This chapter briefly recaps the conventional legal story of the limited liability company and then provides a detailed discussion of the inside story behind and the complex origins of this new business entity, which traveled from obscurity to the mainstream of business organization choices during the last quarter of the twentieth century. The inside story of the LLC involved the creative efforts of two different groups of LLC proponents harnessing the power of state legislatures over new business organizations in order to provide their clients the best results under the federal income tax laws. Hamill also offers an in depth discussion of the tax and business policy issues brought to the surface because of the invention and widespread acceptance of LLCs, ultimately concluding that LLCs represent neither a positive nor a negative development in the flawed legal landscape of business organizations. This paper will be published as a chapter in a book entitled Business Tax Stories, to be published by Foundation Press later this year (2005).


With social media rising in popularity over the recent years, new so called social bots are infiltrating by spamming and manipulating people all over the world. Many different methods have been presented to solve this problem with varying success. This study aims to compare some of these methods, on a dataset of Twitter account metadata, to provide helpful information to companies when deciding how to solve this problem. Two machine learning algorithms and a human survey will be compared on the ability to classify accounts. The algorithms used are the supervised algorithm random forest and the unsupervised algorithm k-means. There will also be an evaluation of two ways to run these algorithms, using the machine learning as a service BigML and the python library Scikit-learn. Additionally, what metadata features are most valuable in the supervised and human survey will be compared. Results show that supervised machine learning is the superior technique for social bot identification with an accuracy of almost 99%. To conclude, it depends on the expertise of the company and if a relevant training dataset is available but in most cases supervised machine learning is recommended.


There is one clear factor that leads to women's inequality in the labour market: "becoming mothers" (The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights, 2007). It is difficult to talk about women and work without talking about childcare. The same would not be true about a discussion of men and work and this is still one of the most obvious difficulties to be managed by working women, even those who choose not to have children. It is the potential of all women to have children and the associated disruption to their career that can lead to women being perceived as less worthy of investment – of time, of career advice, of promotion and even of pay (Fitt and Newton, 1981, Groysberg, 2008, McGuire, 2002, Wajcman, 1998). In the UK film industry, only 14% of women have children compared to 40% of men (Skillset and UK Film Council, 2008). Work in the UK film industry shares many traits of other creative professions such as flexible working hours, project-based employment, uncertainty, precariousness and irregular and often unreliable payment. Skillset's report on the status of women in the creative industries in the UK found that representation is highest in sectors comprising larger employers in which more stable, permanent employment models are common, such as terrestrial television (48%), broadcast radio (47%), cinema exhibition (43%), and book publishing (61%) (Skillset, 2010). This paper considers the hidden inequalities in the apparent freedom of a creative professions such as the UK film industry, paying particular attention to the role of the screenwriter in order to illustrate how continued gendered assumptions about a women's role as a mother and the primary carer for children can impact on their career opportunities in a creative industry.


A 73-year-old female patient underwent transradial coronary angiography with stable angina and signs of significant myocardial ischemia revealed by exercise stress test. After insertion of a 6F radial sheath into the right radial artery and intra-arterial administration of heparin plus verapamil, the hydrophilic guidewire could not be advanced under fluoroscopic guidance. Immediately afterwards, radial angiography was performed, which displayed a radial artery perforation with significant contrast extravasation. The perforated segment was crossed meticulously with the same guidewire after additional vasodilator drug administration. Afterwards, a 5F TIG catheter was advanced to the axillary artery and held in place for 20 minutes with application of external compression with a sphygmomanometer cuff at the level of systolic blood pressure. The same maneuver was again performed following cuff deflation and completion of coronary angiography with the 5F catheter. Final angiography displayed complete sealing of the perforation without a need for neutralization of heparin. External compression was continued for two hours, and after documentation of normal triphasic radial artery flow by Doppler ultrasound (DUS), the radial sheath was removed. The patient was discharged the following day with no evidence of hand ischemia and well-palpable radial artery pulse. DUS demonstrated normal radial artery flow one month later. This unusual complication was managed successfully with a simple and easily applicable technique that can be performed in such cases.


Agmatine, an amine and organic cation, is formed by the decarboxylation of L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase. It binds to a2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors. It blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors and inhibits nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Because the importance of NMDA receptors and the NO system are well known in seizure activity, this study was designed to investigate the effect of agmatine on electrically and chemically induced seizures by using maximal electroshock (MES) and pentilentetrazole (PTZ) models in mice. Initial studies established convulsive current 50 (CC50) for MES and effective dose 50 (ED50) for PTZ to produce seizures. Agmatine (20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) increased the threshold of seizures in MES dose dependently. In PTZ-induced convulsions, the highest dose of agmatine (100 mg/kg) increased the seizure onset time and decreased percent survival. The percentage of grade V seizures was found to be increased by agmatine doses greater than 20 mg/kg.


Eight new 5-(quinolinylmethylene)barbituric acid derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid and 1,3-diethyl-2-thiobarbituric acid with quinoline-4-carboxaldehydes and several quinoline-2-carboxaldehydes via Knoevenagel condensation. The novel compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass, IR, and UV-visible spectral data and elemental analyses. d.c. and a.c. conduction properties of the compounds were investigated in the frequency range of 40–105 Hz and temperature range 295–440 K. The d.c. results showed an activated conductivity dependence on temperature for all films. Obtained data reveal that a.c. conductivity obeys the relation and exponent is found to decrease by increasing temperature. The analysis of the a.c. conduction data showed that the CBH model is the dominant conduction mechanism for the electron transport in the films. Gas sensing properties of the films for the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were also investigated in the same temperature range. Maximum sensitivity to VOCs was observed at around 360 K for compound 6.


OBJECTIVE The influence of diet on body fat has not been quantified independently of genetic influences, although both are held to contribute to regulation of body fat stores. This study examined 1) the relationship between recent diet and total body and central abdominal fat inmiddle-aged female twins independent of genetic and important environmental factors and 2) evidence of interaction between diet and genetic predisposition RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Measurements in 436 healthy female twins (aged 58 ± 10 years) included dietary intake by food frequency questionnaire (validated against a 7-day food diary, n = 162), BM1, total body and central abdominal fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and environmental covariates (smoking habit, hormone replacement, and physical activity) by standardized questionnaire. Dietary energy underreporters were excluded. RESULTS Intake of dietary fat (total and subtype) and carbohydrates was not related to BM1 or to total or central fat, confirmed in quintile analysis. With genetic and environmental factors controlled in 90 monozygotic pairs, differences in the intake of energy, fat, or protein were not related to intrapair differences in total and central body fat. However, a minor inverse relationship between carbohydrate intake and total adiposity was confirmed (r = −0.25, P = 0.02). In paired analyses, the twin with the higher intake of total sugars had significantly lower total body and central abdominal adiposity. There was no evidence of a gene-environment interaction between intake of fat or carbohydrates contributing to greater body fat mass in subjects genetically predisposed to obesity. CONCLUSIONS Using validated dietary measures and direct measures of body fat and excluding underreporters, no relationship between dietary fat and body fat was found in middle-aged women, particularly after controlling for genetic and some environmental factors. The role of dietary factors in determining total body and central abdominal fat appears to have been overestimated in past cross-sectional studies


The homogeneity of newly compiled 212 precipitation records in Turkey for the period 1973‐2002 was checked by the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT) and Pettitt Test. Stations were considered inhomogeneous if at least one of the tests rejects the homogeneity. As a result, 43 out of 212 stations were found to be inhomogeneous. In addition, the previously detected Southern Oscillation (SO)‐related precipitation anomalies by the authors were quantified at each station using the gamma distribution. The observed SO‐related shifts in the median precipitation amounts expressed as gamma percentiles may be considered as a typical SO response of that station. The results of this study confirm the wet responses of Turkish precipitations to El Nino events, whereas those for La Nina events seem to be masked by sampling variations within the study period. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Current study specifically concerns with the acquisition of universal quantifiers inIndonesian, e.g., masing-masing/setiap "each/every", semua "all". Previous studiese.g., Vendler (1967), Ioup (1975), Brooks & Braine (1996), Brooks et al. (2001)showed that all and each/every have innate collective, e.g., All the boys are riding anelephant, and distributive, e.g., Each boy is riding an elephant, representationsrespectively. This study mainly aims to reinvestigate the innateness of the twomeanings. The study used picture selection tasks. Five different sets of stimuli wereemployed. Three different groups of subjects participated: 20 younger children (4-to-6year
old),
30
older
children
(7-to-12-year
old),
and
30
adults
(17-to-22-year
old).
The

results

indicated that there was no evidence that the younger children were able torestrict the use of quantifiers to its domain, i.e., the noun it modifies. Furthermore,
there was even no evidence that they could assign the distributive and collectivemeanings to masing-masing "each" and semua "all" respectively. In contrast, over95% of the older children's and adults' use of the quantifiers was correct. Additionally,their assignment to the distributive meaning of masing-masing "each" was over 90%correct. For semua "all", nevertheless, only about 50% of their responses representedthe canonical meaning, i.e., collective. Moreover, the results from quantifier spreadingtests informed that half of the younger children preferred a symmetrical relation
between masing-masing "each" and its domain, while the other half preferred anasymmetrical relation. Thus, their preference to the symmetrical response, as
suggested by Philip (1995), is not observed here. To conclude, all the evidence suggeststhat children's universal quantifier acquisition is delayed until they are approximatelyat age 7. The learning process, in the sense of Bowerman (2001), and Borer andWexler's Maturation Hypothesis (1987) might factor in the delay. In other words, theinnate collective and distributive meanings of all and each/every are not confirmed in this study.


