Objectives: The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine has been proved to be effective and safe in the therapy of advanced breast cancer. We reported the experience of treating advanced breast cancer with combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine (PVn) as second line palliative regimen in Hualien Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital. Study design: Retrospectively, we analyzed thirty patients who underwent the regimen of PVn between Oct. 2002 and Sep. 2008. Patients received cisplatin (75mg/m2) on day 1 and vinorelbine (25mg/m2) on day 1 and 8 by intravenous infusion in every three weeks. Treatment was repeated for up to six cycles. The effectiveness and complications of the regimen were analyzed. Results: Among 30 patients, there were 21 patients with objective responses (70%), including 4 complete responses (13.3%) and 17 partial responses (56.7%). Time to progression was 7.79 months, and overall survival was 13.2 months. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in 15 patients (63.3%), and neutropenic fever developed in 11 patients (36.7%). There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusion: The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine is effective and with modest toxicity as a palliative regimen in advanced breast cancer.


Hydrogen
production from water has been considered as one of the
potential clean and futuristic alternates to fossil fuel. However,
the development of a complete efficient system for hydrogen fuel coming
from water lacks not only efficient, stable, and cost-effective generation
but also off-line efficient storage. Herein, first, we present a newly
designed monolithically integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) device
for hydrogen generation with a semitransparent MoOx/MoS2/FTO heterostructure as a photoanode and black
2D-MoS2/Si as a photocathode. This integrated cell eliminates
the use of expensive metal (like Pt) as a counter electrode and enhances
the overall stable H2 and O2 evolution, with
a stable measured rate of 61 μmol/h and 28 μmol/h, respectively.
The applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) was measured
to be ∼3.5% at −0.3 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode
(RHE). Second, we demonstrate the storage of molecular H2 as solid hydrates, where the release of hydrogen from the hydrate
requires no additional energy as it is not chemically bound to water.
Operating at a moderate pressure of 10 MPa, we achieved hydrates of
hydrogen with a maximum storage capacity of 1.3 wt %, which could
be enhanced to 3 wt % with further fine-tuning of the process. The
theoretical capacity of hydrogen storage in clathrate hydrates are
∼5 wt %. This concept of monolithic generation and molecular
storage of hydrogen provides a complete long-demanding efficient and
stable solution for large-scale commercial applications.


An hyperspectral imaging spectrometer measuring in the longwave thermal infrared (7.6-11.6 mum), with a spatial resolution less than 5 mm at a range of 10 m, was used in the field to observe the variability of emissivity spectra of individual rock surfaces. The rocks were obtained commercially, were on the order of 20 cm in size, and were selected to have distinct spectral features: they include alabaster (gypsum), soapstone (steatite with talc), obsidian (volcanic glass), norite (plagioclase and orthopyroxene), and ldquojasperrdquo (silica with iron oxides). The advantages of using an imaging spectrometer to characterize these rocks spectrally are apparent. Large spectral variations were observed within individual rocks that may be attributed to roughness, surface geometry, and compositional variation. Nonimaging spectrometers would normally miss these variations as would small samples used in laboratory measurements, spatially averaged spectra can miss the optimum spectra for identification of materials, and spatially localized components of the rock can be obscured.


Calandiva® is an ornamental species that is gaining prominence in the market of potted flowers due to the attractiveness of its inflorescences. Since it has been cultivated recently, some aspects of its development are still unknown. The objective of this study was to verify a mathematical procedure that allows to describe the formation and development of Calandiva® leaves associated with the growing degree-days accumulation (GDD). Two experiments were conducted using cuttings of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Bisset' (Calandiva® Pink) and K. blossfeldiana 'Latin Lover Rio' (Calandiva® Orange), planted and grown in plastic pots containing substrate and submitted to fertigation. The experimental design was complete randomized block with four replicates. Each useful plot consisted of three plants, totaling twelve plants per assessment. Every fourteen days, during 105 days, the leaf area was determined with the aid of a leaf area meter. Seven destructive assessments were performed in each experiment. Two models were developed describing the relationship between leaf growth and GDD accumulation in Calandiva®. Growth data obtained of the 'Bisset' cultivar were used to develop these models and the validation was performed using data of the 'Latin Lover Rio' cultivar. The models have been validated and are acceptable for use to correlate of leaf area and number of leaves with growing degree-day in Calandiva® plants.


Various factors constrain the existence and development of inland fishes and fisheries, such as pollution, habitat degradation, alien invasive species, local user conflicts, low social priority and inadequate research and funding. In many cases, however, degradation of the environment and loss of aquatic habitat are the predominant concerns for the conservation of freshwater aquatic biota. The need for concerted effort to prevent and reduce environmental degradation, as well as protection of freshwater fishes and fisheries as renewable common pool resources or entities in their own right, are the greatest challenges facing the conservation of fishes in inland waters. Unfortunately, traditional conservation practices such as regulation of exploitation, protected areas and habitat restoration have failed to arrest the alarming increase in number of threatened freshwater fish species worldwide. This paper examines the shifting paradigm of fisheries management from rule-based regulation, through fishery enhancement towards the ecosystem approach to fisheries, with reference to inland waters, and how the emerging concept of ecosystem services coupled with traditional fish conservation management practices, institutional restructuring and integrated management planning should provide a more sustainable thrust to formulation and promotion of fish conservation initiatives.


Opportunistic data forwarding has drawn much attention in the research community of multihop wireless networking, with most research conducted for stationary wireless networks. One of the reasons why opportunistic data forwarding has not been widely utilized in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is the lack of an efficient lightweight proactive routing scheme with strong source routing capability. In this paper, we propose a lightweight proactive source routing (PSR) protocol. PSR can maintain more network topology information than distance vector (DV) routing to facilitate source routing, although it has much smaller overhead than traditional DV-based protocols [e.g., destination-sequenced DV (DSDV)], link state (LS)-based routing [e.g., optimized link state routing (OLSR)], and reactive source routing [e.g., dynamic source routing (DSR)]. Our tests using computer simulation in Network Simulator 2 (ns-2) indicate that the overhead in PSR is only a fraction of the overhead of these baseline protocols, and PSR yields similar or better data transportation performance than these baseline protocols.


A value chain analysis of the garment sector identifies gaps in the knowledge and skills of youth workers in sewing workshops, examines constraints which affect negatively the decision of youth workers to constantly change their workplaces as well as pinpoints potential opportunities of garment production in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. The study's methodology includes desk research and in-depth interviews with representatives from Kyrgyz government, a review of publications from the media and international organizations, and qualitative interviews with sewing workshops actors in rural and urban areas of Kyrgyzstan. The study refreshes the thinking about the current state of garment production in Kyrgyzstan, its structure and main stakeholders. The study also gives an overview of the garment value chain stages and discusses issues relating to issues of migration, unemployment, gender and core literacy skills relevant to the current state of the garment sector. Lastly, the study offers policy recommendations to international and governmental organizations and garment sector stakeholders' including donor organizations.


Joe's practice is concentrated in providing loss reserving and funding studies for a wide variety of entities – both traditional insurance companies and alternative market entities. Mr. Herbers' areas of focus include policyholder owned group captives, large deductible and/or self-insured entities, lawyers' professional liability carriers, Florida property writers and nonstandard auto writers in the state of Illinois.


Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is the most prevalent form of secondary osteoporosis. Such loss could be due to the alteration of osteoclast and osteoblast lifespan through regulated apoptosis. The current study investigated the effect of dexamethasone on Fas- and starvation-induced apoptosis of mature osteoblasts and their precursors. Using the human osteoblastic hFOB1.19 and the MG63 osteosarcoma cell lines, we found that sub-lethal doses of dexamethasone act on pre-osteoblasts but not on mature cells by increasing their susceptibility to apoptosis. Apoptosis occurs in a caspase-dependent manner as both DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial transmembrane potential dissipation (ΔΨm) are inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD. The increased susceptibility of osteoblast precursors to apoptosis could be due to dexamethasone-mediated down-regulation of survivin expression. Dexamethasone can up-regulate survivin, and to a lesser extent Bcl-2, in mature cells but not in pre-osteoblasts. In addition, it can induce FLIP over-expression in osteosarcoma cells. All these effects are inhibited by the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486, indicating that dexamethasone action is specific and, furthermore, that it depends on glucocorticoid receptor. Finally, we have found that survivin and Bcl-2 are essential for pre- and mature osteoblast survival as their silencing is sufficient to induce spontaneous apoptosis in both cell types. In conclusion, our data outline a new molecular mechanism of glucocorticoid-mediated bone loss due to the enhanced apoptosis of precursors compared to mature osteoblasts. Furthermore, the data suggest a mechanism of dexamethasone-induced resistance of osteosarcoma cells to Fas- and stress-induced apoptosis.


Sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF4) is an upconverting material with many potential
uses in chemistry, materials science, and biology that can be synthesized hydrothermally
in both cubic (α) and hexagonal (β) crystallographic polymorphs. Understanding the
mechanisms underlying the phase conversion between the cubic and hexagonal polymorphs is of great interest to help inform future efforts to synthesize atomically-precise
quantum materials with well-defined sizes and morphologies. In this work, we use
a combination of analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD),
in situ liquid cell TEM, atom probe tomography (APT), and extended x-ray absorption
fine structure (EXAFS) measurements to show evidence suggesting that the hexagonal
NaYF4 nanowires form through a non-classical crystal growth mechanism involving the formation and subsequent oriented attachment of mesocrystals consisting of cubic (α) plase units. EXAFS spectroscopy also suggests
that substitutional Yb3+ point defects within NaYF4 are distributed evenly throughout
the crystal lattice without clustering, and also that they may exhibit selective substitution into one
of the two possible trivalent yttrium sites in the unit cell for hydrothermally synthesized NaYF4.


