Portraits of patients served many clinical functions in eighteenth-century medic John Hunter's medical practice. As incarnations of medical skills and medical knowledge, they helped Hunter understand his patients' problems. They could also bridge the physical absence of his patients, and so help him discuss cases at a distance with other members of the medical faculty. Moreover, portraits complemented text in his day-to-day practice; portraits were in no way an ancillary medium for Hunter, but rather a fundamental way of working. Meanwhile, the role of Hunter's assistants as medically trained artists complicates typical historical models of patient–practitioner interactions, and affects how patients were objectified by modes of looking and by art.


The Grainy head like-2 (Grhl2) transcription factor plays a major role in embryonic and cancer development. The role of Grhl2 has been intensively studied in various cancers but not for brain cancer. Hence, in this study, we provide a preliminary understanding on the role of Grhl2 that regulate the transition of astrocytoma cells. The human A172 astrocytoma cell line, a mesenchymal cell characterized by mild overexpression of Grhl2 transcription factor, was used in this study. At first, the Grhl2 stably overexpressing A172 clones into three types i.e., Grhl2+ (mild), Grhl2++ (moderate) and Grhl2+++ (high) based on mRNA and protein expression levels of Grhl2 were characterized. Phenotypic characteristics of vector and Grhl2+ cells were observed using phase contrast microscopy. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the level of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin/vimentin) and also epithelial markers (E-cadherin/ β -catenin) in vector and Grhl2+ cells. The migration and invasion characteristics of vector and Grhl2+ cells were determined by scratch assay and Boyden chamber assay. Further, the Grhl2+ cells were characterized to determine the effect of temozolomide chemotherapy drug which were widely used in treating brain cancer. As expected, in phase contrast image, we observed the mesenchymal characteristic of A172 cells becomes hybrid phenotype i.e., mixture of mesenchymal (spindle-like fibroblast morphology) and epithelial (cobblestone like appearance) cells upon Grhl2 mild expression (Grhl2+) when compared to vector cells. Further, we found that there was a significant upregulation of E-cadherin at both mRNA and protein levels in Grhl2+ cells when compared to vector cells. There was a significant upregulation of β -catenin, N-cadherin and vimentin at mRNA levels, but there was no significant upregulation at the protein levels in Grhl2+ cells compared to the vector cells. The migration and invasion were diminished in Grhl2+ cells when compared to the vector control cells. We observed that the Grhl2+ were sensitive to the temozolomide compared to the vector cells. This infers that the Grhl2+ cells were unable to attain complete transition of mesenchymal to epithelial state, and hence we categorized the Grhl2+ cells as hybrid phenotype. The results provide a better understanding of the largely unknown function of Grhl2 in human astrocytoma cells as tumor progression or suppression.


This study reports intriguing features in the self-assembly of cage copper(II) silsesquioxanes in the presence of air. Despite the wide variation of solvates used, a series of prismatic hexanuclear Cu6 cages (1-5) were assembled under mild conditions. In turn, syntheses at higher temperatures are accompanied by side reactions, leading to the oxidation of solvates (methanol, 1-butanol, and tetrahydrofuran). The oxidized solvent derivatives then specifically participate in the formation of copper silsesquioxane cages, allowing the isolation of several unusual Cu8-based (6 and 7) and Cu6-based (8) complexes. When 1,4-dioxane was applied as a reaction medium, deep rearrangements occurred (with a total elimination of silsesquioxane ligands), causing the formation of mononuclear copper(II) compounds bearing oxidized dioxane fragments (9 and 11) or a formate-driven 1D coordination polymer (10). Finally, a "directed" self-assembly of sil- and germsesquioxanes from copper acetate (or formate) resulted in the corresponding acetate (or formate) containing Cu6 cages (12 and 13) that were isolated in high yields. The structures of all of the products 1-13 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, mainly based on the use of synchrotron radiation. Moreover, the catalytic activity of compounds 12 and 13 was evaluated toward the mild homogeneous oxidation of C5-C8 cycloalkanes with hydrogen peroxide to form a mixture of the corresponding cyclic alcohols and ketones.


Results: Mean age was 26.8 (17–38) years. Thirty-seven datasets were excluded because of corruption, incomplete acquisition and/or levator coactivation, leaving 73 datasets; 40 women delivered by normal vaginal delivery, eight by vacuum, one by forceps and 24 by Cesarean section. We observed an increase in segmental urethral mobility after childbirth which reached significance for five of six segments. There was a trend towards more marked changes after vaginal operative delivery. Conclusions: Using 3D translabial ultrasound, this study demonstrated that childbirth increases segmental urethral mobility. The greatest increase seems to occur after instrumental delivery, indicative of a greater disturbance to urethral support.


Orthotic fabrication is one of the techniques hand therapists use in practice. This thesis focuses on one specific orthosis, the relative motion orthosis, in four studies. Firstly, a scoping review examines the available evidence on the relative motion approach. Secondly, a two-patient case study highlights adaptation of relative motion orthoses in managing complex injuries. A survey of international therapist's therapy approach preferences when managing extensor tendon injuries, including relative motion program parameters, forms the third study. Finally the fourth study, informed by the scoping review and survey results, is a two-group prospective comparison of two different relative motion extension approaches.


In order to immobilize enzyme to multi-wall nanotube (MWNT), the MWNT was coated by the electrochemical polymerization of aniline. The horseradish peroxide (HRP) was immobilized on the surface of the polyaniline (PANI)-coated MWNT (PANI-MWNT film) by using gold nanoparticle (physical immobilization). The HRP was also immobilized on the surface of PANIMWNT film by using 2-aminothiophenol and Au nanoparticle (self-assembling immobilization). HRP was immobilized on the surface of PANI-MWNT electrode by using glutaric dialdehyde (covalent immobilization). The sensing efficiency of HRP-MWNT electrodes for H2O2 was evaluated by amperometric method. The sensing efficiency of HRP-MWNT electrodes for H2O2 was as following order; physical immobilization > covalent immobilization > self-assembling immobilization.


Background Several studies suggested that certain microorganisms might contribute to initiation and perpetuation of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Objectives To investigate IgG and IgM antibodies towards Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), Borrelia garinii (Bg), Borrelia afzelii (Ba), Ehrlichia spp. (Ehr), Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), and Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) in SpA patients, low back pain patients, and healthy subjects and to elucidate whether previous infections could play a role in the onset of SpA. Methods Data collection was based on persons aged 18-40 years referred with low back pain for ≥3 months. They were examined with MRI of the spine and sacroiliac joints, CRP, HLA-B27, and clinical SpA features were assessed according to ASAS classification criteria (1). Sera were collected from patients with SpA according to ASAS criteria (SpA group; n=100), persons with low back pain but with a positive MRI or positive HLA-B27 and one clinical SpA feature (suspected (susp.) SpA group; n=41), and low back pain patients having no SpA features (LBP group; n=82). These groups were compared with age and gender matched healthy controls (n=40). With ELISA-tests, levels of IgG and IgM antibodies towards Bb, Bg, Ba, Ehr, Ct, and Cp were investigated and compared between groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing antibody levels between groups, and Spearman's test with Bonferroni correction for correlation analysis between antibodies and characteristics such as age, gender, HLA-B27 status, CRP, recent onset back pain (<1 year), and positive X-ray (according to modified New York criteria). Results Levels of IgG and IgM antibodies towards Bb, Bg, Ba, and Ehr were significantly elevated in the SpA, susp. SpA, and LBP groups compared to healthy controls (p<0.01, p<0.001). Significant elevations of IgG towards Bg and Ba were observed in the SpA group compared to LBP group (p<0.05). IgG towards Ct was elevated in susp. SpA group compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), and IgM to Cp was elevated in susp. SpA and LBP groups compared to healthy controls (p<0.01). Correlation analysis between levels of antibodies and characteristics such as age, gender, HLA-B27 status, CRP, recent onset back pain (<1 year), and X-ray did not show any statistic significance. Conclusions Our results suggest that the elevated levels of antibodies towards Borrelia, Ehrlichia and Chlamydia species in patients with prolonged chronic low back pain are not related to SpA, and require other explanations. References Rudwaleit M et al., Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(6):777-83. Disclosure of Interest None declared


In this study a C-Mn High Strength Low Alloy steel (HSLAs) was processed by quenching and austenite reverted transformation during annealing (ART-annealing), which results in an ultrafine grained duplex microstructure characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron back scattered diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and x-rays diffraction (SEM/EBSD, TEM and XRD). Microstructural observation revealed that the full hard martensitic microstucture gradually transformed into ultrafine grained duplex structure with austenite volume fraction up to 30% at specific annealing conditions. Mechanical properties of this processed steel measured by uniaxial tensile testing demonstrated that an excellent combination of strength (Rm~1GPa) and total elongation (A5~40%) at 30% metastable austenite condition in studied C-Mn-HSLAs. This substantially improved strength and ductility were attributed to the strain induced phase transformation of retained austenite dispersed throughout the ultrafine grained microstructure. At last it is proposed that ART-annealing is a promising way to produce high strength and high ductility steel products.