Background Impaired facial emotion expression recognition (FEER) has typically been considered a correlate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Now, the alexithymia hypothesis is suggesting that this emotion processing problem is instead related to alexithymia, which frequently co-occurs with ASD. By combining predictive coding theories of ASD and simulation theories of emotion recognition, it is suggested that facial mimicry may improve the training of FEER in ASD and alexithymia. Objective This study aims to evaluate a novel mimicry task to improve FEER in adults with and without ASD and alexithymia. Additionally, this study will aim to determine the contributions of alexithymia and ASD to FEER ability and assess which of these 2 populations benefit from this training task. Methods Recruitment will primarily take place through an ASD community group with emphasis put on snowball recruiting. Included will be 64 consenting adults equally divided between participants without an ASD and participants with an ASD. Participants will be screened online using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10; cut-off score of 22), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) followed by a clinical interview with a provisional psychologist at the Federation University psychology clinic. The clinical interview will include assessment of ability, anxiety, and depression as well as discussion of past ASD diagnosis and confirmatory administration of the Autism Mental Status Exam (AMSE). Following the clinical interview, the participant will complete the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) and then undertake a baseline assessment of FEER. Consenting participants will then be assigned using a permuted blocked randomization method into either the control task condition or the mimicry task condition. A brief measure of satisfaction of the task and a debriefing session will conclude the study. Results The study has Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee approval and is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials. Participant recruitment is predicted to begin in the third quarter of 2021. Conclusions This study will be the first to evaluate the use of a novel facial mimicry task condition to increase FEER in adults with ASD and alexithymia. If efficacious, this task could prove useful as a cost-effective adjunct intervention that could be used at home and thus remove barriers to entry. This study will also explore the unique effectiveness of this task in people without an ASD, with an ASD, and with alexithymia. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12619000705189p; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377455 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/24543


It has been proposed that make and legacy usually summarizes a role in snapshot where the impression of brand and product arouses customers sentiments that take out the larger participation and accord to the in between activity with the brand. The purpose of this study is to understand how the snapshot experience could initiate the in between activities of the brands and the intended audience, in such a way that it can be used as a commercial instrument for the companies. A netnographic research tool has been used for the present study as it is the perfect combination of internet and ethnography which is designed to study the virtual communities. The involvement of brand snapshot postings on Zivame were considered by observing the users snapshot to forecast the brand utilization. A thoughtful sample of Zivame users was chosen, and from those, a total of 50 brand snapshots were observed.


Preferred orientation of AlN films has been improved to c-axis using a highly (111) textured Pt layer. The highly textured (111) Pt layer is obtained by inserting an AlN layer between the Pt layer and substrate. Thus, Pt/AlN/substrate could be termed a substrate for preferred orientation controlled AlN films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles reveal that the degree of preferred orientation of such highly (111) textured Pt layer surpasses the one originated from the crystal structure of Pt. The (2θ, ψ) intensify maps of diffracted X-ray collected as a function of the diffraction angle (2θ) and the tilting angle (ψ) exhibit that the films are perfectly (111) preferred orientated, however, they do not show in-plane texture. The (2θ, ψ) maps also demonstrate that a residual stress in films is subject to compressive.


Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) constitutes a major compound in the global sulfur cycle. A few studies over the last decade have revealed that not only bacteria but also eukaryotic phytoplankton may take up DMSP from the dissolved pool, although the mechanisms and quantitative importance of this undefined DMSP uptake pathway, particularly by polar phytoplankton, remain poorly known. To fill this gap, we undertook short-term 35S-DMSP uptake kinetic experiments in axenic laboratory batch cultures of 3 polar marine diatoms (Thalassiosira gravida, Chaetoceros neogracilis, and Chaetoceros gelidus). DMSP uptake by C. neogracilis and C. gelidus was below the detection limit, but significant DMSP uptake by T. gravida was ob served. These differences might be explained by the presence of a putative OpuD/DddT-like DMSP transporter in various Thalassiosira spp., which is absent in the transcriptomes of Chaetoceros spp. Based on conservative extrapolation of DMSP uptake kinetics measured in T. gravida cultures to the complex consortium of diatoms found in oligotrophic Arctic environments, the fraction of dissolved DMSP taken up by polar diatoms is probably small compared to that taken up by bacteria and (perhaps) other eukaryotic algae.


During simulation of silicidation and oxidation, some layers are consumed (poly, silicon) and other layers grow (oxide, silicide). During these growth processes, grid must be added behind the advancing interface and removed in front of it. In a full integrated circuit process simulator, this has to be performed simultaneously with the transient solution of the diffusion equations for silicon dopants. This paper describes an approach of local adaption that leaves unchanged most of the grid. Robust algorithms are described for handling adaption in two-dimensional process simulation. Examples for etching, deposition, and oxidation are described. >


A retrospective study of 2,146 feedlot cattle in 17 feedlot tests from 1988 to 1997 was conducted to determine the impact of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) on veterinary treatment costs, average daily gain, carcass traits, mortality, and net profit. Morbidity caused by BRD was 20.6%. The average cost to treat each case of BRD was $12.39. Mortality rate of calves diagnosed and treated for BRD was 5.9% vs. .35% for those not diagnosed with BRD. Average daily gain differed between treated and non-treated steers during the first 28 days on feed but did not differ from 28 days to harvest. Net profit was $57.48 lower for treated steers. Eighty-two percent of this difference was due to a combination of mortality and treatment costs. Eighteen percent of the net profit difference was due to improved performance and carcass value of the non-treated steers. Data from 496 steers and heifers in nine feedlot tests were used to determine the effects of age, weaning, and use of modified live virus or killed vaccines prior to the test to predict BRD. Younger calves, non-weaned calves, and calves vaccinated with killed vaccines prior to the test had higher BRD morbidity than those that were older, weaned, or vaccinated with modified live virus vaccines, respectively. Treatment regimes that precluded relapse resulting in re-treatment prevented reduced performance and loss of carcass value. Using modified live virus vaccines and weaning calves 30 days prior to shipment reduced the incidence of BRD.


The term province, which was in the past used in ecclesiastical and financial contexts, underwent various attempts to rede fine it in 18th century France. Be fore, from the 15th century, the term was used indiscriminately to designa te different territorial subdivisions. The province, then, was likened to the 'bailliage' (bailiwick), the 'senec haussee', the 'gouvernement', the 'generalite' and, in the 18th century, the words province and 'intendance' were considered synonymous. More generally, the province is understood as a product of the land and of history, of nature and man; and the term signified above all a community of customs, habits, language, spirit, routines, and sometimes political, administra tive and fiscal institutions. Sovereign power conceives in particular of the province as a territorial spac e tha t is subjec t to the omnipotence of the ruler. Royal courts, for their part, sa w it as the indispensable basis for the expression of so-called provincial fre edoms, that is, an instrument of opposition to regal power. Traditionalist authors similarly liken the province to an entity tha t is subjec t to the authority of intermediary bodies, to the domination of the privilege of rank and the order of socie ty as well as that of the sta te assemblies. Challenging the traditional idea of the province is similar, then, to questioning these different conceptions of it and their implica tions. In other words, it is a question first of all of finally providing the province with an administra tive sense. This ambition was declared, in the mid-18th century, by an ecle c tic current of thinking, which brought toge ther a group of distinguished reformers. The re formers' objec tive was, in reality, to fight against the provincial oligarchies and the king's offic ers, so as to renew and regenera te the rela tionship betwe en the institutions in the province and central power. Two key ideas emerge from the different plans tha t were put forward in the second half of the 18th century. On the one hand, there was a movement towards a rearrangement of the administra tive bodies a t the provincial level, prompted mainly by the problem of putting an end to assemblies of privileges. On the other, some plans came to rede fine the func tion of the ruler in the provinces by considering the various new assemblies as new local and regional intermediaries betwee n the political and administra tive rule of the monarchy.


This thesis turns to the contested educational field to explore how hybrid schools and its principals deal with conflicting institutional demands. In the context of venture capital firm operated schools, two contrasting logics with conflicting demands become prominent: market logic demands concerning shareholder value and educational logic demands regarding educational activities. A case study was conducted on schools owned by a venture capital firm and our findings suggest two different levels of demands ('Fundamental' and 'Additional') which evokes different organizational responses. While strict compliance is apparent on the fundamental level, partially due to the specificity of the demands, resource dependency and high supervision of organizational conformity, there is room for agency, compromises and defiance at the additional level. To ensure constituencies about its commitment to their fundamental demands the hybrid schools use a strategy of avoidance to conceal and disguise its dual compliance. Further, they customize their information and rhetoric to suit the constituencies' embraced logic and by that manage to claim their right to operate in the contested field. Finally, at the managerial level the principals' role resemble the role of a gatekeeper, determining which demands other organizational members should focus on and what remains at their own desk.


