Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common condition in obese patients, is an important risk factor for HCC. However, only little information exists about the immunological mechanisms of how NASH promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet is widely used to induce NASH. In this study we fed Lap-tTA-myc mice, which develop HCC, with MCD diet. MCD diet accelerated tumor development in MYC on mice. A robust decrease of hepatic CD4 but not CD8 T cells was observed in NASH mice, which was exacerbated by MYC transgene expression. As expected higher level of cell death was detected in these hepatic CD4 T cells. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that these CD4 T cells had a CD44highCD62Llow effector memory phenotype and produced more IFNγ. Selective CD4 T cell depletion further accelerated HCC development suggesting an important role of these cells for tumor development. Next, we studied the cause of CD4 T cells. In co-culture experiments we demonstrated that lipid-laden hepatocytes from mice on MCD diet induced selective CD4 but not CD8 T cells death through a contact-independent mechanism. FFAs were found from hepatocyte culture medium, and linoleic acid recapitulates the selective toxicity to CD4 T cells. Blocking ROS abolished linoleic acid-induced CD4 T cell death. Our results suggest the critical role of CD4 T cell in the disease progression of NASH to HCC, and provide a new link between lipid metabolism dysfunction with impaired anti-tumor surveillance. Citation Format: Chi Ma, Miaojun Han, Masaki Terabe, Jay Berzofsky, Dean Felsher, Tim Greten. The role of CD4 T cells in murine model of NASH-promoted HCC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B44.


Although the Neutral-Ionic transition in mixed stack charge-transfer crystals was discovered almost forty years ago, many features of this intriguing phase transition, as well as open questions, remain at the heart of today's science. First of all, there is the most spectacular manifestation of electronic ferroelectricity, in connection with a high degree of covalency between alternating donor and acceptor molecules along stacks. In addition, a charge-transfer instability from a quasi-neutral to a quasi-ionic state takes place concomitantly with the stack dimerization, which breaks the inversion symmetry. Moreover, these systems exhibit exceptional one-dimensional fluctuations, with an enhancement of the effects of electron-lattice interaction. This may lead to original physical pictures for the dynamics of pre-transitional phenomena, as the possibility of a pronounced Peierls-type instability and/or the generation of unconventional non-linear excitations along stacks. Last but not least, these mixed stack charge-transfer systems constitute a valuable test bed to explore some of the key questions of ultrafast photo-induced phenomena, such as multiscale dynamics, selective coherent excitations and non-linear responsiveness. These different aspects will be discussed through the structural and dynamical features of the neutral-ionic transition, considering old and recent results, open questions and future opportunities. In particular, we revisit the structural changes and symmetry considerations, the pressure-temperature phase diagrams and conclude by their interplay with the photo-induced dynamics.


Abstract- Community Communicating Place Through Public Art John Mongard landscape architect refers to the ritual and experiences in place as the poetry of place, he says that it rings in our memory and if it's strong, you can visit that place in your mind many years afterward. Place is reinforced by the locals, they are the support system, the foundations stones that create over time personal relationships and experiences with the built and natural environment, a culture of place which ultimately becomes the attraction to place. Mongard states that public spaces, which become great experiences start with inspirational ideas. This paper through a collection of case studies, argues that there is a need for creative thinkers who are commissioned to produce public art and objects for places, to engage locals in discussions that will ultimately result in outcomes, which connect to and reinforce the sense of place.


As worldwide migration continues to grow, valid and reliable instruments are needed to assess the psychological processes that influence the successful management of intercultural relations in different sociopolitical contexts. In this study, we test whether the original Multicultural Ideology Scale (MCI) required a revision to remain 'fit for purpose' in the current culturally plural context of the UK (MCI-r). Specifically, six subscales are proposed to underlie the construct of a multicultural ideology: Cultural Maintenance, Equity/Inclusion, Social interaction, Essentialistic Boundaries, Extent of Differences, and Consequences of Diversity. With data from 300 UK nationals, we tested the psychometric properties of the MCI-r using various confirmatory factor analysis techniques to estimate the scale's factor structure followed by convergent and discriminant validity tests. The results indicated that a 4-factor solution (Cultural Maintenance, Equity/Inclusion, Social interaction, and Consequences of Diversity) fitted the data best. All four subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency as well as convergent and discriminant validity. All four subscales were also negatively correlated with a right-wing political orientation, whilst especially Social Interaction and Consequences of Diversity were positively associated with intergroup contact frequency across domains (work, family and friends and/or acquaintances). Finally, UK participants with personal migratory experiences reported a stronger belief in positive consequences of multiculturalism and more support for Social Interactions between members of different ethnic groups. Overall, findings provide first insights into the applicability of the MCI-r as a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of multiculturalism within the present UK context.


Study on characters of suspension bridges free vibration is basic to analyze wind resistance, shock resistance, and other dynamic behaviors. Current studies are usually focused on earth-anchored suspension bridges. Compared with earth-anchored suspension bridges, self-anchored suspension bridges are anchored on the girder end which makes girder under the compression condition, cable longitudinal displacement can not be neglected, in addition, large ratio of rise to span leads to cable large tilt angle. Based on functional analysis method, it uses variation calculus to derive differential equation of two-tower and three-span continuous self-anchored suspension bridges free vibrations, taking into account cable tilt angle and cable longitudinal displacement. According to the simplified differential equation, it draws to a formula that can calculate self-anchored longitudinal and vertical vibration frequencies. Finally, two examples are carried out to check the formula's reasonableness.


In logistics, performance measurement has been considered as a key competency to acquire world class performance. In light of this, we presented a robust methodology to establish an analysis framework for measuring logistics performance. The proposed hybrid methodology is a combination of criteria importance through intercritera correlation (CRITIC), simple additive weighting (SAW), and Peters' fuzzy regression methods. To the best of our knowledge, country-based logistics performance is seldom studied in the literature. Therefore, we measured the logistics performance of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries using the devised model based on the data of Logistics Performance Index 2014 provided by the World Bank. The introduced methodology, which is suitable to model imprecise relationships among system parameters, appears to be a practical alternative approach for the assessment of logistics performance. It should be noted that the evaluation framework presented in this paper is not confined to performance measurement case and can also be exploited in addressing other multiple criteria decision-making problems incorporating uncertainty.


BACKGROUND
Retroviral-mediated gene transfer stably introduces exogenous genes into normal and neoplastic cells of the hematopoietic system.

METHODS
We used two retroviral vectors [the first, FLac, expresses a chimeric protein (Sh-ble::LacZ) between the product of the phleomycin resistance gene (Sh-ble) and the bacterial beta-galactosidase encoded by the LacZ gene; the second, NuNL vector, contains a fusion sequence (LacZ::Neo) that expresses the LacZ and the neomycin resistance genes] to transduce T lymphocytes derived from the peripheral blood of healthy human donors. Two lymphocyte activation procedures were employed: a) phytohemagglutinin/interleukin-2 (PHA/IL-2) polyclonal stimulation; b) allogeneic stimulation in a mixed irradiated or non irradiated lymphocyte reaction, both supplemented with IL-2 (MLR/IL-2). Infection was achieved by co-cultivating activated T cells with the producing amphotropic cell line pretreated with mitomycin C for 96 hours. Infection and transduction efficiency were assayed by LacZ gene expression, which is detected as indigo blue staining with the chromogenic substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (X..Gal).

RESULTS
The highest percentage of transduced T cells was reached on the 3rd PHA/IL-2 and on 9th MLR/IL-2 activation days. In these conditions with FLac vector we obtained up to 80% X-Gal+ cells after PHA/IL-2 activation and 66% and 44%, respectively, with non irradiated and irradiated MLR/IL-2, respectively. Up to 40% X-Gal+ cells were obtained with NuNL vector after PHA/IL-2 stimulation, 40% with irradiated and 48% with non irradiated MLR/IL-2 activated cells. In term of transduction efficiency, large variability was observed among patients. There were no immunophenotypical differences between FLac or NuNL vector-transduced cells activated by either of the two techniques and the control cells.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that: a) the use of FLac or NuNL vector retroviral-mediated gene transfer into T-lymphocytes derived from peripheral blood and stimulated by either PHA/IL-2 or a MLR produces a high percentage of transduced T cells; b) MLR is a good system for generating a transduced alloreactive lymphocyte population. The combination of high transduction efficiency and the capacity to obtain alloreactive transduced lymphocytes should open up the possibility of generating new in vitro and in vivo studies with selectable genes for in vivo therapeutic use.


Self-concept in old age was investigated. The goal of the work was to reveal the contents of self-concept, that is, what is included in the sphere of self-assessment, and also to analyze the traditional parameters of self-assessment: its height, stability, adequacy. Specific features of self-concept in old age were found. They concern the contents of self-concept and are characterized by retrospective direction of self-analysis. Total lowering of the level of self-assessment and modification of its structure including real, ideal, attainable positions were found. As compared with previous periods of the life-cycle, self-concept becomes less stable and adequate. Besides the general peculiarities, old people's self-concept is characterized by wide individual variations and sex differences.


Abstract Halocyclization reactions such as halolactonization are powerful synthetic methods for the functionalization of alkenes and alkynes. However, asymmetric versions were thought of as difficult reactions and only recently have new asymmetric, organocatalytic halocyclization methods been reported. Herein, we examine a specific strategy for asymmetric halocyclization reactions, desymmetrizing cyclizations, and highlight recent contributions in this area.