has been a subject of some controversy during the 30 or so years since Frederick Darley and his colleagues at the Mayo Clinic first described it, particularly with regard to its distinction from aphasia syndromes such as Broca's aphasia and the pure articulatory impairment called "aphemia." Interestingly, the schools of thought regarding AOS have had a rather regional bias in the United States.Those trained in the "Boston" tradition of aphasia classification (as delineated by Norman Geschwind and Harold Goodglass) tend to believe that the term "apraxia" should be reserved for disorders of purposeful movement that are not specific to language (e.g., limb apraxia, buccofacial apraxia). Furthermore, they argue that many of the speech behaviors described in association with AOS can be explained on a linguistic basis. Those trained by Darley and his colleagues and their students at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota accept AOS as a disorder that can exist in a pure form, although it often accompanies aphasia. The issue of accurate diagnosis is of great importance to rehabilitation in so far as any diagnosis implies a certain understanding of the underlying nature of the disorder. For example, it is known that "naming" problems are a core symptom of aphasia. The approach to treating word-retrieval problems may differ, however, according to the form of aphasia. For example, using a serial-stage, cognitive model of naming, a person with anomic aphasia may have greater deficits in the semantic system than the person with Wernicke's aphasia, whose deficits are mainly at the level of the phonological lexicon. It is also the case that many speechlanguage disorders are associated with distinct lesion sites. This knowledge is important to neurobehavioral treatment approaches based on spared and impaired brain regions and pathways such as Alexander Luria's intersystemic and intrasystemic reorganization methods. Trained as I am in the "Boston" school of thought, my understanding of AOS was "fuzzy" because AOS was never used to describe the individuals seen in our clinical service. Yet, I think it is important for all of us to understand this disorder because it is frequently diagnosed by speech-language pathologists who choose treatment approaches in accordance with this diagnosis. Some individuals who have been referred to our clinic with diagnoses of "apraxia" (which we assume means "apraxia of speech") have been treated accordingly for sound production problems. These same individuals may then be diagnosed as having Broca's aphasia and treated for language problems. With all these considerations in mind, it seemed time to dedicate an issue of Seminars in Speech and Language to the topic of apraxia of speech. I could think of no better person to serve as Guest Editor for this issue than Dr. Malcolm McNeil. Dr. McNeil has been a leading investigator of this disorder and has writFOREWORD


The field of journalism in New Zealand has gone through significant changes in the last few years, with the onset of digital technologies, their impact on the funding of journalism and on readership, and in turn on the way journalism is performed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand how leadership empowers learning in newsrooms and, in turn, contributes to the training and development of journalists. The intent here is to contribute to the constantly evolving field of journalism as it deals with the digital changes driving what is arguably the most concentrated period of change in its history. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has typically been used in organisations to manifest positive change for people. However, for this study I have creatively adapted and applied the Appreciative Inquiry framework to situate qualitative research methods inside three newsrooms in New Zealand. Focus groups in each newsroom were comprised of individuals from different hierarchical levels of the workplace. As the lead researcher I led the groups who operated as co-researchers following the AI process of four phases comprising Discover, Dream, Design and Destiny seeking to understand how leadership empowers learning in newsrooms. The findings were initially drawn from an analysis of the themes which arose in the discussions. From the findings I use AI theory and adapt the AI process to propose a Relational Newsroom framework for use in newsrooms. By embedding newsroom groups constantly using the 4-D cycle of AI and involving the public in live interaction process with newsroom decision-making, the framework would generate practices of communication, trust, personal leadership and structure identified in the findings. This study concludes with proposals in the form of action statements for use in both news media and journalism school newsrooms to have journalists engaged and involved in creating the future of the field.


Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is an essential process in the manufacturing industry. However, wastewater treatment process is not a profitable process as it requires a significant amount of investment. It is important to design a WWTP that meets wastewater discharge legalisation with low investment costs. To do this, area footprint (land area) occupied by technologies in a WWTP must be factored into the design decision. Unfortunately, the area footprint is yet to be studied. As wastewater treatment processes involve multiple treatment units, the different combinations of these treatment units will give a range of capital costs and costs associated with the area occupied. In addition, the carbon footprint of technology resulting from power consumption must be considered. Each technology possesses unique power consumption requirements and these requirements may influence the total carbon footprint for a given WWTP design. Investment costs, area footprint and carbon footprint must be considered simultaneously but are conflicting in nature. This work aims to present a multi-objective decision-making tool to screen wastewater treatment technologies and to synthesise a WWTP design with low investment cost, low area footprint, and low carbon footprint. Specifically, fuzzy multi-objective optimisation (FMOO) is used to determine a desirable trade-off between investment costs, area footprint, and carbon footprint. To demonstrate the developed approach, a sago-based WWTP case study is solved. Based on the results, a trade-off between these optimisation objectives had reduced 5.35 m2 of area footprint, 986 USD/d of total investment cost, and 108 kg CO2/d of carbon footprint of the synthesised WWTP.


Concerning a necropsic observation in an irradiated patient, the authors report on the current state of their technique for the reconstruction of the base of the skull, using the Galea flap technique and homologous, cryopreserved bone.


Biosimilars are biologic products that are highly similar, but not identical, to a licensed reference (or "originator") biologic product. These agents have the potential to provide efficiencies and improve access to treatment for patients. Biosimilars are currently available for use in clinical practice, including oncology indications, and several more are in clinical development. Due to several key differences in their fundamental properties, production and manufacturing of biosimilars is more complex compared with that of small-molecule generic drugs. Accordingly, the generic drug approval process is not suitable or transferable to biosimilars, the approval of which involves extensive and thorough comparison with the originator biologic. Advanced practice providers play an important role in evaluating treatment options available to patients, prescribing, patient education, and product monitoring. In order to perform these tasks effectively, advanced practice providers should understand the concepts related to biosimilars in clinical practice, particularly regarding extrapolation to other indications, product labeling, interchangeability between products, and routine pharmacovigilance, among other clinical considerations. However, many health-care providers have limited awareness and minimal experience regarding biosimilars. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of biosimilars and discuss the clinical considerations for oncology advanced practice providers concerning these therapies.


Abstract : This report is a part of the documentations which describe the complete development of an STTR Phase 2 effort entitled, Development of the Aerodynamic/Aeroservoelastic Modules in ASTROS. This report is one of four manuals that comprise the final report. The remaining reports consist of the ZAERO User's Manual (Volume 1), the ZAERO Programmer's Manual (Volume 2) and the ZAERO Applications Manual (Volume 3). ASTROS is the seamless integration of the ZAERO module into ASTROS. As an aerodynamic enhancement to ASTROS, ZAERO is the ZONA aerodynamic module, unified for all Mach number ranges. This manual assumes the reader is familiar with the ASTROS system (Version 10.0), its terminology and user interface. It provides the complete user interface to the ASTROS system required for preparation of input data. First, an overview of the ZAERO software is presented. Second, the executive control options are described. Third, a complete and comprehensive description of the bulk data input is presented. Fourth, ZAERO modeling guidelines are provided with detailed descriptions for proper aerodynamic, geometry and spline input. Finally, the output description of ZAERO is presented with output samples.


In a context of housing crisis and general increase in short-term/casual work, new forms of social precarity have developed since the end of the nineties in Western countries. Furthermore, a movement of voluntary shift to nomadic lifestyles is initiated. People with diverse social backgrounds and motivations decided to invest in less sedentary spaces and mobilize their homes to maintain professional flexibility, ensure economic survival and/or experiment alternative ways of living, producing and consuming. Mobile dwelling belongs to the larger group of "unordinary" dwellings, which, apart from proper mobile homes, con- sist of precarious or provisionary housing. Implanted in urban wasteland or far from city centers, between temporary camping sites and side roads, they are considered and used as permanent homes by some and as a temporary lodging solution by others. This ethnography captures the mode of dwelling of residents that have opted for houses on wheels (transformed vans, trucks, buses) and explores the plural- ity of contexts and realities of their everyday lives. Following on a three years multi-sited research in France, this work aims at understanding the functioning of a mode of dwelling in the making. Based on practices, experiences and nar- ratives of these mobile and invisible craftsmen and women, the work treats therefore the "life in a vehicle" and its social, spatial and technical modalities.This research cares to deliver a report about the passages of those that have de- cided to live on the road. By their stories and experiences, this work traces the perspectives, motivations and desires of these mobile inhabitants while shed- ding light on the way in which they confront, negotiate, work around and are submitted to material and institutional fixities. By translating the question of the mobility of human beings into the mobility of dwellings, spaces, practices and techniques, the present work also explores how the mobile dwellers acquire and circulate multiple knowledge and skills on both mobility and dwelling.This work seeks to show how mobility and movement, beyond their physical and geographical dimensions, must also be perceived as an experiential journey and an apprenticeship.Taking house-truck as an entry door, this work finally analyzes the logics and tensions engulfing the conditions of displacement and installation of its inhabitants. It sheds also light on the ways in which these micro-territories are materially and spatially formalized at the margins of cities, dwelling and mobility.


The high cost of feed grains has led swine producers to seek alternative feedstuffs, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). However, little is known about the effects of high levels of DDGS in swine diets on pork quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate belly processing and bacon, sausage, and loin quality of pigs fed high levels of DDGS. Sixty pigs averaging 34 kg BW were fed fortifi ed corn-soybean meal diets containing 0%, 15%, 30%, or 45% DDGS. At 120 kg BW, the pigs were humanely harvested and bellies, loins, and shoulders were removed from the left side of each carcass. Flex tests of bellies indicated that they became softer (linear, P < 0.03) as DDGS levels increased. The PUFA in backfat and belly fat increased linearly (P < 0.005), as did iodine values with increasing 0DDGS in the diet. Bellies were pumped to target 12% brine retention, cooked, and sliced at a commercial facility. Slicing yield was not affected by DDGS level fed. Fresh bacon slices were scored 1 to 6 with 1 representing no visible cracks in the fat and 6 representing a spider weblike shattering of the fat. Shatter scores decreased (linear, P < 0.001) with increasing dietary DDGS. Bratwurststyle sausage was produced by combining ground Boston butts and picnics to target 30% fat, blended with commercial seasonings, and stuffed into natural casings. Loose sausage was placed on trays, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride wrap, and stored under constant, cool white fl orescent lighting (1,300 lx) at 4°C. Objective color values (L*, a*, and b*) were taken on loosepackaged sausage mix at 6 locations at the same time daily for 7 d. Sausage was also sampled for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at the same time daily on d 0, 3, 5, and 7. Color scores of sausage were not consistently affected by DDGS level in the diet and the changes were slight. The TBARS in sausage from pigs fed the 30% and 45% DDGS diets increased to a greater extent from d 0 to 7 than in those fed the control or 15% DDGS diets. An 8-member, trained panel evaluated the sensory attributes of bacon slices, sausage, and loin chops. The DDGS resulted in a softer texture (P < 0.004) and increased juiciness (P < 0.04) in sausages, but no differences in sensory scores were found in bacon slices or loin chops. The results indicate that the softer bellies, greater concentrations of PUFA in carcass fat, and greater iodine values associated with feeding increased DDGS did not negatively affect slicing yield of cured bellies, quality of fresh bacon slices, or eating quality of bacon, sausage, or loin chops.