The use of prosthetic valves carries a high incidence of complications including thromboembolism, hemolysis, infection, impaired hemodynamic function and mechanical failure. Unstented homograft valves provide a good quality of life, particularly in terms of a reasonable freedom from these complications. This paper presents the first simultaneous replacement of the mitral and aortic valves using fresh unstented pulmonary and aortic homografts collected from the same donor. We believe that this technique will be especially useful in developing countries facing financial difficulties and problems with patient education.


This paper describes the use of fluorosurfactants as buffer additives for capillary electrophoretic separation of proteins and peptides. Due to fluorosurfactant bilayer formation at the capillary inner wall, the surface charge can be adjusted and even reversed. If the running buffer pH is kept at a level where the proteins have the same sign of charge as the wall, electrostatic repulsion will be obtained. The protein wall adsorption can therefore be reduced and the separation performance can be noticeably increased. The separation performance can also be further improved by including mixtures of different types of fluorosurfactants in the running buffer. The buffer system can accordingly be adapted for a certain separation problem. Mechanisms for the use of fluorosurfactants for wall deactivation in capillary electrophoretic protein separations is discussed in the present work and some examples of applications are also presented.


"A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Financial Mathematics"; M.S. -- Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University, Louaize, 2019; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-38).


Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have occupied an important place in the fields of catalysts, electrocatalysts, and fillers, and their applicability can be greatly enhanced by interlayer organic modifications. In contrast to general organic modification based on noncovalent modification using ionic organic species, this study has clarified in situ interlayer covalent modification of LDH nanoparticles (LDHNPs) with the tripodal ligand tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris-NH2). Interlayer-modified CoAl LDHNPs were obtained by a one-pot hydrothermal treatment of an aqueous solution containing metal salts and Tris-NH2 at 180 °C for 24 h. Tris-NH2 was covalently bonded on the interlayer surface of LDHNPs. Interlayer-modified NiAl LDHNPs were also similarly synthesized. Some comparative experiments under different conditions indicate that the important parameters for interlayer modification are the number of bonding sites per a modifier, the electronegativity of a constituent divalent metal element, and the concentration of a modifier; this is because these parameters affect the hydrolytic stability of alkoxy-metal bonds between a modifier and a layer of LDHNPs. The synthesis of interlayer-modified MgAl LDHNPs was achieved by adjusting these parameters. This achievement will enable new potential applications because modification of only the outer surface has been achieved until now. Interlayer-modified LDHNPs possessing CO32- in the interlayer space were delaminated into monolayers under ultrasonication in water. The proposed method provides a rational approach for interlayer modification and facile delamination of LDHNPs.


The United States faces a barrage of threats from terrorist organizations on a daily basis. The government takes some steps to prevent these threats from coming to fruition, but not much is being done proactively. Any person can log into a social media account to preach hate and incite violence against the United States and its citizenry, and sometimes these words result in action. When speakers are not held accountable, they can continue to incite the masses to violent action across the United States. This Note proposes a new incitement doctrine to prevent these speakers from being able to spread their violent message on the internet, which might very well decrease the threats the United States faces and the number of tragedies it often experiences.


Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the developing world. Due to increasing demand driven by rapid population and industrial growth, sustainable water resource management is required. Therefore, we investigated sustainability in UB from the perspective of water quality. During five sampling campaigns, we collected 135 water samples (58 from bedrock wells, 44 from shallow wells tapped into the alluvial aquifer, 24 from rivers, and 9 from springs). The hydrochemistry of the water samples was controlled by two major processes: NO3 contamination, and silicate and carbonate mineral weathering. The groundwater samples could be classified into three groups based on their NO3 levels and spatial distribution. Group 1 had natural background NO3 levels (median: 1.7 mg/L) and silicate weathering–dominant water–rock interactions and was distributed in the alluvial aquifer along the floodplain. Group 2 was dominated by carbonate weathering processes, had a maximum NO3 concentration of 47.4 mg/L, and was distributed between the riverbank and upslope area; overall, it reflected ongoing contamination. Group 3 was distributed in the upslope Ger districts and showed significant NO3 contamination (range: 64.0–305.4 mg/L) due to dense and poor living conditions. The stable isotope signatures indicated that the city's major water supply from riverbank filtration (i.e., Group 1 wells) mixed dynamically with the river; therefore, it showed no sign of NO3 contamination. However, the isotope values and bedrock groundwater quality of wells in Groups 2 and 3 implied that they were closely connected, with the same water source, and showed a strong potential for expanding NO3 contamination toward Group 1 wells. To support sustainable development in UB, the implementation of appropriate institutional measures to protect and preserve water resources, with systematic spatio-temporal monitoring and a focus on Ger districts, is crucial.


BACKGROUND
Besides Crohn's disease (CD), there are a variety of other causes that can also lead to ulcerations in the terminal ileum. The purpose of this study was to identify useful diagnostic features for CD when evaluating terminal ileum biopsies in patients with endoscopic finding of ulcers.

METHODS
Five hundred and seventy-one patients with endoscopic finding of ulcers were included in this retrospective study. Five main histological features were analysed, which were crypt irregularity, mucosal thickening, villous stromal widening (including villous atrophy), granulomas, and pseudopyloric gland metaplasia. Clinical and pathological features were determined by uni- and multivariable logistic regression. Then another independent cohort of 99 patients was established for verifying this nomogram.

RESULTS
The crypt irregularity, mucosal thickening, and villous stromal widening were combined to be considered as one new variable named mucosal architectural change which was an independent variable in diagnosing CD. We found that mucosal architectural change, age <40 years, the presence of granulomas, and the presence of pseudopyloric gland metaplasia were independent factors for the pathological diagnosis of CD. Then nomogram was developed, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.927) in training sets, and ROC curve (AUC = 0.913) in validation sets.

CONCLUSIONS
We found mucosal architectural change is very helpful in distinguishing CD from non-CD patients. In the context of small biopsy which may lack full scope of changes, the model developed by combining these key features is valuable in predicting a diagnosis of CD, especially in younger patients (age <40 years).


Transformation of urban areas satisfies hydraulic invariance (HI) if the maximum flow rate outgoing the area stays unchanged. The HI can be respected by dimensioning appropriate water storage volumes or low impact developments (LID) to balance the soil sealing and ground levelling effects. In order to comply with HI, some Italian regional legislation and river basin authority provide for the creation of storage tanks whose volume must be estimated through simple conceptual rainfallrunoff models. In this work a physically based approach for evaluating HI is proposed. It is based on interpolating the results from a large number of hydraulic simulations conducted using FullSWOF, which is an open source code developed by the University of Orléans. In this software the shallow water equations are solved using a finite volume scheme and friction laws and infiltration models are included. Simulations have been carried out considering the effect of three properties of the area, that is: the saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil, the slope of ground surface and the standard deviation of ground elevation around the mean level. Using the results, interpolating laws for the peak discharge and the critical rainfall duration as function of the three basin parameters have been derived. A parametric hydrograph as a function of the basin parameters and rainfall duration is defined and a HI evaluation method based on routing the parametric hydrograph is proposed. The results from this approach have been compared with those from non-physically based methods currently used, such as the direct rainfall approach and the linear reservoir approach. The comparison shows that the difference between these conceptual methods with that one proposed here is strongly dependent on the runoff coefficient value. It is also not possible to predict whether they are conservative or not.


In many in-vivo and in vitro studies, the behavior of calcium phosphate ceramics like β - tricalcium phosphate in biological environments has been reported to be predictive and positive. In terms of bone tissue growth, this ceramic can be more attractive presenting a porous microstructure. To obtain biomaterial quality ceramics, in this investigation β- TCP porous ceramics were prepared by a special consolidation method with albumin as a foam generating agent. This technique enables preparation a variety of formats with complex geometries. To obtain porous samples using albumin, heat had to be introduced into the system during the consolidation stage. After consolidation, the samples were sintered at 1250oC for 30 minutes and characterized using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry. The foams that were obtained by this method exhibited spherical and interconnected pores, characteristics desirable in biomedical implants.


This study explains chief causes of covert and overt conflict between indigenous and non-indigenous ethnic groups of Metekel zone, since 1991. For the sake of convenience, however, particular emphasis is given to the conflict between Agew and Gumuz. The study employs relational ethnography research design. The data collected through in-depth interview, observation, informal conversation, and review of available documents is analysed thematically. The conflict between the two ethnic groups in the period is explained based on the assumption of horizontal and longitudinal deprivation. The paper demonstrates that coincidence of relative deprivation with ethnic line is creating favourable conditions for violent conflicts in the study area. In the period, Agews felt deprived of political resources in contrast to their history and Gumuz. On the other hand, though Gumuz are politically empowered, the socio-economic status of the people is hardly comparable with the Agew and other non-indigenous ethnic groups. The salience of ethnicity in the period has also been providing opportunity for elites to mobilize the mass for violence. But, the study argues the transformation of dormant conflicts into violence is determined by cost and benefit analysis of the action rather than by a mere mobilization of elites. Accordingly, in the period instigating violence seems persuasive for Gumuz than Agew. The finding implies that when the underlying conditions of relative deprivation are eliminated, the motive to use violence as a political instrument can also be minimized.

