapid and long-range inspection of cracks in metallic pipes. The probe feeds the microwaves to a metallic pipe, which works as a waveguide; the reflection signal provoked by a defect is measured for detection and localization. The probe enables the detection of both circumferentially and axially oriented cracks, unlike those reported in earlier studies. To achieve better performance, numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the conversion efficiency and optimize the insertion length of the coaxial cable and the exposed length of the cable core wire. The simulation results suggest that the optimized probe configuration is feasible for pipes with various diameters by proportionally changing the current probe configuration. Although injected microwaves propagated in two directions, the ratio of microwaves to one direction could be controlled by adjusting the inclination angle and the exposed length of the cable core wire. Subsequently, three TE11 probes fabricated according to the simulation results were used to detect circumferential and axial slits in a brass pipe. The results showed that circumferential slits in the vertical positions (parallel to the nontilted coaxial cable) and axial slits in the horizontal positions (perpendicular to the nontilted coaxial cable) caused large reflections, consistent with the electromagnetic field distribution of the TE11 mode microwaves in a circular waveguide. Further experiments verified the feasibility of the designed probe for pipes with different diameters and for directional pipe inspection.


Reactive Turquoise Blue (Procion MX) is a fabric dye used in small scale cotton fabric industries in various parts of India. The impact of this chemical on human health in the surrounding areas that discharge effluents is of serious concern. This needs to be assessed for short and long term effect on human genome. This investigation was aimed to find mitotic abnormalities as cytological evidence induced by the dye in root tip cells of onion ( Allium cepa L.) grown in different concentrations: 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% (weight per volume) prepared in distilled water in separate treatment schedules for 24 and 48 h. Mitotic aberrations (MA) were scored after staining with 2% acetocarmine by conventional squashing method. Root growth at various concentrations and duration of exposure of the dye were analyzed as macroscopic parameter for testing the cytotoxicity. Percentages of mitotic cells were analyzed as microscopic parameter to find the trend of mitotic indices and depression. Total abnormality of cells in percentage indicated the genotoxic assault of the dye. At higher concentrations, the root tip cells died in 24 h. Highest number of dividing cells with largest mitotic index value was observed at 0.01% exposed for 48 h. The abnormalities of common occurrences observed were unequal cytokinesis/ karyokinesis, formation of micronuclei, bi-nucleated cells and little condensed chromosomal arms in abnormal metaphase, anaphase and telophase. The abnormal mitotic cells were assumed to be due to genotoxic assault of the dye on chromosomal condensation mechanism resulting in very unusual long arms in rapidly dividing meristematic cells. Keywords: Reactive torquoise blue, genotoxicity, Allium cepa , mitotic aberration African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(38) 3881-3891


Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia and becoming a serious threat to mankind health in all parts of the world. This study was designed to study the methanol leaf extract potential of Barringtonia Racemosa on Alloxan-induced diabetic.
Materials and Methods: The experimental rats were induced and made diabetic by single intra-peritoneal administration of Alloxan monohydrate at a dose rate of 160 mg/kg dissolved in 0.1 M freshly prepared citrate buffer at a base line pH 4.5. Extract of Barringtonia Racemosa (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg). Group 1 (normal rats) were administered distilled water, Group 2 (Diabetic untreated rats) were administrated distilled water, while Group 3 received the standard drug (Insulin) at 0.1 mg/kg and the rest of the groups 5-8 were administered the methanol extracts. Blood glucose was determined by glucose oxidase method of Trinder.
Results: The blood glucose data obtained using Alloxan hyperglycaemic rats, dose of the methanol extract indicated a significant difference in the level of blood glucose with increase in the extract concentration at different days of administration (p<0.05) with 053.4 ± 5.5 and 045.5 ± 5.8 higher than the control 066.6 ± 5.2 at 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg post treatment.
Conclusion: The blood glucose data obtained using Alloxan hyperglycaemic rats clearly shows that the methanol extract of Barringtonia Racemosa can produce significant and consistent hypoglycaemic effects.