This thesis investigated a thorough geomorphology of Banda Aceh, a coast on the north tip of Sumatra Island, Indonesia which was severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami occurred on 26 December 2004. The response and development of the Banda Aceh coast before and after the tsunami was thus not well-understood. The main objective was to increase the understanding of the future development of a coastal system that is prone to the large-scale natural interventions of tectonic land subsidence and tsunami. Explorative methodologies were used and the time-scale-related issues were emerged on the coastal morphological processes. The research flow was driven by a wide span of geomorphological interpretation, field observations, spatial data analysis from satellite images, topographic and bathymetric maps, analysis of forcing factors magnitudes and frequencies as well as sediment budget analysis of the littoral transport. Banda Aceh coast is a sand-poor environment contains only a thin layer of loose sand on top of a consolidated Holocene prograding delta. The earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004 have affected the morphological units that have been established in the Holocene period which responses were different under different geomorphic settings. This research suggests that the damage caused by the probable recurrence of tsunami and land subsidence events to the coastal morphology within a century can be an order of magnitude greater than the effect of the well-known sea-level rise due to global climate change, which is often considered important in modern coastal management practices. In a time scale of a century, tsunami and land subsidence events due to tectonic activities are not unprecedented. More frequent but smaller magnitude tsunami and subsidence may occur; i.e. once every 20 to 30 years. Management of such coastal area in future should consider such magnitudes of intermittent forcing factors in the coastal morphological development analysis.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protective efficacy of Bushen Culuan decoction (BCD) on ovarian follicle and follicular granulosa cells in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) induced by tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside, and to study the potential mechanism underlying the action.

METHODS
Eighty female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20 each): blank group, model group, Bushen Culuan decoction intervening group (BCD group) and estradiol valerate intervening group (EV group). In the first 14 model establishing d, mice in model group, BCD group and EV group were under Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TWP) gavage to establish POI models. In the 14-day therapeutic stage, mice in BCD group were taken BCD 18.35 mg·kg-1d-1, mice in EV group were taken EV solution 0.15 mg·kg-1d-1, while mice in blank group and model group were taken normal saline. When the mice accomplished therapy, whole blood was collected for serum hormone including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteal hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) measurement. Ovarian tissues were harvested for morphologic observation, follicle counting, ovarian follicular graulosa cell apoptosis test and testing BMP-7 and caspase-3 expressions.

RESULTS
The body weights of the mice kept growing stably in the process expect in TWP intervening stage. Compared with model group, BCD group had significantly higher ovarian index, serum E2, AMH, VEGF, BMP-7 levels and significantly lower FSH level (P < 0.05). Meanwhile the VEGF level in BCD group was higher than in EV group (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the histopathological damage and GCs apoptosis were mitigated; developing follicle counting, BMP-7 expression were up-regulated, and caspase-3 expression was downregulated in BCD groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
BCD treatment could attenuate pathological process in POI ovaries, suppress GC apoptosis, probably through promoting BMP-7 expression and following inhibiting caspase-3 activation.


This paper presents a special class of positive definite functions for the formulation of adaptive control strategies, specifically in the research of an effective control algorithm for piezoelectric actuation systems in micro/nano manipulation. To deal with the control problems of unknown system parameters, nonlinear hysteresis effects, and disturbances in the piezoelectric actuation systems, an adaptive control methodology is proposed. Using the saturation function derived from a positive definite function to formulate the control methodology, the closed-loop system stability can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the control methodology is proposed to track a desired motion trajectory in position, velocity, and acceleration. In this paper, a special positive definite function is introduced and a control formulation as well as a stability analysis is detailed. Implementation of the control methodology is practical and requires only a knowledge of the initial estimate of the system parameters. In this study, control experiments conducted using the proposed control approach on a piezoelectric actuation system has demonstrated a promising ability in tracking a specified motion trajectory. With this control capability in the presence of unknown system parameters, hysteresis, and external disturbance, the adaptive methodology is very attractive in the field of micro/nano manipulation in which high performance control applications could be realised


This paper is written to discuss the Gleeble simulation experiment of micro-carbon steel rolled in ferrite region. By measuring the resistances under different rolling temperatures, rolling speeds and rolling deformation, the matrix of micro-carbon steel is established, after that, the matrix is also regressed and the result proves that the accordance of the matrix is good. This show the matrix established can be used to calculate the rolling parameters of micro-carbon steel.


The paper presents the cluster analysis of various properties of temperament, based on the systematic structure of its main components. On the basis of the received data the qualitative psychological characteristic of the four types of temperament is given.


Worldwide predictions of h.f. and m.f. radio propagation conditions require extensive data on the space and time variations of ionospheric parameters such as foF2 and hmF2. Theoretical values of these parameters can be obtained by solving equations that represent the effects of various physical processes governing Flayer behaviour. The effects of winds, which are driven by the daily heating of the upper atmosphere, on the midlatitude F2layer are briefly described. Consideration is also given to the polar and the low-altitude F2layer and to problems of Flayer storms.


Organic molecules (i.e. carbon-based) have opened a new and rapidly-growing industrial field in the optoelectronic market bringing to this field a new dimension of thinness and flexibility. In this context, this thesis has focused on one particular building block of the vast and emerging field of organic electronics: the organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) which uses organic compounds as semiconductor. Whereas the OTFT-based circuits are not meant to compete with the silicon-based high-end industry (micro-processors...), their performance have already reached levels enabling their use in potential applications such as displays (e-paper, LCD, OLED) or radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags. The continuously growing number of available organic molecules exhibiting conductive, semi-conductive or insulating properties combined with the number of available deposition/patterning methods (e.g. gravure printing) gives more flexibility to the technology. These additional degrees of freedom raise two main questions: How to identify the most suitable OTFT platform for a given application and how to estimate its potential, as for instance in, of digital circuits? This thesis targets to answer to those questions. For this purpose, several OTFT platforms have been screened and their performance have been discussed and compared through standard figures of merit. The self-aligned nano-imprinted technology has demonstrated state-of-the-art sub-micrometer OTFTs on 4-inch flexible substrates. This made this platform the most suitable candidate for developing the potential evaluation framework. For that purpose, a static model suitable for the sub-micrometer OTFTs has been developed which embeds almost all known electrical aspects of OTFTs. Then the device-to-device discrepancy often observed in OTFTs has been studied and statistical modeling methods introduced. This allowed the simulation of sub-micrometer inverters performed with commercially available tools. Next, a statistical method has been developed to evaluate the potential of the sub-micrometer OTFTs for digital applications. Whereas the method concludes that these sub-micrometer OTFTs are not mature enough to make complex digital circuits, this methodology is technology-independent and may thus serve as a basis to characterize unipolar-logic printed electronics and be further extended to complementary-logic circuits. Last but not least, an automation effort has been undergone all along this thesis in order to increase the throughput for such demanding data analysis. The main outcome of this task is a user-friendly multi-analysis and parameter extraction platform.


Study Design: This is a unique case report. Objectives: To describe a successful case of Teriparatide treatment of odontoid nonunion. Summary of Background Data: Animal models suggest that this drug may enhance fracture healing, and there are 3 similar cases previously published elsewhere. Methods: We describe the evolution of our case over time with serial computed tomography scan imaging confirming the treatment success. Results: Drug treatment of the odontoid nonunion was successful. Conclusion: Drug treatment of the odontoid nonunion may be an option and merits formal study.


Indigenous yeast flora of intact Vitis rotundifolia grape berries and corresponding musts, representing four eastern North Carolina vineyards, were qualitatively surveyed. Grape samples were obtained from two commercial and two North Carolina State Agricultural Research Service vineyards. Total microbial populations on whole berries were estimated at 10 4 CFU/cm 2 of berry surface area. Yeasts represented approximately 60% of the total populations. Eighty-two yeast isolates representing 12 species were recovered from all treatments. Nine yeast species were isolated from whole berries, including Candida spp., Hanseniaspora osmophilia, Pichia membranaefaciens, Rhodotorula spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Examination of musts and carbonic maceration of intact grapes yielded numerous isolates of H. osmophilia, P. membranaefaciens , and S. cerevisiae .


The interview was recorded at the Stockholm, Sweden, on November 7, 1990. The Interviewer was Jean Krasno.
Per Lind was assigned to the Council of Europe affairs in the Sweden's Foreign Ministry in 1951, where he worked under and got to know Dag Hammarskold. When Hammarskold was elected to be Secretary‑General of the United Nations in 1953, he asked Mr. Lind to come with him to New York as his personal assistant. Mr. Lind served as the Secretary-General's personal assistant for the first three years of his term, returning to Sweden to rejoin the Foreign Ministry at the end of 1955. He became the deputy director of the Political Department at the Foreign Office from 1959-1963 and Deputy Undersecretary in 1962. In 1964, he entered diplomatic service, serving as the Ambassador to Ottawa from 1965 to 1969, to Canberra from 1975 to 1979 and to London from 1979 to 1982.

Retired at the time this interview was conducted on 7 November 1990, Mr. Lind recalls his close relationship with Dag Hammarskjold before the Secretary-General's untimely death and the personal writings he left behind.