New compounds with hydrophyllic esters of (-)-carinol were synthesized and evaluated as xanthine oxidase enzyme inhibitors and antioxidants. Aliphatic esterfication of C-9,9'-OH groups of (-)-carinol resulted in lowering antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. However certain aromatic acyl esters considerably improved the xathine oxidase inhibition. Aromatic esterification with electron withdrawing substitutions would preferred for improvement in XOD inhibition while retaining radical scavenging activity, electron withdrawing substitution led to the loss of free radical scavenging property and neutral substituents decrease the enzyme inhibitory potential.


One of the key requirements for good thermoelectric materials is a low lattice thermal conductivity. Here we present a combined neutron scattering and theoretical investigation of the lattice dynamics in the type I clathrate system Ba-Ge-Ni, which fulfills this requirement. We observe a strong hybridization between phonons of the Ba guest atoms and acoustic phonons of the Ge-Ni host structure over a wide region of the Brillouin zone, which is in contrast with the frequently adopted picture of isolated Ba atoms in Ge-Ni host cages. It occurs without a strong decrease of the acoustic phonon lifetime, which contradicts the usual assumption of strong anharmonic phonon-phonon scattering processes. Within the framework of ab initio density-functional theory calculations we interpret these hybridizations as a series of anticrossings which act as a low-pass filter, preventing the propagation of acoustic phonons. To highlight the effect of such a phononic low-pass filter on the thermal transport, we compute the contribution of acoustic phonons to the thermal conductivity of Ba8Ge40Ni6 and compare it to those of pure Ge and a Ge-46 empty-cage model system.


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used as a powerful tool in many aspects of handling geospatial data. By considering the modern geospatial approaches, this research is focused on monitoring environmental pollution in the coastal zone of Kalutara area, with the objective of identification of existing natural resources. Green vegetation patches, water bodies and beech areas were detected using remote sensing techniques. A detailed GPS field survey was conducted and identified minor environmental resources with various pollution incidents. This information was used to improve the available data sets. The types of pollution incidents were categorised according to the severity level by considering the relationship to each natural resource. Maps were created and data was uploaded to the ArcGIS online cloud platform. Web services were hosted using this cloud infrastructure. Pollution incidents data layer has been given web based editing capabilities for field monitoring using GPS enabled mobiles. Field observations were conducted and locations of the pollution effects were uploaded into web maps from the field with related attributes. The hot spots were used to get better understanding and awareness of the environmental pollution. As the results, pollution incidents were identified and there was a significant effect to the minor environmental elements. The cloud infrastructure, helped to bring down the barriers of data sharing and the incident reporting mechanism became more convenient during the field observations.


Trial spinning was done at 11 blending ratios (of Outlast fiber/cotton), namely 0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20, 90/10 & 100/0. By test, analysis and calculation to the targets of breaking strength, moisture regain, fusion enthalpy, crystallization enthalpy, etc. and curve simulation to them with origin7.5, an unique objective function was set in the way of objective optimization. Then lingo9.0 was applied to determine the optimal blending ratio of Outlast fiber/cotton blending yarn and it was concluded that at about 60% of Outlast fiber content, the ratio is the best, i.e. the blending yarn has the best targets in general.


Modified starch has been widely used in many studies in the field of drug delivery for gastrointestinal drug release. In this study, the starch was modified with poly(N-vinyl-pyrrolidone) by interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) method. Characterizations were done to observe its characteristics in floating drug delivery applications. Three modified starch-based hydrogels were synthesized, i.e. crosslinked starch, semi-IPN, and full-IPN hydrogels. Non-modified starch hydrogel was also synthesized for benchmark purpose. All materials were characterized and analysed by Swelling Test, Buoyancy Test, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Swelling test showed that the crosslinked-starch hydrogel has the lowest swelling percentage compared to other hydrogels, whereas non-modified hydrogels tend to have similar swelling percentage to Semi-IPN. Morphology and visual analysis results showed that non-modified hydrogels were physically the most fragile, followed by a crosslinked-starch, semi-IPN-starch, and full-IPN-starch hydrogel. Therefore, full-IPN-starch hydrogel had the highest elasticity. From IR spectrum result, it can be seen that a wavenumbers shift was observed for the modified starch compared with the IR spectrum of pure starch powder. TGA and DSC characterizations showed the degradation temperature for non-modified hydrogel was at 250°C. The degradation temperature for both crosslinked and semi-IPN starch were at 275°C. For full-IPN, however, the degradation temperature was at 225°C. On the other hand, the degradation level could be observed from DSC and TGA results as well. Full-IPN appeared to be the slowest, while non-modified hydrogel seem to be the fastest to degrade. CaCO3 was used as the pore forming agent (PFA) in this research for buoyancy characterization. Buoyancy test showed that the full-IPN had the fastest floating lag and longest floating time followed by semi-IPN-starch, crosslinked-starch, and non-modified starch. From all characterizations done in this research, it can be suggested that the full-IPN provided the most suitable characteristics as an encapsulation material candidate in a floating drug delivery system.


Around 50 million tones hematite iron ores with high iron content at a grade of 68% were found in Muko area of Uganda. Currently, the iron and steel making industry in the country has not yet developed to meet the demand to process the natural ores. Based on the analysis of its composition and mechanical properties, I infer that the natural iron lump ores can charge directly into reduction furnace without any prior treatment, so that the cost of whole process without additional enrichment and sintering will be reduced quite much. Also direct reduction iron (DRI) process use natural gases instead of coals which can greatly reduce the environmental pollution and lower the processes cost. If the raw materials that fit for requirements of majority plants, the seller´s market can get greater control over prices, terms due to the easy and cheap processing. All lump ores were from Butare area which is one occurrence of Muko and named sample A in this work. This research aims to use the lowest cost method to reduce Butare area iron ores and find out the optimum parameters on reduction reactions of Butare iron lump ores, such as flow rate, temperature, size of samples. Base on experiments with different designed parameters, Butare iron lump ores successfully reduced by DR furnace and microstructure was found to be an important parameter that strongly influent reduction degree of Butare iron lump ores.


Gd-LC6-SH is a thiol-bearing DOTA complex of gadolinium designed to bind plasma albumin at the conserved Cys(34) site. The binding of Gd-LC6-SH shows sensitivity to the presence of competing thiols. We hypothesized that Gd-LC6-SH could provide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement that is sensitive to tumor redox state and that the prolonged retention of albumin-bound Gd-LC6-SH in vivo can be exploited to identify a saturating dose above which the shortening of MRI longitudinal relaxation time (T(1)) of tissue is insensitive to the injected gadolinium dose. In the Mia-PaCa-2 pancreatic tumor xenograft model in SCID mice, both the small-molecule Gd-DTPA-BMA and the macromolecule Galbumin MRI contrast agents produced dose-dependent decreases in tumor T(1). By contrast, the decreases in tumor T(1) provided by Gd-LC6-SH at 0.05 and 0.1 mmol/kg were not significantly different at longer times after injection. SCID mice bearing Mia-PaCa-2 or NCI-N87 tumor xenografts were treated with either the glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine or the thiol-oxidizing anticancer drug Imexon, respectively. In both models, there was a significantly greater increase in tumor R(1) (=1/T(1)) 60 minutes after injection of Gd-LC6-SH in drug-treated animals relative to saline-treated controls. In addition, Mercury Orange staining for nonprotein sulfhydryls was significantly decreased by drug treatment relative to controls in both tumor models. In summary, these studies show that thiol-bearing complexes of gadolinium such as Gd-LC6-SH can serve as redox-sensitive MRI contrast agents for detecting differences in tumor redox status and can be used to evaluate the effects of redox-active drugs.


Kenya commercial Banks have remained with persistent challenge of managing non performing loans that are considered to have effects on its profitability. The government together with the banking sector has established various ways of reducing non performing loans. Measures introduced include licensing of Credit reference Bureaus. This study seeks to find out the effects of nonperforming loans on profitability of commercial banks in Kenya. The study used commercial banks registered and operational in Kenya as at CBK (2013). Profitability measured by return on assets is used as dependent variable and non performing loans measured by non performing loans ratio is used as independent variable. To improve the accuracy and reliability of the tests Capital adequacy, Operational efficiency and Liquidity are used as control variables. The control variables used are part of CAMEL factors that also affect profitability of commercial banks. At the end of the study the effect of nonperforming loans measured by non performing loans over total loans on profitability measured by return on assets (ROA) was determined. The effects of control variables on the relationship between non performing loans and return on assets were also determined in the study. The research covered all commercial banks in Kenya for the last ten years that is 2004-2013. The study used secondary data to analyze and draw conclusions and recommendations. Multi-linear regression model similar to one used by Kaaya and Pastory (2013) to analyze the effect of credit risk on banks' performance in Tanzania by controlling the effect of deposits and bank size was used. The study indicates that there is negative effect of nonperforming loans ratio on return on assets, confirming that non performing loans negatively affects profitability of commercial banks in Kenya. The study is in agreement with Kaaya and Pastory (2013) in the fact that other factors other than non performing loans affect profitability of commercial Banks. Managers of Commercial banks in Kenya have to work hard to enhance profitability of commercial banks and reduce occurrences of nonperforming loans. This includes taking measures to mitigate against moral hazard and adverse selections in advancing loans, example, use of credit reference bureaus. Central bank of Kenya should enhance supervision of commercial banks and consider analysis of relationship between ratios of nonperforming loans and profitability to enhance understandability and avoid concentrating on quantum figures alone. Central bank and shareholders should also take action to caution against possible use of provisions for losses on non performing loans for smoothing earnings by the managers. This paper therefore provides an insight to commercial banks, central bank and other stake holders on the effect of nonperforming loans on profitability of commercial banks in Kenya and provides a basis for further research.