The response of cannulated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to acute hypoxia was studied in fish acclimated to two temperatures (5 and 15 °C). Blood/water respiratory variables and plasma catecholamine levels were measured before and 15 min after exposure to hypoxic water varying between 4.0 and 10.7 kPa (3080 mmHg) oxygen partial pressure (PwO2). Arterial blood PO2 (PaO2) and oxygen content (CaO2) fell during hypoxia in a similar manner at both temperatures, although the changes in CaO2 were often more pronounced in the fish acclimated to 15 °C. Regardless of acclimation temperature, plasma catecholamine levels were consistently elevated at PwO2 values below 8.0 kPa (60 mmHg); the largest increases in plasma catecholamine levels occurred below PwO2=5.3 kPa (40 mmHg). Adrenaline was the predominant catecholamine released into the circulation. Adrenaline was released at PwO2 values of 8.0 kPa or below, whereas noradrenaline was released at PwO2 values of 6.7 kPa or below. The construction of in vivo oxygen dissociation curves demonstrated an obvious effect of acclimation temperature on haemoglobin (Hb) oxygen-affinity; the P50 values at 15 °C and 5 °C were 3.6 kPa (26.7 mmHg) and 1.9 kPa (14.0 mmHg), respectively. At 15 °C, catecholamines were released into the circulation abruptly at a PaO2 threshold of 4.6 kPa (34.5 mmHg) while at 5 °C the catecholamine release threshold was lowered to 3.3 kPa (24.5 mmHg). The difference in the PaO2 catecholamine release thresholds was roughly equivalent to the difference in the P50 values at the two distinct temperatures. Catecholamine release thresholds, calculated on the basis of arterial blood oxygen-saturation (expressed as CaO2/[Hb]), were similar at both temperatures and were approximately equal to 5355 % Hb O2-saturation. The results support the contention that the lowering of blood oxygen content/saturation rather than PO2 per se is the proximate stimulus/signal causing catecholamine release in rainbow trout during acute hypoxia.


Despite major advances in immunotherapeutic approaches designed to bolster endogenous immune responses against tumors, metastatic melanoma remains associated with high mortality and rapid progression. Development of novel approaches toward enhancing endogenous immune responses against melanoma constitutes a critical step toward the management of disease. Of note, initiating immune responses against non-mutated melanocyte-specific protein antigens has shown efficacy in augmenting immunotherapies. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of melanocytes, though the etiology of this disease remains poorly understood. Microbes have been recently found to have a profound effect on immune processes of the skin, including those that are associated with vitiligo progression. Identifying skin-resident microbes that initiate or exacerbate anti-melanocyte immunity, as well as the precise pathways that mediate these processes, may provide a novel framework for the development of immunotherapies to augment anti-tumor immune responses and efficacy of existing therapies. Thus, we have recruited a cohort of individuals with vitiligo and profiled their skin microbiomes at various body sites. We have found that vitiligo subjects harbor a skin microbiota that is unique from healthy subjects, and have isolated numerous vitiligo-associated bacteria. Furthermore, we have adapted a mouse model of vitiligo to understand mechanisms of host-microbiome interactions in this setting. Interrogation of this host-microbiome relationship may lead to the identification of novel targets and pathways by which to treat vitiligo and augment melanoma immunotherapies.


In consideration of the similarities of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) kettles, the parameterized finite element analysis system was developed based on ANSYS and Visual Basic. The parameterized model building, stress analysis and fatigue analysis for shell, nozzle and quick-opening sealing structure were realized by second development of ANSYS using APDL language. The program which can deal with design parameters was developed based on Visual Basic, and the command stream files, which can be recognized by ANSYS, were modified according to design parameters and sent to ANSYS solver by the program. With the system, the stress and fatigue analysis process for SFE kettle is simplified and the analysis efficiency of SFE kettle is improved.