This paper deals with phase II, univariate, statistical process control when a set of in-control data is available, and when both the in-control and out-of-control distributions of the process are unknown. Existing process control techniques typically require substantial knowledge about the in-control and out-of-control distributions of the process, which is often difficult to obtain in practice. We propose (a) using a sequence of control limits for the cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts, where the control limits are determined by the conditional distribution of the CUSUM statistic given the last time it was zero, and (b) estimating the control limits by bootstrap. Traditionally, the CUSUM control chart uses a single control limit, which is obtained under the assumption that the in-control and out-of-control distributions of the process are Normal. When the normality assumption is not valid, which is often true in applications, the actual in-control average run length, defined to be the expected time duration before the control chart signals a process change, is quite different from the nominal in-control average run length. This limitation is mostly eliminated in the proposed procedure, which is distribution-free and robust against different choices of the in-control and out-of-control distributions.


Obesity is an increasing global health concern and is associated with a broad range of morbidities. The gut microbiota are increasingly recognized as important contributors to obesity and cardiometabolic health. This study aimed to characterize oral and gut microbial communities, and evaluate host:microbiota interactions between clinical obesity classifications. We performed 16S rDNA sequencing on fecal and salivary samples, global metabolomics profiling on plasma and stool samples, and dietary profiling in 135 healthy individuals. We grouped individuals by obesity status, based on body mass index (BMI), including lean (BMI 18-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), or obese (BMI ≥30). We analyzed differences in microbiome composition, community inter-relationships, and predicted microbial function by obesity status. We found that salivary bacterial communities of lean and obese individuals were compositionally and phylogenetically distinct. An increase in obesity status was positively associated with strong correlations between bacterial taxa, particularly with bacterial groups implicated in metabolic disorders including Fretibacterium, and Tannerella. Consumption of sweeteners, especially xylitol, significantly influenced compositional and phylogenetic diversities of salivary and fecal bacterial communities. In addition, obesity groups exhibited differences in predicted bacterial metabolic activity, which was correlated with host's metabolite concentrations. Overall, obesity was associated with distinct changes in bacterial community dynamics, particularly in saliva. Consideration of microbiome community structure, and inclusion of salivary samples may improve our ability to understand pathways linking microbiota to obesity and cardiometabolic disease. IMPORTANCE Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that is associated with a wide range of health issues. Microbiota were shown to influence metabolism and obesity development. Our study aimed to evaluate the interactions between obesity, salivary and fecal microbiota, and metabolite concentrations in healthy individuals. The oral bacterial community was more impacted by the obesity status of the host than fecal microbiota. Consistently for oral and fecal microbiota, the number of strong interactions between bacteria increased with the increase in the obesity status. Several predicted microbial metabolic pathways that were shown to be associated with metabolic health were uniquely enriched between obesity groups. In addition, these metabolic pathways were correlated with plasma and stool metabolites. Our results suggest that oral microbiota might better reflect the obesity status of the host than fecal microbiota, and that correlations between microbial taxa are altered during obesity.


We introduce the notion of a rational convex program (RCP) and we classify the known RCPs into two classes: quadratic and logarithmic. The importance of rationality is that it opens up the possibility of computing an optimal solution to the program via an algorithm that is either combinatorial or uses an LP-oracle. Next, we define a new Nash bargaining game, called ADNB, which is derived from the linear case of the Arrow-Debreu market model. We show that the convex program for ADNB is a logarithmic RCP, but unlike other known members of this class, it is nontotal.
 Our main result is a combinatorial, polynomial-time algorithm for ADNB. It turns out that the reason for infeasibility of logarithmic RCPs is quite different from that for LPs and quadratic RCPs. We believe that our ideas for surmounting the new difficulties will be useful for dealing with other nontotal RCPs as well. We give an application of our combinatorial algorithm for ADNB to an important "fair" throughput allocation problem on a wireless channel. Finally, we present a number of interesting questions that the new notion of RCP raises.


Abstract Ever since capitalism came to be recognized as a new economic system, its principal institutions of private property and markets have had vociferous critics, of whom none was more wide-ranging and influential than Karl Marx. Marx claimed that not only were private property and markets critical to creating an ideological patina of freedom behind which, as in slavery and feudalism, a small class extracted from the mass of producers practically all output above that necessary for bare subsistence, they were also corrupting. Yet, Marx recognized that capitalism, unlike earlier exploitative systems, was radically dynamic, producing unprecedented wealth, while transforming not only all it inherited from the past, but also its own nature so as to eventually empower even the producers, who he believed would abandon these capitalist institutions. This article claims Marx was correct in identifying the core problem of capitalism to be its extreme inequality in the ownership and control of the means of production, but that finding fault with private property and markets has been a mistake that has impeded the generation of an attractive and viable alternative to capitalism. It concludes with an outline of an alternative which would eliminate the core problem of exploitation due to unequal ownership and control of the means of production, while retaining roles for private property and markets. It would entail two components: Guaranteed employment at living wages and democratic worker control of firms.


Establishing the diagnosis of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is important in directing the application of therapy to prevent severe manifestations of the infection. In Alberta, Canada, the presence of high livestock density creates a significant risk of infection, but to date, there has been no comprehensive analysis of local Q fever epidemiological trends and exposure patterns. Between 1998 and 2011, there were 39 cases and an overall adjusted case rate of 0.087 per 100 000 person‐years. Cases were identified most commonly during the May–June season (Figure 2). The median age at date of diagnosis was 49.0 (range: 8.7–71.5) with slightly higher percentage of cases in men (56.4%) than in women (43.6%). There was an apparent geographical clustering of cases. The majority of these cases, with exposure data (n = 31), reported contact with farms and/or livestock, predominantly cattle (6), sheep (5) and goats (5). Cases tended to occur in census divisions with higher density of sheep, goats and cattle. Our findings suggest the need for an increase in targeted messages about Q fever to those in the livestock industry, as more targeted case finding among patients with a high index of suspicion for Q fever. In addition, widespread implementation of a standard questionnaire for cases would enhance surveillance of Q fever in Alberta.


In environmental health research there is a recognized need to develop improved epidemiologic and statistical methods for rapid assessment of relationships between environment and health. Exposure assessment is identified as a major challenge needing attention. In this study an exposure simulation model was used to delimit almost exactly in space and time an urban population exposed to airborne dioxin. A geographic information system (GIS) was used as the electronic environment in which to link the exposure model with the demographic, migration, and cancer data of the exposed population. This information is available in Denmark on an individual basis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for both men and women in 10-year age bands were calculated for three different exposure areas. Migration patterns were outlined. SIRs showed no excess of cancer incidences during the time span chosen (13 years; 1986–1998) in the whole exposed area or in the medium or higher polluted areas. The exposure model appeared very useful in selection of the appropriate exposure areas. The integration of the model in a GIS together with individual data on addresses, sex, age, migration, and information from routine health statistics (Danish Cancer Registry) proved its usefulness in demarking the exposed population and identifying the cancers related to that population. Less than one-third of the study population lived at the same address after 13 years of observation, and only half were still residing in the area, indicating migration of people as a major misclassification.


Every Civil Engineering structure or building is unique in nature unlike other engineering products which are produced in a massive scale using the same technique again and again. The present Project is an effort to understand Performance Based Design Approach. In this Work an four storey office building is designed using STAAD.Pro and a nonlinear static analysis is carried out using point plastic hinge model. After the building is designed it is imported to SAP platform in order to model point plastic hinges and carry out Pushover Analysis. The designed building was modeled and the hinges or possible failure locations were assigned. The stiffness of the building was increased due to the slab present and this was incorporated in the model using diaphragm. The Floor Centre of Mass was calculated and an incremental Inverted triangular loading was applied to this central load and the base shear along with displacement of this building was recorded until the building reached a state of collapse. The Displacement controlled Pushover Analysis was carried out and the Pushover Curve were obtained for the building in both the direction i.e. X and Y. The Pushover curve is analyzed for various percentage of displacement. As per FEMA 356 typical values of roof drifts for the three performance levels are as follows.
i) Immediate Occupancy: Transient drift is about 1% with negligible permanent drift.
ii) Life Safety: Transient drift is about 2% with 1% permanent drift.
iii) Collapse Prevention: 4% inelastic drift, transient or permanent.
The Capacity Spectrum, Demand Spectrum and Performance point of the building was found in both the direction using the analysis carried out in SAP 2000 (v14). From the Performance point it was found that the Base Shear carried by the building is well above the design base shear and the building can take a lateral force up to 10% of the seismic weight of the building. The Displacement obtain was less than 1% and hence the chances of crossing the elastic state for the building was very less. Very Rare chances are there for the building to cross Life safety performance level. In the collapse state the failure was due to the collapse of ground floor Columns which is a serious issue and should be looked for further research. The Building designed as per Indian standards was found to be well above Life safety performance level considering Designed Based Earthquake .


Affinity precipitation is an ideal alternative to chromatography for antibody purification because it combines the high selectivity of an affinity ligand with the operational benefits of precipitation. However, the widespread use of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) capture scaffolds for antibody purification has been hindered by the high salt concentrations and temperatures necessary for efficient ELP aggregation. In this paper, we employed a tandem approach to enhance ELP aggregation by enlarging the dimension of the capturing scaffold and by creating IgG-triggered scaffold cross-linking. This was accomplished by covalently conjugating the Z-domain-ELP (Z-ELP) capturing scaffold to a 25 nm diameter E2 protein nanocage using Sortase A ligation. We demonstrated the isothermal recovery of IgG in the virtual absence of salt due to the significantly increased scaffold dimension and cross-linking from multivalent IgG-E2 interactions. Because IgG cross-linking is reversible at low pH, it may be feasible to achieve a high yielding IgG purification by isothermal phase separation using a simple pH trigger.