Context. WR104 is an emblematic dusty Wolf-Rayet star and the prototypical member of a sub-group hosting spirals that are mainly observable with high-angular resolution techniques. Previous aperture masking observations showed that WR104 is likely to be an interacting binary star at the end of its life. However, several aspects of the system are still unknown. This includes the opening angle of the spiral, the dust formation locus, and the link between the central binary star and a candidate companion star detected with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) at 1′′.
Aims. Our aim was to directly image the dusty spiral or "pinwheel" structure around WR104 for the first time and determine its physical properties at large spatial scales. We also wanted to address the characteristics of the candidate companion detected by the HST.
Methods. For this purpose, we used SPHERE and VISIR at the Very Large Telescope to image the system in the near- and mid-infrared, respectively. Both instruments furnished an excellent view of the system at the highest angular resolution a single, ground-based telescope can provide. Based on these direct images, we then used analytical and radiative transfer models to determine several physical properties of the system.
Results. Employing a different technique than previously used, our new images have allowed us to confirm the presence of the dust pinwheel around the central star. We have also detected up to five revolutions of the spiral pattern of WR104 in the K band for the first time. The circumstellar dust extends up to 2 arcsec from the central binary star in the N band, corresponding to the past 20 yr of mass loss. Moreover, we found no clear evidence of a shadow of the first spiral coil onto the subsequent ones, which likely points to a dusty environment less massive than inferred in previous studies. We have also confirmed that the stellar candidate companion previously detected by the HST is gravitationally bound to WR104 and herein provide information about its nature and orbital elements.


Seminar "Publish for Impact"

Event date: 27 October 2016
Location: Science Centre Delft
Host: TU Delft Research Support, Erasmus University en Universiteit Leiden (LDE)

This talk will consider the rapidly changing open access (OA) landscape and its impact on academic research, with a particular focus on humanities scholarship. Dr Caroline Edwards is a Founder and Director of the Open Library of Humanities (OLH), which launched in September 2015 as a publishing platform for "gold" OA journals, with no author-facing charges. The OLH has been a pioneer in building an academic grassroots movement that champions non-profit OA publishing led by scholars. With partners such as the Dutch linguistics network, Ling-OA, the OLH is demonstrating how subscription journals can be "flipped" to open access in a sustainable way. Dr Edwards will outline how the OLH has grown and what it can offer scholars in terms of bring together the best of traditional publishing and editorial practices with cutting-edge technological innovations in digital publishing and infrastructure.

Dr. Caroline Edwards is Lecturer in Modern & Contemporary Literature at Birkbeck, University of London. She is currently completing a monograph entitled Fictions of the Not Yet: Time and the Contemporary British Novel, and has published two co-edited collections on British authors, Maggie Gee: Critical Essays (Gylphi, 2015) and China Mieville: Critical Essays (Gylphi, 2015). Caroline is also a keen advocate of open access publishing, having co-founded the Open Library of Humanities (OLH) in 2013. She currently works as Editorial Director for the OLH and also runs Alluvium, an open-access journal of 21st-century literary criticism.


The paper discusses the results of an investigation of fatigue-crack propagation behavior of as-deposited electroslag weldments in two hot-rolled structural steels, ASTM A36 and ASTM A588 Grade A. Fatigue-crack growth tests were conducted on IT wedge-opening-loading (WOL) specimens machined from six 1-in.-thick and four 4-in.-thick weldments that were representative of electroslag welds for bridges. The testing was done in air at room temperature under tension-to-tension sinusoidal loading. Various orientations and locations of the fatigue crack in relation to the weld geometry were investigated. The fatigue-crack growth rates (da/dN) in the weldments were similar to, or up to five times slower than, the rate in the base steels. The retardation in crack-growth rate was most pronounced at low values of the stress-intensity factor range (AK) and was substantially greater for crack propagation in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (HAZ) and bond-line regions than in the weld metal. Marked variations in the microstructure of the weld metal and HAZ had no signficant influence on crack-propagation behavior, which appeared to be influenced primarily by the residual stresses in the weldments as discussed in a separate paper. The results of this study show that the upper bound of the crack-growth behavior for low-strength structural steels may be used as a conservative estimate of the crack-propagation behavior of as-deposited electroslag weldments in such steels. On this basis, the prediction of the service life of electroslag-welded structures subjected to cyclic loads, and the determination of safe inspection intervals, may be made by the same approach as that presently used for standard structural-steel weldments made by other processes.


: An earlier experimental model employing quantitative analysis of allotransplantation immune response in vivo and registration of the functional activity of immunoregulatory cells was used. It was established that syngeneic transfer of spleen cells from mice bearing 20-methylcholanthrene-induced tumors to normal intact mice modifies immune response to allogeneic cells. The effect of splenocytes was found to depend on the rate of tumor growth. Moreover, the method of syngeneic transfer (systemic application or local injection) of immunoregulatory cells appeared to be of great importance for the realization of suppressive or stimulative effect of splenocytes. Possible causes of changes in the extent and nature of the effect of lymphocytes from tumor-bearing mice on allotransplantation immune response in vivo are discussed.


The immigration problem, which has been debated in the United States for over a century, is not likely to go away--least of all with the numbers of refugees and displaced and impoverished workers continuing to mount worldwide. The current bitterness and legislative stalemate over immigration policy are indications that new approaches to the issue need to be found. Removing himself from the specifics of the current congressional debate, Mark Gibney asks whether we are addressing the right questions and employing the correct criteria under our present admission practices. From a political-philosophical standpoint, the author looks at the fundamental social and moral questions that should be at the basis of any immigration policy: how do we distinguish between members and strangers, and do some strangers have more compelling claims than others for admission to this country?


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 31% of the world's total deaths in 2016 (17.9 million) was due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With the development of information technologies, it has became possible to predict whether people have heart diseases or not by checking certain physical and biochemical values at a lower cost. In this study, we have evaluated a set of different classification algorithms, linear discriminant analysis and proposed a new hybrid feature selection methodology for the diagnosis of coronary heart diseases (CHD). One of the advantages of the proposed method is its ability to work on real-time datasets. Throughout this research effort, we have tested the performance of our method using publicly available heart disease datasets (UCI Machine Learning Repository, Z-Alizadehsani). We have conducted comparative performance evaluations in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F-measure, AUC and running time.


Predator avoidance depends on prey being able to discern how risk varies in space and time, but this is made considerably more complicated if risk is simultaneously present from multiple predators. This is the situation for an increasing number of mammalian prey species, as large carnivores recover or are reintroduced in ecosystems on several continents. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus in southern Norway illustrate a case in which prey face two predators with contrasting patterns of predation risk. They face a catch-22 situation: spatially avoiding the risk from one predator (lynx Lynx lynx in dense habitat) implies exposure to the other (hunters in open habitat). Using GPS-data from 29 roe deer, we tested for daily and seasonal variation in roe deer selection for habitat with respect to the habitats' year-round average risk level. Generally, roe deer altered their habitat selection between night and day in a pattern consistent with being able to avoid predicted risk from the nocturnal lynx during night and predicted risk from human hunters during day. However, seasonal variation in habitat selection only partially corresponded with the predicted seasonal variation in risk. Whereas roe deer avoided areas with high risk from hunters more strongly during the hunting season than in other seasons, there was a lack of selection towards areas and time periods lowering the risk of lynx predation during winter. It seems likely that the risk of starvation and thermal stress constrain roe deer habitat selection during this energetically challenging season with cold temperatures, snow cover and limited natural forage. The habitat selection pattern of roe deer fits thus only partly with the two contrasting risk gradients they face. Adjusting risk-avoidance behavior temporally can be an adaptive response in the case of several predators whose predation patterns differ in space and time.


This study was conducted based on the English lesson in SMP Yimi fds Gresik which showed that the students had difficulty in reading ability especially in Descriptive text. the students not only had to be able to read well but also understand the content of the text. Meanwhile, teaching reading is very important because the teacher had to help the students understand the text easier. Therefore the researcher made a research about peer and self assessment strategy.
The design of the study was experimental design. This study aim to know how the significant effect in descriptive text by using peer and self assessment strategy. The researcher took 52 students as the sample. They grouped into two classes, one of experimental group VII A That consist of 26 students and VII B as the control group that also consist of 26 students. The instrument used to collect the data was reading test especially descriptive text. The data were collected through pre-test and post-test in both groups. After getting the data, the researcher analyzed the data by using SPSS 16.0 Program.
The researcher finding showed that this strategy was effective to teach reading for seventh grades at SMP Yimi fds Gresik. The students' average score in pre-test between experimental and control groups was 13.61 and 16.11. the score improved in post test. The student's average score improved in post test. The student's average score in post test between experimental and control group was 22.53 and 18.53. based on the hypothesis result, there is significant different between experimental and control group.
Based on the research findings, it could be conclude that peer and self assessment could improve students's reading ability. Peer and self assessment had advantages; Students responsibility for their learning, increase student more independence and Provides more relevant feedback to students. It was proved by the result of the test which showed that students score increased until reaching the passing grade.
The research also provided three suggestion for teacher, students and other researcher. The first, the teacher recommended to use peer and self for teaching learning process and during assessment and to avoid monotonous activities in the class, the second, for the students is the researcher hopes the use of peer and self assessment strategy can be used to alternate in assessment and could be give students opportunity to assess their own work whereas hopefully they would not be bored and improve their motivation in English test. The third, for the next researcher was who wants to conduct this research in different areas and levels.