Assuming there are always sufficient data waiting to be transmitted, adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer have been traditionally designed separately from higher layers. However, this assumption is not always valid when queuing effects are taken into account at the data link layer. In this paper, we analyze the performance of a wireless system with finite-length queuing and AMC. We characterize the queuing service process induced by AMC, and derive the recursion of the queue state. We then construct a finite state Markov chain (FSMC) with a state pair containing both the queue and the queue server state, and compute its stationary distribution. The latter enables us to derive closed-form expressions for the packet loss rate and the average throughput. Guided by our performance analysis, we also introduce a cross-layer design, which optimizes the target packet error rate in AMC at the physical layer, to minimize the packet loss rate and maximize the average throughput, when combined with a finite-length queue at the data link layer.


This paper outlines the creative methods of visual learning – one that is applied in the field of art history and the other that derives from the practice of typography. The first method considers artwork analysis, particularly, the analysis of paintings. In order to present complex narratives that exist below the surface of an artwork, art history methods apply concepts that are hard for a learner to follow and understand. The use of the common means of visual learning (graphics, charts, maps) may enhance the acquisition of knowledge. However, if we try to push this means further, we may suggest a creative approach to visual learning that uses more elements. Some of them can be found in the field of motion graphic design, video compositing and editing, animation, and film. Similarly, creative visual learning concepts can be found in the practice of graphic design, that is, typography. The analysis of rhetorical figures in advertisement, for example, presents us with an inspiring notion of applying figuration to a typeface design. This concept is suggested, by researchers, to increase positive cognitive effort and memory. Therefore, effects of functional and semantic properties of typefaces should be a matter for consideration in the future tools for visual literacy.


Regional differences in the children's perception of new lives after their parents' divorce are revealed. Reduction of interaction with their fathers is typical of children from single-parent families living in Nizhniy Novgorod; that process is proportionate to the increase of family separation time. It certainly is a negative consequence of the divorce. In the Ivanovo region fathers are more actively involved in the upbringing and care of the child, which leads to the increase of single-parent father families in the region. A strong tendency is observed: fathers with a high level of financial status choose to raise their children independently which, in turn, can foster in children a positive attitude to divorce. Identified gender-specific features of children's after divorce life mainly relate to the following aspects: the desire and frequency of meetings with separately living parent, satisfaction with material security after divorce and the availability of assistance from the other parent. The problems of single-parent families, namely the decline in the material standard of the family, the deterioration of living conditions after the divorce, can be the basis of disapproving attitude to divorce on the part of children, who are experiencing negative feelings about it.


This article proposes and examines a parsimonious framework for assessing quality in therapeutic residential care. The synthesized conceptual framework includes four potentially critical domains of quality: setting, staffing, safety, and treatment. Data from a recently completed quasi-experimental study of group homes were used to examine prevalence of various key indicators within each of these domains and to explore relationships between these indicators and youth-level outcomes. Findings suggest that, among this sample of licensed homes in a southeastern state, licensure may be an initial indicator of baseline quality. Beyond this most basic level, utilization of an evidence-informed model (in this case, the teaching family model) was associated with better outcomes. Net of model, findings suggest that positively focused motivational systems, youth's perceptions of staff's fairness and helpfulness, provision of age/interest-appropriate toys/books/games, more preservice training, and prohibition of physical restraint were all associated with better outcomes for youth. Additional work is needed to assess the generalizability and utility of this framework for assessing quality in group homes.


Constructing and testing the syllabus for experimental laboratory for Biomedical Engineering needs a lot of practical experiences and skills. Especially with the huge challenges and changes happened worldwide in this field of study. The present study discusses the available materials and directions presented up-to-date in the syllabus of the Biomedical Instrumentation Lab (BMIL), and suggest a new hybrid improvement depends on the real requirement for the educational output for the next few years. The object behind this suggestion is to close the gap between the academic university study and the real medical device market, making use the complementary between the governmental and private sector capabilities. Keywordsmedical instrumentation, lab training, Medical Lab Training. How to cite this article: N.H. Ghaeb, "A Study to Improve the Biomedical Instrumentation Lab Training," Engineering and Technology Journal, Vol. 37, Part C, No. 4, pp. 427-430, 2019.