Repeated cycles of infection-associated lower airway inflammation drives the pathogenesis of persistent wheezing disease in children. Tracking these events across a birth cohort during their first five years, we demonstrate that >80% of infectious events indeed involve viral pathogens, but are accompanied by a shift in the nasopharyngeal microbiome (NPM) towards dominance by a small range of pathogenic bacterial genera. Unexpectedly, this change in NPM frequently precedes the appearance of viral pathogens and acute symptoms. In non-sensitized children these events are associated only with "transient wheeze" that resolves after age three. In contrast, in children developing early allergic sensitization, they are associated with ensuing development of persistent wheeze, which is the hallmark of the asthma phenotype. This suggests underlying pathogenic interactions between allergic sensitization and antibacterial mechanisms.


Widely acknowledged as a prime manifestation of Florentine humanist culture under Lorenzo de'Medici, Botticelli's "Primavera" cannot be fully interpreted without considering the poetics that expressed the Laurentian cultural program and, in turn, the Renaissance itself. In this analysis Charles Dempsey examines the poetry written by Lorenzo and his literary clients in order to give definition to the cultural context in which the "Primavera" was created. A celebration of Love, the painting is shown to incorporate both public and private imaginative realms while embracing the ideal and the actual experiences of the present.The "Primavera," depicting Venus as the spirit of Love and springtime, is simultaneously old-fashioned and modern, rooted in International-Style vernacular conventions and evincing a nascent classical vocabulary. After describing the profoundly humanist classical foundation of the invention of the "Primavera," Dempsey identifies its genre with rustic song, then relates the painting to the conventions of vernacular love poetry. A close reading of the painting in relation to works by Lorenzo, Politian, Pulci, and other poets working to elevate vernacular expression by infusing native Tuscan with Latin forms suggests how the idea of Love portrayed by Botticelli in the form of Venus incorporates not only the ancient springtime "renovatio mundi" but also the actual cultural renovation--the Renaissance--imagined and sponsored by Lorenzo the Magnificent.


The bootleggers and Baptists public choice theory of regulation explains how durable regulatory bargains can arise from the tacit collaboration of a public-interest-minded interest group (the Baptists) with an economic interest (the bootleggers). Using the history of tobacco regulation, this Article extends the bootleggers and Baptists theory of regulation to incorporate the role of policy entrepreneurs like the state attorneys general and private trial lawyers who joined forces to regulate tobacco by litigation. We denominate these actors televangelists and demonstrate that they play a pernicious role in regulation. The Article begins by showing how tobacco regulation through the 1980s fit the traditional bootleggers and Baptists public choice model. It then explores the circumstances that made it possible for the emergence of the televangelists as a regulatory partner that the bootleggers would prefer. The Article then criticizes televangelist-bootlegger bargains as likely to result in substantial wealth transfers from large, unorganized groups to the coalition partners. It also shows how televangelist-bootlegger coalitions are more pernicious than bootlegger-Baptist coalitions. Finally, it concludes with suggestions for how to make televangelist-bootlegger coalitions less durable.


As the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is increasing at a staggering rate, it is necessary to come up with new and improved technologies, materials, and processes of AM. One of these ways is to no longer being confined to a dimensioned box to print within, therefore making AM mobile. The new 3D Printer which is underway to construct a mobile system that moves with the help of 4 omni-directional wheels located at the corners of the frame. The system is designed to use the omni-directional wheels for all X and Y axis movement and is, therefore, able to move infinitely in the direction that is chosen by the user. The Z axis of the system is moved by a lead screw attached to a stepper motor and is limited for now. One key feature of the system is also its ability to dispense multiple paste-type materials i.e. food, concrete, solder, and more. This is possible through the use of a fully customized syringe press that is capable of carrying 150mL syringes. This presentation will report the current structure of the system and its preliminary findings.


Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 8 (CHD8) is one of the most frequently mutated genes causative of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While its phenotypic spectrum often encompasses macrocephaly and hence implicates cortical abnormalities in this form of ASD, the neurodevelopmental impact of human CHD8 haploinsufficiency remains unexplored. Here we combined human cerebral organoids and single cell transcriptomics to define the effect of ASD-linked CHD8 mutations on human cortical development. We found that CHD8 haploinsufficiency causes a major disruption of neurodevelopmental trajectories with an accelerated generation of inhibitory neurons and a delayed production of excitatory neurons alongside the ensuing protraction of the proliferation phase. This imbalance leads to a significant enlargement of cerebral organoids aligned to the macrocephaly observed in patients with CHD8 mutations. By adopting an isogenic design of patient-specific mutations and mosaic cerebral organoids, we define genotype-phenotype relationships and uncover their cell-autonomous nature. Finally, our results assign different CHD8-dependent molecular defects to particular cell types, pointing to an abnormal and extended program of proliferation and alternative splicing specifically affected in, respectively, the radial glial and immature neuronal compartments. By identifying temporally restricted cell-type specific effects of human CHD8 mutations, our study uncovers developmental alterations as reproducible endophenotypes for neurodevelopmental disease modelling.


OF DISSERTATION SYNTHESIS AND ENERGY APPLICATIONS OF MESOPOROUS TITANIA THIN FILMS The optical and electronic properties of TiO2 thin films provide tremendous opportunities in several applications including photocatalysis, photovoltaics and photoconductors for energy production. Despite many attractive features of TiO2, critical challenges include the innate inability of TiO2 to absorb visible light and the fast recombination of photoexcited charge carriers. In this study, mesoporous TiO2 thin films are modified by doping using hydrogen and nitrogen, and sensitization using graphene quantum dot sensitization. For all of these modifiers, well-ordered mesoporous titania films were synthesized by surfactant templated sol-gel process. Two methods: hydrazine and plasma treatments have been developed for nitrogen and hydrogen doping in the mesoporous titania films for band gap reduction, visible light absorption and enhancement of photocatalytic activity. The hydrazine treatment in mesoporous titania thin films suggests that hydrazine induced doping is a promising approach to enable synergistic incorporation of N and Ti3+ into the lattice of surfactant-templated TiO2 films and enhanced visible light photoactivity, but that the benefits are limited by gradual mesostructure deterioration. The plasma treated nitrogen doped mesoporous titania showed about 240 times higher photoactivity compared to undoped film in hydrogen production from photoelectrochemical water splitting under visible light illumination. Plasma treated hydrogen doped mesoporous titania thin films has also been developed for enhancement of visible light absorption. Hydrogen treatment has been shown to turn titania (normally bright white) black, indicating vastly improved visible light absorption. The cause of the color change and its effectiveness for photocatalysis remain open questions. For the first time, we showed that a significant amount of hydrogen is incorporated in hydrogen plasma treated mesoporous titania films by neutron reflectometry measurements. In addition to the intrinsic modification of titania by doping, graphene quantum dot sensitization in mesoporous titania film was also investigated for visible light photocatalysis. Graphene quantum dot sensitization and nitrogen doping of ordered mesoporous titania films showed synergistic effect in water splitting due to high surface area, band gap reduction, enhanced visible light absorption, and efficient charge separation and transport. This study suggests that plasma based doping and graphene quantum dot sensitization are promising strategies to reduce band gap and enhance visible light absorption of high surface area surfactant templated mesoporous titania films, leading to superior visible-light driven photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. The results demonstrate the importance of designing and manipulating the energy band alignment in composite nanomaterials for fundamentally improving visible light absorption, charge separation and transport, and thereby photoelectrochemical properties.


Wireless communications have been expanded very fast in recent decades. This technology relies on an extensive network of base stations and antennas, using radio frequency signals to transmit information. Devices that use wireless communication, while offering various services, basically act as sources of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF). Such devices are permanently present in human vicinity and almost constantly radiate, causing EMF pollution of the environment. This fact has initiated development of modern systems for observation of the EMF pollution, as well as for risk assessment. This paper presents the Serbian electromagnetic field monitoring network – SEMONT, designed for automated, remote and continuous broadband monitoring of EMF in the environment. Measurement results of the SEMONT monitoring at one of the test locations, within the main campus of the University of Novi Sad, are presented and discussed, along with corresponding exposure assessment of the general population, regarding the Serbian legislation. Keywords—EMF monitoring, exposure assessment, sensor nodes, wireless network.


Objective: Use of technology to structure and support the daily activities of the residents in a small scale group accommodation (SSGA) for dementia is a new innovation in the Netherlands. This paper presents: a) the process of development of this new way of structuring activities by describing the making of digital planning boards, b) the findings of a pilot study looking at the experiences of using this device in people with dementia living in a small-scale group accommodation as well as experiences of informal carers and members of staff and c) the process of organizing day structure using this device from the user's perspectives. Main content of paper: To develop the memory aid a user centered development process was used. After the first development cycle was completed the resulting digital planning boards were placed in the living room of a small scale living group for people with dementia and in private rooms of the residents. The main task of the aid is to support the memory of the residents by structuring the daily activities during the day. This paper provides the experiences of the users including the residents, informal carers and members of staff, issues around implementation and further development.. Method & findings: A qualitative method was chosen, data was collected using semi structured individual interviews with the residents (n=6) and focus groups interviews with informal carers (n=5) and members of staff (n=6). The framework analysis by Ritchie & Spencer (1994) was used to analyse the data. The following steps were applied: familiarisation, identifying a thematic framework, indexing, charting and mapping and interpretation. This resulted in the description of the findings based on the following three general themes; the state of affairs regarding the implementation, the needs for further development and the learning experiences acquired during the development. The occurrence of installation errors, inefficient use, limited ease of use and a lack of knowledge regarding the function and use of the memory aid are highlighted as the most important issues that prevented a successful implementation. However, the majority of the residents were happy with the use and function of the memory aid when it worked. The informal carers were not very positive but indicated opportunities for improvement. This was echoed by the staff, although they saw an added value for the current use of the device. The findings highlighted shared views about ways of improving through adaptation of the software programme and additional technological applications such as Internet connectivity, improving its accessibility by using a remote control, adding videos and photos. Conclusions: A number of lessons are learned about the use and transferability of this innovation in general health care setting as well as in people with dementia. The process of user centered design and development will be followed to obtain solutions that can be effectively implemented in their living environment.