The stop-valve bypass valve enabling full-arc admission starting is now being utilized extensively as a means of reducing transient thermal-stress gradients in steam turbines. This paper describes, with the aid of start-up test graphs, the results of an intensive series of tests conducted by the New England Electric System, which was designed to determine the effectiveness of this bypass valve. One of the machines tested was equipped with an electrical long-range speed governor which was used to bring the turbine to speed in a predetermined and accurately controlled way. This installation represents the first successful application of this device on a General Electric Company steam turbine-generator. A brief description is included.


Background For several decades, intermediate metabolism and signal transduction have been considered two independent entities. On one side stood the catabolic and anabolic reactions that provide cells with the energy and building blocks required for life. On the other side were the cascades of transcriptional events and posttranscriptional modifications that control nearly all cellular processes, including regulated variants of cell death such as apoptosis and regulated necrosis. This somewhat simplistic perception has been instrumental for the detailed characterization of several metabolic circuitries and signaling pathways. However, owing to this theoretical construction, the intimate cross-talk between metabolism and cell death has been largely disregarded until recently, even though organelles with major metabolic functions, such as mitochondria, were shown to play critical roles in regulated cell death nearly 20 years ago. Metabolic control of cell death. Cells are provided with multiple metabolic checkpoints that sense specific metabolic variables and generate a biological response through one or more transducers and effectors. Such basic checkpoints are highly interconnected, making up a complex network that controls cell fate in response to metabolic perturbations. Advances It is now clear that metabolism and cell death are deeply intertwined at several levels. Many proteins that mediate vital metabolic functions also have key activities in the transduction of cell death–regulatory signals. An example is holocytochrome c, which not only shuttles electrons between respiratory complex III and IV [hence required for oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis] but also promotes the lethal activation of caspases in response to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Conversely, several proteins that were originally characterized for their capacity to regulate cell death have been found to control metabolic circuitries. This applies to various antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family, which play a critical role in the regulation of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in apoptosis and influence intracellular Ca2+ fluxes (hence affecting many metabolic activities), the efficacy of mitochondrial ATP synthesis (by binding to the F1FO ATP synthase), and autophagic flux (by engaging in physical interactions with beclin-1). Moreover, several metabolic intermediates, including (but not limited to) ATP, acetyl–coenzyme A (CoA), oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), NAD phosphate (NADP+), and reactive oxygen species, are intimately involved in signal transduction cascades that influence the propensity of cells to commit to die. Outlook We propose the existence of several "metabolic checkpoints," that is, refined molecular mechanisms that sense a panel of metabolic variables and emit one or more signals controlling cell fate. Most often, these checkpoints react to metabolic imbalances by activating an organelle-specific or cellwide adaptive response that, at least initially, attempts to reestablish homeostasis. However, when metabolic perturbations are excessively severe or protracted in time, metabolic checkpoints become capable of initiating apoptotic or necrotic forms of regulated cell death. Accumulating evidence indicates that metabolic checkpoints of this type are in place to monitor the ATP/ADP, acetyl-CoA/CoA, NAD+/NADH, and NADP+/NADPH ratios, as well as the abundance of lipid products, glycosylated proteins, and reactive oxygen species. Perturbations of any such metabolic variables (signals) are detected by specific systems (sensors) and converted into vital or lethal stimuli, which are dispatched to components of the cell death–regulatory machinery (targets) through one or more signaling nodes (transducers). Metabolic checkpoints therefore integrate various "bits" of information into a biological response that inhibits or promotes cell death. It is tempting to speculate that a detailed understanding of metabolic checkpoints might allow for the development of novel pharmacological approaches that block or stimulate cell death by inducing specific metabolic alterations. Such interventions may be useful for the treatment of pathologies involving unwarranted cell death, such as ischemic, infectious, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as pathological states in which the cellular demise is intrinsically blocked, as seen in autoimmune diseases and neoplastic conditions. Beyond their contribution to basic metabolism, the major cellular organelles, in particular mitochondria, can determine whether cells respond to stress in an adaptive or suicidal manner. Thus, mitochondria can continuously adapt their shape to changing bioenergetic demands as they are subjected to quality control by autophagy, or they can undergo a lethal permeabilization process that initiates apoptosis. Along similar lines, multiple proteins involved in metabolic circuitries, including oxidative phosphorylation and transport of metabolites across membranes, may participate in the regulated or catastrophic dismantling of organelles. Many factors that were initially characterized as cell death regulators are now known to physically or functionally interact with metabolic enzymes. Thus, several metabolic cues regulate the propensity of cells to activate self-destructive programs, in part by acting on nutrient sensors. This suggests the existence of "metabolic checkpoints" that dictate cell fate in response to metabolic fluctuations. Here, we discuss recent insights into the intersection between metabolism and cell death regulation that have major implications for the comprehension and manipulation of unwarranted cell loss.


Externally pressurized supersonic gas thrust bearings whose generation of load capacity is substantially independent of the viscosity of working fluids, have been proposed and analyzed by the authors. This report presents the experimental results of the static characteristics of this new type of bearings. The experimental results including load capacity, stiffness, mass flow rate and pressure distributions in the bearing clearance, generally show a good agreement with the theoretical predictions and verify the validity of this new bearing. The effect of an orifice to improve the stiffness is also examined. Some problems which should be solved to put the bearing in practical use are pointed out.


Ab initio quantum mechanical computational techniques have been applied to questions in various molecular systems from triatomics to nucleic acid (NA) bases. For triatomic copper hydroxide (CuOH), a range of ab initio methods have been employed to investigate the ground and two lowest-lying singlet excited electronic states. The 11optimized geometrical parameters for the A' and 1 A" states agree fairly well with 1available experimental values. However, the 2 A' structure is in poor agreement with experiment. The predicted adiabatic excitation energies are also inconsistent with 11experiment for the 2 A' and 1 A" states. All theoretical methods show lower adiabatic 1-1excitation energies for the 1 A" state (53.1 kcal mol) than those for the corresponding 1-112 A' state (57.6 kcal mol), suggesting that the 1 A" state might be the first singlet 1excited state while the 2 A' state might be the second singlet excited state. Extensive ab initio methods have been used to study the triatomic PCN / PNC species and the transition state of the exothermic PNC ' PCN reaction. Both PCN and 3-3-PNC are linear with £ ground states, and linear PNC ( £) is predicted to lie 13.5 -1kcal mol [with zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE) correction] above linear PCN ~X~X 3-3( £). The isomerization transition state is found to be cyclic PCN ( A3) with angles ¸e (PCN) = 82.2i, ¸e (CNP) = 63.1i, and ¸e (NPC) = 34.7i. The isomerization -13-barrier is predicted to be 35.7 kcal mol relative to linear PCN ( £). With respect to the NA bases, the ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and second-order M?ller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) methods have been applied to analyze the nonplanarity of the NA base amino group. New benchmark predictions have been obtained at the cc-pCVQZ and aug-cc-pVQZ MP2 levels of theory for adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. Three out of the five NA bases, namely adenine, guanine, and cytosine, are intrinsically nonplanar due to the existence of pyramidal amino groups. Guanine is much more nonplanar than adenine and cytosine. The predicted classical barriers to planarization are 0.020 (adenine), 0.742 (guanine), and 0.032 (cytosine) kcal -1mol.


The Rio Grande Rise (RGR) is a prominent plateau in the South Atlantic consisting of a western (WRGR) and eastern (ERGR) part. It formed during the evolution of the South Atlantic together with the Walvis Ridge under the influence of the Tristan-Gough Mantle Plume at the mid-Atlantic spreading ridge. While recently several deep seismic profiles across the Walvis Ridge unraveled its crustal structure, such experiments are missing across the RGR. Therefore, there is an ongoing debate about the composition of the RGR: a detached microcontinent or a large igneous province (LIP) formed in the Cretaceous in the central South Atlantic. Existing gravity models support depending on the chosen density and crustal thickness either hypothesis.
In spring 2019, the ERGR and WRGR were examined by a scientific cruise to acquire solid information on their crustal fabric and evolution of the plateau by geophysical and petrological experiment. For the geophysical part of the cruise we will provide constraints for the following questions: What crustal types are present in the RGR? Are there indications for a microcontinent within the plateau? Do we see differences between the ERGR and WRGR? Does the crust differ from the crustal structure of the Walvis Ridge?
We will present P-wave velocity models derived from two wide-angle seismic profiles crossing the WRGR and ERGR in an NNE-SSW direction. The WRGR is in its central part underlain by an up to 30 km thick crust, while the crust below the ERGR is in its maximum only half as thick. The lowermost crustal layer below both ERGR and WRGR is 10 to 13 km thick and characterized by P-wave velocities of 7-7.4 km/s. The examined crust shows a similar velocity-depth structure as oceanic LIPs. We did not find any indications for the presence of a microcontinent. In contrast, our findings point to a volcanic origin of the RGR.