For many years bioeconomic modelling has attracted attention with respect to improving the advice about the exploitation of the fish resources. The Nordic Council of Ministers initiated a conference in 2002 about economic statistics for the fisheries in the Nordic countries, and later from 2004-2006 a number of workshops about bioeconomic modelling. This report summarises the findings of these workshops.


The monitoring of CO2 storage in fractured reservoirs (depleted hydrocarbon fields or brine aquifers) requires the study of the impact of fracturation and fluid substitution on seismic data. Seismic data can provide information about the additional compliance due to the fractures and the fluids through the analysis of seismic azimuthal anisotropy with an appropriate rock physics model. We introduce a rock physics model built in collaboration with geologists, providing a realistic description of fractured media. This model concerns fractured geological media in the presence of fluids characterized by some degree of matrix porosity, the presence of pore fluids, connected and/or non-connected fractures, the presence of several fracture sets, and an inherent seismic anisotropy. The direct application of this rock model shows that the P -wave anisotropy value measured through seismic data can be explained by several sets of different parameters such as the fracture density, the pore fluid compliance or the porosity. The presence of inherent layer-induced anisotropy can also modify the P -wave anisotropy and thus the interpretation of this value in terms of fluid substitution in a fractured porous medium. As far as fluid substitution monitoring is concerned, if seismic data are acquired before and after this substitution, a change in the P -wave anisotropy value can be linked to the modification of the compliance of the fluid content in the same medium exhibiting the same fracture network and the same porosity. This relative value can only be correctly interpreted in terms of fluid substitution provided we have some constraints on a few of the parameters involved in the P -wave anisotropy value such as the porosity, and a rough idea of the level of normalized fracture compliance. Then, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to constrain these parameters. For instance, borehole and outcrop geological information can give the upper limit of the fracture density expected at depth in the same formation. Furthermore, rock mechanics helps in understanding the fracturation state at depth to identify the predominant fractures in regard to the interpretation of seismic anisotropy in terms of fluid substitution inside the fracture network.


Background Despite recent promising findings from immunotherapy and other targeted medicines, individuals with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mCCRCC) still have a poor prognosis. Biomarkers associated with metastatic status in CCRCC are important for early detection and for the identification of new therapeutic targets. The expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is associated with the development of early metastases and worse cancer-specific survival. Tumor-associated collagen signature (TACS) is a type of collagen that develops during tumor growth and is associated with tumor invasion. Methods Twenty-six mCCRCC patients that underwent nephrectomy were admitted to this study. Data regarding age, sex, Fuhrman's grade, tumor diameter, staging, FAP expression, and TACS grading were collected. Spearman rho test was used to correlate FAP expression and TACS grading in both primary tumors and metastases and with the patient's age and sex. Results FAP manifestation correlated positively with TACS degree (Spearman rho test r = 0.51; P = 0.0001). FAP was positive in 25 (96%) of all intratumor samples and positive in 22 (84%) of all stromal samples. Conclusions FAP can be used as a prognostic factor in mCCRCC; its presence can predict the aggressiveness of mCRCC and poorer outcome in the patient. Furthermore, TACS can also be used for the prediction of aggressiveness and metastasis due to the changes necessary for a tumor to invade other organs.


Zooplankton play an essential role in marine food webs, and understanding how community-level growth rates of zooplankton vary in the field is critical for predicting how marine ecosystem function may vary in the face of environmental changes. Here, we used the artificial cohort method to examine the effects of temperature, body size, and chlorophyll concentration (a proxy for food) on weight-specific growth rates for copepod communities in the East China Sea. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that copepod community growth rates can be described by the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE), linking spatio-temporal variation of copepod growth rate with temperature and their body size. Our results generally agree with predictions made by the MTE and demonstrate that weight-specific growth rates of copepod communities in our study area are positively related with temperature and negatively related to body size. However, the regression coefficients of body size do not approach the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, we find that the deviation from the MTE predictions may be partly attributed to the effect of food availability (which is not explicitly accounted for by the MTE). In addition, significant difference in the coefficients of temperature and body size exists among taxonomic groups. Our results suggest that considering the effects of food limitation and taxonomy is necessary to better understand copepod growth rates under in situ conditions, and such effects on the MTE-based prediction needs further investigation.