In this study, the records of 17 adult patients with medulloblastoma treated with craniospinal radiation and 1 of 2 multiagent chemotherapy protocols were reviewed for progression-free survival, overall survival, and toxicity, and the patients were compared with each other and with similarly treated children and adults. Records of patients treated at 3 institutions were reviewed. Seventeen medulloblastoma patients (11 female, 6 male) with a median age of 23 years (range, 18-47 years) were treated with surgery, craniospinal radiation (CSRT) plus local boost, and 1 of 2 adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. All tumors were infratentorial (10 in 4th ventricle and 7 in left or right hemisphere). Ten patients presented with hydrocephalus, and 7 of them were shunted. Eight patients had gross total resection, 7 had subtotal resection (>50% removed), and 2 had partial resection (<50% removed). Postoperatively, 3 patients had positive cytology and 3 had positive spinal MRI. Five patients were classified as good risk and 12 were classified as poor risk (Chang staging system). Ten patients were treated with the "Packer protocol," consisting of CSRT plus weekly vincristine followed by 8 cycles of cisplatin, lomustine, and vincristine. Seven patients were treated with the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) protocol, consisting of alternating courses of cisplatin/etoposide and cyclophosphamide/vincristine, followed by CSRT. Eight of 17 patients relapsed, with all 8 relapsing at the primary site. Other relapse sites included the leptomeninges (5), bone (1), and brain (1). The estimated median relapse-free survival (Kaplan-Meier) for all patients was 48 months (95% confidence interval, >26 months to infinity). Median relapse-free survival for patients on the Packer protocol was 26 months, and for those on the POG regimen was 48 months (P = 0.410). Five of 10 on the Packer protocol were relapse-free, while 4 of 7 were relapse-free on the POG regimen. Two patients relapsed during chemotherapy and 6 relapsed after completing all therapy at 18, 18, 26, 30, 40, and 48 months. The estimated median survival of all patients was 56 months (95% confidence interval, 27 to infinity) with 11 patients alive; for the Packer protocol, median survival was 36 months, and for the POG protocol, it was 57 months (P = 0.058). The hazard ratio was 0 (95% confidence interval, 0 to infinity). Toxicity during the Packer protocol was moderately severe, with only 1 of 10 patients able to complete all therapy. Two patients had severe abdominal pain during CSRT + vincristine, and 5 had peripheral neuropathy during vincristine therapy. Hearing loss (>20 dB) occurred in 7, neutropenia (<500 microl) in 6, thrombocytopenia (<50,000 microl) in 6, nephrotoxicity (>25% decrease by creatinine clearance) in 2, and decreased pulmonary function (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide decrease >40%) in 1. On the POG protocol, only 1 patient had persistent nausea and vomiting, 2 had peripheral neuropathy, and 3 had hearing deficit (>20 dB) or tinnitus. The POG and Packer protocols did not have a statistically significant difference in relapse-free or overall survival because of the small sample size. The POG protocol seemed to have less nonhematologic toxicity. Adults on the Packer protocol appeared to have shorter median survival and greater toxicity than did children. To know whether adding adjuvant chemotherapy to craniospinal radiation in adult therapy increases relapse-free and overall survival, we must await the results of a larger randomized controlled clinical trial.


Mutations in the ubiquitously expressed gene PTEN-induced kinase 1 (Pink1) cause autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease. Pink1 encodes a putative serine/threonine kinase with an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. The mechanism that leads to selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons via Pink1 mutations is unknown. A full-length pre-protein (66 kDa) and an N-terminally truncated mature form (55 kDa) have been described in human brain. Here, we report that the endogenous 66 kDa and 55 kDa Pink1 forms in cultured cells are not exclusive to mitochondria but also occur in cytosolic and microsome-rich fractions. Pink1 66 kDa is the predominant isoform in cultured cells. Using unbiased analyses of immunoisolated Pink1 complexes by mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation and Hsp90 inhibitor studies, we identify Pink1 as a novel Cdc37/Hsp90 client kinase. This chaperone system influences both the subcellular distribution and the 66/55 kDa protein ratio of Pink1. PD-causing Pink1 mutations decrease whereas Parkin expression increases the Pink1 66/55 kDa protein ratio, biochemically linking Pink1 and Parkin and highlighting the potential relevance of this ratio for PD pathogenesis. Finally, we document the influence of Parkin on Pink1 subcellular distribution, providing further evidence for a common pathogenic pathway in recessive PD.


The frequency of dementia, the clinical characteristics and the pattern of cognitive impairment were studied in 147 unselected Parkinsonian patients. Twenty-one patients (14.28%) were judged to be demented. They had a more severe and widespread cognitive deficit although they were affected particularly in those tests that already discriminated Parkinsonian patients from controls. A direct comparison of Parkinsonian dementia with other types of dementia is needed to validate the concept of subcortical dementia.


OF DISSERTATION BIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ATTRIBUTES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH COPD The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial attributes of individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specific aims were to: 1) explore the predictive power of spirometry measures for event-free survival in patients with heart failure and suspected COPD, focusing on the differences in survival between those with and without airflow limitation; 2) examine the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in patients with concomitant COPD and heart failure; and 3) test the efficacy of a theory-based, multidimensional, self-care educational intervention using an eHealth platform on measures of symptom severity and variability, anxiety and depressive symptoms, perceived self-care ability, perceived self-care adherence, and selfcare information needs (knowledge) in a sample of adult patients with stable COPD. Specific aim one was addressed by evaluation of the predictive power of spirometry measures (forced expiratory volume/second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and the ratio of FEV1/FVC) for event-free time to combined hospitalization/mortality after controlling for clinical and sociodemographic variables. This analysis revealed that those patients with airflow limitation were 2.2 times more likely to experience hospitalization/mortality compared to those without airflow limitation. The second specific aim was addressed with a psychometric evaluation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social support (MSPSS) which included determination of internal consistency reliability, the factor structure and construct validity by hypothesis testing in participants with comorbid COPD and heart failure. The MSPSS was a valid and reliable instrument to measure perceived social support in patients with comorbid COPD and heart failure. The third specific aim was addressed by a trial of an eHealth educational intervention in participants with COPD (N = 20). This intervention resulted in significant change in symptom severity evaluation in patients categorized as having medium symptom severity for the following symptoms: distress due to cough, chest tightness, dyspnea with activity and fatigue; these symptoms were perceived as more severe in the intervention period. Anxiety, depressive symptoms and perceived selfcare ability were unchanged; however, perceived self-care adherence scores improved, and knowledge needs were significantly reduced after the intervention.


A general trend is easily observable in the literature on public administration reforms in post-communist countries and it consists in analyses of the degree of adoption and success of the New Public Management (NPM) model. A relevant implementation gap for some areas of reform which cannot be ascribed to the NPM are highlighted. The combination of these two features - also common, and not by accident, to other European countries - may well be read as the adoption of a modernisation framework different from the NPM, which some authors have come to recognize as a Neo Weberian model. Still, both models are not sufficiently developed and analytical to provide a framework for evaluating country experiences. Therefore, the paper will: 1) perform a systematic review of the literature on the context and cultural dependency of public management reforms, the debate on the NPM and the New Weberianism, with the aim of defining an analytical theoretical framework suitable for the analysis and comparison of country experiences; 2) undertake an in-depth evaluation of public management reform trends in two countries - Albania and Romania - and contrasts these with OECD countries' experience, with the aim of highlighting the approach adopted and how administrative history and traditions influence the reform results. The case studies are analysed with a specific focus on the scope, contents and sequence of reforms as well as on the role of international institutions. Public administrations of some European countries, including Albania and Romania, are not NPM "laggards" but have instead chosen to adopt a different modernisation model: i.e. the New Weberianism. Implications for future research and policy-makers are drawn.