Background: Pulmonary Sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital malformation, with few cases reported. Thus, the prenatal and postnatal natural history of PS and the best management approach have not been fully characterized. The aim of this study is to evaluate the experience with PS in our level III hospital, to improve our practice. Methods: A retrospective review of all cases with PS admitted to our hospital between January 1996 and December 2016 was performed. Results: Fifteen cases of PS were identified. Antenatal ultrasonography evaluation suggested the existence of 3 (20%) PS, 3 (20%) Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAM), 3 (20%) cases with no established diagnosis between CPAM and PS and 1 (6.7%) neuroblastoma. All newborns were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and 7 (46.7%) became symptomatic. When postnatal X-ray and/or computer tomography scan were performed, the lesions corresponded to 12 (80%) PS, 1 (6.7%) CPAM, 1 (6.7%) suprarenal mass and 1 (6.7%) congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Eight (53.3%) cases had concomitant abnormalities. An invasive postnatal intervention was performed in 5 of 7 (71.4%) symptomatic patients and in 4 of 8 (50%) asymptomatic ones. Two patients underwent embolization. Surgery was performed in 8 (53.3%) cases (thoracotomy in 3 and thoracoscopy in 5). Respiratory morbidity was reported in 2 asymptomatic cases conservatively managed. Final diagnosis, based on histopathological examination or postnatal imaging when surgery wasn't applied, was: 9 (60%) extralobar sequestrations and 3 (20%) intralobar sequestrations; in 3 (20%) cases, it wasn't possible to confirm the type of lesion. Conclusion: PS was associated to a high rate of congenital abnormalities. Concordance between prenatal and postnatal findings was poor. According to our and other series, treatment of asymptomatic PS is controversial. Nevertheless an elective surgery should be preferred to prevent the risks of an urgent surgery. The outcome was generally good.


Abstract There is a discernible need for a holistic, long-term and sustainability approach in decision-making in water and wastewater utilities around the world. Metabolism-based modelling, which can quantify various flows within an urban water system (UWS), has shown its effective usability for a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of intervention strategies and can be used by any water utility for future planning of UWS. This study presents the main principles of a holistic Sustainability Assessment Framework which can be simulated by using two analytical, conceptual, mass-balance-based models to quantify relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with the metabolic flows of the urban water cycle. These two models are WaterMet2 (WM2) and dynamic metabolism model (DMM), developed recently under the aegis of the EU TRUST (Transitions to the Urban Water Services of Tomorrow) project. There are clear differences between the two models which make them useful in different contexts and circumstantial situations. DMM is a mass-balance consistent model which quantifies and presents annually-aggregated performance values for system wide energy consumption, emissions, environmental impacts and costs for the entire UWS though it is also possible to derive corresponding indicators for individual sub-systems (e.g. water distribution and wastewater transport). WM2 is the opposite of this, it is a distributed metabolism model which simulates water related and other resource flows throughout the UWS components with a higher resolution both spatially (e.g. multiple water resources and service reservoirs) and temporally (e.g. daily and monthly), and thereby is useful in contexts where utilities would like to focus on further details of the UWS metabolism with the aim to understand and solve specific problems. Overall, these two complementary metabolism-based approaches enable any water utility to quantitatively explore and understand the influences of different external drivers and intervention strategies on future performance profiles linked to any physical, environmental and economic criteria.


Researchers in the field of software engineering economics have associated team factors, such as team size and team experience, with productivity and quality. Since distributed and open source development have gained significance in the past few years, further empirical investigation is needed. Our study contributes to the empirical body of knowledge by addressing this development. In particular, we investigate the association between team factors and failure processing efficiency for closed source software releases of a large commercial software vendor and for open source software projects registered with SourceForge.net. We find significant links between team experience and the failure processing efficiency. However, our data does not show any evidence for adverse effects of distributed development. Our results further suggest that service level agreements and process governance are good tools to guarantee satisfactory processing times.


In this paper we present modeling and simulation of multiple-hop all-optical packet routing based on the pulse- position modulation header processing (PPM-HP) scheme in ultrafast optical packet switching network. Optical core node employing PPM-HP requires a dedicated routing table based on PPM scheme that will result in significantly reduced number of routing table entries. In this scheme, the header address correlation, using optical AND gates, is carried out by employing only a single bit-wise for each entry rather than a multiple-bit stream as in the existing systems thus resulting in reduced header processing time and avoiding the slow gain-recovery of AND gates. The reduced routing table also offers embedding multiple transmitting modes (unicast, multicast, broadcast) in optical layer and improves core network scalability where the number of core/edge nodes could be altered without the need for changing the number of routing table entries. The simulation results for the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of packets at each hop are presented and compared with the theoretical calculations.


The rapid growth and scaling of electronics are causing more severe thermal management challenges. For example, the high-performance computing processors are driving the data center power density to unprecedented levels, approaching the limit of conventional air cooling. In electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid EVs, the power conversion electronics are integrated into a compact space, leading to ultra-high heat fluxes to dissipate. Among the available thermal management mechanisms, two-phase cooling that involves the phase-change process of the working fluid can maintain electronic devices at safe operating temperatures by taking advantage of the high latent heat of the fluid. Particularly, pool boiling plays a critical role in the two-phase immersion cooling of servers and other IT hardware, integrated cooling for three-dimensional electronic packaging, cooling of the core, and used fuel in nuclear reactors. Two-phase coolers are limited by instabilities such as the critical heat flux (CHF). At the critical heat flux, the temperature increases. It is important to be able to identify the CHF in order to prevent overheating. We aim to develop and compare boiling image classification models to distinguish between 2 boiling regimes. We will leverage principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering to investigate the key differences between bubbles during nucleate boiling (pre-CHF) and transition boiling (post-CHF). We will also compare the results of the unsupervised learning model against popular supervised learning models that have been used for boiling regime classification in existing studies, such as convolutional neural networks, multiplayer perceptrons, and transformers. We successfully created 4 supervised and 1 unsupervised learning models to distinguish between the two types of boiling images.


Space Debris Detection and Tracking Using Star Trackers The near Earth space environment is becoming crowded with space debris and must be regarded a critical resource for future spacecraft missions. To ensure continuous access to this resource, future Low Earth orbit users have responsibility, both for savvy usage, as well as to contribute knowledge of the environment. The latter can be achieved employing a novel technique for debris population characterization, at low cost and high fidelity, applied to instruments on future as well as existing spacecraft. Star trackers traditionally provide arc-second attitude recovery for spacecraft navigation by matching observed star positions in source images to an on-board star catalogue. Typically, the 10-20k brightest stars are included in the matching, effectively enabling the star tracker to detect celestial objects with visual magnitude levels as faint as mV 7-9. Relative motion of debris is different from the apparent motion of the star field, using that apparent star positions are known, wherefore the star tracker autonomously discerns the debris from true stars. Apparent position and trajectory of such debris may hence be collected. Since a great number of star trackers are readily in-orbit, global coverage may be achieved with already launched and operated hardware. At least, this functionality should be incorporated in new missions. The μASC star tracker from DTU (Technical University of Denmark) is the primary attitude sensor on-board a great number of spacecraft missions, including ESA's Swarm triad and the MAG investigation on NASAs Jupiter explorer JUNO. The Swarm triad provides routine diagnostic images from the nine sensors on the three segments. By employing the above mentioned technique on these images the prospective performance has been characterized. We present the sensitivity and performance of on-board debris detection and tracking augmentation of the star trackers. We also discuss methods to suppress false debris detection from e.g. locally produced temporary debris from thruster firings, as well as the potential for in–situ tracking of fellow spacecraft. Finally, we give examples of this technique used by the NASA JUNO mission detecting and tracking natural objects in orbit about Jupiter.


Robot localization under extreme occlusion is a common scenario in the real world. Examples include an autonomous car following another car along long stretches of highways, robot assistants following a human around, hospitality robots, robot pets, etc. The challenge here is that the robot's sensors get occluded to a large degree and for substantial amounts of time by the leader that the robot is trying to follow. In this scenario, localization using a usual MCL particle filter gets worse over time since observations consistently keep deviating from static expectations. In this thesis I present an Advanced Weighting approach for the Nested Particle Filter, to maintain localization under extreme occlusion while simultaneously tracking the leader. I also adapt KLD sampling to Nested MCL, which makes this approach highly scalable by allowing for dynamic variation in particle counts at both levels of nested particles, instead of ad-hoc static counts. Index words: Particle Filter, Monte Carlo Localization, Robot localization under sensory occlusion, KLD Sampling, Likelihood field, Mixture MCL An Adaptive Nested Particle Filter with Advanced Weighting to handle Localization and Tracking under extreme sensory occlusion