This paper examines queer women's participation and representation on social media through a case study of Vine, Twitter's now defunct video social network. Launched in 2013, Vine paired a 6.5-second looping video format with social networking features, including follower lists, cross-platform sharing, and hashtagging. Vine's popularity spiked and plummeted over three years. During this time, queer women's activity on the platform was visible through their use of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans) hashtags, such as #RainbowGang and #AllQueerHere. This study uses mixed methods to examine queer women's use of Vine, starting with an in-depth platform analysis followed by textual analysis of 77 videos ("Vines") by queer women and narrative analysis of interviews with two Viners. Findings indicate that queer women on Vine formed a networked counterpublic while also contributing across identity-related publics until the platform ethos and redesign disrupted these publics. Queer women drew on the affordances of Vine's looping video to produce intensely affective and narrative videos. They generated affinity through displays of sexual desire in thirst trap videos and relatable stories of shared experiences. They also exchanged narrative performances and humorous skits critiquing normative racial and sexual biases. Sociocultural and technical shifts in the platform led to greater focus on micro-celebrity accounts and design updates included fewer sharing features, leading to queer women's eventual disengagement from the platform. These findings provide an understanding of queer women's participation and representation on a visual, mobile platform and illuminate shifting conditions that can foster and stifle networked counterpublics.


Factors that influence the effect of coronary artery bypass grft surgery (CABG) on employment were examined in 1427 2-year survivors from entry into the nonrandomized Mayo Clinic portion of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's prospective Coronary Artery Surgery Study. Five hundred seventy-nine patients (41%) were treated medically, 769 (54%) were treated surgically and 79 (5%) were initially treated medically but later had CABG. All groups were similar at entry with respect to age and percent working, retired or quitting work for cardiac reasons. There was a similar decline in employment from entry to 2 years in all three groups. The number who quit work for cardiac reasons was twice the number of previously disabled workers who returned to work with all three modes of therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test the independent prognostic values of a number of variables for subsequent employment in the largest homogeneous surgical subset 496 nonretired males. Postoperative angina was the most powerful factor reducing postoperative employment. Postoperative employment was also lower if the patient was not working before surgery, was a laborer, or older than age 55 years (all p < 0.01). Although the level of nonwork physical activity was generally increased after CABG, there was no relationship between physical activity and employment. This study confirms that employment declines after CABG, but three of the four most powerful prognostic variables were not related to surgery.


Blockchain remains a hot topic for digital transformation and innovation. In the private sector, blockchain has demonstrated disruptive potential through proven use cases. However, despite strong interest and greater awareness, blockchain has had minimal impact on the public sector, where few projects have moved beyond small pilots. At the same time, there is a growing scepticism and cynicism about public sector blockchain. This paper seeks to understand why this is, by analysing the latest research in the area and identifying and analysing government experiences with successful and unsuccessful projects. It provides early findings on beliefs, characteristics, and practices related to government blockchain projects and the organisations that seek to implement them, with a focus on factors contributing to success or non-success. Although blockchain has yet to affect government in the ways that early hype predicted, government decision makers will nonetheless need to understand and monitor this emerging technology.


Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The early detection of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis is an important goal in tuberculosis control program. Objective: 1n this study, thin layer agar (TLA) culture was compared with Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture for rapid detection of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) of National Institute of Disease of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka, from July 2010 to June 2011. A total of 100 sputum smear positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) by Z-N staining, pulmonary tuberculosis patients were included in this study. Samples were processed by modified Petroff method and then cultured on thin layer 7H11(TL7H11) plates and L-J tubes. TL7H11 plates were observed microscopically for rnicrocolony growth once a week for 6 weeks, and L-J tubes were observed once a week for 8 weeks. Results: The recovery rates of mycobacteria on only TLA, only LJ and on both media were 90%, 97% and 88% respectively. Overall positivity was 99% in both L-J and TLA media. Mean time for detection of mycobacteria on TLA was 9.04±1.66 days compared to 21.78±6.19 days on L-J media. The rate of contamination was higher (6%) in L-J media than in TLA media (4%). Conclusion: The TL7H11 media can be used as an alternative to the Lowenstein-Jensen medium for early isolation of mycobacteria in resource constrained settings.