The common theme of the three papers in this thesis is the focus on the impact of data choices on empirical research in Economics. Such choices can be about the source of data; should we source the data from country A or country B in a bilateral trade relation? Is there a way to reconcile the discrepancies in international trade data? In investigating the impact of exchange rate on trade, should we choose high-frequency or low-frequency data? What does the choice of a certain frequency imply for the econometric analysis? In assessing the impact of housing wealth on household consumption, what are the benefits of choosing household-level data? How can we take advantage of aggregate data on house prices to circumvent the endogeneity arising from household-specific confounding factors? This thesis shows that data choices can strongly affect our conclusions regarding several modern economic issues.  The first paper is titled 'Reconciling International Trade Data.' International trade data are filled with discrepancies–where two countries report different values of trade with each other. We develop an index for ranking countries' data quality based on the following notion: the more a country's reports on bilateral trade differ from the corresponding reports of its partners, the more likely it is a low-quality reporter. We calculate the comparative quality for each country's imports and exports separately for every year from 1962 to 2016. We reconcile international trade data through picking the value reported by the country with higher quality in every bilateral flow. The findings include: (a) global trade was under-reported by roughly 5% over the past five years as countries with low data quality under-report both, their imports and exports; (b) erroneous reporting is prevalent among low-quality reporters; (c) importers' data are less likely to be in error; (d) the level of development and corruption are possible determinants of trade data quality; (e) low-quality reporters are 14% more open to trade using reconciled data than using self-reported data (f) China tends to under-report its exports and over-report its imports, while there is only a small difference between US self-reported and reconciled data. The reconciled trade dataset is made freely available for future studies to use.  The second paper is titled 'Why You Should Use High Frequency Data to Test the Impact of Exchange Rate on Trade.' The paper suggests that testing the impact of exchange rate on trade should be done using high frequency data. Using different data frequencies for identical periods and specifications between the US and Canada, the paper shows that low frequency data suppresses and distorts the evidence of the impact of exchange rate on trade in the short-run and the long-run.  The third paper is titled: 'Housing Leverage and Consumption Expenditure: Evidence from New Zealand Microdata.' The paper investigates how household debt affects the marginal propensity to consume out of housing wealth. The paper uses New Zealand household-level data on spending, income, and debt over the period 2006–2016. The main empirical challenge is to identify exogenous variation in house prices to determine how consumption evolves with movements in household wealth. This identification problem is complicated by the presence of unobserved household characteristics that are correlated with housing wealth. The paper uses a detailed house sale dataset to derive local average house prices and use it as an instrument. The empirical results show that the estimated elasticity of consumption spending to housing wealth is about 0.22%. In dollar terms, the average marginal propensity to consume out of a one-dollar increase in housing wealth is around 2.2 cents. The empirical results confirm that household indebtedness, especially mortgage debt, acts as a drag on consumption spending, not only through the debt overhang channel, but also through influencing the collateral channel of the housing wealth effect.


Scattering by (a) a single composite scatterer consisting of a concentric arrangement of an outer N-slit rigid cylinder and an inner cylinder which is either rigid or in the form of a thin elastic shell and (b) by a finite periodic array of these scatterers in air has been investigated analytically and through laboratory experiments. The composite scatterer forms a system of coupled resonators and gives rise to multiple low-frequency resonances. The corresponding analytical model employs polar angle dependent boundary conditions on the surface of the N-slit cylinder. The solution inside the slits assumes plane waves. It is shown also that in the low-frequency range the N-slit rigid cylinder can be replaced by an equivalent fluid layer. Further approximations suggest a simple square root dependence of the resonant frequencies on the number of slits and this is confirmed by data. The observed resonant phenomena are associated with Helmholtz-like behaviour of the resonator for which the radius and width of the openings are much smaller than the wavelength. The problem of scattering by a finite periodic array of such coupled resonators in air is solved using multiple scattering techniques. The resulting model predicts band-gap effects resulting from the resonances of the individual composite scatterers below the first Bragg frequency. Predictions and data confirm that use of coupled resonators results in substantial insertion loss peaks related to the resonances within the concentric configuration. In addition, for both scattering problems experimental data, predictions of the analytical approach and predictions of the equivalent fluid layer approximations are compared in the low-frequency interval.


Background & objectives: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) produced by endothelial cells, fibroblasts, fat cells and other interstitial cells, can promote angiogenesis, repair damaged tissues and resist fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are located in bone marrow and secrete a variety of cytokines and are often used in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This study was aimed to investigate the influence of HGF-transfected bone marrow-derived MSCs towards renal fibrosis in rats. Methods: The HGF gene-carrying adenoviral vector (Ad-HGF) was transfected into MSCs, and the Ad-HGF-modified MSCs were transplanted into rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The localization of renal transplanted cells in the frozen section was observed with fluorescence microscope. The Masson's trichrome staining was performed to observe the renal collagen deposition, and the immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and HGF in renal tissues. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of α-SMA, HGF and fibronectin (FN). Results: Ad-HGF-modified MSCs could highly express HGF in vitro. On the post-transplantation 3rd, 7th and 14th day, the 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAP)-labelled transplanted cells were seen inside renal tissues. Compared with UUO group, the renal collagen deposition in transplantation group was significantly reduced, and the expressions of α-SMA mRNA and protein were significantly decreased, while the expressions of HGF mRNA and protein were significantly increased, and the expression of FN mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: Trans-renal artery injection of HGF-modified MSCs can effectively reduce the renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rat model.


The problem of time validity of biometric models has received only a marginal attention from researchers. In this paper, we investigate the aging influence on the classifier scores of genuine client. Our studies show that as age progresses the classifier scores of genuine user hold a decreasing tendency, which leads to the degrading identification performance. Actual and up-to-date at the time of their creation, extracted features and models relevant to a person's face may eventually become outdated, leading to a failure in the face identification task. If physical characteristics of the individual change over time, their classification model has to be updated. Alternatively in this paper we propose an A-stack scheme, which is based on the concept of classifier stacking and makes use of age information and baseline classifier scores, in order to improve the identification performance during age progression. Our experiments on the YouTube and MORPH data show that the use of the proposed technique allows for improving the identification accuracy as opposed to the baseline classifier


We consider uplink transmission for a massive multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) system in which the base station (BS) is equipped with a mixed analogto-digital converter (ADC) architecture. In this architecture, a portion of the antennas at the BS is connected to lowpower low-resolution ADCs while the other is fed to powerhungry high-resolution ADCs. By taking into account the mixed-ADC architecture, we derive a closed-form expression for the sum spectral efficiency (SE) when maximum ratio combining (MRC) detection is employed at the BS. Then, we formulate an optimization problem to determine, for a given power budget at the BS, what is the optimal distribution of low and highresolution ADCs that maximizes the sum SE. Interestingly, it is shown that in most realistic scenarios, using a larger number of antennas with only one-bit ADCs is the best approach.


The timing of events associated with the contraction and relaxation of the force cycle is described in isolated single arthropod muscle fibers using the fluorescently labelled derivatives of the Ca2+ binding sub-unit of troponin TnC. The kinetics of the subtracted fluorescence (490-410 nm) response from injected TnCDANZ, labelled at the Ca2+ specific sites, shows a rapid rise which is some 90% complete at 50% force consistent with rapid Ca2+ binding to this sub-unit. Subsequently the TnCDANZ fluorescence decays 2x more slowly, at 12 degrees C, than force consistent with a slower release of this bound Ca2+. In fibers injected with both aequorin and TnCDANZ, the aequorin kinetics are essentially unaltered compared to control fibers in the presence of 10-100 microM TnCDANZ. The peak of the aequorin response occurs some 150-170 msec in front of the TnCDANZ peak and the T 1/2 for light decay is faster than either force or TnCDANZ decay, but there is a 'tail' to the aequorin light response (elevated free Ca2+) well into the relaxation phase, seen both in cannulated and intact muscle fibers. The kinetics of the fluorescence of TnCIAANS, labelled of the Ca2+-Mg2+ sites, shows a slow decrease (T 1/2 1.8 sec) and subsequent increase (T 1/2 2.5 sec) in fluorescence consistent with a slow loading and unloading of these sites with Ca2+ during a tetanus. Time resolved X-ray diffraction from intact muscle fibers indicate that forces of up to 600 kN/m2 can be developed at sarcomere lengths of 8-10 micron. Force shows a marked sarcomere dependency while the aequorin response is relatively insensitive. At these high forces, there is a marked change in intensity of the first actin layer line (A2 at 38 nm), consistent with S1 (cross-bridge) attachment, which has a T 1/2 for rise of 125-150 msec.


This study is about development and management of wakaf's wealth in Pimpinan Cabang Muhammadiyah (PCM) on Dau Malang.
This study used socio legal approach (fieldwork), the subject of this study is Pimpinan Cabang especially wakaf section. The writer has some reasons in choosing PCM Dau
as the subject of this study, they are:
1. The PCM Dau has so many wakaf's waelth
2. The PCM Dau is near with center of education
The instrument of this study are observation, interview and documentation. Data analysis of this study is descriptive qualitative.
The result of this study showed that the wakaf's wealth in PCM Dau is a land. The use of wakaf's wealth is depend on by the decision of wakif or PCM. The management and
development of wakaf's wealth is using nonproductive approach. The management and development of wakaf's wealth in PCM supported by good participation from wakif, the manager, and society. Besides, the PCM got the abstacles from wakif, the manager and the society.


China and India are drawn closer together as the revolution in Asia sets these two most populous nations in the world over against the West. It may be time for the West to learn how much the two have in common in their cultural heritage. The story, as told by an Indian national, proves to be largely that of cultural transfer from India to China related to the spread of Buddhism; yet it was not exclusively a one-way movement.


Under the tender years doctrine in effect until the 1970's, custody was virtually always awarded to the mother upon divorce. Gender-neutral custody laws introduced beginning in the 1970's provided married fathers, in principle, equal rights to custody. Subsequent marriage-neutral laws extended the rights to unmarried fathers. We develop a theoretical model of the effect of custody regime on marriage and test the model's predictions using a unique data set that merges custody law data with data from the Current Population Survey and Vital Statistics. We find that, under marriage non-neutrality, the introduction of gender-neutral laws reduced the hazard into marriage by at least 7.9 percent. There is no evidence that moving from marriage non-neutrality to marriage neutrality affected marriage under the gender-neutral custody regime.


Background:
 There are three different pathways for receiving endovascular treatment: primary ED arrival, in-patient, and outside transfer. Each mode has unique attributes that influence the performance and possibly the results of endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients.