The pathogenesis of the rare and aggressive T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is poorly understood, which particularly applies to a mechanistic concept around its hallmark oncogene TCL1A. Existing data implicate TCL1A as a catalytic enhancer of the oncogenic kinase AKT, a central node in a T-cell's antigen receptor (TCR) signaling cascade, which mediates proliferation and differentiation. The levels and role of TCR activation in T-PLL's pathogenesis are not known. To first clarify which physiological T-cell subset T-PLL cells most resemble, we performed comprehensive global gene expression profiling and immunophenotyping of primary T-PLL (n=79) in comparison to healthy-donor derived T-cell populations. Principle component analyses and gene signature alignments revealed a high similarity of T-PLL cells to (central) memory T-lymphocytes over naive T-cells. Surface markers revealed a spectrum of memory-type differentiation (n=69/79; 87%) with predominant central-memory stages (n=35/79; 44%). The usually TCR and/or CD28-coreceptor positive T-PLL cells revealed no restrictions to genetic or surface TCR-clonotypes. The abnormally high basal activation levels (surface CD25, CD38, CD69) correlated in their degree with inferior clinical outcomes (med. survival 20.8 vs 58.3 mo.; p=0.0012). In parallel, T-PLL cells lost expression of negative-regulatory TCR-co-receptors (e.g. CTLA-4, LAG3). Fittingly, TCR engagement of primary T-PLL cells revealed a trend to hyperactive intracellular responses and interleukin(IL)-2 release alongside a prominent Th1-cytokine program. T-PLL cells also showed a robust resistance to stimulation-induced cell death and agonistic CD95 ligation. TCR-derived signals (phospho-kinase induction, IL-2 release) were enhanced in vitro by the modulated presence of TCL1A with kinetics indicative of a sensitizer relationship, mainly in the CD3 axis as opposed to the CD28 branch. A mouse model with TCL1A-initiated protracted development of T-PLL (Lckpr-TCL1Atg) revealed congruent findings with the aberrant T-cell phenotype of human T-PLL. TCL1A expressing T-cells of this model, that were further equipped with monoclonal epitope-defined TCRs against ovalbumine or a chimeric-antigen-receptor (CAR) against carcinoembryonic antigen, gained a pre-leukemic growth advantage in scenarios of pulsed or continuous low-level receptor stimulation. Overall, we establish that T-PLL cells resemble antigen-experienced memory T-cells. Retention of functional effector responses to TCR stimulation and loss of restricting activation regulators underlie a highly activated phenotype and a marked resistance to death-inducing signals. TCL1A proactively enhances TCR responses and we postulate that this leukemogenic cooperation drives accumulation of memory-type cells that utilize amplified, hence permissive, low-level cognate antigen input. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Alexandra Schrader, Kathrin Warner, Sebastian Oberbeck, Giuliano Crispatzu, Petra Mayer, Sabine Putzer, Hans Diebner, Stephan Stilgenbauer, Georg Hopfinger, Jan Durig, Torsten Haferlach, Mark Lanasa, Ingo Roeder, Michael Hallek, Dimitrios Mougiakakos, Michael von Bergwelt-Baildon, Monika Bruggemann, Sebastian Newrzela, Hinrich Abken, Marco Herling. T-PLL cells resemble memory-type T-cells with aberrant effector functions implicating a leukemogenic cooperation of TCL1A and TCR signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 370. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-370


This study focuses on the dynamics of ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) fungal colonization levels and diversity in R. maximum roots along elevational gradients in the southern Appalachian Mountains. First we hypothesized that overall ErM colonization levels in fine roots would increase with an increase in elevation due to an increased need for nutrient acquisition by the fungal symbionts for the plant. We also hypothesized that community composition of the fungi would change along an elevation gradient because some fungi are likely to be better adapted to potentially more xeric and nutrient poor conditions on the tops of mountains or other associated factors. To address this question we sampled roots and soils from three elevational transects at two locations. Root associated fungi were cultured and the DNA amplified from these cultures was typed by RFLP analysis of the ITS regions. Root colonization was quantified by counting mycorrhizal hyphae at random locations within the root using light microscopy. Colonization was shown to increase at both sites at higher elevations. Changes in abundance, frequency and species composition of the fungal communities tracked elevational differences at the two locations. Differences in species composition at Unaka Mountain were clearer, showing separation of fungal communities by elevation.


ABSTRACT Introduction: Myeloid malignancies are caused by uncontrolled proliferation of neoplastic cells and lack of mature hematopoietic cells. Beside intrinsic genetic and epigenetic alterations within the neoplastic population, abnormal function of the bone marrow stroma promotes the neoplastic process. To overcome the supportive action of the microenvironment, recent research focuses on the development of targeted therapies, inhibiting the interaction of malignant cells and niche cells. Areas covered: This review covers regulatory networks and potential druggable pathways within the hematopoietic stem cell niche. Recent insights into the cell-to-cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment are presented. We performed literature searches using PubMed Database from 2000 to the present. Expert opinion: Future therapy of myeloid malignancies must focus on targeted, personalized treatment addressing specific alterations within the malignant and the supporting niche cells. This includes treatments to overcome resistance mechanisms against chemotherapeutic agents mediated by supporting microenvironment. Novel techniques employing sequencing approaches, Crisp/Cas9, or transgenic mouse models are required to elucidate specific interactions between components of the bone marrow niche to identify new therapeutic targets.


Common strategies for reducing body weight rely on limiting energy intake and restricting food choices. However, these strategies have often been proven ineffective in achieving long‐term and sustainable weight reduction. More recently, mindful eating as an alternative weight management strategy has gained increasing attention, yet systematic reviews on intuitive or mindful eating published so far present contradictory results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis on randomized controlled trials on weight loss programs based on mindful or intuitive eating. We analyzed results using meta‐regressions. We included a total of 10 studies and found a significant weight loss effect of mindful/intuitive eating strategies compared with nonintervention controls (−0.348 kg, 95% CI: −0.591 to −0.105, P = 0.005). However, there was no difference compared with conventional diet programs (P = 0.99). Reduction of BMI (−0.137 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.365 to 0.091, P = 0.240) or waist circumference (−0.358 cm, 95% CI: −0.916 to 0.200, P = 0.209) were not statistically significant. Mindful/intuitive eating could be a practical approach to weight control. Limitations of this study include the unbalanced sex, origin, place of residence of the participants, and the short duration of interventions. Future research should aim at investigating long‐term effects and include a more heterogeneous study population.


Pigeon Fanciers Lung (PFL) is one of the commonest causes of Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis (EAA) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). It is induced by repeated inhalation of antigens from pigeons in a sensitised individual. Since the majority of fanciers do not develop the disease despite being exposed to similar amount of antigen exposure, the host's susceptibility factors including constitutional and environmental factors and the combination of these factors are prerequisite to the development of disease. Among these predisposing factors, it has been proposed that certain genetic susceptibility such as alleles of the major histocompatibility complex may increase an individual's susceptibility to develop the disease. Other environmental factors such as cigarette smoking and amount of antigen exposure may also play a role. PFL is characterised by inflammation of the lung parenchyma but it also involves small and large airways. Apart from respiratory symptoms, fanciers with PFL also develop systemic symptoms such as fever and myalgia that usually occurs 4-8 hours after antigen exposure and can last until 24 hours. The sequence of immunopathological events that contribute to the development of PFL is unresolved. Evidence supports the role of immune complexes with the exuberant antibody response and the delay in the onset of symptoms. T cell mediated response also plays a vital role with the appearance of granuloma. It is likely that these 2 processes occur simultaneously and complement each other as the immune response progresses. In view of the different clinical presentations and dynamic nature of the disease, the disease can be divided into 3 groups consisting of acute progressive, acute intermittent non progressive and chronic disease. Fanciers with an antibody response but without symptoms should be regarded as having subclinical disease as there is evidence of ongoing immune and inflammatory response and they are at risk of progressing to clinical disease. This thesis examines the immunological response and its correlation with the clinical status and other factors that may influence this response amongst pigeon fanciers. This study emphasises the complexity and the dynamic nature of this disease. The variation in each individual's immune responsiveness towards avian antigen and the various different immunological mechanisms involved in the disease process is highlighted. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).


Paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine neoplasm, which is extremely rare in the vulva and only one case has been reported. Here we present a case of vulvar paraganglioma in a 48-year-old woman and a literature review. The patient found a lump located in the genitals below the symphysis pubis 3 months before presentation when she complained that the lump was increasing in size. A 3.2 cm x 2.3 cm x 1.5 cm nodule was excised from subcutaneous soft tissue in the vulva. Microscopy showed a diversity of cell morphologies and structures in the rich vascular network of the tumor separated the chief cells into round cell nests (Zellballen pattern). Some areas of the tumor presented epithelioid and spindle-shaped cells with increased cell density and indistinct structural characteristics. Hyaline degeneration of collagen fibers or mucoid degeneration was found in tumor interstitium. Immunohistochemical staining showed diffused expression of synaptophysin in the chief cells, focal expression of S-100 protein in the sustentacular cells and high expression of CD34 in the vascular components. Based on morphological and immunohistochemical results, a rare paraganglioma of the vulva was diagnosed.


This paper describes the application of the continuous Newton's method to the power flow problem. This method basically consists in formulating the power flow problem as a set of autonomous ordinary differential equations. Based on this formal analogy, we propose an entire family of numerically efficient algorithms for solving ill-conditioned or badly-initialized power flow cases. The paper also shows that the classical Newton-Raphson's method and most robust power flow techniques proposed in the literature are particular cases of the proposed formulation. An example based on a 1254-bus model of the UCTE system is presented and discussed.


There has been remarkable growth in the distressed debt market in the United States in the past 20 years. Data presented here indicate why distressed debt (vulture capital) investing is perhaps the fastest growing sector in the hedge fund universe and why it has also become of interest to the private equity sector. Returns on distressed assets, including the equity of firms emerging from Chapter 11, were spectacular in 2003, excellent in 2004, and, for many hedge funds, also good in 2005. The same was true for investment in a long-only strategy of defaulted bonds and loans in 2003-2004. Investors have many more investment options than strictly defaulted securities, and are increasingly following diverse strategies.