This paper describes an educational encounter between an educational psychologist as teacher and researcher, and an adult with learning difficulties. The aim was to understand the learning history and the educational needs of the student and to plan her studies in adult education, but also to understand the practice of the teacher/researcher. It is concluded that intelligence as a construct cannot be defined and measured as a single capacity. Theories of intellectual capacity need to be viewed in a relational perspective. From this standpoint, the psychologist/teacher as a fellow being is part of the other's intelligence who has a function as a catalyst, facilitating or hindering the possibilities for the student to express hidden resources. An issue of great importance is how to capture, describe and understand the relational aspects of the educational encounter in existential terms.


A recently completed study has shown that emissions of participate, carbon monoxide, and organics (including polycyclic organic matter) are relatively high from residential woodburning stoves and fireplaces when compared to emissions from residential gas- and oil-fired furnaces. Since these emissions include a number of potentially hazardous compounds; the trend toward greater residential wood usage can have a negative impact on local ambient air quality. EPA is currently studying ways to operate existing stoves and design new stoves to minimize air pollutant emissions.


Polymer foams have wide application area due to their light weight, resistance to impact, ability of insulation, and damping properties for specific applications. In this study, two different thermoplastic materials, polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP), were used to compare their foaming ability in foam injection molding. Chemical foaming agent, azodicarbonamide, was used in foam injection molding and tensile test samples were obtained. Mechanical strength of the polymer foam samples were investigated by tensile test. Scanning electron microscopy was applied in order to observe the differences in cell morphologies of PLA and PP foams. It has been seen that 23.4% higher cell density and 151.2% higher cell size have been seen in the PLA foam when the results were compared with PP foam. This induced sharp reductions in mechanical strength of PLA foam while PP foams gave smooth decreases in the mechanical strength. Weight reduction in PLA was also 366.6% higher than that of PP foam due to its higher cell density.


The author describes a model for the psychiatric training of obstetrics-gynecology house staff members who serve as primary care physicians for women. By integrating psychiatric skills with specialty training, the psychiatrist can enhance continuity of patient care for the resident during his transition to the role of primary care obstetrician-gynecologist.


SummaryThe number of parasites followed the rapid growing of human population worldwide, not only in developing but also in developed countries. Many of them are diagnosed in children and adolescents. The occurrence of selected intestinal endoparasites in children coming from areas with low hygienic and socioeconomic status was studied. Out of 81 faecal samples examined, 46 (56.8 %) were positive for presence of intestinal parasites. From helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be the leading parasite (24.7 %), followed by Trichuris trichiura (17.3 %). Tapeworm Taenia spp. eggs were detected in 4.9 % of examined children. From protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in 36 children (44.4 %) and Giardia intestinalis in 20 children (24.7 %). The occurrence of these epidemiologically low risky parasites in Roma children population suggests low hygienic standard in the Roma settlements.


Recent innovations in methodology have sparked a remarkable expansion in economists' ability to measure corruption. This column reviews these new techniques, which range from inferring corrupt links from stock prices to attempting to observe bribes undercover. It concludes that, while corruption is prevalent in poor countries, there remains little consensus about its magnitude or the best way to fight it.


Salinity is one of the major stresses especially in arid and semiarid regions which severely affected seed germination, early growth stages and consequently crop production .This research was carried out in order to test the effects of different salinity levels on seed germination and early seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).Pot experiment was conducted using completely randomized design in four replications in May 2014 at Faculty of forestry sciences nursery. University of Zalingei, Sudan. Experimental treatments includes 4 levels of Na Cl concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%).Results showed that the number of germinated seeds, germination percentage ,plumule length ,radical length, and heaviest wet and dry seedling weights were higher in the control treatment. High salinity level (1.5%) reduced germination percentage significantly (p ≤ 0.05).Maximum germination percentage (98%) was observed in the control treatment and the minimum (58%) was found with 1.5% Na Cl concentration. Seedling length decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. The differences were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01).The reduction in seedling length were 44%,13.5% and 2.7% for 1.5,1.0 and 0.5% Na Cl concentration relative to control. Seedling fresh and dry weights followed the same trend of seedling length that shoot fresh and dry weights reduced with increasing salinity level, high salinity (1.5%) resulted in highly significant reduction(p ≤ 0.01) in both parameters measured . Although, fresh and dry weights were decreased but the differences when compared the control with 0.5% and1.0% were not significant .high salinity (1.5%) decreased fresh weight by39%, While, dry weight reduction was 44.8% relative to the control.


The presence and number of breast cancer micrometastases in the bone marrow at the time of diagnosis or initial treatment appear to predict early distant relapse. Immunologic techniques to detect such bone micrometastases, in combination with traditional prognostic variables, such as axillary lymph node status and tumor diameter, may allow for the identification of patients at high risk of systemic disease, who may benefit from adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Immunofluorescent and immunochemical monoclonal antibody techniques have similar sensitivity in the detection of cancer cells in bone marrow. Future research is needed to develop more specific monoclonal antibodies and to determine the characteristics of the primary tumor that correlate with bone marrow micrometastasis, as well as the characteristics of micrometastases that correlate with recurrence.


Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of adults and one of the most lethal cancers. The secreted growth factor pleiotrophin (PTN) promotes glioblastoma migration and proliferation, initiating its oncogenic activities through two cell surface receptors, the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor ζ (PTPRZ1) and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), respectively. Here, we report on the presence and purification of two naturally occurring forms of PTN (18 and 15 kDa) that differentially promote glioblastoma migration and proliferation. Using a panel of glioblastoma cell lines, including low passage patient-derived cultures, we demonstrate that PTN15 promotes glioblastoma proliferation in an ALK-dependent fashion, whereas immobilized PTN18 promotes haptotactic migration of glioblastoma cells in a PTPRZ1-dependent fashion. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that PTN15 differs from PTN18 by processing of 12 C-terminal amino acids. To demonstrate clinical relevance, we show that PTN15, PTN18, and PTPRZ1 are significantly overexpressed in glioblastoma relative to normal brain at both mRNA and protein levels using microarray, Western blot, and tissue microarray analyses on human tumors. These results indicate that the PTN18-PTPRZ1 and the PTN15-ALK signaling pathways represent potentially important therapeutic targets for glioblastoma invasion and growth.


During the last decade, Poland has made a successful transition toward democracy and market economy. Since the mid-1990s, we have studied the reforms in the environmental and occupational protection system in Poland, focusing on the privately owned firms. We found that considerable progress has taken place, especially in increasing the accountability of private employers and in improved enforcement. The fundamental legitimacy of regulators and the regulatory process, and the capacity for case-specific decision-making, are among the key explanatory factors. The case-specific implementation in Poland is consistent with models advocated by several authors in relation to other industrialized European economies. We attribute these developments in Poland to the continuity of institutions, and the generally good "fit" between the policies and institutions on one hand, and their social context on the other, including a wide sharing of certain values and norms. The outstanding question from our previous work has been the fate of state-owned firms, which may be facing different issues than the privatized ones, both in terms of economics, organizational culture, and relationships with the regulatory authorities. In this article, we report the results of a comparison between the private and state-owned firms, based on the questionnaire surveys of the two sectors. We find a striking similarity in performance of both sectors and in the authorities' attitudes toward both. These findings support our earlier proposition that Poland's success in instituting an effective occupational protection system is deeply embedded in the attitudes toward protecting workers' health and safety and toward balancing competing societal objectives. These attitudes have not changed during the transition to the market economy.


Globalisation and increased stakeholder pressure have compelled companies to be more creative in their pursuit of legitimacy in contemporary society. Against this background, companies are expected to establish a reputation associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and good corporate citizenship. The purpose of this article is to determine whether there is a relationship between consumer perceptions of, and consumer attitudes toward, a corporate sponsor's CSR activities and its resultant impact on consumer behaviour. By means of replication, the research focuses on consumer perceptions, attitudes and behaviour by testing the generalisability of an American study's research instrument in the South African context. Survey data were collected from a target population of adult zoo visitors. Significant findings reveal a correlation between consumer recall of a corporate sponsor's involvement with a prominent South African zoo (the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, or NZG) and positive consumer perceptions toward a corporate sponsor's CSR activities; and regular consumer use of the corporate sponsor's products and positive perceptions towards the corporate sponsor's CSR activities. The findings also suggest that managers should be aware of consumer scepticism associated with CSR communication. A good corporate reputation is furthermore necessary to support successful CSR activities.


Recently the combination of text- and citation-based methods is increasingly applied to structural analysis since they compensate several severe shortcomings of their individual components while the combination takes full advantage of their individual strengths. In the present study we will focus on three major application fields, particularly, (1) document clustering, (2) topic representation and (3) subject delineation in order to discuss the real strength of this paradigmatic approach in a coherent system of the structural analysis of document spaces for the application to scientific information, scientometrics and research evaluation.  Recommended citation: Glanzel, W. & Thijs, B. (2012), Hybrid solutions – the best of all possible worlds? Bibliometrie ‑ Praxis und Forschung 1, 3. URN:urn:nbn:de:bvb:355‑bpf-152‑4.