 Objective:
 To compare the rates of various outcomes among patients who receive endovascular treatment through primary ED arrival, in-patient, and outside transfer modes.

 Methods:
 We performed a review of acute ischemic stroke patients presenting to our facility who received endovascular treatment from 2004 until 2012. Patient route (ER, inpatient, transfer), rates of poor outcome at discharge (modified Rankin score [mRS] of >3), intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), as well as patients' clinical characteristics were obtained and analyzed.

 Results:
 Among the total 336 patients that underwent IA thrombolysis, 68 patients (mean age 69.1± 16.6; 54% men) were transferred, while 38 patients (mean age 61.1± 14.5; 58% men) were in-patient strokes. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes are detailed below (Table 1 & 2). The mean admission NIHSS was significantly higher in the transferred patients (16.2± 9.5 versus 15.5± 6.2, p<0.001), though there was no difference in discharge NIHSS. After adjusting for all potential confounders there was no significant difference in good outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 2.0 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.9-4.3, p=0.06), ICH (OR 0.6 95% CI 0.3-1.3, p=0.2), or mortality (OR 0.6 95% CI 0.3-1.4, p=0.2) between ER patients and transferred patients.

 Conclusions:
 Despite the increased baseline stroke severity, there appears to be no significant risk of increased poor outcomes, ICH, or mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients transferred to endovascular centers. This further justifies the safety and efficacy of the hub and spoke model.


Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and is considered to be the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemical substances, including nicotine and carbon monoxide (CO) that can have harmful effects on cardiovascular function. These basic ingredients of tobacco smoke cause an increase in oxidative stress, endothelial damage and dysfunction, and are associated with significantly higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower levels of the cardioprotective high-density lipoprotein. By causing intravascular inflammation, smoking promotes the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief description of the effects of smoking, and in particular the effects of nicotine and CO, on cardiovascular function. Nicotine deregulates cardiac autonomic function, boosts sympathetic activity, increases heart rate (HR) at rest, while blunting HR elevation during progressive exercise and lowering the maximum HR that can be achieved. At the same time, the smokinggenerated CO binds with haemoglobin and myoglobin, reduces arterial O2 blood saturation, compromises the efficiency of respiratory enzymes, and causes dysfunction of the O2 production, transportation and delivery system, especially during exercise, substantially reducing the functional capacity and the performance of the circulatory system.


The context, history, course description, measures and foundations for success, and future enhancements are described for the Health Education course, "How to Avoid Dying from Cancer ... Now and Later." Since 1981 this course has been offered once annually at The Ohio State University for academic credit and has averaged an enrollment of 354 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. Over the years this course, originated by a surgical oncologist, has earned its own title and entry in the academic course offerings and has demonstrated success both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative indicators of success include enrollment trends, diversities of students enrolled, student evaluations of the course, and data on the instructional effectiveness of this course. Qualitative indicators of success include favorable publicity through the local media, top ratings for summer radio programs based on this course, and the National University Continuing Education Faculty Service Award given to one of the authors in 1985. Four factors account for much of the success of this course.


Background: Workplace hazards are a significant source of health impairment for workers and of financial losses for firms. EU directives on workers' health and safety standards significantly contributed to reduce reported occupational injuries, yet the incidence and prevalence of work-related mental illness is still very high. Objectives: We investigated the association between work-related hazards and individuals' perceived mental health. We reviewed the existing evidence on the channels through which task-related factors, adverse agents and psychosocial factors are expected to affect workers' health, with specific regard to mental health. Methods: We used data from the fifth wave of the European Working Conditions Survey, covering over 40,000 face-to-face interviews with workers in 34 countries, which includes information on socio-demographic characteristics, firms and jobs attributes, employment status, as well as working conditions and health status. We carried out an empirical analysis with multivariate regression models in order to estimate the relationship between workers' mental health problems and workplace risk factors. Results: 21,020 interviews were used in the multivariate analysis. We found strong correlations between hazards and various indicators of mental health. Among hazardous agents, low temperatures (β=0.0287) and contact with infectious materials (β=0.0394) were positively associated with mental health outcomes. Among task/sequence-related factors, tiring or painful positions (β=0.0713), repetitive hand/arm movements (β=0.0255), working with VDUs (β=0.0301), repetitive tasks <10 min (β=0.0859) and working in evenings (β=0.00754) were positively associated with mental health. Various psychosocial risk factors related to both the content of the job (for example, frequent disruptive interruptions: β=0.219, working in free time: β=0.0759, poor work-life balance: β=0.228) as well as the job context (for example, bad employment prospects: β=0.177, low decisional autonomy: β=0.245, bad social relations: β=0.186, workplace violence: β=0.411) were positively associated with mental health. The main results of the decomposition show that an important contribution to workers' overall mental distress at work is associated with psychosocial risk factors (up to 60% for depression/anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders), while the contribution of somatic factors is on average lower (up to 20% for overall fatigue). Conclusions: We argue that action is needed to improve workers' mental well-being, and reduce the economic costs for both the national health system and employers. Regulations and traditional economic measures are unlikely to prove successful in providing adequate standards of primary and secondary preventive measures in the work place without an appropriate and reliable Risk Assessment Procedure.


Depsides and depsidones are the most common secondary products uniquely produced in lichens by the fungal symbiont, and they accumulate on the outer surface of its hyphae. Their biological roles are subject to debate. Quantitatively the compounds typical of a given lichen can vary dramatically from thallus to thallus. Several studies have addressed whether this variability is correlated with the light reaching different thalli, but the conclusions are contradictory. We addressed the question with the lichen Parmotrema hypotropum growing on unshaded, vertical tree trunks, a controlled natural environment where the light absorbed by each thallus over its lifetime is the only major position-dependent variable. The exact north-east-south-west orientation of each thallus was used to calculate its yearly light exposure based on astronomical and meteorological considerations. The calculated irradiation around the trunk, distributed over a continuous 40-fold intensity range, then was compared with the amount of compound per unit thallus weight, determined by quantitative thin layer chromatography. P. hypotropum accumulates the depside atranorin in the cortex and the depsidone norstictic acid in the medulla and around the algae. A direct correlation was observed between the yearly amount of light reaching the lichen and the amount of atranorin. In contrast, the amount of norstictic acid decreased with increasing light. Although we did not measure thallus temperature and water potential, a unifying interpretation of these and other published data is that depside/depsidone accumulation in lichens is mediated by localized changes in temperature and water potential produced by light absorption within each thallus. This suggests water relations-based functions for depsides and depsidones.


A derived reduced form simultaneous equation model is specified to explore the hypothesis of joint determination of prices for table quality and manufacturing quality beef cattle in Australia. Quarterly data for the period 1966 (1) to 1979 (4) are used. Estimated coefficients for the two types of cattle suggest significant price transmission effects between the two markets. This study may be viewed as an attempt to explicitly recognize the heterogeneous nature of beef cattle in the context of a formal econometric model.


SUMMARY: Puzzolanic activities of indigenous materials such as clays, shales, slates, volcanic ash and laterite from different localities of Pakistan are studied. Puzzolanic properties of rice hush ash are also discussed. All of these materials except laterite, behave as good quality puzzolanas. Correlation between the type of clays and their puzzolanic reactivities have been discussed. The commercial use of these materials is recommended.


In this study, we used correspondence analysis (Greenacre, 1984; Hoffman & Franke, 1986) to examine connections between the title sponsor, brand competitors, and consumer targets exposed to a sponsorship. Demographic characteristics and self-reported use of 20 soft drink brands were collected from 1,138 attendees of four of the five inaugural events of the Dew Action Sports Tour. The analyses consisted of decomposing the cross-tabulated data into latent dimensions and graphically portraying brands and consumer targets in joint preference maps. Results revealed that consumers differentiated the 20 soft drink brands based on two latent dimensions: energy/diet and convenience. Furthermore, based on proximity of the target market to the title sponsor in the maps, it appears that Mountain Dew has been relatively effective in positioning the brand for key target markets in only one of the four cities examined. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.


There is no doubt, Europe project was shaken since the Euro Crisis broke out in 2009 following by political and social crisis. Stringent economic, political and social crisis within the Europe resulted in long term unexpected Brexit that Britain decided to leave from EU with 51,9%.  Brexit would be remembered as one of the remarkable phenomenon in the 21 st century. Emergence of new order within EU would be inevitable because of this long-term consequence of Brexit that have been discussed through possible scenarios in terms of single market and economic. However, those analysis has been quite limited and linear to understand which couldn't explain high level of uncertainty, dynamic multidimensionality of phenomenon. Complexity theory is borrowed from physics has been used as new and unique tool in international relations to revisit increasing complexity of social and reality in international relations with its special properties of Complex Adaptive Systems. As mentioned, Brexit is the most complex, uncertain, dynamic and multifaceted crisis as ever EU faced.  That's why, this paper seeks to understand dynamic, uncertain and multidimensional structure of Brexit with complexity theory which became unique tool in social science with emergence and self organization properties of Complex Adaptive System.


Objective This study aimed to determine if there is a relationship between medical use patterns and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among a previously studied population of Somali and white/non-Hispanic girls in Rochester, MN. Materials and Methods With the use of a previously identified group of Somali and white/non-Hispanic girls with known HPV vaccination status, the number, type, and age at provider visits were abstracted. Abstraction was blinded to vaccination status and ethnic designation. &khgr;2 and Student t tests were performed for descriptive analysis of parametric data. For nonparametric data, Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed. Results Somali girls had fewer provider visits (median = 7, interquartile range [IQR] = 3–12.25) compared with white/non-Hispanic girls (median = 12, IQR = 6–18) (p < .001). Among those who completed the HPV vaccine series, Somali girls had more well-child visits (median = 2, IQR = 1–2) compared with the white/non-Hispanic group (median = 1, IQR = 1–2) (p = .028). There was no difference in the number of emergency department visits or inpatient hospitalization between groups. Conclusions White/non-Hispanic girls had higher HPV vaccine completion rates and more provider visits. However, this increase in number of encounters is due to an increase in specialty visits. This is unlikely to account for the increase in HPV vaccination completion rates. Community-based research will likely provide greater insight into the cause(s) of reduced vaccine rates among Somali adolescent girls.