 Key words: Ethnicity, ethnic conflict, relative deprivation, ethnic federalism, indigenous ethnic groups, non-indigenous ethnic groups.


Objective: The rates of obesity and cigarette smoking are much higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population. This study was to examine whether naltrexone and bupropion combination treatment can help weight loss and smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Obese male schizophrenia patients with current cigarette smoking were randomized to receive adjunctive naltrexone (25 mg/day) and bupropion (300 mg/day) combination or placebo for 24 weeks. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study, and 21 patients completed the study (11 in the treatment group, and 10 in the placebo group). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting lipids, smoking urge, expired carbon monoxide (CO) level and cigarettes smoked per week were measured at baseline and week 24. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in changes in weight, BMI, fasting lipids, or cigarette smoking measures ( p 's > 0.05) Conclusion: Naltrexone and bupropion combination treatment didn't show weight loss or smoking cessation effect in patients with schizophrenia in this pilot study.Implications for future studies were discussed.


Writing centers in the U.S. are experiencing more diverse student populations than ever before. The increase in diversity affects the ways that centers function, in areas such as training programs, mentorships, tutoring strategies, and one-on-one interactions with students. Instead of closely examining the model of writing center adopted in the U.S., this paper investigates those centers located in Asian countries where most international students in American universities come from, in order to provide a different perspective for understanding the operation of writing centers in L2 contexts. Such a perspective helps index the methods for adjusting to a more diversified writing center, be it in the U.S. or in an L2 country, for cultivating better writers through the cooperation of L1 and L2 writing centers.


A synthetic route to 2-aminobutane (2-AB) was developed, which enabled the synthesis of specifically 14 14 and uniformly C labelled 2-AB to be carried out. C labelling was employed as a means of detecting 2-aminobutane in tuber tissue samples. An analytical technique, based on acid extraction and scintillation counting, was developed for the determination of 2-AB residues in potato tubers. This allowed studies to be carried out on various factors influencing the efficiency of fumigation of potato tubers with 2-aminobutane. 1 4 Using C 2-AB and a specially constructed small scale fumigation chamber, an investigation into the absorption and penetration of 2-AB into tubers was undertaken. The rate and extent of 2-AB absorption were studied, and also the effect of initial fumigant concentration and length of exposure period, on the final 2-AB residues in tubers. The depth of penetration was shown to be limited to the first 1 cm of tissue indicating that after initial absorption, the amine is firmly bound at or near the tuber surface. Thin layer chromatography of extracts from fumigated tubers, provided evidence which suggested that 2-AB is not metabolised by the tubers during the storage period. Damaged tubers were shown to absorb higher levels of 2-AB, and the effect of wound healing at different temperatures, prior to fumigation, was demonstrated. The preferential uptake of 2-aminobutane through tuber lenticels was highlighted as a possible cause of tuber to tuber variation in 2-AB residues. Studies showed that there was no appreciable loss of 2-AB from fumigated tubers during the storage period, and that transfer of 2-AB from tuber to tuber during air recirculation was very limited. The absorption of 2-AB by soil, straw and wood, was examined and identified as a likely sink for the amine fumigant, and this could contribute to the low 2-AB residues recorded for some commercial fumigations. A comparison of the antifungal activity of the optical isomers of 2-aminobutane, confirmed that the R-(-)enantiomer was more active than the corresponding S — ( + )— isomer, or racemic mixture, against the fungi responsible for gangrene and skin spot in potato tubers.


The aim of this paper is to provide an effective method for schedule reengineering and optimisation through knowledge acquisition and corporate memory creation. The core problem of schedule development is about defining the right activities for inclusion in the schedule, their duration and the right dependencies among project activities. It is shown here that project-oriented organisations specialised in certain domains can have highly accurate project schedules and thus improved efficiency by exploiting past experience. The first part of the proposed method consists of monitoring all the existing processes related to the projects execution and the corresponding knowledge acquisition through monitoring project results. The second part handles the creation of a corporate memory in the form of a set of schedule prototypes, along with all the needed processes for future projects execution. The paper is illustrated with a case study concerning the implementation of the method on the construction sector.


Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a lethal condition in diverse pathologies. Pressure overload is the most common etiology of RVF, but our understanding of the tissue structure remodeling and other biomechanical factors involved in RVF is limited. Some remodeling patterns are interpreted as compensatory mechanisms including myocyte hypertrophy, extracellular fibrosis, and changes in fiber orientation. However, the specific implications of these changes, especially in relation to clinically observable measurements, are difficult to investigate experimentally. In this computational study, we hypothesized that, with other variables constant, fiber orientation alteration provides a quantifiable and distinct compensatory mechanism during RV pressure overload (RVPO). Numerical models were constructed using a rabbit model of chronic pressure overload RVF based on intraventricular pressure measurements, CINE magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI). Biventricular simulations were conducted under normotensive and hypertensive boundary conditions using variations in RV wall thickness, tissue stiffness, and fiber orientation to investigate their effect on RV pump function. Our results show that a longitudinally aligned myocardial fiber orientation contributed to an increase in RV ejection fraction (RVEF). This effect was more pronounced in response to pressure overload. Likewise, models with longitudinally aligned fiber orientation required a lesser contractility for maintaining a target RVEF against elevated pressures. In addition to increased wall thickness and material stiffness (diastolic compensation), systolic mechanisms in the forms of myocardial fiber realignment and changes in contractility are likely involved in the overall compensatory responses to pressure overload.


Self-healing systems require that repair mechanisms are available to resolve problems that arise while the system executes. Managed execution environments such as the Common Language Runtime (CLR) and Java Virtual Machine (JVM) provide a number of application services (application isolation, security sandboxing, garbage collection and structured exception handling) which are geared primarily at making managed applications more robust. However, none of these services directly enables applications to perform repairs or consistency checks of their components. From a design and implementation standpoint, the preferred way to enable repair in a self-healing system is to use an externalized repair/adaptation architecture rather than hardwiring adaptation logic inside the system where it is harder to analyze, reuse and extend. We present a framework that allows a repair engine to dynamically attach and detach to/from a managed application while it executes essentially adding repair mechanisms as another application service provided in the execution environment.


This dissertation studies a critical facet of Chinese politics, inspections by higher Chinese government to villages. Principally, it looks at how village economic development determines government inspection decisions and how inspections, once conducted, impact village politics. Specifically, I argue that villages perceived as destabilizing to the Chinese regime, villages with higher levels of economic inequality and villages located at the two extremes of economic development, should see more inspections. In addition, I argue that inspections, in return, drive village politics: they increase village leaders' governing efficacy and raise villagers' political awareness. This theory has received strong support from both field work and quantitative empirical tests using the Chinese Household Income Project (2002) dataset.


Bee venom immunotherapy To the Editor: Since August 1, 1983, honey bee and wasp venoms (Albay) have been classified for unrestricted use in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule. We wish to bring to the attention of medical practitioners the extreme potency of this material and to emphasize that the risks involved in its administration exceed those associated with other preparations used for immunotherapy or desensitization. While the efficacy of these venoms is well established, I the indications for their use are not.' They are being modified in the light of increased understanding of the natural history of bee-sting allergy. For practical purposes, commitment to desensitization implies maintenance treatment for life, at least in adults. Present indications include prior generalized reactions to bee-sting involving anaphylaxis with loss of consciousness, shock or respiratory distress. A positive skintest reaction to bee venom is a prerequisite for treatment. Side effects are common/ particularly in the early stages of treatment, and anaphylactic reactions may occur. There is evidence that a "rush technique" of induction is more effective than conventional therapy, but the risks of adverse reactions associated with this technique are greater. For these reasons we feel that initial courses should always be prescribed and administered by practitioners experienced in this form of treatment and with appropriate precautions. Apart from specialists in the practice of allergy in the cities, there should be a network of practitioners trained in the assessment and treatment of individuals sensitive to bee venom. We feel that general practitioners would then be confident to administer maintenance injections of bee venom with the usual precautions applying in immunotherapy.


In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intensity inhomogeneity refers to an acquisition artifact which introduces a non-linear variation in the signal intensities within the image. Intensity inhomogeneity is known to significantly affect computerized analysis of MRI data (such as automated segmentation or classification procedures), hence requiring the application of bias field correction (BFC) algorithms to account for this artifact. Quantitative evaluation of BFC schemes is typically performed using generalized intensity-based measures (percent coefficient of variation, %CV ) or information-theoretic measures (entropy). While some investigators have previously empirically compared BFC schemes in the context of different domains (using changes in %CV and entropy to quantify improvements), no consensus has emerged as to the best BFC scheme for any given application. The motivation for this work is that the choice of a BFC scheme for a given application should be dictated by application-specific measures rather than ad hoc measures such as entropy and %CV. In this paper, we have attempted to address the problem of determining an optimal BFC algorithm in the context of a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme for prostate cancer (CaP) detection from T2-weighted (T2w) MRI. One goal of this work is to identify a BFC algorithm that will maximize the CaP classification accuracy (measured in terms of the area under the ROC curve or AUC). A secondary aim of our work is to determine whether measures such as %CV and entropy are correlated with a classifier-based objective measure (AUC). Determining the presence or absence of these correlations is important to understand whether domain independent BFC performance measures such as %CV , entropy should be used to identify the optimal BFC scheme for any given application. In order to answer these questions, we quantitatively compared 3 different popular BFC algorithms on a cohort of 10 clinical 3 Tesla prostate T2w MRI datasets (comprising 39 2D MRI slices): N3 , PABIC, and the method of Cohen et al. Results of BFC via each of the algorithms was evaluated in terms of %CV , entropy, as well as classifier AUC for CaP detection from T2w MRI. The CaP classifier was trained and evaluated on a per-pixel basis using annotations of CaP obtained via registration of T2w MRI and ex vivo whole-mount histology sections. Our results revealed that different BFC schemes resulted in a maximization of different performance measures, that is, the BFC scheme identified by minimization of %CV and entropy was not the one that maximized AUC as well. Moreover, existing BFC evaluation measures (%CV , entropy) did not correlate with AUC (application-based evaluation), but did correlate with each other, suggesting that domain-specific performance measures should be considered in making a decision regarding choice of appropriate BFC scheme. Our results also revealed that N3 provided the best correction of bias field artifacts in prostate MRI data, when the goal was to identify prostate cancer.


