In this paper, we propose and simulate an efficient interference cancellation scheme with an optimal ordering successive interference cancellation (SIC) algorithm for ultra wideband (UWB)/multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems in a wire- less body area network (WBAN). When there are several wireless communication devices on a human body, multiple access interference (MAI) usually occurs. To mitigate the effect of MAI and achieve additional diversity gain, we utilize SIC with an optimal ordering algorithm. A zero correlation duration (ZCD) code with robust MAI capability is employed as a spread code for UWB systems in a multi-device WBAN environment. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated in terms of the bit error rate (BER). Simulation results confirm that the BER performance can be improved significantly if the proposed interference cancellation scheme and the ZCD code are jointly employed.


In tandem with the expanding obesity pandemic, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as NASH)- driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predicted to rise globally, creating a significant need for therapeutic interventions. We previously identified the upregulation of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), which is implicated in facilitating the progression from MASH to HCC. The objective of this study was to examine whether the intervention of curcumin could alleviate AATF-mediated MASH, inhibit tumor growth, and elucidate the underlying mechanism. A preclinical murine model mimicking human MASH-HCC was employed, subjecting mice to either a chow diet normal water (CDNW) or western diet sugar water (WDSW) along with very low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 - 0.2 μL/g, weekly). Mice receiving curcumin (CUR) alongside WDSW/CCl4 exhibited significant improvements, including reduced liver enzymes, dyslipidemia, steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning. Curcumin treatment also suppressed hepatic expression of inflammatory, fibrogenic, and oncogenic markers. Of note, there was a significant reduction in the expression of AATF upon curcumin treatment in WDSW/CCl4 mice and human HCC cells. In contrast, curcumin upregulated Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in MASH liver and HCC cells, which is known to downregulate sp1 (specificity protein-1) expression. Thus, curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the progression of MASH to HCC by downregulating the expression of AATF via the KLF4-Sp1 signaling pathway. These preclinical findings establish a novel molecular connection between curcumin and AATF in reducing hepatocarcinogenesis, and provide a strong rationale for the development of curcumin as a viable treatment for MASH-HCC in humans.


We report on the role of conserved stress–response pathways for cellular tolerance to a pore forming toxin. First, we observed that small molecular weight inhibitors including of eIF2α-phosphatase, jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and PI3-kinase sensitized normal mouse embryonal fibroblasts (MEFs) to the small pore forming S. aureus α-toxin. Sensitization depended on expression of mADAM10, the murine ortholog of a proposed high-affinity receptor for α-toxin in human cells. Similarly, eIF2αS51A/S51A MEFs, which harbor an Ala knock-in mutation at the regulated Ser51 phosphorylation site of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α, were hyper-sensitive to α-toxin. Inhibition of translation with cycloheximide did not mimic the tolerogenic effect of eIF2α-phosphorylation. Notably, eIF2α-dependent tolerance of MEFs was toxin-selective, as wild-type MEFs and eIF2αS51A/S51A MEFs exhibited virtually equal sensitivity to Vibrio cholerae cytolysin. Binding of S. aureus α-toxin to eIF2αS51A/S51A MEFs and toxicity in these cells were enhanced as compared to wild-type cells. This led to the unexpected finding that the mutant cells carried more ADAM10. Because basal phosphorylation of eIF2α in MEFs required amino acid deprivation-activated eIF2α-kinase 4/GCN2, the data reveal that basal activity of this kinase mediates tolerance of MEFs to α-toxin. Further, they suggest that modulation of ADAM10 is involved. During infection, bacterial growth may cause nutrient shortage in tissues, which might activate this response. Tolerance to α-toxin was robust in macrophages and did not depend on GCN2. However, JNKs appeared to play a role, suggesting differential cell type and toxin selectivity of tolerogenic stress responses. Understanding their function or failure will be important to comprehend anti-bacterial immune responses.


The article approaches the social barriers and the organizational barriers that seem to impede the accomplishment of physical activity in the oldness. The methodology has consisted of the accomplishment of interviews face to face to a sample, selected by means of a sampling multistage of the sixty five-year-old Spanish population fulfilled or more. The participants present the following characteristics: 53,1 % is women and 46,9 % males; 54,7 % had between 65 and 74 years and 45,3 % was overcoming 75 years. The instrument used in the investigation has consisted of a questionnaire with closed questions and a scale of barrier perception for the practice of physical weekly activity. The results show the existence of 12,8 % of major persons that they want to practise but not to be able to do it for any barriers. The principal organizational barriers perceived are in diminishing order: inconvenient schedule; do not be where to do it; the price is high; the site is far. The principal barriers related to the social environments on behalf of these persons are: not to have time and his relatives or friends would get upset. Key Words: physical activity, oldness, organizational barriers, social barriers.