The objective of this work was to study the reasons for culling one-day old broiler chicks and to examine the relationship between the age and line of the hens and the culled chick's body mass. Hatching eggs and day-old chicks were collected from a commercial flock of the Cobb 500 and Ross 308 broiler lines. The eggs were collected when the hens were 32, 42 and 52 weeks old. The reasons for culling the chicks were assessed immediately after the chicks had been removed from the hatcheries. The four main groups of defects were distinguished, depending on the part of the chick's body. A fifth group covered general developmental defects. Within each group, the structural defects were identified in detail. The statistical analysis was performed in the R project. Amongst 57 600 chicks evaluated, 1042 malformations disqualifying them from further rearing were found in 666. The most frequent developmental defects were associated with the structure of the abdominal wall and umbilical cord: these were found in 155 chicks from the Ross 308 line and in 107 from the Cobb 500 line. In turn, umbilical defects occurred in 95 and 104 chicks from the Ross 308 and Cobb 500 lines, respectively. Abdominal defects were the most common in 107 chicks from the 42-week-old layers and in 89 chicks from the 52-week-old layers. There were also correlations between the age of the parent flock and the following defects: glued down, lack of down on the wings, contorted hips, wry neck and spine, and lack of a wake-up reflex. The average body weights of the Ross 308 and Cobb 500 chicks were 44.00 g and 43.13 g, respectively, but these differences were not statistically significant. However, the age of the broiler breeders (42 or 52 weeks) did affect the chick's body weight (P ≤ 0.05). The lightest chicks (40.75 g) came from the Ross 308 line (age 42 weeks) and were nearly 4 g lighter than all the other groups. Most relationships between the lines of the layer hens at a particular age and the occurrence of malformations in the chicks were found in the hens aged 32 weeks, which may indicate the need for changes in the management of the eggs from the youngest layers belonging to the different lines.


The interaction with DNA of six chemically synthesized derivatives of the quinoxaline antibiotics was investigated. Five of the compounds bound only weakly to DNA or not at all; for these substances spectrophotometric measurements, sedimentation studies with closed circular duplex bacteriophage-PM2 DNA and thermal-denaturation profiles were used to determine limits fot the binding constants. No interaction could be detected with two products of degradation of echinomycin (quinomycin A), one of which, echinomycinic acid dimethyl ester, had the lactone linkages opened, whereas the other retained an intact octapeptide ring but had a broken cross-bridge. The other compounds studied were des-N-tetramethyl-triostin A ('TANDEM') and its derivatives. A derivative of 'TANDEM' IN WHICH benzyloxycarbonyl moieties replace both quinoxaline chromophores had binding constants to nucelic acids in the range 10(2)--10(3)-1, whereas no interaction could be detected for a benzyloxycarbonyl derivative that, in addition, had the cross-bridge broken. The derivative of 'TANDEM' with L-serine in place of D-serine in both positions showed no detectable interaction with Clostridium perfringens DNA, whereas the binding constant to poly(dA-dT) was approx 2 X 10(3)M-1. 'TANDEM' itself bound strongly to DNA, and the bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in its u.v.-absorption spectrum in the presence of DNA were similar to those seen with echinomycin. From the effect on the sedimentation coefficient of closed circular duplex bacteriophage-PM2 DNA the mechanism of binding was shown to involve bifunctional intercalation, typical of the naturally occurring quinoxaline antibiotics. Solvent-partition analysis was used to determine binding constants for the interaction between 'TANDEM' and a variety of natural and synthetic DNA species. The pattern of specificity thus revealed differed markedly from that previously found with the naturally occurring quinoxaline antibiotics. Most striking was the evident large preference for (A + T)-rich DNA species, in complete contrast with echinomycin and triostin A. The highest binding constant was found for poly(dA-dT), the interaction with which appeared highly co-operative in character. The conformations adopted by those quinoxaline compounds that bind strongly to DNA were examined withe aid of molecular models on the basis of results derived from n.m.r. and computer studies. It appears that the observed patterns of base-sequence specificity are determined, at least in part, by the structure and conformation of the sulphur-containing cross-bridge.