In this case of painful legs and moving toes the essential characteristics were to be secondary to a neuropathy due to vincristine and metronidazole. The disorders regressed in six weeks after the arrest of chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case due to a toxic, and more precisely to a drug.


One of the most important sources of renewable energy is solar energy, which is readily available throughout the world. There is a requirement to make the solar energy affordable for everyday use in order to minimise the present reliance on fossil fuels. This would also assist in meeting the requirements of limiting greenhouse-gas effects, and hence conserve the environment from pollution, global warming, ozone layer depletion, etc. Thermo-syphons are systems that capture solar energy using a working fluid. In the present study, Computational Fluid Dynamics based solver has been employed to carry out an extensive investigation on the performance analysis of a thermo-syphon operating under transient conditions. There has been limited research conducted on the transient performance of thermo-syphons. This study focuses on the effects of various heat flux inputs and thermal loading conditions on the performance of a closed-loop solar hot water thermosyphon system. The study reveals that the effect of heat flux input on heat transfer coefficient is dominant as compared to thermal loading. The results provided here can be used to optimally design thermo-syphon systems. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that Computational Fluid Dynamics can be used as an effective tool to analyse the performance of a thermo-syphon with reasonable accuracy.


This Article analyzes the role of offshore petroleum legislation in contributing to offshore facility integrity incidents in Australia's offshore petroleum jurisdiction. It examines the regulatory framework that existed at the time of the Varanus Island, Montara, and Macondo facility incidents, determining that the regulatory regime contributed to each of these incidents. Assessing the response of the Commonwealth government to the regulatory framework existing at the time of the events, particularly the integration of well regulation as part of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority's ("NOPSA") functions and the establishment of a national offshore regulator, this Article determines that while the integration of well management into NOPSA's functions has been a valuable and a significant improvement. There is still a likelihood that differing standards applied to the regulation of petroleum facilities ("Safety Case Regime") and wells ("Good Oilfield Practice"), multiple regulators, and regulatory disjuncture may continue to contribute to facility incidents. This Article concludes that the establishment of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Authority, the retainment of the Joint Authority, and the enhancement of NOPSA's functions to include environmental management have created a regulatory framework that is complex, increasingly convoluted, and has not addressed the root cause of facility incidents in Australia's offshore petroleum jurisdictions.


With the recent resurgence in the interest and use of maggot therapy, blow fly rearing can be expected to increase. The rearing of these necrophagous flies is technically simple, but can be expensive, malodorous, and wasteful of space. Although there are numerous references to maggot rearing in the older literature, they do not adequately address these specific problems. Therefore, we describe several of the simple, low-cost, and unobtrusive strategies for rearing blow flies that have proven useful in our hospital-based insectary.


img(Anaktisi) is a C#/.NET content base image retrieval application suitable for the web. It provides ef¿cient retrieval services for various image databases using as a query a sample image, an image sketched by the user and keywords. The image retrieval engine is powered by innovative compact and effective descriptors. Also, an Auto Relevance Feedback (ARF) technique is provided to the user. This technique readjusts the initial retrieval results based on user preferences improving the retrieval score signi¿cantly. img(Anaktisi) can be found at http://www.anaktisi.net


Abstract—One of the major objectives of the Nigeria national policy on education is the provision of equal educational opportunities to all citizens at different levels of education. With regards to higher education, an aspect of the policy encourages distance learning to be organized and delivered by tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This study therefore, determines how much of the Government resources are committed, how the resources are utilized and what alternative sources of funding are available for this system of education. This study investigated the trends in recurrent costs between 2004/2005 and 2013/2014 at University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC). A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Questionnaire was the research instrument used for the collection of data. The population of the study was 280 current distance learning education students, 70 academic staff and 50 administrative staff. Only 354 questionnaires were correctly filled and returned. Data collected were analyzed and coded using the frequencies, ratio, average and percentages were used to answer all the research questions. The study revealed that staff salaries and allowances of academic and non-academic staff represent the most important variable that influences the cost of education. About 55% of resources were allocated to this sector alone. The study also indicates that costs rise every year with increase in enrolment representing a situation of diseconomies of scale. This study recommends that Universities who operates distance learning program should strive to explore other internally generated revenue option to boost their revenue. University of Ibadan, being the premier university in Nigeria, should be given foreign aid and home support, both financially and materially, to enable the institute to run a formidable distance education program that would measure up in planning and implementation with those of developed nation.


This paper deals with the evaluation of damage due to boulder impact on rockfall protection embankment thanks to external methods. A 4 m high, 8 m long three layered structure is built using cells filled with different material according to their location in the structure. The structure is impacted by a 6500 kg spherical boulder with a maximal impact energy of 2000 kJ. The behaviour of the structure is first investigated using topographic surveys. Then, the results are compared with geophysical measurements. Results show that a low-energy impact leads to (i) the densification of both front and inner-layers associated with the swelling of the materials of the rear layer in the impact plane, and (ii) to the readjustment of internal materials which induces a local densification in a plane offset of 2 m. A high-energy impact induces large deformations on both inner and rear layers. These results are confirmed by seismic velocities which decrease with successive impacts.


An ASIC implementation of a WCDMA mobile terminal with 2-dimensional adaptive antenna-rake combining is presented in this paper. System analysis shows that adaptive antenna-rake combining techniques can significantly enhance the performance and capacity of cellular systems compared to conventional CDMA systems. A hardware efficient receiver architecture is implemented supporting both maximal ratio combining (MRC) and least mean squares (LMS) algorithm. Moreover, the proposed architectures allows for a dynamic and flexible allocation of available processing resources (total of 20 fingers) to different antennas and multipaths based on the instantaneous channel profile. The presented receiver can operate in both normal and space time transmit diversity (STTD) modes. The system was implemented in a 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS process and the improvement was validated through real-time field trials.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of parainfluenza virus type 4 infections in pediatric patients.

METHODS
Inpatients and outpatients with lower respiratory tract infections were studied. Recorded data were age, sex, clinical diagnosis, temperature, oxygen saturation, chest radiograph and length of hospital stay. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were studied through indirect immunofluorescence, tissue culture and a new multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) able to identify the four types of human parainfluenza virus in the same reaction.

RESULTS
Two hundred thirty specimens from 191 patients were analyzed. Parainfluenza viruses were diagnosed in 35.1 %: 37.3 % type 1, 10.4 % type 2, 38.9 % type 3 and 13.4 % type 4. RNA from parainfluenza virus type 4 was amplified in 10 aspirates from nine patients. Of these, all except one were aged less than two years (range: 26 days to 23 months). The clinical diagnosis was bronchiolitis or wheezing associated with lower respiratory tract infection. Six patients required admission, with a mean oxygen saturation of 89.5 % and a mean length of hospital stay of 7.6 days.

DISCUSSION
This is the first description of the characteristics of parainfluenza virus type 4 in Spain. Infections associated with this virus are not as mild as previously thought. Application of a multiplex RT-PCR allows identification of respiratory infections due to parainfluenza virus type 4 that would otherwise be underdiagnosed.


Using single-molecule atomic force microscopy, we find that a protein consisting of six identical ankyrin repeat units flanked by N- and C-terminal modules (N6C) unfolds in a stepwise, unit-by-unit fashion under a mechanical force. Stretching a N6C molecule results in a sawtooth pattern fingerprint, with as many as six peaks separated by approximately 10 nm and an average unfolding force of 50 +/- 20 pN. Our results demonstrate that a stretching force can unfold multiple repeat units individually in a single protein molecule, despite extensive hydrophobic interactions between adjacent units.