Radar is a device which detects distant or non visible objects by means of reflected radio waves [1]. The quality of the reflected signal depends on the shape and orientation of the target with respect to the type of polarization used. Most of the antennas currently used on radar systems employ one type of polarization at a time for target detection. This paper describes the importance of employing polarizations of multiple angles on targets, approximately at the same instant of time. To implement this idea a generalized set of equations have been derived which represent the backscatter generated by a cylindrical object. Using different angles in these equations would give the backscatters of different polarizations employed on the same target, at small time intervals. The logic behind this is that there would be at least one angle that would have the maximum signal strength in the backscatter. The backscatter for this angle would satisfy the best quality criterion as compared with the rest of the polarization angles.


The work embarks on a quest to discover the parameters of faiva, the dances, martial arts, aquatic and land-based sports which are exhibited on Tongan festival grounds as trials of skill. The work is organised as a succession of festivals (katoanga), shows, receptions, night concerts, funerals, and regattas spanning 200 years, from the 1770s to the 1970s. The work employs a strategy of Juxtaposing ethnographic and historical evidence. This technique enriches historical records with an ethnographic reading, and allows historical insight into the choreographic and aesthetic conventions of Tongan performances. It indicates which accounts to trust and what sense to impute to fragments. Contest on the festival ground, contest in twentieth century social status rivalry, and contest in eighteenth century political challenge, all follow the same codes. The work proposes a new paradigm for interpreting Tonga's political history. That paradigm is faiva. The work proposes a critical theory for reading Tongan records. Tongan accounts are not intended to recount historical origins, but to validate new configurations. In politics, history, and faiva, the eighteenth century objective was to harness the realm of the sacred. Part I is an ethnographic description of villagers rehearsing a dance in 1971, torn between reluctance to fulfill feudal obligations to the ruling aristocracy, and the appeal of retaining a reputation as the island's leading dancers. Of all tasks, presentation of a faiva was given priority. Part II is a historical reconstruction of the repertoire of the late eighteenth century. Here each faiva is seen exhibited in its lakanga : appropriate occasion. Martial arts and implement dances accompanied presentations between chiefs contesting for power. Mock battles followed presentations to the gods. Night dances were lit by torchlight. High-ranking women processed at the weddings of sacred chiefs. Appropriate settings enhanced the peculiar aesthetic of each faiva; political and religious agendas added force to performances. Part III describes the process of a new repertoire emerging, and the social fabrication of its legitimacy. The Appendix assembles an eighteenth century repertoire of choreographies and song texts, demonstrating that records exist for the scholarship of early Tongan music and dance.


textabstractBreast cancer is the second leading cause of deaths by cancers worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer is rising in most countries, while survival of patients with breast cancer has improved. To facilitate early detection of breast cancer, it is necessary to improve risk prediction models that are useful for early detection of breast cancer by identification of novel breast cancer risk genes/alleles. In our studies, two recurrent HOXB13 mutations in the Dutch population and NBS1 rs2735383 in the European and Asian populations were not associated with increased breast cancer risk. Furthermore, to improve personalized treatment it is necessary to discover new prognostic and predictive biomarkers for breast cancer. We found that the 29.5 kb APOBEC3B deletion polymorphism was neither a prognostic nor a predictive biomarker for breast cancer. Furthermore, GATA3 mRNA expression, but not GATA3 mutation, is an independent predictor for first-line tamoxifen therapy. Lager studies for validation and more studies to understand the mechanisms are necessary in the future.


This paper addresses the problem of reconstructing an image from low-count Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data. We build on recent advances combining deep neural networks with expectation-maximization algorithms. More specifically, we extend the recent DIPRecon approach [1] to handle various challenges linked to natively low-count Yttrium 90 data. To this end, we rely on the interpretation of the Deep Image Prior (DIP) in the light of approximate Bayesian inference. By introducing a stochastic gradient Langevin dynamics (SGLD) optimizer, we reduce the tendency of the algorithm to overfit the noisy maximum likelihood estimate while improving the contrast recovery figures. Moreover, as a by-product of the SGLD optimization, the method recovers an uncertainty value associated with every voxel in the estimated image. We qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the proposed method on data acquired with the NEMA IEC body phantom achieving high-quality results.