Beauveria bassiana a natural soil borne insect pathogen is being used effectively these days in integrated pest management system. Foliar application of these fungi is quite satisfactory as it invades its host by adhering to insect cuticles through the formation of penetration structures called appresoria, which produces various extracellular enzymes, including chitinase that causes the insect cuticle breaching. Although many investigations have been done in this regard, only a little is known about the induction and repression mechanism of this hydrolytic enzyme. This report illustrates the effect of two carbon sources; colloidal chitin and dextrose and a nitrogen source, yeast extract on the chitinase production of seventeen B. bassiana isolates. The chitinase activity varied among the isolates and the different media studied. A high enzymatic activity was observed in the medium with colloidal chitin as a sole source of carbon followed by the medium containing an extra nitrogen source, yeast extract. Exochitinase activity and the chitinase activity gel were also determined for the isolates showing high chitinase enzyme activity. An array of chitinase isozymes were observed on chitinase activity gel with a common 70 kDa enzyme for all the isolates.


We study cosmological constraints on metric f(R) gravity models that are designed to reproduce the LCDM expansion history with modifications to gravity described by a supplementary cosmological freedom, the Compton wavelength parameter B_0. We conduct a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis on the parameter space, utilizing the geometrical constraints from supernovae distances, the baryon acoustic oscillation distances, and the Hubble constant, along with all of the cosmic microwave background data, including the largest scales, its correlation with galaxies, and a probe of the relation between weak gravitational lensing and galaxy flows. The strongest constraints, however, are obtained through the inclusion of data from cluster abundance. Using all of the data, we infer a bound of B_0<0.0011 at the 95% C.L.


Background Endogenous paired associative stimulation (ePAS) is a neuromodulatory intervention that has potential to aid stroke recovery. ePAS involves pairing endogenous electroencephalography (EEG) signals known as movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs), with peripheral electrical stimulation. Previous studies have used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to demonstrate changes in corticomotor excitability following ePAS. However, the use of TMS as a measure in stroke research is limited by safety precautions, intolerance, and difficulty generating a measurable response in more severely affected individuals. We were interested in evaluating the effect of ePAS using more feasible measures in people with stroke. This study asks whether ePAS produces immediate improvements in the primary outcomes of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and total neuromuscular fatigue of the dorsiflexor muscles, and in the secondary outcomes of muscle power, voluntary activation (VA), central fatigue, peripheral fatigue, and electromyography activity. Method In this repeated-measures cross-over study, 15 participants with chronic stroke completed two interventions, ePAS and sham, in a randomized order. During ePAS, 50 repetitions of visually cued dorsiflexion were completed, while single pulses of electrical stimulation were delivered to the deep branch of the common peroneal nerve. Each somatosensory volley was timed to arrive in the primary motor cortex at the peak negativity of the MRCP. Univariate and multivariate linear mixed models were used to analyze the primary and secondary data, respectively. Results There was a statistically significant increase in dorsiflexor MVIC immediately following the ePAS intervention (mean increase 7 N), compared to the sham intervention (mean change 0 N) (univariate between-condition analysis p = 0.047). The multivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of ePAS on VA of the tibialis anterior muscle, such that ePAS increased VA by 7 percentage units (95% confidence interval 1.3–12.7%). There was no statistically significant effect on total neuromuscular fatigue, muscle power, or other secondary measures. Conclusion A single session of ePAS can significantly increase isometric muscle strength and VA in people with chronic stroke. The findings confirm that ePAS has a central neuromodulatory mechanism and support further exploration of its potential as an adjunct to stroke rehabilitation. In addition, the findings offer alternative, feasible outcome measures for future research. Clinical trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000838314 (www.anzctr.org.au), Universal Trial Number U111111953714.


The incidence rate of hypertension continues a phenomenal rise and so, there is a growing need to identify novel therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. In these circumstances, drugs acting on multiple targets could offer superior efficacy profiles compared with single target drugs. Some molecules have been designed using rational drug design approach and evaluated by performing docking studies. Targets used were an angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin receptor, aldosterone receptor, rennin enzyme, beta receptors (b1/b2). Surflex-docking studies were performed on a series of substituted benzimidazole fused triazole ring as an antihypertensive activity. Docking studies revealed that the nitro group, fluoro group on benzimidazole, and nitro group of triazole were significant for binding to all receptors, and some essential substituted group were also identified. Designed compounds were found to have a binding affinity with multiple targets. Keywords: Antihypertensive agents, benzimidazole, docking studies, triazole Cite this Article Mishra Deepti, Vengurlekar Sudha, Chaturvedi S.C. Docking Studies on Some Benzimidazole and Triazole Analogues as Antihypertensive Agents. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Bioinformatics . 2018; 5(2): 37–39p.


It's Chrismas Eve in the Stephenson house and Cilla's struggling with a buffet. Cliff's ringing after The Snowman and Dale's on speed dial in case of emergency. But it's going to take more than wet look lip gloss to stick this family back together again. Because Ringo's late home from his pantomime, Alfie's dabbling with Dannii Minogue chic and Sadie's in a borrowed thong. But Cilla has to raise the most fabulous of fake smiles. Because between Buckaroo, sex changes and a mint choc chip Vienetta, she has a surprise surprise all of her own


Rapid decline in quality of infrastructure assets as a result of factors such as age and environmental factors. So some developing asset management systems such as building condition assessment, prediction of deterioration, maintenance and treatment strategies, improvement of the condition after treatment and priority to building components should be repaired with cost barriers (Ahluwalia, 2008). The degree of interest of building components needed to incorporate the need for maintenance and upkeep of the building. The research method using a questionnaire with a scale degree of interest 1 (less important) to 6 (of extraordinary importance) (Pedro, et al, 2008). Statistical test research data using Friedman test and Kruskal Wallis. The results showed the component with the highest degree of interest is the structure components such as foundations, columns and beams with a degree of interest "Very Important" with a value of 5.56 each; 5.20 and 5.00. The highest degree of interest Landscape component is Channel Drainage and Road to the degree of interest "Important" by the respective value of 4.48 and 4.16. The highest degree of interest Architectural components are roof and wall coverings with a degree of interest "important" to the value of each of 4.40 and 4.40. The highest degree of interest components Mechanical / Electrical Lightning is the degree of interest "Important" with a value of 4.12. Key words: The degree of interest, Building Components, Maintenance and Building Maintenance,  Asset Management


The Department of Civil and Materials Engineering (CME) offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil Engineering. Study and research leading to a degree in Civil Engineering is available in the areas of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, structural engineering, structural mechanics, structural health monitoring, sensors and nondestructive testing, earthquake engineering, concrete materials, reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel structures, and transportation engineering.


It is well recognized that high fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduction of blood pressure (BP) measured by conventional BP measurement in Western countries; however, there is little evidence about these associations in other regions and there have been no reports on these associations using selfmeasured BP at home (home BP). The objective of this work was to investigate the associations of fruit and vegetable consumption and their related micronutrients with the reduction of hypertension risk by using home BP in Japanese residents. Data were obtained from 1,569 residents aged 35 and over who measured their home BP in a general population of Ohasama, Japan. Dietary intake was measured using a 141-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and then subjects were divided into tertiles according to fruit, vegetable, potassium, vitamin C, and β-carotene consumption. Hypertension was defined as home systolic/diastolic BP≥ 135/85 mmHg and/or the use of antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of home hypertension was 39.4% for men and 29.3% for women. After adjustment for all potential confounding factors, the highest-tertile consumptions of fruits, vegetables, potassium, and vitamin C were associated with a significantly lower risk of hypertension (45%, 38%, 46%, and 43% lower risk of home hypertension, respectively). In conclusion, this cross-sectional study based on home BP measurement suggests that high-level consumptions of fruits, vegetables, potassium, and vitamin C are associated with a significantly lower risk of hypertension.


Abstract: The present investigation examined the effect of pregnancy on the anticontractile effect of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) on the rat. Ring segments of the aorta, with and without PVAT, were set up in organ baths for isometric tension recording. In both groups, concentration–response curves to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were displaced to the right with a reduction of the maximum response in aorta segments with PVAT. The anticontractile effect of PVAT was attenuated on segments from pregnant rats. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), an inhibitor of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, enhanced 5-HT-induced contractions of aorta segments from pregnant and nonpregnant rats only when PVAT was attached. There was no difference in the effect of 4-aminopyridine on 5-HT-induced contractions of aorta segments with PVAT from pregnant and nonpregnant rats. There was also no significant difference in the expression of Kv7.4 channels in aorta segments (with PVAT) between pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;) was detected in PVAT from pregnant and nonpregnant rats. The level of TNF-&agr; was significantly greater in PVAT from pregnant rats. Treatment of pregnant rats with pentoxyphyline significantly reduced the level of TNF-&agr; in the PVAT and restored the anticontractile effect of PVAT on aorta segments from pregnant rats. Finally, TNF-&agr; (10 ng/mL) potentiated 5-HT-induced contractions of PVAT-containing pregnant rat aorta. These results would suggest that the loss of anticontractile effect of PVAT in pregnant rat aorta could be due to enhanced production of TNF-&agr; in the PVAT in these rats.