This thesis deals with the phenomenon of assimilation, a natural phonological process, in classical Arabic. It consists of three chapters: The first chapter of the thesis deals with the Arabic sounds in isolation: their points of articulation and manners of articulation with reference to the views of both Arab linguists and scholars of Tajw{=i}d. Secondary sounds, both accepted and rejected, are mentioned too. A brief discussion is devoted to the distinctive features, with particular reference to those that seem to have been described inaccurately by some early or modern linguists. The second chapter deals with the definition and different types of assimilation. The term idgh{= a}m, which has been rendered as `lq assimilation is, in fact, narrower in application than the English term; other topics and sub-topics in Arabic grammar that subsume aspects of assimilation are also discussed. The direction of assimilation, whether the influence comes regressively or progressively or in both directions is dealt with, with detailed examples, mostly from the Qur'{= a}n. A brief discussion of both complete and partial assimilation is given followed by a discussion of distant assimilation, with particular attention being given to the so called `lq al-Idgh{= a}m al-Kab{=i}r. The last sub-chapter here deals with the history of sound changes in Arabic. The third chapter is the main part of the thesis. It deals with Arabic sounds in combination. Consonants are discussed first, from two points of view: the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain consonants with each other within the same roots, and the influence of certain sounds upon others when these occur adjacently. Vowels are then discussed in detail, particularly with respect to the best-known phenomena associated with them: im{= a}lah, vowel harmony, lengthening and shortening, and tafkhim. Under im{= a}lah, we consider whether the alif al-im{= a}lah is an independent phoneme, a dialectal variant, or an allophone of the actual /= a/. When this alif is likely to occur and when it is likely to be inhibited is also seen. In the section on vowel harmony the question as to whether there is systematic harmony is confronted. In the section on lengthening and shortening, the circumstances in which these two phenomena occur are discussed, with particular attention to the over-lengthened vowels. Finally, alif at-tafkh{=i}m is investigated, to see whether this vowel /bar >/ is an independent phoneme, a dialectal variant, or an allophone of the actual /=a/.


We present the parallel particle-in-cell (PIC) code Apar-T and, more importantly, address the fundamental question of the relations between the PIC model, the Vlasov-Maxwell theory, and real plasmas. First, we present four validation tests: spectra from simulations of thermal plasmas, linear growth rates of the relativistic tearing instability and of the filamentation instability, and nonlinear filamentation merging phase. For the filamentation instability we show that the effective growth rates measured on the total energy can differ by more than 50% from the linear cold predictions and from the fastest modes of the simulation. We link these discrepancies to the superparticle number per cell and to the level of field fluctuations. Second, we detail a new method for initial loading of Maxwell-Juttner particle distributions with relativistic bulk velocity and relativistic temperature, and explain why the traditional method with individual particle boosting fails. The formulation of the relativistic Harris equilibrium is generalized to arbitrary temperature and mass ratios. Both are required for the tearing instability setup. Third, we turn to the key point of this paper and scrutinize the question of what description of (weakly coupled) physical plasmas is obtained by PIC models. These models rely on two building blocks: coarse-graining, i.e., grouping of the order of p ∼ 10 10 real particles into a single computer superparticle, and field storage on a grid with its subsequent finite superparticle size. We introduce the notion of coarse-graining dependent quantities, i.e., quantities depending on p. They derive from the PIC plasma parameter Λ PIC , which we show to behave as Λ PIC ∝ 1/p. We explore two important implications. One is that PIC collision- and fluctuation-induced thermalization times are expected to scale with the number of superparticles per grid cell, and thus to be a factor p ∼ 10 10 smaller than in real plasmas, a fact that we confirm with simulations. The other is that the level of electric field fluctuations scales as 1/Λ PIC ∝ p. We provide a corresponding exact expression, taking into account the finite superparticle size. We confirm both expectations with simulations. Fourth, we compare the Vlasov-Maxwell theory, often used for code benchmarking, to the PIC model. The former describes a phase-space fluid with Λ=+ ∞ and no correlations, while the PIC plasma features a small Λ and a high level of correlations when compared to a real plasma. These differences have to be kept in mind when interpreting and validating PIC results against the Vlasov-Maxwell theory and when modeling real physical plasmas.


BACKGROUND Previously the authors showed that myocardial beta-adrenergic (betaAR) function is reduced after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a canine model Whether CPB results in similar effects on betaAR function in adult humans is not known. Therefore the current study tested two hypotheses: (1) That myocardial betaAR signaling is reduced in adult humans after CPB, and (2) that administration of long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists prevents this process. METHODS After they gave informed consent, 52 patients undergoing aortocoronary surgery were enrolled. Atrial biopsies were obtained before CPB and immediately before discontinuation of CPB. Plasma catecholamine concentrations, myocardial betaAR density, and functional responsiveness (basal, isoproterenol, zinterol, sodium fluoride, and manganese-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity) were assessed. RESULTS Catecholamine levels increased significantly during CPB (P < 0.005). Myocardial betaAR adenylyl cyclase coupling decreased during CPB, as evidenced by a 21% decrease in isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity (750 [430] pmol cyclic adenosine monophosphate per milligram total protein 15 min before CPB compared with 540 [390] at the end of CPB, P = 0.0062, medians [interquartile range]) despite constant betaAR density. Differential activation along the betaAR signal transduction cascade localized the defect to the adenylyl cyclase moiety. Administration of long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists did not prevent acute CPB-induced myocardial betaAR dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the myocardial adenylyl cyclase response to betaAR agonists decreases acutely in adults during aortocoronary surgery requiring CPB, regardless of whether long-term preoperative betaAR antagonists are administered. The mechanism underlying acute betaAR dysfunction appears to be direct impairment of the adenylyl cyclase moiety. Similar increases in manganese-stimulated activity before and at the end of CPB show preserved adenylyl cyclase catalytic activity, suggesting that other mechanisms (such as decreased protein levels or altered isoform expression or function) may be responsible for decreased adenylyl cyclase function.


Suicide Ideation & Sleep Quality Sleep disturbances were found to be associated with suicidal idealization (Benert & Joiner, 2007). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in sleep regulation and has been identified to be relevant in studies of suicide as well. Serotonin is released when individuals wake up, reduced during sleep, and lowest during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep (Benneditti, Serettti et al, 1999). Hypothesis: Less time on screens before falling asleep will have better sleep quality and higher self esteem. Lower chances of committing suicide. Methods: All participants took a pretest during the informational session and a post test during the debriefing session. The pretest and posttest were contrived of demographic and sleep pattern questions. Both assessments were exactly the same. All participants filled out wake up diaries that contained scales in which they had to rate the quality of their sleep from 1 (poor sleep) to 10 (good sleep). These were filled out for seven days immediately after waking up. Control group= No manipulations Experimental group= 30 minutes without smart screen technology + filling out sleep diaries Sleeping diaries did not include any questions or structure. Participants were encouraged to record whatever was on their minds/how they felt about their days. Conclusion: Increase in negative emotions between day 3 and day 6 of the experiment. - Statistical significance was measured (chi square=15.276**, df=1). - "I miss my phone" and "I don't know how I am going to do this" appeared several times. - "Nomophobia" is a fear of being unable to communicate through a cellular device or the internet. Future Implications: There is no concrete definition of what "good sleep" is. Participants had different definitions as to what they constituted as "good sleep" For example, good sleep is being able to sleep without any disturbances for eight or more hours. Another definition of good sleep could reiterate the amount of alertness one feels after waking up. Further analysis questions can be made in order to establish a definition.


This paper presents an implementation of an adaptive filter in a three-phase distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) used for compensation of linear/nonlinear loads in a three-phase distorted voltage ac mains. The proposed filter, which is based on adaptive synchronous extraction, is used for extraction of fundamental active- and reactive-power components of load currents in estimating the reference supply currents. This control algorithm is implemented on a developed DSTATCOM for reactive-power compensation, harmonics elimination, load balancing, and voltage regulation under linear and nonlinear loads. The performance of DSTATCOM is observed satisfactory under unbalanced time-varying loads.


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world and associated with a high individual and socioeconomic burden. Despite emerging preventive efforts and ongoing clinical trials, the frequency and mortality of COPD are expected to continue to rise over the next decades. COPD is defined as an irreversible expiratory airflow limitation, which is caused by various degrees of the following two main features: First, small airway disease (SAD), which includes airway inflammation and remodelling, and second, emphysema, which is characterised by airspace enlargement. The major risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoke exposure; however, the molecular mechanisms linking smoke to different COPD features on the cellular level remain elusive. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily constitutes more than 40 members, which are essential during organ development, a process often recapitulated in chronic diseases. Emerging interest in the role of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of COPD has recently evolved, particularly since genetic studies have demonstrated an association of gene polymorphisms of the TGF-β superfamily with COPD. In addition, increased expression of TGF-β1 in COPD lungs and primary cells, such as epithelial cells, macrophages, or fibroblasts isolated from COPD specimens, was reported, suggesting an impact of TGF-β signalling on the development and progression of COPD. Thus, targeted interventions of TGF-β signalling may represent a suitable therapeutic option in COPD. In this review, we will summarise the current understanding of the impact of TGF-β in COPD pathogenesis. The review is separated into five chapters: 1) an introduction to COPD, 2) an introduction to TGF-β signalling, 3) a summary of TGF-β gene polymorphisms in COPD, 4) a summary of TGF-β signalling in small airway disease, and 5) a summary of TGF-β signalling in emphysema.