Cyclic peptide display screening techniques can identify drug leads and biological probes with exceptional affinity and specificity. To date, however, the structural and functional diversity encoded in such peptide libraries remains unexplored. We have used the Random nonstandard Peptide Integrated Discovery (RaPID) system to develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of several acetyllysine-binding bromodomains from the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal domain (BET) family of epigenetic regulators. These peptides have very high affinities for their targets and exhibit extraordinary selectivity (up to 106-fold), making them the highest-affinity and most specific BET-binding molecules discovered to date. Crystal structures of 13 distinct peptide-bromodomain complexes, which all target the acetyllysine-binding pocket, reveal remarkable diversity in both peptide structure and binding mode, and include both α-helical and β-sheet type structures. The peptides can exhibit a high degree of structural pre-organization and bivalent binding of two BDs by one peptide was common, flagging the potential for a new direction in inhibitor design that could bring stronger discrimination between BET-family paralogues. Our data demonstrate for the first time the enormous potential held in these libraries to provide a wide array of modes against a single target, maximizing the opportunity to attain high potency and specificity ligands to a wide variety of proteins.


Monomodal practices are a regular occurrence in the elementary classroom, where the reading and writing of traditional print-based texts are often what is tested and what is valued. Yet, multimodal literacy practices provide students with engaging ways to communicate meaning and prepare students for the texts they will encounter outside of the classroom. While teachers may already use multimodal practices, these practices are often selected without an understanding of what multimodality is and may be used inconsistently or haphazardly. Although much has been written about the importance of multimodal literacy, less is known about practical ways to incorporate and assess multimodal literacy in the elementary classroom. This article provides four areas of practice, drawn from the research on multimodal literacy, that can be used in creating a multimodal literacy classroom: seeing, showing, telling, and moving through a story. Research-based ideas for assessing multimodal products are also provided. Multimodality is the way forward in preparing our students to be literate for the future.


Some 30,Wprotein sequences are known. For 1,000 the structure is experimentally solved. Another 4,000 can be modeled by homology. For the remaining 25,000 sequences, the tertiary structure (30) cannot be predicted generally from the sequence. A reduction of the problem is the projection of 30 structure onto a one-dimensional string of secondary structure assignments. Predictions in three states rate between 36% (random) and 88% (homology modelling) accuracy. Here, we present an improvement of a neural network system using informalion about evolutionary conservation. The method achieves a sustained overall accuracy of 71.4%. A test on 45 new proteins confirms the estimated accuracy. Of practical importance is the definition of a reliability index at each residue position: e.g. about 40% of the predicted residues have an expected accuracy of 88%. The method has been made publicly available by an automatic e-mail server.


In this chapter, a decentralized cooperative control protocol is proposed with application to any network of agents with non-affine nonlinear multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) dynamics. Here, the main purpose of cooperative control protocol is to track a time-variant reference trajectory while maintaining a desired formation. The reference trajectory is defined to a leader, which has at least one information connection with one of the agents in the network. The design procedure includes a robust adaptive law for estimating the unknown nonlinear terms of each agent's dynamics in a model-free format, that is, without the use of any regressors. Moreover, an observer is designed to have an approximation on the values of control parameters for the leader at the agents without connection to the leader. The entire design procedure is analysed successfully for the stability using Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, the simulation results for the application of the proposed method on a network of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots (WMR) are presented. Desirable leader-following tracking and geometric formation control performance have been successfully demonstrated through simulated group of wheeled mobile robots.


The mathematical model to predict the temperature history for wood column is needed in order to determine its fire resistance when exposed to fire. In this paper, an intelligent methodology called Finite Element Method (FEM) of performing analysis for the square and circular wood columns by virtually or artificially developing a temperature history mathematical model. Numerical simulation model has been developed for the wood column by using two-dimensional mathematical model. The two-dimensional mathematical model was developed by using Galerkin's Weighted Residual technique. This model focuses on the regional material of the wood column for describing its thermal behavior. When the temperature history in a column and relevant materials properties are known, the strength of the column can be calculated at any time during fire. Therefore, the development of the temperature history mathematical model is a must before any further study to be carried out for the wood columns. The flow of convection will result in minimal increase in the rate of heat energy reaching the column core. The analysis shows that the temperature of the column increases with respect to the duration of exposure to fire.