The current study explored the impact of short term auditory training (LACE-Degraded) and auditory-cognitive training (LACE 4.0) on speech perceptual and cognitive measures in older adults with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Thirty five participants ages 60 to 80 years with symmetrical mild-moderate SNHL completed a preliminary test battery of speech perceptual cognitive and self-report measures. The 35 study participants were randomly placed into one of three training groups (LACE 4.0 LACE-Degraded or Short-Story Listening Training). Participants completed one week of training followed by post-testing. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was used to determine if significant improvements in speech perceptual cognitive processing and/or self-reported communication abilities occurred following the different training conditions. In addition Pearson Product Moment correlation analyses were used to determine associations between experimental measures.  No significant differences were found for initial measures of speech perceptual cognitive processing or self-report communication abilities; age or hearing loss between the three groups. The main finding was improvement for the LACE 4.0 group with increased performance on some speech perceptual and self-report measures. No strong correlations were found between changes in speech perception and initial measures of cognition or self-report. However small to moderate significant correlations were found between selected speech perceptual measures between cognitive processing measures and between self-report measures. In the current study tests sharing more common features tended to show significant correlations. Of interest was a strong significant positive correlation that occurred between the Words in Noise test (speech perceptual measure) and the Time Compressed Speech test (processing speed measure). These two measures shared three out of five common task features and used words from the NU 6 word list. Unlike others studies the current study focused on auditory and auditory-cognitive training in non-hearing aid users. These types of trainings may be a valid option for non-hearing aid users. Further confirmation of short-term training benefit is important because there is low compliance for completing the traditional longer training programs.


This study investigates how the subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs) reconfigure their resource bases to respond to an altered strategic positioning. In particular, the focus is on the subsidiaries of multinational enterprises from emerging economies (EMNEs), which undertake transformation from export-orientation to host market-orientation in an emerging economy being host country. Two Taiwanese MNEs with subsidiaries in China extensively operated the host market are selected as case studies. This research is grounded in a preliminary conceptualisation covering three main areas: subsidiary organisations, external actors in the host country and headquarters' functions. It provides insights into (1) how the subsidiaries align their historical resources with newly-developed capabilities; (2) how the subsidiaries govern inter-firm relations with external actors in the host environment; and (3) whether and how complementary resources are to a limited extent transferred from headquarters to subsidiaries so as to support the operations in the host market. With regards to the organisational initiatives undertaken by the case subsidiaries, it is found that the historical resources are leveraged to support the host market business, whilst at the same time developing required marketing capabilities. In addition, the concept of organisational ambidexterity is adopted to refer to way in which existing (export-oriented) and new (host market-oriented) businesses that are operating simultaneously. As to the inter-firm relations, the case subsidiaries have been mainly governing their relations with distributors by performance-based mechanisms aiming to secure stable profits. By contrast, the relation-based trust was not commonly observed among the cooperation ties. With growing brand strengths and increased direct contact with consumers, they held higher authority over the interfirm relations with distributors than during the initial stages of operating in the Chinese market. In addition, with regards to the cross-border resource transfers, two distinct modes of headquarters-subsidiary relationships emerged: a traditional one, in which headquarters allocate resources within MNEs and a novel one in which headquarters' functions were gradually replaced by the powerful subsidiary, termed in this thesis as "migrating headquarters". On the basis of these findings, we put forward a set of propositions that present the interrelations between the resource circumstances of case subsidiaries, the institutional environments and the organisational initiatives undertaken by the case subsidiaries. Theoretically, the contributions of this study are threefold. Firstly, it advances the research on subsidiary development by holistically exploring the: resource reconfiguration of subsidiaries, inter-firm relations with external actors and headquarters-subsidiary relationships. In particular, the resource deficiency which the EMNEs' subsidiaries encountered and the characteristics of the required capabilities for the host market-oriented transformation, i.e. local marketing competences, were investigated. Secondly, through probing the governance mechanisms adopted regarding interfirm relations between the case subsidiaries and local distributors, this study not only addresses the question of how MNEs acquire this location-bound resource, but also advances the extant research by the aspect of network positions. That is, this study indicates that the first-tier distributors hold more relations-based interactions with the case subsidiaries than the lower-tier ones did. Moreover, unlike the reliance on informal relations suggested by extant literature on doing business in emerging economies, it is found that the economic governance mechanisms based on distributor performance have been predominantly adopted by the case subsidiaries. Thirdly, by investigating how the complementary resources are transferred to the subsidiaries, this work discovers EMNEs' weakness at responding to the host market-oriented subsidiary transformation in terms of resource deployment within MNEs, in particular those resources that have been mostly controlled by headquarters. In addition, the term "migrating headquarters", which represents an extreme outcome of subsidiary development, provides novel knowledge to the extant literature on the relocation of MNE headquarters by the perspective of resource circumstances. Moreover, the five components comprising dynamic capabilities in the context of subsidiary transformation are identified through the two case studies as being: capability upgrading, capability leverage, capability building, coordination capability and cooperative capability.


The application of the streak camera with the circular sweep for satellite laser ranging is described. The Modular Streak Camera system employing the circular sweep option was integrated into the conventional Satellite Laser System. The experimental satellite tracking and ranging has been performed. The first satellite laser echo streak camera records are presented.


Background Despite substantial progress in some countries in traffic injuries prevention enormous gaps remain which the health sector can play a critical role addressing. Description of the problem Road traffic injuries claim the lives of over 1.2 million people and seriously injure millions more each year. These largely preventable injuries lead causes of death worldwide of people ages 15–29. Governments play a critical role improving road safety through leading multisectoral responses. However, overcoming the current achievement plateau, with injury numbers rising mainly in low- and middle-income countries, requires the health sector to increase its leadership role. Since 2004, world leaders have passed six resolutions at the UN General Assembly on Improving Road Safety, working to increase the holistic response. Although Ministers of Health last passed a resolution at the World Health Organisation on traffic injuries prevention over ten years ago, the health sector has played a critical role establishing injury data systems and the evidence base for effective interventions. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2020 offers an opportunity for countries to work multilaterally to organise around key recommendations for actions to address current gaps. National governments would benefit from having a multisectoral strategy, including a strong health presence, to prevent and respond to traffic injuries. Results We know what works to prevent traffic-related injuries; now is the time to implement those strategies, worldwide, for example, improving data collection and analysis for decision making; and public education on emergency response. Beyond the technical knowledge, there is also a critical role for health ministries to bring increased visibility to the public health aspects of road safety and to how health can better integrate into the multisectoral response. Countries should capitalise on the SDG targets agreement and convene various sectors–health, transportation, education, justice–to strengthen implementation of contextually-relevant best practices. The health sector can play a leading role in this process, applying its health systems and health promotion expertise. Conclusions Road traffic injuries exert an enormous toll on national health systems. Strong health sector involvement and leadership can galvanise action on global and national health agendas. The UNGA resolutions, the Decade of Action on Road Safety Plan, and the 2015 Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety can all be leveraged to mobilise accelerated multisectoral approaches to save millions of lives.


We herein describe a needle insertion method involving tissue preloading for accurate breast tumor treatment. A mechanical preloading probe locates a tumor lesion from ultrasound imaging information and reduces lesion displacement during needle insertion by pressing the breast tissue. We validated the insertion accuracy of this method by numerical simulation and experiments both in vitro and in vivo. For further accuracy enhancement, we evaluated the geometry effect of the preloading probe on needle insertion accuracy by experiments in vitro. We compared the insertion accuracy between insertion with preloading using different probe diameters and normal needle insertion. In addition, we compared insertion accuracy at different tumor depths. The data indicated a tendency for adaptation of larger preloading probe diameters with deeper tumors. This suggests the potential for our method to enhance placement accuracy by real-time geometry regulation.


In this work we demonstrate a polarization sensitive computational imaging system based on a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) and several single-pixel photodetectors. By taking advantage of computational imaging techniques, the light measured by each single-pixel detector can reconstruct a 2D image for a specific linear polarization state. Using the rapid 22 kHz ?> frame-rate of the DMD to continuously project a series of spatially orthogonal illumination patterns, near video-rate reconstructions can be achieved. In addition we extend this approach to provide full-colour images through a process of sequential colour selection (RGB). Taking the difference between photodetector signals from orthogonal linear polarization states, we obtain images corresponding to the linear Stokes parameters. We apply this rapid polarization sensitive imaging system to inert and biological material. Since the spatial information in the images reconstructed by this approach are determined by the projection system, rather than the detectors, the approach provides perfect pixel registration between the various polarization selective images and associated Stokes parameters. Furthermore, the use of single-pixel detectors and the large operational bandwidth afforded by DMD's means that the approach can readily be extended for imaging at wavelengths where detector arrays are unavailable or limited.


Abstract:Small and medium enterprise (SMEs) sector is central to youth employment generation and contribution to national GDPs globally. This paper aimed at comparing the enabling environment for youth SMEs startups between India and Tanzania countries. This paper employed systematic literature review method where critical review of secondary data was made. The analysis noted that the two countries differ in three critical aspects of enabling environment for SMEs start up. These aspects are financial support, training support and material support. India has various grants, free and low interest rates schemes unlike Tanzania. The training system in India has been linked with some financial schemes, the component that you can hardly find in Tanzania. Also, India has various non-financial support for SMEs startup such as machines provision, workshop attendance support and spaces/accommodation support for small businesses. Tanzania has tried for the material support such as space support, yet it charges the SMEs owners some rents similar to established SMEs. Generally, SMEs startup environment in India is better compared to Tanzania. Tanzania can generate some lessons from India so as to improve its enabling environment for youth SMEs start up.