Implementing the flexible mode of instruction at all levels is a challenge to the educational system, especially to teachers who deliver subjects that are highly skill-based. This two-phase study investigated the strategies that enabled teachers to adapt to curricular change. Phase one of the study involved a phenomenological inquiry into the new demands of flexible delivery of TLE/TVL among secondary level teachers in the Philippines and the competencies that enabled them to meet these emerging demands. Data were gathered through semi-structured individual interviews with five teachers at the secondary level. Phase two of the study utilized the preliminary findings to review how the new teacher education curricula for TLE/TVL promote the necessary competencies to train teachers who are adaptable to curriculum change. Findings revealed that flexible learning modes demand teachers to explore creative and resourceful ways of delivering the same core practices such as teaching, assessment, and establishing connections with clients and stakeholders. Teachers meet these challenges through a combination of institutional training, resources, and personal learning initiatives. Further, opportunities to develop the competencies that teachers need to adapt to the curricular change are provided in the new teacher education curriculum. With the importance of self-learning and expansion of research skills development in the TLE/TVL teacher education curricula was then recommended. Keywords: online, modular, blended, technology and livelihood education, technical and vocational education


This paper is a systematic review of the literature on statistical process control (SPC) implementation in the food industry. Using systematic searches across three decades of publications, 41 journal articles were selected for the review. Key findings of the review include motivations: to reduce product defects and to follow the food law and regulations (benefits); barriers: high resistance to change and lack of sufficient statistical knowledge; and (limitations) an absence of statistical thinking and a dearth of SPC implementation guidelines. Further findings highlight the predominance of publications from the USA and the UK within this topic. Future research directions concerning SPC implementation issues as well as a ready reference of the SPC literature in the food manufacturing industry are also discussed.


The focus of this paper is on the design of jerk limited input shapers (time-delay filters). Closed form solutions for the jerk limited time-delay filter for undamped systems are derived followed by the formulation of the problem for damped systems. Since the jerk limited filter involves concatenating an integrator to a time-delay filter, a general filter design technique is proposed where smoothing of the shaped input can be achieved by concatenating transfer functions of first order, harmonic systems, etc.


The allocation of scarce resources is a grand strategic question – burden-sharing behavior has clear effects on states' ability to contribute to collective defense. I operationalize transatlantic burden-sharing in line with NATO's "Cash, Capabilities, and Contributions" approach for a mixed-methods analysis of the burden-sharing behavior of NATO's Black Sea littoral states – Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. Using a multi-method analytical approach, I find that national and particularly regional political economies drive burden-sharing choices more than geostrategy, at least in the current strategic environment.

Specifically, Bulgaria appears to be hedging between Russia, NATO, and the European Union, resulting in rhetorical commitments to NATO and the EU but limited behavioral changes. Romania, on the other hand, seems to be prioritizing protection from NATO against Russia in an almost obsequious way, rapidly increasing defense spending to meet the Wales Pledge criteria. Finally, Turkey has focused on terrorism and its Kurdish issue, both within its own borders and in neighboring Syria, testing allies' loyalty.


The European sovereign debt crisis illustrated how the stability of the entire financial system suffers when banks and sovereigns become too intertwined. However, there has been seemingly little success in reducing the bank-sovereign nexus in the decade since the crisis. As this Weekly Report shows, home bias remains strong and many European banks are still primarily purchasing domestic government bonds. One possible method of counteracting home bias would be to introduce a requirement for banks to back sovereign bonds on their balance sheets with their equity. So far, this has not been a requirement for banks, as government securities, which are inherently not free from risk, are considered risk-free from a regulatory perspective. However, as calculations in this report show, such a reform would entail a significant need for additional capital for many banks and could destabilize the euro area, especially as the home bias problem would become even more acute. Therefore, a future mandatory capital requirement for government bonds must be accompanied by additional measures, such as the introduction of a new, diversified type of government bond


For original paper see ibid., vol. 7, no. 2, p. 330-8 (2005). To protect multimedia data in audio and video streaming applications from unauthorized access by intruders, Yeung et al. recently proposed a multikey multimedia proxy with enhanced security features based on asymmetric reversible parametric sequences (ARPS) and the RSA technique. The authors claimed that their scheme provided a number of security features, including data confidentiality against member collusion. However, the security of their scheme is not as robust as they claim. In this paper, it is shown that the YLY-scheme remains vulnerable to collusion attacks


Using several routine screening procedures to determine anti-depressant drug activity in experimental laboratory animals, ketamine HCl was found to possess significant activity over a wide-range of oral doses. The tests used were (a) reversal of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis in mice, (b) reversal of reserpine-induced hypothermia in rats, (c) enhancement of yohimbine toxicity in mice and (d) inhibition of oxotremorine-induced tremors in mice. In general, the anti-depressant potency of ketamine HCl was substantially less than that of imipramine HCl.


Translation
Stress, in the form of high temperatures, causes cells to shut down the translation of most messenger RNAs (mRNAs). At the same time, stress activates the synthesis of a small number of proteins needed for cell survival and recovery, but how? To find out, Zhang et al. exposed human tissue culture cells to heat stress and found that they produced an alternative form of the protein MRPL18, which is normally part of mitochondrial ribosomes. When stressed, cells express this alternative form of MRPL18 and incorporate it into cytosolic ribosomes, large protein complexes required for translation. These modified ribosomes can engage and efficiently translate mRNAs needed for stress survival.

Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 22 , 404 (2015).


The Colombian species of the genus Rhamma Johnson, 1992 are revised. Male and female phenotypes of all species are associated and diagnosed, and data on their distributions are given along with a discussion of the geographic variability of the species. Thirteen taxa are considered valid at the species level. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Rhamma andradei (Le Crom & Johnson), stat. nov, comb. nov.; previously considered a nomen dubium in Penaincisalia Johnson, the taxon is considered a valid species of Rhamma. The placement of Rhamma anosma (Draudt), comb. nov., described as Thecla, is confirmed as belonging to Rhamma. A lectotype is designated for Thecla mishma Hewitson, 1878. Adults, male and female genitalia, and distribution maps are depicted for all species, along with an identification key based on adults.


We have previously demonstrated that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a putative intermediary in the ovulatory process, is a potent stimulator of ovarian PG biosynthesis. In this communication, we examine the possibility that this IL-1 effect reflects in part the induction of arachidonic acid mobilization by phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Molecular probing of whole ovarian material revealed the immature rat ovary to be a site of modest secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) gene expression. However, no change in ovarian sPLA2 gene expression was noted during the periovulatory period. Comparable probing for cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) failed to disclose a quantifiable signal. However, in situ hybridization localized both sPLA2 and cPLA2 (sPLA2 > cPLA2) transcripts to the granulosa cell layer of the ovarian follicle. Treatment of cultured whole ovarian dispersates with IL-1 beta produced significant (P < 0.01) increments in the steady state levels of transcripts corresponding to both sPLA2 (1.7-fold increase) and cPLA2 (5-fold increase), an effect reversed by an IL-1 receptor antagonist, suggesting mediation via a specific IL-1 receptor. Treatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, resulted in significant attenuation of the ability of IL-1 beta to up-regulate sPLA2 and cPLA2 gene expression as well as medium PLA2 activity. Treatment with aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, led to augmentation of the ability of IL-1 beta to up-regulate sPLA2 and cPLA2 gene expression as well as medium PLA2 activity. Total cellular PLA2 activity proved time, cell density, and calcium dependent, with an optimal pH of 8.0-9.0 and K(m) values in the low micromolar range (2-5 microM). Our observations 1) establish the rat ovary as a site of sPLA2 and cPLA2 gene expression, 2) localize the corresponding transcripts to the granulosa cell layer, and 3) establish IL-1 beta as an up-regulatory agent for ovarian sPLA2 and cPLA2 gene expression as well as for ovarian PLA2 activity. These findings also indicate that the IL-1 effect is 1) receptor mediated, 2) contingent in part upon de novo protein biosynthesis, and 3) inhibited by nitric oxide. These observations support the proposition that PLA2 may be a key component in the IL-1-stimulated biosynthesis of ovarian PGs.


Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Methodology: One hundred fifty pregnant women with gestational age less than 34 weeks with iron deficiency anemia were selected. The women in group A received IV iron sucrose. The drug was administered by IV infusion. The women in the group B received ferrous sulphate as oral iron in the dose of two tablets three times a day. Repeat laboratory estimations were done after six weeks. Results were analyzed by t test and Z- test of preparation using SPSS 15 and Microsoft excel. Results: Mean gestational age in group A and group B were 26.13 ± 5.15 weeks and 26.27 ± 4.71 weeks, respectively. Mean Hb level was 6.71 ± 0.65 g/dl in group A which was raised to 10.64 ± 0.71 g/dl. Mean Hb level was 6.72 ± 0.67 g/dl in group B which was raised to 10.17 ± 0.54. The target Hb level of 10 g/dl was achieved in 88% cases in group A and in 76% cases in group B (P =0.055). Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose therapy is safe and as effective as oral iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.


Humanoid robot's foot provides adequate support and proper friction force when moving. The robot should walk in flat plane, inclined plane, and rough surface, as well. However, unlike walking in flat plane, it is very difficult for a robot to walk over the rough surface because of various directions of transmitted forces from the surface. As a result, anti-shock mechanism and suitable structural design for the foot are required to walk stable. In this paper, a design process for the humanoid robot's foot, is proposed. Performance requirements of the robot's foot are discussed. To encourage a conceptual design process, TRIZ, an inventive thinking tool, is adapted. A design of experiments (DOE) method is used to minimize the deflection of the frame. Furthermore, DOE is also applied to optimize the coefficients of the shock absorption material. Finally, total performance of the robot is verified by multibody dynamic analysis. Through the verification, the most appropriate shape and structure of the foot is suggested.