Factor (F) XII, a key component of the contact system, triggers clotting via the intrinsic pathway, and is implicated in propagating thrombosis. Although nucleic acids are potent activators, it is unclear how the contact system is regulated to prevent uncontrolled clotting. Previously, we showed that histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) binds FXIIa and attenuates its capacity to trigger coagulation. To investigate the role of HRG as a regulator of the intrinsic pathway, we compared RNA- and DNA-induced thrombin generation in plasma from HRG-deficient and wild-type mice. Thrombin generation was enhanced in plasma from HRG-deficient mice and accelerated clotting was restored to normal with HRG reconstitution. Although blood loss after tail tip amputation was similar in HRG-deficient and wild-type mice, carotid artery occlusion after FeCl 3 injury was accelerated in HRG-deficient mice and HRG administration abrogated this effect. To confirm that HRG modulates the contact system, we used DNase, RNase and antisense oligonucleotides to characterize the FeCl 3 model. Whereas DNase or FVII knockdown had no effect, carotid occlusion was abrogated with RNase or FXII knockdown; confirming that FeCl 3 -induced thrombosis is triggered by RNA in a FXII-dependent fashion. Therefore, in a nucleic acid-driven model, HRG inhibits thrombosis by modulating the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.


Background Adherence to long-term treatment is challenging. Deferasirox (DFX) is a daily oral iron chelator approved in the United States for transfusional iron overload. Procedures Twenty-one subjects with sickle cell disease (mean age 13.8±4.2 y) received DFX 20 to 30 mg/kg daily for 1-year while on chronic blood transfusions. Good adherence to DFX was defined as ≥80% intake of prescribed dose. Adherence was assessed by monthly pill counts and calendars, and questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Results Fifteen of 21 subjects (71%) were adherent to DFX according to self-reports, with 83% of the patients being adherent at 1 month, 89% at 3 months, 65% at 6 months, and 78% at 12 months. We were only able to document continuous good adherence in 43% of patients by pill counts because of poor bottle return. The discrepancy between pill counts and self-reports may be related to over-reporting, with the real adherence being lower. Parental involvement with DFX administration (P=0.03) and age ≤16 years (P=0.0055) correlated with adherence. We could not detect a significant correlation between serum ferritin declines and adherence. Conclusion Seventy-one percent of patients adhered to DFX according to questionnaire responses but only 43% did according to pill counts. Adherence was poorer in adolescents older than 16 years of age and in patients who had no parental supervision of medications.


High performance polyimide (PI) foam has been prepared by esterification method using benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA) and diamino diphenylmethane (MDA) as the main materials in the mixture of methanol and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The cellular structure, thermal properties and flame retardance properties of PI foam were characterized by hot stage optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetic analysis (TGA) and limiting oxygen Index (LOI), respectively. The results showed that the cellular structure was more ideal when the particle diameter of polyester ammonium salt (PEAS) precursor powder was 100μm; the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PI foam was more than 300°C, 5% weight loss temperature was above 500°C, LOI was as high as 50% and sound absorption was over 0.5.


This paper solves a multi-objective optimal power flow (MO-OPF) problem in a wind-thermal power system. Here, the power output from the wind energy generator (WEG) is considered as the schedulable, therefore the wind power penetration limits can be determined by the system operator. The stochastic behavior of wind power and wind speed is modeled using the Weibull probability density function. In this paper, three objective functions i.e., total generation cost, transmission losses and voltage stability enhancement index are selected. The total generation cost minimization function includes the cost of power produced by the thermal and WEGs, costs due to over-estimation and the under-estimation of available wind power. Here, the MO-OPF problems are solved using the multi-objective glowworm swarm optimization (MO-GSO) algorithm. The proposed optimization problem is solved on a modified IEEE 30 bus system with two wind farms located at two different buses in the system.. IndexTerms Optimal power flow, Renewable energy sources, Multi-objective optimization, Uncertainty, Voltage stability.


Three kinds of blood meal coming from different processing conditions (spray-dried, drum-dried and vat-dried blood meals) were evaluated. Protein extraction and fractionation were performed in each blood meal type to determine the molecular weight profile, which was compared with standard bovine blood in natura. In vitro digestibility analyses of the protein in the diets were carried out in samples, which underwent defattening process or not. The apparent digestibility coefficients of the blood meal in vivo nutrients was determined with the creation of four diets; one of them did not have blood meal, called purified reference diet. For this stage, Nile-tilapia juveniles, with 100.00±5.0 g/fish of average weight were stocked in tanks of 250 liters in a completely randomized blocks design with four replicates and 10 fish per experimental unit. The test diets were obtained with the introduction of 30% of the blood meals in the study. The protein structure of the blood in natura is affected by high temperature and length of time of processing, resulting in an increase in the amount of low molecular weight peptides, and free amino acids, corresponding to low values of blood meal protein digestibility, both in- vivo and in-vitro tests. Spray-dried blood meal and drum-dried blood meal are efficiently used by the Nile-tilapia. In the regular blood meal, protein has lower value than the two other blood meal types. At the development of diets containing blood meal for Nile-tilapia, isoleucine must be the first limiting amino acid, followed by methionine + cystine, arginine, and threonine, which were found in critical levels for this specie, mainly in the conventional blood meal.