Most home care providers know that Medicare covers home care nursing; home care aide and medical social services; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; as well as medical supplies and durable medical equipment. However, few agencies realize that they can also use dietitians and respiratory therapists to help meet their patients' needs. Also, few agencies use available resources or establish programs to deliver care to special-needs populations. Yet all of these home care services are reimbursable under the Medicare home health benefit.


The polyneuropathy associated with insulinoma tends to show distinctive features; it usually makes its appearance after a protracted period of coma, it is predominantly motor in character, and wasting of the small muscles of the hand is a common feature.`5 The polyneuropathy which may follow insulin shock therapy is, on the other hand, predominantly sensory in character and objective evidence of sensory loss is often absent,' 6 a clinical picture much more reminiscent of diabetic neuropathy. In the two patients described the diabetes was of late onset, insulin requirement diminished quite rapidly once treatment had been commenced, and hypoglycaemic episodes were frequent but mild. The neuropathy was entirely sensory, was confined to the lower limbs, was purely subjective in character, and was relieved by withdrawal of insulin. The clinical picture was consistent with a diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy,T but the abolition of symptoms on withdrawal of insulin would suggest that excessive administration of insulin may have been a primary factor in causation. In Case 1 there was no recurrence of neuropathy on tolbutamide therapy. Nevertheless it is conceivable that instances of hypoglycaemic neuropathy might occur in patients taking tolbutamide, for Marks et al.8 9 have shown that tolbutamide may precipitate neurological symptoms in the presence of a low blood-sugar level. Since these two patients were observed in a small general practice over a period of seven* years hypoglycaemic neuropathy in diabetic patients may be of fairly common occurrence. It might be rewarding to review all treated diabetic patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy.-I am, etc.,


A total of 1,390 herniotomies for the repair of inguinal hernias were carried out in 1980-1987. In 257 operations the anterior wall of the inguinal canal was reinforced. Recurrences occurred in 11.8% of cases. In 473 patients the posterior wall of the inguinal canal was reinforced by the methods suggested by Yu. A. Nesterenko and Yu. B. Salov. Recurrences developed in 6.8% of cases. Sixty-two operations were performed through a preperitoneal access after L. Nyhus and R. Condon; recurrences occurred in 6 patients. The authors' modification of herniotomy after L. Nyhus and R. Condon was carried out in 498 cases. Recurrences were found in 1.9% of 152 examined patients. In 70 patients herniotomy was performed by other methods.


This review article discusses the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) in support of a total diet approach to achieving diet and health goals, especially as they relate to the obesity epidemic. However, some scientists and organizations have identified one food, food group, or nutrient as the cause of the obesity epidemic and recommend that simply reducing that food/food group/nutrient will solve the problem. This is simplistic and unlikely to be effective in long term management of the obesity problem. This article also acknowledges discrepancies in the literature and the lack of consensus opinions from systematic reviews. Failure to consider the evidence as a whole can lead to inaccurate reports which may, in turn, adversely influence clinical practice, public policy, and future research. This article also considers where the line should be drawn between individual choice and responsibility and public regulation. Using sugar sweetened beverages as an example, the article considers the lack of a consistent association between added sugars and weight in the literature and calls for policy recommendations that are based on science and emphasizes the need for evidence-based policies rather than policy-based evidence.


Background Female athletes have increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after puberty. It has been demonstrated that female athletes have greater valgus lower limb alignment than males during landing, and this may contribute to the gender disparity in ACL injury risks. In early teens, however, the gender difference in lower limb alignment has not been elucidated. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine whether dynamic lower limb alignment alters during the pubertal stage in girls and boys, in a longitudinal survey. Design Cohort study. Settings Elementary school students with no lower extremity complaints. Participants 33 females and 27 males aged 10 to 11 years old were evaluated and followed for three consecutive years. Assessment of risk factor The subjects performed a drop-vertical-jump by dropping directly down off a box, and immediately performing a maximum vertical jump. The frontal view of the lower limb was recorded with a digital video camera and the images at deepest point of body (landing) were captured. Main outcome measurement The separate distances between right and left hips and knees were measured. The knee separation distances normalised by the hip separation distance (K/H ratio) were used as a parameter representing the valgus/varus lower limb alignment. Results At landing, K/H ratio in females was 0.41±0.10 in the first year, 0.39±0.11 in the second year, 0.36±0.10 in the third year. In males, the ratios were 0.60±0.21, 0.52±0.17, 0.55±0.19. Knee valgus alignment in females increased with maturation, with significant difference between first year and third year. However, there were no significant changes in males. Conclusion Different changing pattern of lower limb alignment during landing was seen between boys and girls, and it may be related to the gender difference in incidence of ACL injury.


Appropriate hypothermic packaging techniques are an essential part of organ procurement. We present a case in which deviation from standard packaging practice may have caused sub‐zero storage temperatures during transport, resulting in a clinical picture resembling PNF. An 18‐month‐old male with alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency underwent liver transplant from a size‐matched pediatric donor. Upon arrival at the recipient hospital, ice crystals were noted in the UW solution. The transplant proceeded uneventfully with short ischemia times. Surprisingly, transaminases, INR, and total bilirubin were markedly elevated in the postoperative period but returned to near normal by discharge. Follow‐up of over five yr has demonstrated normal liver function. Upon review, it was discovered that organ packaging during recovery included storage in the first bag with only 400 mL of UW solution, and pure ice in the second bag instead of slush. This suggests that the postoperative delayed graft function was related to sub‐zero storage of the graft during transport. This is the first report of sub‐zero cold injury, or frostbite, following inappropriate packaging of an otherwise healthy donor liver. The clinical picture closely resembled PNF, perhaps implicating this mechanism in other unexpected cases of graft non‐function.


The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between vertebral margins at individual vertebral levels between T12-L5 vertebra and chronological age and develop predictive models. Three hundred and nineteen CT scans from a medical imaging database in North America were randomly selected. Three superior and inferior vertebral margin sites were scored based on observable age-related changes. All individual vertebral margin site scores significantly correlated with age at death with Pearson r values ranging from 0.47 to 0.77. Totaling the individual vertebral margin site scores for L1-L5 improved Pearson r to 0.92. All resulting predictive models were significant, and the best models predicted age at death within 10 years 70%-76% of the time for males, females, and combined male and females. In conclusion, this study produced accurate and reliable models to predict age at death using age-related changes in the spine for a North American population.


BACKGROUND
Data using crash dummies suggest that motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) involving passenger sedans (S) vs sport utility, vans, or light trucks (SUVTs) produce more severe injuries than those involving two sedans (SvS). However, no detailed data regarding pattern of injuries or force mechanisms involved have been presented in real patients.

METHODS
The relationship of injury patterns and severities with MVC reconstruction data were obtained in 412 MVC patients, drivers or front seat passengers. Crashes were examined with regard to impact direction, frontal (F) or lateral (L) crashes, vehicle mass ratio, ISS, DELTA V, seat belt use, and airbag deployment (AB).

RESULTS
In 309 F-MVC, AB reduced overall ISS (24.3 to 17.9) with a reduction in the mean severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) GCS < or = 12, from 48% to only 28%. This AB protection from TBI was preserved as DELTA V increased to > 30 mph even though non-AB protected body areas (thorax, lung, liver, and lower extremity injuries) all increased. When vehicles of incompatible size and mass (SUVT) had F-MVC with sedans the incidence of severe TBI rose as did face lacerations despite AB or belt use. In L-MVC between SUVT and sedans compared with SvS MVC, there was a cephalad shift in body injuries with increased thorax, but decreased lower extremity injuries. The incidence of TBI increased. Analysis of injury contact sites (hits) showed more hits and a wider distribution of contract sites in SUVT vs sedan MVC. These appeared due to the greater mass excess and larger mass ratio, hood height, and width in the F-SUVT vs S crashes. All of these factors plus the increased bumper height above the body frame side-door sill were injury causal factors in the L-SUVT vs S MVCs.

CONCLUSION
Both F and L crashes between sedans and SUVT with a high mass ratio shift the pattern of injury cephalad with increased thorax and intrathoracic organ injuries, and more severe TBI. These data suggest that improved head and thorax side-impact buffering and design features which transmit MVC forces from the higher front end of the larger mass SUVT to the frame of the sedan may better protect sedan occupants from side-impacts.


Adult onset Still's disease is a rare but potentially serious disease. We present five cases of adult-onset Still's disease seen by us over a period of one year. The patients were all females and 28-39 years of age. Symptoms had been present for 2-6 weeks in three patients. The other two had been on a few years' follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis before the onset of rashes and fever. The patients had persistent erythematous maculopapular eruptions on face, body and extremities, with moderate to severe pruritus and/or a burning sensation that decreased their quality of life. The typical evanescent rash was not observed. High ferritin values were detected in all the patients and total serum IgE was increased in two. All the patients were started on oral prednisolone (0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day), and methotrexate (10-15 mg/week) had to be added in three patients. One patient was started on tocilizumab due to recalcitrant disease and one was lost to follow-up. Further investigation and classification of the various atypical cutaneous findings in adult-onset Still's disease is necessary.