The SYNTAX score (SX score) is a useful score for assessing the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Previous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between SX score and inflammation. Procalcitonin (PCT) is an early inflammatory marker, especially during sepsis. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SX score and serum PCT levels. A total of 545 patients were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study and were divided into 2 subgroups, according to their SX score. Serum PCT and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured. Serum PCT levels were higher in the high SX score group compared to the low–intermediate SX score group (P < .001). Serum PCT levels were an independent predictor of a high SX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (P = .001). As patients with a higher SX score had increased serum PCT levels on admission, serum PCT may be useful for identifying patients with severe CAD.


Background Sildenafil and tadalafil are recommended firstline treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil was legally reclassified to a 'pharmacy' medicine in the UK in 2018. Aim To assess the prescribing patterns and costs associated with prescribing of ED drugs in England, and to investigate the link between prescribing and deprivation, regional demography, and legal reclassification. Design & setting Analyses were conducted of publicly available government data from various sources pertaining to primary care prescribing and demographics in England. Method Prescribing and cost data from January 2009 to November 2019 were extracted and adjusted for inflation, male populations, and regional deprivation. Results Between 2009 and 2019 the rate of prescribing, measured as the number of items per 1000 men, increased by 110%. In 2019, the rate of prescribing of ED medicines in the most deprived areas was 21.0% higher than the rate observed in least deprived areas. The northern regions of England approximately had a 50% higher rate of prescribing compared with London. A 1.3% annual increase in the number of prescription items was observed between 2018 and 2019 for Sildenafil, with a 5.8% increase observed from 2017–2018. Conclusion The two-fold increase in the rate of primary care prescriptions in the past 10 years suggests that more men are being screened for, or seeking help for, ED. The higher rate of prescribing offers opportunity for monitoring of linked risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and vascular disorders, in deprived populations. Reclassification of sildenafil had a modest impact on prescribing practices.


Introduction The 2008-2011 period was characterized by five major events that, combined, have great geopolitical consequences on the course of contemporary history: the global financial crisis beginning in 2008; the nuclear meltdown following Japan's Great Earthquake in March 2011; the Arab Spring beginning early 2011 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the ongoing European Union's euro-zone debt crisis, and the wave of food riots around the world. The 2008 financial crisis indicated the fragility of the international financial system. The 2011 Japan's nuclear meltdown illustrated how risky the choices to meet energy needs are. Japan's predicament involving the complex interaction of an earthquake and a tsunami confirmed China's ascension to the second place in the world economy. The Arab Spring, in addition to its challenges to or the collapse of domestic dictatorships, demonstrated the loss of control of Western powers, particularly the European ones, over their immediate periphery. Long banned Islamic political parties won elections in Tunisia and Egypt or emerged as major political forces in MENA. This trend represents a challenge and requests diplomatic adjustments between the West and MENA countries. Furthermore, with the political death of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, the Mediterranean Community project dear to former France's President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has lost its momentum. The current Eurozone debt crisis underlines the fragility of European powers. It raises questions about their traditional role in world affairs as the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) continue to gain political clout. On the surface, these five phenomena have nothing in common. However, they all indicate weaknesses in the 21st century global political arrangements. The combination of such events and the inability of the international community to find and implement remedies that are efficient, timely and sustainable indicate that the way our societies are run require fundamental changes. All over the world, the voice of the poor and disadvantaged is getting louder. Africa is not immune from the challenges and opportunities presented by the situation we have witnessed the past four years. In 1931, the French poet Paul Valery wrote: le temps du monde fini commence (the era of a limited world has begun). For those feeling stifled by the limited world, nothing illustrates and legitimizes the transition from obedience to resistance better than hunger. The 2008-2011 food riots in Africa south of the Sahara exemplified the global political awakening of ordinary people. What does hunger mean? And why is it potentially dangerous for political stability? Physiological and Psychological Effects of Hunger The following example will illustrate how hunger has the potential to create political instability. In the first half of the 20th century, when Joseph Stalin took power in the former Soviet Union, one of the first things he did was to control the production of and access to food through agricultural reform (Sorokin, 1975). The faculty at the University of St. Petersburg carefully watched themselves and regularly met to discuss the effect starvation had on them. Commenting on the book by Pitirim Sorokin (one of the professors at St. Petersburg), Hunger as a Factor in Human Affairs, Frederick Kaufman (2009, p. 58) summarized the physiological and psychological symptoms of the starving as follows: ...feelings of hurt, weakness, headache, dizziness, and upset stomach, followed by nausea and terrible aches in the joints.A dull and hopeless apathy would set in, and then the infamous "famine psychosis" would reign: depression, paralysis, and an overwhelming sensation of existential emptiness. Pathological expression of anger and rage (emphasis added) would soon follow, along with hunger delirium and hallucinatory paroxysms... When people wait until the last stages of starvation, there is nothing they can do. …


The functional repertoire of a cell is largely embodied in its proteome, the collection of proteins encoded in the genome of an organism. The molecular functions of proteins are the direct consequence of their structure and structure can be inferred from sequence using hidden Markov models of structural recognition. Here we analyze the functional annotation of protein domain structures in almost a thousand sequenced genomes, exploring the functional and structural diversity of proteomes. We find there is a remarkable conservation in the distribution of domains with respect to the molecular functions they perform in the three superkingdoms of life. In general, most of the protein repertoire is spent in functions related to metabolic processes but there are significant differences in the usage of domains for regulatory and extra-cellular processes both within and between superkingdoms. Our results support the hypotheses that the proteomes of superkingdom Eukarya evolved via genome expansion mechanisms that were directed towards innovating new domain architectures for regulatory and extra/intracellular process functions needed for example to maintain the integrity of multicellular structure or to interact with environmental biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., cell signaling and adhesion, immune responses, and toxin production). Proteomes of microbial superkingdoms Archaea and Bacteria retained fewer numbers of domains and maintained simple and smaller protein repertoires. Viruses appear to play an important role in the evolution of superkingdoms. We finally identify few genomic outliers that deviate significantly from the conserved functional design. These include Nanoarchaeum equitans, proteobacterial symbionts of insects with extremely reduced genomes, Tenericutes and Guillardia theta. These organisms spend most of their domains on information functions, including translation and transcription, rather than on metabolism and harbor a domain repertoire characteristic of parasitic organisms. In contrast, the functional repertoire of the proteomes of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae superphylum was no different than the rest of bacteria, failing to support claims of them representing a separate superkingdom. In turn, Protista and Bacteria shared similar functional distribution patterns suggesting an ancestral evolutionary link between these groups.


Abstract: The Tiger Gabbro layered intrusion is one of the few mafic intrusive bodies found along the ancient Antarctic Gondwana margin. Major and trace element data and Sr–Nd isotope compositions for gabbronorites indicate an island arc signature for the Tiger Gabbro parental magma. This is the first evidence for an island arc from plutonic rocks in northern Victoria Land. The interpretation of the Tiger Gabbro as the roots of an Early Cambrian island arc (535 ± 21 Ma, Sm–Nd age), integrated with geochemical and geochronological data from the literature, matches the occurrence of the Glasgow volcanic rocks in the southern Bowers terrane, which possibly represents its effusive counterpart. A scenario for the early Palaeozoic Antarctic Gondwana margin is hence proposed in which the Tiger volcanic arc developed on the Robertson Bay microplate in response to subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. The Tiger arc igneous activity was coeval to the Wilson continental arc (represented by the Granite Harbour intrusive rocks), with the two subduction zones merging southwards into one. The migration of the Wilson arc towards the forearc region in turn generated the Middle Cambrian Bowers arc. Supplementary material: Major element, trace element, mineral and 40Ar–39Ar data are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18351.


The multi-attribute decision making problems with fuzziness and uncertainty can be made flexibly by intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), which is characterized by membership and non-membership functions. In this paper, a general intuitionistic fuzzy weighted arithmetic mean (IFWAMG) operator is presented by using the theory that fuzzy set (FS) is a special case of IFS. At the same time, a general fuzzy value of IFS is developed to compare alternatives where the ideal fuzzy value is recommended to use, and a practical procedure to rank alternatives is put forward.


Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterised by unexplained and persistent or recurrent incapacitating fatigue accompanied by a variety of symptoms and substantial reductions in previous levels of occupational, educational, social and/or personal activity [1,2]. Given the absence of biomarkers for diagnosis, ME/CFS is defined by a combination of symptoms, most of which are non-specific and common to a number of diseases and conditions. Over 20 case definitions have been proposed, leading to large variations in sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis. These diverse sets of diagnostic criteria and distinct ways in which they havebeenapplied pose significant problems, as research resultsmay vary considerably according to which definition is used. A particular problem occurs when overly inclusive criteria are used, since their lack of specificity may lead to considerable selection bias [3,4]. Unfortunately, many studies, clinical trials in particular, have used broad case definitions such as the Oxford criteria [5], which requires little more than the presence of persistent significant fatigue for over six months and the exclusion of conditions that could explain symptoms, for a diagnosis to bemade. This problem has been highlighted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) review of evidence for the NIH Pathways to Prevention Workshop [4], which showed significant changes to the interpretation of evidence for treatment, when studies using broad case definitions, such as the Oxford criteria, are excluded from the analysis. The implications for clinical practice suggest that fit-for-all management approaches to ME/CFS, may be inadequate for patients who fulfil better targeted case definitions. For patients selected using more restrictive definitions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET) and other forms of non-drug management approaches to ME/ CFS are most appropriate as adjunct therapies rather than restorative treatments, when provided by therapists with a good understanding of ME/CFS. These forms of behavioural intervention have been shown to support the well-being and rehabilitation of those suffering from many chronic and disabling conditions [6]. However, it is very important that the use of behaviourally based management strategies does not deter researchers, physicians and other health professionals from the overarching goal of investigating the causes and pathophysiology of ME/CFS in various sub-groups and the development of specific treatments.