The use of diatoms as palaeoecological indicators is well established, particularly in polar marine and lake environments where the frustules are well preserved in, and often dominate, the sedimentary record. Until recently, marine studies have been concentrated primarily in West Antarctica, namely the Ross Sea, Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula. In comparison, relatively little research has been conducted in East Antarctica, which is the focus of this study. Here, diatom assemblages preserved in over 100 surface sediment samples, collected from Prydz Bay and Mac.Robertson Shelf, have been analysed for diatom distribution and abundance. They are compared to the assemblages preserved in six sedimentary cores from the same area, as a means of reconstructing the natural variability of Holocene palaeoclimates on the East Antarctic continental shelf.
The distribution and composition of four diatom assemblages are identified in the surface sediments of Prydz Bay and Mac.Robertson Shelf using multivariate statistical analyses. Multiple regression is used to identify the relationship between these assemblages and known environmental variables: The "coastal" assemblage; characterised by sea-ice species, is present in near-shore and shallow regions where seasonal sea ice breakout does not regularly occur. In the centre of the bay, and extending west along Mac.Robertson Shelf, the "shelf" diatom assemblage is characterised by sea-ice and ice-edge diatoms. Offshore of the continental shelf break zone, the "oceanic" assemblage is characterised by open water species. This assemblage also extends along the eastern margin of Prydz Bay, and it is suggested that they have been transported onshore by the slowly circulating, cyclonic Prydz Bay gyre. The fourth diatom assemblage contains both sea-ice and open water species. All are characteristically large and heavily silicified, and the assemblage is interpreted to represent one from which the smaller and more fragile diatom frustules have been removed by current winnowing.
The diatom assemblages in cores from Prydz Bay and Mac.Robertson Shelf are analysed and compared to the surface assemblages using the same multivariate methods. Down core assemblages that are analogous to those in the surface sediment indicate periods during which the depositional regime and palaeocological conditions on the continental shelf were similar to that of those today. These assemblages dominate the cores, providing a useful indicator of sea ice concentration and extent since the Late Pleistocene. It is also suggested that they indicate changes in both the geographic position of the Prydz Bay gyre and strength in water currents exiting the bay.
The presence of down core assemblages that have no modern analogue indicate periods of deposition that were significantly different from today. This is most evident in the depositional basins of Iceberg Alley and Nielsen Basin, on Mac.Robertson Shelf, where laminated core intervals are characterised by Chaetoceros resting spores or Corethron criophilum. Compared to similar assemblages observed in West Antarctica, the intervals suggest that, the during the Holocene, parts of the East Antarctic continental shelf experienced periods of decreased sea ice concentration and increased primary production. Chaetoceros resting spores may also be a useful proxy to record changes in the position of maximum summer ice retreat.


This paper demonstrates the first fully integrated built-in self-test (BIST) Σ-Δ analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chip to the best of our knowledge. The ADC under test (AUT) comprises a second-order design-for-digital-testability Σ-Δ modulator and a decimation filter. The purely digital BIST circuitry conducts single-tone tests for the signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR), the dynamic range, the offset, and the gain error of the AUT. The BIST design is based on the proposed modified controlled sine-wave fitting procedure to address the component overload issues, reduce the setup parameter numbers, and eliminate the need for parallel multipliers. The total gate count of the whole BIST circuitry is only 13 300. The hardware overhead is much less than the BIST design using the traditional fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis. Measurement results show that the peak SNDR results of the proposed BIST design and the conventional FFT analysis are 75.5 and 75.3 dB, respectively. The subtle SNDR difference is already within analog test uncertainty. The BIST Σ-Δ ADC achieves a digital test bandwidth higher than 17 kHz, very close to the rated 20-kHz bandwidth of the AUT.


This paper addresses the performance evaluation and optimization of stochastic timed event graphs. The transitions firing times of such a timed event graph are random variables with general distribution. We first establish an upper bound and a lower bound for the average cycle time of the timed event graph. We prove that any cycle time greater than the greatest mean transition firing time can be reached by putting enough tokens in each place. The necessary and sufficient condition of the reachability of the greatest mean firing time is established. We then address the marking optimization problem which consists in obtaining a given cycle time while minimizing a linear criterion depending on the initial marking.


This study deals with the rise and decline of the system of unelected representative bodies that accompanied post-war democracy in the Netherlands. After World War II, the number of these unelected representative bodies grew spectacularly, but from the seventies onwards, it started to decrease. How can we account for this remarkable political change? In traditional historiography, this change is associated with the pillarisation of Dutch society, the institutionalisation of corporatist arrangements, the emergence of new social movements or the deep-rooted practice of consensus building. As these accounts turn out to be problematic, this study focuses on the democratic character of unelected representative bodies. Chapter 1 introduces a framework for analysing the democratic character of these bodies, based on the criteria of a democratic political order as identified by R.A. Dahl. The framework encompasses the constitution of the domains represented by unelected bodies; the recruitment of their members; the tasks they fulfilled; and their internal decision-making process. Chapter 2 presents the cases used to analyse how the democratic character of the system of unelected representative bodies developed. These cases are the Sociaal-Economische Raad (1950), the Landbouwschap (1954 - 1995), the Nationale Raad voor Maatschappelijk Werk (1946 - 1989) and the Raad voor de Kunst (1955 - 1995). Chapter 3 shows that the represented domains were either constituted from above by the state or from below by interest groups. The involvement of interest groups led to the exclusion of rivals and, later on, to petrifaction, with the composition of unelected bodies remaining the same despite fundamental social changes. Chapter 4 highlights a similar pattern as the members delegated by interest groups managed to exclude a large number of newcomers. This resulted in a fierce critique of the involvement of interest groups in member recruitment and led to a new generation of unelected councils composed of independent experts. Chapter 5 illustrates that most bodies turned to interest articulation, consultation and advisory tasks instead of governing the domains they represented – one of their initial tasks. Meanwhile, as chapter 6 shows, the internal decision-making process acquired a more democratic character because both its openness to the public and opportunities for participation increased. However, conflicts of interest intensified. There were two categories of unelected representative bodies, as the concluding Chapter 7 makes clear. One category remained largely unaffected by social pressures and was influenced mainly by internal processes aiming to consolidate the position of insiders. The other category transformed in accordance with political initiative or administrative changes. These bodies were the first to be abolished or transformed into assemblies of experts, intensively controlled by the state. A dialectics of loss of control and interference explains why the state delegated public responsibility first but withdrew it later, causing the system to decline. A dialectics of expertise and social support explains why its composition changed. By recruiting members from interest groups, the government tried to enhance social support for political decisions. The introduction of experts helped to overcome the shortcomings these members exposed but weakened links with society


Background: This study aimed to evaluate the treatment effects of reverse Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) on femoral intertrochanteric fractures.
Methods: A total of 22 cases with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were treated with reverse LISS. The period from injury to operation was 3-14 days.
Results: The haemorrhage was 130.5 ± 60 ml during the surgery and the operation time was 55 ± 15 min. The fracture healing time was 10-27 W (average 13.4 W). According to the Harris functional scoring, the results were excellent in 11, good in 8, fair in 2 and poor in 1, excellent and good rate of clinical results were 86.4%. 2 cases developed discomforts and pains in greater trochanter. Plate collapse was found in 1 case by X-ray 6 months following surgery. Fortunately, no further treatment was required for fracture malunion. The rest 19 cases had no surgical site infection, no varus deformity of hip, any implant failure and displacement of fracture, no backing out or loosening of the locking screws.
Conclusions: Reverse LISS plate is an effective way for femoral intertrochanteric fractures, although there is certain failure rate. In order to improve the clinical effect, intraoperative normative operation and avoiding early weight bearing are very important.


Three-dimensional (3D) cell scaffolds are essential for tissue engineering. So far, various polymer hydrogels have been utilized to design 3D scaffolds as a biomaterial. In this study, we focused on a biocompatible polysaccharide, agarose, as a potential biomaterial candidate. We have previously established a laminin-derived cell adhesive peptide library, and these peptides are useful for incorporating cell adhesiveness into inert materials. We synthesized aldehyde-functionalized agarose (CHO-agarose) by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation of agarose and developed peptide-agarose scaffolds using two laminin peptides, CGG-A99 (CGGAGTFALRGDNPQG, binds to v3 integrin) and CGG-AG73 (CGGRKRLQVQLSIRT, binds to syndecan). The peptides were effectively loaded on to the CHO-agarose gels via thiazolidine formation without coupling reagents. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assay using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) showed that the peptide-agarose gels have potent cell adhesion activity and promoted cell proliferation. Further, we developed a simple preparation method of 3D cell culture scaffolds using peptide-agarose microgels. HDFs cultured in a 3D environment of the A99-agarose microgel scaffold exhibited cell spreading morphology and proliferated significantly. These results suggest that 3D cell culture systems using peptide-agarose microgel scaffolds are promising as a biomaterial for tissue engineering.


Background Although previous studies have reported that frequent earphone use and lead exposure are risk factors for hearing loss, most of these studies were limited to small populations or animal experiments. Several studies that presented the joint effect of combined exposure of noise and heavy metal on hearing loss were also mainly conducted on occupational workers exposed to high concentration. Objectives We investigated both the individual and joint effects of earphone use and environmental lead exposure on hearing loss in the Korean general population. Methods We analyzed data from 7,596 Koreans provided by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) during the period 2010–2013. The pure-tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds at 2, 3, and 4 kHz frequencies was computed, and hearing loss was defined as a PTA ≥ 25 dB in one or both ears. Results A dose-response relationship in hearing loss with earphone use time and blood lead level is observed after adjustment for confounding factors. With a 1-hour increase in earphone use time and 1 μg/dL increase in blood lead concentration, the odds of hearing loss increased by 1.19 and 1.43 times, respectively. For hearing loss, the additive and multiplicative effect of earphone use and blood lead level were not statistically significant. Conclusions Earphone use and environmental lead exposure have an individual effect on hearing loss in the general population. However, the estimated joint effect of earphone use and lead exposure was not statistically significant.