n this paper we analyze the role played by fiscal sustainability shocks on the Bolivian economic growth performance. To do this, we impose restrictions on a VAR for the Bolivian economy that allow us to identify fiscal sustainability shocks. We argue that imposing long run identification restrictions in our tructural VAR is a new (applied to fiscal issues) and useful way to identify the macroeconomic impact of shocks on fiscal sustainability. Our results show a significant lost in the level of GDP in the Bolivian economy as a consequence of the sequence of adverse fiscal sustainability shocks this economy has experienced. Although, fiscal sustainability shocks have not permanent effect on BoliviaA¢â'¬â"¢s economic growth, the fact that adverse fiscal sustainability shocks has occurred during the period studied (in a significant way at least during the late 70s early 80s and at the late 90s early 2000s) have negatively affected Bolivian economic growth. Our results also show that inflation has been affected by fiscal sustainability shocks, especially the adverse shocks experienced during the period from 1977 to 1986, which ended in the hyperinflation in 1985.


The Latvian labor market has been facing the problem of a quality labor force shortage for several years now. The acquisition of demanded specialties in Latvia is possible in the framework of professional education, which is offered at three levels – the level of primary education, professional secondary education, and professional higher education. Since 2015, work-based learning has been introduced in the professional education of Latvia, serving as a measure for the economic enhancement for the entry of quality labor force into the labor market. As a part of this initiative, educational institutions in cooperation with employers develop curricula that match the requirements of the labor market. This learning model is based on an example of a higher professional education model, where practical skills are acquired mostly during the students' field practice. To conduct the empirical research on work-based learning in higher professional education, at first, it is necessary to look at the historical aspects of this learning model. The given article provides historical evidence, describing the historical development of work-based learning in professional education in Latvia. The beginnings of work-based learning in Latvia date back to the 14-15th century, but for the first time given form of education in its contemporary meaning has been introduced in Soviet times, as historical sources show the calls for get to know work experience as an integral part of communist work schools. After the regaining of independence, Latvia focuses on building the democratic education system, and since 2015 work-based learning is explicit in the Law on Professional Education as a specific form of education. Since its inception, work-based learning has reflected the public's perceptions of the necessary specialties in the labor market.


Angiogenesis is a complex process where biological signals, such as the activation of signaling pathways by the binding of VEGF to its receptors at the cell membrane, are converted into mechanical forces originating cell movement. The endothelial cells then reorganize spatially into tubular structures that are able support the flow of blood and that respond to blood pressure and shear stress by altering their number, shape and size. Therefore, a mathematical description of sprouting angiogenesis has to take into consideration biological signals as well as relevant physical processes. We model sprouting events in angiogenesis using a continuum model that takes into account the tissue elasticity and the forces exerted by the cells in the sprout. We demonstrate that the endothelial cell proliferation has to be regulated by the local mechanical stress for a well-formed vascular sprout. The force exerted at the tip cell induces an increase in the stress, which determines the locations with higher endothelial cell proliferation. The model also permits a new look into how anastomosis events are controlled by the local tissue displacements. Our results highlight the ability of mathematical models to suggest relevant hypotheses with respect to the role of forces in sprouting, hence underlining the necessary collaboration between modeling and molecular biology techniques to improve the current state-of-the-art.


This research analyzes the effects of tax imposed on capital flight in the industrial import sector of Riobamba – Ecuador. The Ecuadorian government imposes taxes on capital flight to protect the economy from capital outflow. The aim of the research is to determine the appropriate use of tax money to optimize business resources. Data collection and analysis of the current corporate structure led to a financial diagnosis of the companies. Besides a comparative analysis on the use of tax money according to current regulations was made in order to disclose the effects on companies' profitability. The results show that using this tax as a credit is the best option for the taxpayer.