The Tevatron Run-II program has been in progress since 2001, and the CDF and D0 experiments have been operational with upgraded detectors. Coupled with recent improvements in the Tevatron accelerator performance, the experiments have started producing important physics results and measurements. We report these measurements as well as prospects in the near future.


Hand tremor due to industrial exposure to metallic mercury vapour was recorded in 26 exposed and 25 non-exposed male workers by an accelerometer attached to the dorsum of the hand. The subjects were instructed to hold the hand and the forearm in the same position first without and then with a load of 1250 g supported by the hand. Analysis of the records showed that the highest peak frequencies (HPF) (the frequency corresponding to the highest acceleration) were higher in the exposed men than in the controls and were related to the duration of exposure to mercury and to age. The changes in HPF between rest and load were again higher in the exposed men than in the controls and again related to the duration of exposure and to age. The second moment (M2) (an index taking into account the whole recorded spectrum) was similar in the exposed men and controls at rest. The changes in M2 between rest and load were higher in the exposed men than in the controls but were related to duration of exposure and to the biological measurements (loge of mercury in urine or blood) and not to age. These neurophysiological impairments might result from the tendency of metallic mercury to accumulate in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that metallic mercury, even at concentrations probably below the current TLV-TWA of 0.05 mg/m3, can lead to neurological disorders.


This paper examines the competitive dynamics in a standard-based industry through a historical observation of the US home video game industry. The paper focuses on the theoretical issues of switching costs, installed base and complementary goods as critical factors of dominant designs and firm success in a network-based industry. The authors' analysis reveals multiple stages of technological innovations and changes of market leadership and industry standards during a relatively short history of the industry. The industry exhibits six generations of technological changes in video game consoles and complementary products, with each generation represented by a new set of competitors, dominant designs, and market leaders out-competing the leaders of the prior generation. Their analysis confirms the efficacy of traditional tenets of successful strategic management in a network-based industry, such as the importance of technological innovation, building entry barriers, protecting firm-specific assets, competitive pricing, brand recognition and effective channel management. These traditional strategies, however, should be geared to achieve new strategic goals, such as building installed base and a network of complementary products, that are critical success factors in competing in a network-based industry.


Theories, principles and approaches, economic context, policy environment and the changing role of design economists. Theories and principle of design economics. New approaches and rules of measurement for cost estimating and planning .


Brownian microscopy is an intriguing technique that enables in situ determination of the local fluid properties and velocity fields in microfluidic devices. We report application of Brownian microscopy to steady laminar microchannel flows and demonstrate accurate measurements of the viscosity of glycerin/water mixtures, as well as the velocity profiles. A theoretical model is developed to evaluate statistical errors in the measured Brownian diffusivity while accounting for complications associated with the electronic noise and finite exposure time of an imaging system. The model is validated using both Monte Carlo simulations and experiments.


Carbon Nanotubes have attracted great attention since their discovery with their uniqueness based on outstanding mechanical, electronic and structural properties they have and wide application potential they promise. The significant properties of carbon nanotubes accumulated the studies on CNT-based electro analytical sensor applications. Although there is a huge amount of work on implementing CNTs for electrochemical studies, their implementation in optical biosensor platforms remains to be discovered. Therefore, this study focuses on the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube implementation for optical biosensor platforms. The MWNTs were firstly functionalized via a two-step process of diimide-activated amidation and both the functionalized MWNTs and the protein immobilization on them were characterized with Dynamic Light Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. In order to explore the sensitivity enhancement that carbon nanotubes promise for immunosensor and oligonucleotide-sensor applications, microarray experiments in which functionalized MWNTs were used as a new microarray substrate were performed. MWNT coated slides enhanced the signal intensities of constructed platforms approximately 2 folds when antibodies were used as probe biomolecules with a lowest detection limit of 1,9 ng/ml. The signal enhancement served by the MWNT coted surfaces was 3 folds when oligonucleotides were used as probe biomolecules with a lowest detection limit of 1 nM. Also this MWNT coated slides and protein immobilization on them were further characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy analysis. The performed microarray experiments together with the other characterization studies, suggest functionalized MWNTs as good candidates for optical sensor platforms combining the benefits of increased surface area of 3D carbon nanotube structures, high binding capacity of MWNTs for biomolecules without changing their biologically active conformation, and the generation of a high signal to noise ratio according to the excellent low auto fluorescence of MWNTs.


Chlorine isotope analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbons like trichloroethylene (TCE) is of emerging demand because these species are important environmental pollutants. Continuous flow analysis of noncombusted TCE molecules, either by gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) or by GC/quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/qMS), was recently brought forward as innovative analytical solution. Despite early implementations, a benchmark for routine applications has been missing. This study systematically compared the performance of GC/qMS versus GC/IRMS in six laboratories involving eight different instruments (GC/IRMS, Isoprime and Thermo MAT-253; GC/qMS, Agilent 5973N, two Agilent 5975C, two Thermo DSQII, and one Thermo DSQI). Calibrations of (37)Cl/(35)Cl instrument data against the international SMOC scale (Standard Mean Ocean Chloride) deviated between instruments and over time. Therefore, at least two calibration standards are required to obtain true differences between samples. Amount dependency of δ(37)Cl was pronounced for some instruments, but could be eliminated by corrections, or by adjusting amplitudes of standards and samples. Precision decreased in the order GC/IRMS (1σ ≈ 0.1‰), to GC/qMS (1σ ≈ 0.2-0.5‰ for Agilent GC/qMS and 1σ ≈ 0.2-0.9‰ for Thermo GC/qMS). Nonetheless, δ(37)Cl values between laboratories showed good agreement when the same external standards were used. These results lend confidence to the methods and may serve as a benchmark for future applications.


Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with serological activity for purified flagellar (H) core protein prepared from Vibrio cholerae were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Four of these MAbs reacted with the flagella of V. cholerae and V. mimicus exclusively, while eight MAbs reacted with at least 1 of 30 heterologous Vibrio species tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or coagglutination. It appears that V. cholerae and V. mimicus express similar, if not identical, H determinants unique to these two Vibrio species. Staphylococcus aureus cells or latex beads armed with the four species-specific MAbs coagglutinated each of 47 isolates identified bacteriologically as V. cholerae or V. mimicus from among 103 Vibrio isolates tested. One coagglutination reagent armed with anti-V. vulnificus H MAb exhibited species specificity in that only V. vulnificus cells were coagglutinated from among the 31 Vibrio species examined. This reagent coagglutinated 20 isolates identified bacteriologically as V. vulnificus in a serological survey. MAb coagglutination reagents offer a rapid, specific, and economical alternative to the classical bacteriological approach to identify the human pathogens V. cholerae, V. mimicus, and V. vulnificus.


In this paper, we describe a discriminative technique to determine an optimal HMM topology for the each of the models in a continuous speech recognition system such that the word error rate (WER) is minimized. In conventional model selection techniques such as Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the model complexity is determined without considering the other classes in a system. In our work, an optimal model topology is selected by considering how well a given model can discriminate examples of other classes from its own. By doing so, the estimated model parameters indirectly make sure that class separability is increased. In an earlier work [1], we have proposed this technique and experiments were carried out on an E-set. Presently, we extend it for building a syllable-based continuous speech recognition system. Preliminary experiments carried out on the TIMIT corpus show that a considerable reduction in WER can be achieved using the proposed technique over the BIC-based technique for model selection.


This paper explains the modeling of solar Photo Voltaic (PV) panel model and the simulation of the circuit has been carried out using MATLAB/Simulink. The working performance of solar PV module is completely depends solar irradiation (G) and cell temperature (Tc). To develop the equivalent circuit model of the photovoltaic cell, the single diode equivalent circuit cell model is developed using embedded MATLAB function for deciding the equivalent circuit parameters and study the characteristics curves of the PV cell module and also evaluate the impact of parameters of solar cell on the I-V and P-V characteristics curve. The attained results are compared with the data in the manufactures data. And the 250W solar panel is connected with the Interleaved Boost Converter (IBC) and conventional Boost Converter (BC) and the performance of converters are also evaluated.


Based on the significant enhancement of fluorescence intensity of carbaryl in inclusion complex, a spetrofluorimetric method with high sensitivity was developed for the determination of carbaryl in aqueous solution. Under the optimum conditions, the complex had excitation and emission maxima at 278 nm and 332 nm, respectively. The linear range of the method was 7.0 ng/ml-1500 ng/ml with a detection limit of 1.2 ng/ml. The proposed method was successfully used to determine quantitatively of carbaryl in cottonseeds.