Lung Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. Detection of Lung Cancer in its early stage is the key of its cure. In general, a measure for early stage lung cancer diagnosis mainly includes those utilizing X-ray chest films, CT, MRI etc. In many parts of the world widespread screening by CT or MRI is not yet practical, so that chest radiology remains in initial and most common procedure. Firstly, we will use some techniques are essential to the task of medical image mining, Lung Field Segmentation, Data Processing, Feature Extraction, Classification using neural network and SVMs. The methods used in this paper work states to classify digital X-ray chest films into two categories: normal and abnormal. Different learning experiments were performed on two different data sets, created by means of feature selection and SVMs trained with different parameters; the results are


This thesis documents as well as questions how the presence of large mining operations in Andean regions of Peru alters social and natural landscapes. Taking conflicts over water as a useful entry-point for the analysis, it explores and unravels the dilemmas and challenges faced by the main conflicting actors: rural communities and mining companies. Through an in-depth analysis of how the actors navigate these challenges, focusing on those related to water, the thesis sets out to understand what happens with water in contexts of mineral extraction. It traces changes in how water is accessed, controlled and governed, and by whom. By making the complex character of water politics in mining contexts explicit, the thesis sheds light on how mining reconfigures water governance arrangements, while also contributing to wider debates about water governance in contexts characterized by huge power differences.


The damping of sound during its transmission over the chest wall was measured in humans in order to establish whether the heart sounds spread in two-dimensions over the chest wall from their auscultatory areas, or in three-dimensions directly from their origins deep in the body. The damping of frequencies from 50 to 400 cycles/sec in soft tissues and ribs can be predicted by an equation which consists of a geometrical term and a term due to viscous damping. The term which represents the viscous damping in the soft tissues and ribs of the chest wall is proportional to the square root of the frequency. The value of the geometrical term suggested that the intensity of the sounds was inversely proportional to the distance travelled, rather than inversely proportional to the square of the distance travelled. The former relationship would apply if the sound travels in a two-dimensional plane of material rather than in a three-dimensional volume. This is consistent with our earlier finding that the heart sounds travel from the heart to their auscultatory areas on the chest and from there over the chest surface. For frequencies under 100 cycles/sec, the chest wall appears to be homogenous. For frequencies above 100 cycles/sec, the damping is much less for transmission over the sternum than for transmission elsewhere on the precordium.


The aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in plants are not only essential components of protein synthesis, but also serve as precursors for a wide range of secondary metabolites that are important for plant growth as well as for human nutrition and health. The aromatic amino acids are synthesized via the shikimate pathway followed by the branched aromatic amino acids biosynthesis pathway, with chorismate serving as a major intermediate branch point metabolite. Yet, the regulation and coordination of synthesis of these amino acids are still far from being understood. Recent studies on these pathways identified a number of alternative cross-regulated biosynthesis routes with unique evolutionary origins. Although the major route of Phe and Tyr biosynthesis in plants occurs via the intermediate metabolite arogenate, recent studies suggest that plants can also synthesize phenylalanine via the intermediate metabolite phenylpyruvate (PPY), similarly to many microorganisms. Recent studies also identified a number of transcription factors regulating the expression of genes encoding enzymes of the shikimate and aromatic amino acids pathways as well as of multiple secondary metabolites derived from them in Arabidopsis and in other plant species.


Agent-based model describes the decision making of individual traveler by setting interaction rules among different agents on the traffic network. ADAM defines three types of agents: nodes, links and travelers. Nodes represent traffic zones and intersection of links. Nodes provide information of network nearby with turning matrix and help travelers decide their destinations. Each line of the turning matrix represents the probability of travelers from node i to choose different destinations, which is decides both by the number of jobs at potential destination and travel time to this destination node. Travelers will store the shortest path information from their origin to current node and exchange this information with current node once it arrives at a new node. Travelers will pool their shortest path knowledge at nodes, which can help travelers arriving later update their shortest path knowledge. If we have enough travelers on the network, the shortest path information will be spread very fast and permeate the network. Once all travelers have found their destination, network will update their link travel time according to current link flows. Then all travelers will reenter the network and choose their travel route according to new link travel time. Model converges when this link travel time change is small enough. Then a link flow pattern emerged from individual route choice decisions. The following figure illustrates the mechanism of the ADAM.


Introduction: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is now  known as the main endoscopic treatment of stone in common bile duct. However, it is difficult to extract multiple (3 or more) or large (≥10mm) common bile duct stones with EST. EST plus endoscopic large balloon papillary dilation (EPLBD) balloon was identified as a valid treatment option for these bile duct stones. Aim of this work: to compare the EST alone versus EST plus EPBD regarding efficacy, feasibility, advantages, and complications. Methods: Forty patients with large common bile duct stones (CBD) (≥ 10 mm) or multiple stones (≥ 3) underwent EST + EPLBD (20 cases) or EST alone (20 cases). We compared the stone removal rates in the first session, procedure times and complications recorded in both groups. Results: The rates of stone extraction were comparable between the both groups (EST plus EPLBD: 95% versus EST: 90%). Regarding the procedure time a shorter procedure time was observed in EST plus EPLBD group (EST + EPLBD: 52 min versus EST: 54 min; p = 0.545). Complications like pancreatitis occurred in one case in the EST + EPLBD group and in two cases in the EST group, but without significance difference (EST + EPLBD: 5% vs. EST: 10%). Conclusions: EST + EPLBD is safe and an effective method for treatment of the patients with either large or multiple CBD stones, as fewer sessions were required, and shorter operative times was observed than EST alone.


The articles included in this special issue of the Journal of Income Distribution are a selection of papers originally presented at the first LIS-LWS Users Conference, hosted by LIS, the cross-national data center in Luxembourg. The conference took place at the University of Luxembourg in Belval, Luxembourg, on April 27- 28, 2017. The submitted papers underwent a process of blind review, and this collection of five articles is the final outcome. Taken as a whole, these articles constitute an interesting overview of the ways in which the research community uses the LIS-LWS Databases, which provide researchers access to microdata on income and wealth, respectively.


We propose a simple but effective data-driven channel pruning algorithm, which compresses deep neural networks in a differentiable way by exploiting the characteristics of operations. The proposed approach makes a joint consideration of batch normalization (BN) and rectified linear unit (ReLU) for channel pruning; it estimates how likely the two successive operations deactivate each feature map and prunes the channels with high probabilities. To this end, we learn differentiable masks for individual channels and make soft decisions throughout the optimization procedure, which facilitates to explore larger search space and train more stable networks. The proposed framework enables us to identify compressed models via a joint learning of model parameters and channel pruning without an extra procedure of fine-tuning. We perform extensive experiments and achieve outstanding performance in terms of the accuracy of output networks given the same amount of resources when compared with the state-of-the-art methods.


Video transects from occupied submersibles were used to define associations of mobile megafauna (primarily demersal fishes and crustaceans) with microhabitat features including shell, burrow, biogenic depression, biogenic depression with adjacent burrow, sand wave crest, boulder, and burrowed clay outcrop. Sites were located on low-relief bottoms across the southern New England (USA) continental shelf and slope at depths of 55, 240, and 712 m. No significant diel differences in abundance were found for the 8 taxa censused at the 55 m (inner shelf) site. Non-random distributions and associations with specific microhabitats were found for the 8 taxa from diurnal transects and 6 taxa had non-random distributions from nocturnal transects. Silver hake Merluccius bilinearis and little skate Raja erjnacea were associated with particular microhabitats during the day but were randomly distributed at night. These shlfts In pattern are dttributed to diel differences in feeding behavior. Three of 6 taxa at a 240 m (outer shelf) site and 5 of 6 taxa at a 712 m (slope) site showed non-random distributions and associations with specific microhabitats from diurnal transects. Observations with an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) a t inner shelf sites (33 to 55 m) identified a distinction between species which produce biogenic depressions and species which later occupy abandoned depressions. We posit that associations with microhabitat features enhance individual fitness possibly by reducing contact with potential predators and enhancing the ability to capture prey. Use of microhabitat features occurs in assemblages where predators of focal organisms are abundant and possibly where prey density allows ambush predator tactics.


Abstract Background: Pancreas surgery has developed into a fairly safe procedure in terms of mortality, but is still hampered by considerable morbidity. Among the most frequent and dreaded complications are the development of a post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The prediction and prevention of POPF remains an area of debate with several questions yet to be firmly addressed with solid answers. Methods: A systematic review of systematic reviews/meta-analyses and randomized trials in the English literature (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE) covering January 2005 to December 2015 on risk factors and preventive strategies for POPF. Results: A total of 49 systematic reviews and meta-analyses over the past decade discussed patient, surgeon, pancreatic disease and intraoperative related factors of POPF. Non-modifiable factors (age, BMI, comorbidity) and pathology (histotype, gland texture, duct size) that indicates surgery are associated with POPF risk. Consideration of anastomotic technique and use of somatostatin-analogs may slightly modify the risk of fistula. Sealant products appear to have no effect. Perioperative bleeding and transfusion enhance risk, but is modifiable by focus on technique and training. Drains may not prevent fistulae, but may help in early detection. Early drain-amylase may aid in detection. Predictive scores lack uniform validation, but may have a role in patient information if reliable pre-operative risk factors can be obtained. Conclusions: Development of POPF occurs through several demonstrated risk factors. Anastomotic technique and use of somatostatin-analogs may slightly decrease risk. Drains may aid in early detection of leaks, but do not prevent POPF.