Abstract The capability of any manufacturing system primarily depends on its available machine tools. Thus machine tool representation is a vital part of modelling any manufacturing system. With the rapid advances in computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machines, machine tool representation has become a more challenging task than ever before. Today's CNC machine tools are more than just automated manufacturing machines, as they can be considered multi-purpose, multi-tasking, and hybrid machining centres. This paper presents a versatile methodology for representing such state-of-the-art CNC machining system resources. A machine tool model is a conceptual representation of the real machine tool and provides a logical framework for representing its functionality in the manufacturing system. There are several commercial modelling tools available in the market for modelling machine tools. However, there is no common methodology among them to represent the wide diversity of machine tool configurations. These modelling tools are either machine vendor specific or limited in their scope to represent machine tool capability. In addition, the current information models of STEP-NC, namely ISO 14649, can only describe machining operations, technologies, cutting tools, and product geometries. However, they do not support the representation of machine tools. The proposed unified manufacturing resource model (UMRM) has a data model which can fill this gap by providing machine specific data in the form of an EXPRESS schema and act as a complementary part to the STEP-NC standard to represent various machine tools in a standardized form. UMRM is flexible enough to represent any type of CNC machining centre. This machine tool representation can be utilized to represent machine tool functionality and consequential process capabilities for allocating resources for process planning and machining.


Energy is increasingly becoming an exclusive commodity in next generation wireless communication systems, where even in legacy systems, the mobile operators operational expenditure is largely attributed to the energy bill. However, as the amount of mobile traffic is expected to double over the next decade as we enter the Next Generation communications era, the need to address energy efficient protocols will be a priority. Therefore, we will need to revisit the design of the mobile network in order to adopt a proactive stance towards reducing the energy consumption of the network.

Future emerging communication paradigms will evolve towards Next Generation mobile networks, that will not only consider a new air interface for high broadband connectivity, but will also integrate legacy communications (LTE/LTE-A, IEEE 802.11x, among others) networks to provide a ubiquitous communication platform, and one that can host a multitude of rich services and applications. In this context, one can say that the radio access network will predominantly be OFDMA based, providing the impetus for further research studies on how this technology can be further optimized towards energy efficiency. In fact, advanced approaches towards both energy and spectral efficient design will still dominate the research agenda. Taking a step towards this direction, LTE/LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced) have already investigated cooperative paradigms such as SON (self-Organizing Networks), Network Sharing, and CoMP (Coordinated Multipoint) transmission. Although these technologies have provided promising results, some are still in their infancy and lack an interdisciplinary design approach limiting their potential gain.

In this thesis, we aim to advance these future emerging paradigms from a resource allocation perspective on two accounts. In the first scenario, we address the challenge of load balancing (LB) in OFDMA networks, that is employed to redistribute the traffic load in the network to effectively use spectral resources throughout the day. We aim to reengineer the load-balancing (LB) approach through interdisciplinary design to develop an integrated energy efficient solution based on SON and network sharing, what we refer to as SO-LB (Self-Organizing Load balancing). Obtained simulation results show that by employing SO-LB algorithm in a shared network, it is possible to achieve up to 15-20% savings in energy consumption when compared to LTE-A non-shared networks. The second approach considers CoMP transmission, that is currently used to enhance cell coverage and capacity at cell edge. Legacy approaches mainly consider fundamental scheduling policies towards assigning users for CoMP transmission. We build on these scheduling approaches towards a cross-layer design that provide enhanced resource utilization, fairness, and energy saving whilst maintaining low complexity, in particular for broadband applications.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the frequency and types of adjustments that acute pain service makes to postoperative analgesic regimes to improve pain relief or treat side effects.

METHODS
The prospective observational study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. Data was collected from Acute Pain Service register four hours after the pain rounds by a Service member not involved in rounds. Data was collected on a standardised form and analysed using SPSS 19.

RESULTS
Of the 323 patients, 209(65%) were receiving epidural infusions and 114(35%) were receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Overall, 114(35%) required action by Acute Pain Service; 76(66.6%) with epidural infusions and 38(33.3%) intravenous analgesia. Besides, 98(85.9%) had inadequate pain relief, 61(62%) with epidural and 37(38%) with analgesia. Post-intervention, motor block occurred in 13(11.4%) patients, who were managed by change of patient\'s position and/or lowering the concentration of epidural solution. Improvement was seen in all patients after the adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS
Acute Pain Service played an important role in improving the quality of postoperative pain relief and management of analgesia-related side effects. Regular feedback to the primary anaesthesiologist can lead to improved practices.


Summary form only given. Flat rigid circuit boards housed in prismatic casings are convenient for the office or industrial products, but the rigid prismatic form is not the most sensible and unobtrusive for portable or wearable products. Flexible forms with small rigid portions are accommodating to curved shapes to improve portability, and they can be easily fitted into tight spaces to enable deployment of ubiquitous computing devices. A large part of the rigid circuit board is occupied by passive components. Transformation of rigid boards into flexible ones would require successful conversion of rigid passive components on rigid board into flexible passives on flexible substrate. In this study, the conversion of a rigid wireless transmitter into a flexible rigid-flex module is investigated. Low profile polymeric printed resistors, capacitors and etched metal inductors were used as flexible components for rigid-flex conversion on flexible polyimide. Their physical behaviors as a function of geometries and tolerances were evaluated, and design rules were established for rigid-flex component circuit design. On this basis, a RF transmitter module is used as a system implementation case study for the flexible printed passives on polyimide technologies. The transmitter's passives count is reduced by more than 50% after redesign. The redesigned flexible circuits with passives were fabricated using printing technologies and the few remaining rigid components were mounted separately. Functional system tests on the RF signal behaviors demonstrated that the rigid-flex RF transmitter has comparable functionalities with the rigid version even when bent to radius of 4 cm. Rigid-flex transmitter built using printed passive technologies is demonstrated as a potential low cost route towards portable products and that electronics can be built conformal to curve shapes and surfaces


The phenomenon of minors who arrive in a foreign land without accompanying adults has been more and more widespread during recent years. The school environment provides a particularly significant context for the integration of unaccompanied minors. The focus of this paper is an evaluation of educational projects which have been designed and operated for the reception of unaccompanied minors in a series of Italian schools. Through a survey, in-field observations, and semi-structured interviews, the paper explores the needs and resources of unaccompanied minors. In the conclusions, strategies to improve programs aimed at unaccompanied minors are provided.


Objective: The prevalence as well as predictors of psychiatric disorders (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition [DSM-IV] axis I and II) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was evaluated. Method: One-hundred fifteen patients with FMS participated in the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV to assess current mental disorders. In addition, patients completed standardized questionnaires regarding pain, pain impact, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms, and sexual and physical abuse. Results: Patients were grouped into one of three psychosocial subgroups based on responses to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI)–Dysfunctional (DYS), Interpersonally Distressed (ID), and Adaptive Copers (AC). Axis I diagnoses were present in 74.8% of the participants overall with the DYS subgroup mainly reporting anxiety and the ID group mood disorders. The AC group showed little comorbidity. Axis II diagnoses were present in only 8.7% of the FMS sample. Conclusion: These results suggest that FMS is not a homogeneous diagnosis, but shows varying proportions of comorbid anxiety and depression dependent on psychosocial characteristics of the patients. The results demonstrate the importance of not treating patients with FMS as a homogeneous group. Assessment should not only examine the presence of widespread pain and the number of tender points, but also the presence of affective distress. Treatment should focus both on physical and emotional dysfunction. FMS = fibromyalgia syndrome; MPI = Multidimensional Pain Inventory; DYS = dysfunctional; ID = interpersonally distressed; AC = adaptive copers; SCID = Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; CES-D = Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; STAI-T = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Trait scale; PRSS = Pain-Related Self-Statements Scale.


This month's update is by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust team. We used a multimodal search strategy, drawing on free openaccess medical education resources and literature searches. We identified the five most interesting and relevant papers (decided by consensus) and highlight the main findings, key limitations and clinical bottom line for each paper. The papers are ranked as: ► Worth a peek—interesting, but not yet ready for prime time. ► Head turner—new concepts. ► Game changer—this paper could/ should change practice.


Arterioles of the human retinal circulation are directly visible and exhibit wide variations in their course. Not only is there marked variation in arteriolar tortuosity within a given age group, but also it has been proposed that the degree of arteriolar tortuosity is different in younger and older age groups. This paper reports on the development of a computer-assisted technique for measurement of arteriolar tortuosity and on the frequency distribution of this index in younger (mean age 22 years) and older (mean age 54.3 years) populations without hypertension.