Lake Taihu is a shallow, wind-driven lake where eutrophication is always a serious problem. The study presented herein investigates the effect of wind on the eutophication of the lake, by using a two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model coupled with a 2D water quality model. The 2D water quality model looks in particular at the water quality situation of Lake Taihu in the year 2008 and predicts future changes in the algae bloom situation. The Delft3D modelling tool was used to build the hydrodynamic model based on the measured geomorphologic and meteorological data of Lake Taihu. Three different sets of wind conditions (no wind, constant wind and measured wind) were considered as wind effects on the water level and velocity, in both the wet and dry seasons. Based on the calibrated hydrodynamic model a 2D water quality model was built which was calibrated based on estimated data for nutrient loads. A one-year hydrodynamic simulation was performed, in order to determine the water quality situation of Lake Taihu. The estimated nutrient loads included total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations. The estimates are based on the population of cities around Lake Taihu, and the wastewater treatment plant capacity of the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where the main sources of pollutants come from. Two time periods (spring and autumn) of algae blooms development for the year 2008 are presented. The results of the study indicate that: 1) the hydrodynamic model with constant wind conditions (southeast, 5m/s) showed better results than the one where measured wind conditions were used, simply because the measured wind data is insufficient at the moment; 2) the model clearly represents the water quality to an acceptable degree; 3) an increase in population in the area would lead to an increase in the maximum value of algae concentration from 35% to 76%; 4) if there is an improvement in technology at the wastewater treatment plant, then the maximum value of algae concentration will be between 17% and 42%.


In spite of the experiential advantage, people consume material items in the pursuit of happiness. We conducted three studies to determine if people commit forecasting errors when deciding between purchasing life experiences and material items. Study 1a showed that people expect life experiences to result in more well-being, whereas material items are forecasted to be a better use of money. However, Study 1b demonstrated that people enjoy greater well-being from life experiences and consider them to be a better use of money. Study 2, a four-week longitudinal study, corroborated this economic misforecast. Study 3 demonstrated that seeking to make good use of one's money, compared to prioritizing happiness, is more important during material consumption, and when people attempt to maximize economic value, instead of their happiness, they are more likely to consume material items. We suggest that prioritizing value may encourage people to prefer material items instead of life experiences.


Let $G$ be a connected graph with maximum degree $\Delta$. Brooks' theorem states that $G$ has a $\Delta$-coloring unless $G$ is a complete graph or an odd cycle. A graph $G$ is \emph{degree-choosable} if $G$ can be properly colored from its lists whenever each vertex $v$ gets a list of $d(v)$ colors. In the context of list coloring, Brooks' theorem can be strengthened to the following. Every connected graph $G$ is degree-choosable unless each block of $G$ is a complete graph or an odd cycle; such a graph $G$ is a \emph{Gallai tree}.
This degree-choosability result was further strengthened to Alon--Tarsi orientations; these are orientations of $G$ in which the number of spanning Eulerian subgraphs with an even number of edges differs from the number with an odd number of edges. A graph $G$ is \emph{degree-AT} if $G$ has an Alon--Tarsi orientation in which each vertex has indegree at least 1. Alon and Tarsi showed that if $G$ is degree-AT, then $G$ is also degree-choosable. Hladky, Kral, and Schauz showed that a connected graph is degree-AT if and only if it is not a Gallai tree. In this paper, we consider pairs $(G,x)$ where $G$ is a connected graph and $x$ is some specified vertex in $V(G)$. We characterize pairs such that $G$ has no Alon--Tarsi orientation in which each vertex has indegree at least 1 and $x$ has indegree at least 2. When $G$ is 2-connected, the characterization is simple to state.


OBJECTIVES
Few studies have examined the effect of sucrose intake in coffee or tea (SCT) on dental caries, especially root caries, in elderly people. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between SCT and the prevalence of root or coronal caries in community-dwelling elderly Japanese.

METHODS
Participants were 370 elders aged 75 years from a larger cohort study of elders in Niigata City, Japan. Dietary habits during the preceding month were assessed with a validated brief self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). The caries examination was conducted using mirror and ball-pointed periodontal probes under artificial light. Poisson regression analysis was performed to analyze the prevalence-rate ratios (PRRs) between SCT and the root or coronal caries. The number of root or coronal caries was selected as the dependent variable for the analysis. Then, SCT (tertiles labeled low, medium and high) and other 4 variables were selected as independent variables.

RESULTS
The PRRs between the number of root caries lesions and SCT were signifi cantly higher in the second (medium intake, 1.38, p ⟨ 0.001) and third tertiles (high intake, 2.07, p ⟨ 0.001). Similar tendencies were seen for the number of coronal caries lesions (PRRs in the second and third tertiles 1.74 and 2.46, respectively, both p ⟨ 0.001).

CONCLUSION
A significant positive relationship was observed between sucrose in coffee and tea and the number of coronal or root caries lesions in community-dwelling elderly Japanese.


information correct ? Did the nation have more important things to worry about than the collection of accurate child growth measurements ? Above all we can marvel at graphs that show sharp rises in expenditure on the school health service even steeper than the rise in health service expenditure as a whole. To some community paediatricians, the past may seem a better time than the present. The final chapter looks into the future and concludes that for the principle of an integrated child health service... 'the goal of achieving this remains some way off. In this statement, I hope that the author is incorrect.


This article offers a critical appraisal of some of the Rose Report's recommendations for the primary English curriculum. It is divided into two parts. The first discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the recommendations whilst raising questions about their potential to bring about urgently needed curriculum renewal. The second is a reflective study of a short, intensive teaching programme recently conducted with a Year 6 class which used a children's story to improve writing performance. Dramatic activities and a progressive model for questioning texts made use of pedagogical strategies which were designed to engage children's enjoyment and motivation whilst also ensuring that developmental gains were made in spoken language, thinking and writing. The head teacher who initiated the project had already embarked on a series of new approaches to the curriculum which happened to coincide with Rose's recommendations to make greater use of spoken language and drama in reading and writing development. It is suggested that such approaches can make a strong impact upon children's learning across several areas. However, what is left unresolved is the question of whether high stakes testing and literacy prescriptions will continue to inhibit the real potential which exists for curriculum change.


Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) play important role in lipid homeostasis, insulin resistance and adipogenesis, and their gene variability could be considered as predictive genetic markers for metabolic syndrome (MetSy). The aim of the study was to estimate possible associations of PPARG (Pro12Ala) and LPL PvuII (+/-) polymorphisms with MetSy and its traits. Study included 527 subjects. According to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definitions, subjects were classified into the metabolic syndrome group and control group. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. In the total sample, LPL variants were associated with waist circumference (chi2 = 7.263, d.f = 2, p = 0.026) and with BMI (chi2 = 6.549, d.f = 2, p = 0.038), where PvuII (+/+) genotype carriers had the highest risk for increased waist circumference (specific PvuII (+/+) vs. others analysis chi2 = 7.033, p = 0.008) and increased BMI (specific PvuII( +/+) vs. others analysis chi2 = 5.154, p = 0.023). LPL gene variants were also associated with HDL-C levels (chi2 = 6.901, d.f = 2, p = 0.032), where PvuII (-/-) genotype carriers had higher HDL-C values in comparison to others (specific Pvu (+/+) vs. others analysis chi2 = 6.504, p = 0.011). Furthermore, PvuII (-) allele carriers had significantly lower glucose (allele based analysis Add Value = -0.0878, chi2 = 5.878, d.f. = 1, p = 0.015). Significant interaction was detected between PPARG and LPL that affected HDL-C levels in male population (chi2 = 11.790, d.f = 1, p = 0.0006) in the manner that Ala/PvuII(+) contributed to the lowest HDL-C values (Specific Ala/ Pvu(+) vs. others analysis was chi2 = 11.750, p = 0.0006). According to obtained results LPL and PPARG gene variants could be susceptibility factors of obesity and lipid status, contributing to development of MetSy, particularly in males. Because of antiatherogenic function of HDL-C, the identification of genetic variants associated with HDL-C can provide useful information related to genotype-phenotype relationships. Since the interplay between PPARG and LPL gene and gender seems to be significant it could point to the personalized behavioural recommendations for prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.


With the vigorous development of the Internet of Thing (IOT) technology, the wave of the Internet of Things applications followed by. Applications based on IOT real-time multimedia are under the spotlight. However, due to the needs of real-time characteristic, multimedia data often use User Data Protocol (UDP) for transmission which makes packet loss easily happen when there are network congestion and channel noise. What's more, the insufficient upstream network bandwidth among front-end device also restricts the boom of real-time multimedia application. In our paper, we design rational platform architecture to solve the problem of front-end bandwidth. At the same time, we design a new real-time multimedia transmission protocol over UDP. Further more, through NS2 simulation we give a suggestion of the protocol parameter.


In certain structural or functional contexts, RNA structures can contain protonated nucleotides. However, a direct role for stably protonated nucleotides in ligand binding and ligand recognition has not yet been demonstrated unambiguously. Previous X-ray structures of c-GAMP binding riboswitch aptamer domains in complex with their near-cognate ligand c-di-GMP suggest that an adenine of the riboswitch either forms two hydrogen bonds to a G nucleotide of the ligand in the unusual enol tautomeric form or that the adenine in its N1 protonated form binds the G nucleotide of the ligand in its canonical keto tautomeric state. By using NMR spectroscopy we demonstrate that the c-GAMP riboswitches bind c-di-GMP using a stably protonated adenine in the ligand binding pocket. Thereby, we provide novel insights into the putative biological functions of protonated nucleotides in RNA, which in this case influence the ligand selectivity in a riboswitch.


Undiluted urine mixed directly with HRP suppresses generation of enzyme product to less than 80% of that seen in buffer controls. Incubating dilutions of various urine preparations with HRP immobilized on concanavalin A coated microtiter plates reveals that the source of urine or HRP, and the type of HRP substrate used have minimal effect on the degree of HRP suppression; only dilutions of urine greater than 8-fold with buffer produce HRP activities equivalent to those in buffer. Treating urine with charcoal or C18 silica only partially reverses the HRP suppression. Inhibition of HRP in competitive assays biases results to the high side and in noncompetive assays biases results to the low side. The present findings suggest analysts should avoid immunoassay protocols that allow direct contact between undiluted urine and HRP reporter conjugates and should be cautious with quantitative results previously reported from assays that used undiluted urine with HRP reporters.