This article seeks to contribute to the union of Mexican coffee growers, growth and development of our coffee industry and increased commercial involvement by creating a network where family firms undertake strategic alliances, share and comply with standards of communication, technology, management information and knowledge, among others. Explanatory and descriptive documentary analysis of the importance of coffee farmer in Mexico category was performed in order to propose a Network model of Coffee in Mexico. The main pillars on which rests the network are: information, technology, knowledge and goods and services.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Cytological parameters such as chromosome numbers and genome sizes of plants are used routinely for studying evolutionary aspects of polyploid plants. Members of Zingiberaceae show a wide range of inter- and intrageneric variation in their reproductive habits and ploidy levels. Conventional cytological study in this group of plants is severely hampered by the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, which also affect their genome size estimation using flow cytometry. None of the several nuclei isolation buffers used in flow cytometry could be used very successfully for members of Zingiberaceae to isolate good quality nuclei from both shoot and root tissues.

METHODS
The competency of eight nuclei isolation buffers was compared with a newly formulated buffer, MB01, in six different genera of Zingiberaceae based on the fluorescence intensity of propidium iodide-stained nuclei using flow cytometric parameters, namely coefficient of variation of the G0/G1 peak, debris factor and nuclei yield factor. Isolated nuclei were studied using fluorescence microscopy and bio-scanning electron microscopy to analyse stain-nuclei interaction and nuclei topology, respectively. Genome contents of 21 species belonging to these six genera were determined using MB01.

KEY RESULTS
Flow cytometric parameters showed significant differences among the analysed buffers. MB01 exhibited the best combination of analysed parameters; photomicrographs obtained from fluorescence and electron microscopy supported the superiority of MB01 buffer over other buffers. Among the 21 species studied, nuclear DNA contents of 14 species are reported for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS
Results of the present study substantiate the enhanced efficacy of MB01, compared to other buffers tested, in the generation of acceptable cytograms from all species of Zingiberaceae studied. Our study facilitates new ways of sample preparation for further flow cytometric analysis of genome size of other members belonging to this highly complex polyploid family.


We use parametric and nonparametric methods to estimate correlations between average control cost and three field-level characteristics—field size and delivered phosphorous per field and per acre—as proxies for economies of scale in controlling nonpoint pollution. We combine load and delivery-ratio estimates for more than 12,000 fields in the Bear River Basin, Utah, with estimates of control costs and effectiveness of management practices from the literature. Results suggest a negative relationship between control cost and delivered phosphorous per field and per acre. Ranking fields by phosphorous load therefore prioritizes management-practice subsidies by economies of scale.


Here we present an updated inventory and study of pectoral girdle remains recovered from the Sima de los Huesos (SH) site. Here, we describe the key morphological traits of adults and, for the first time, subadult specimens. Because morphological traits can change with age, we also discuss some shortcomings related to age estimation in postcranial fossil specimens. Adult clavicles from the SH are long with a low robusticity index and marked curvatures in the superior view. Among these traits, only extreme clavicular length seems to characterize subadult individuals. Neandertals share all these traits. In the case of the scapula, the SH specimens share a relatively long and narrow glenoid fossa with Neandertals. This trait is also present in subadult individuals. Additionally, most specimens from SH, adults, and subadults showed a dorsal axillary sulcus on the scapular lateral border, a trait also present in most adult and subadult Neandertals. These traits in adult and subadult specimens supports substantial genetic control for many of them in both human species.


The study investigates a fuel mixture with ethane and methane as active species and a high dilution of CO2 for application in a spark-ignition (SI) engine. The simplified fuel mixture used is a byproduct of a chemical looping based oxidative dehydrogenation (Cl-ODH) process to convert ethane to ethylene. The byproduct gas mixture has a concentration of 41% CO2, 40% ethane, and 5% methane by weight along with other minor compounds. Varying mixtures of ethane and methane were selected and combined with between 42 to 46 percent by weight CO2 to evaluate the viability and efficiency of this fuel to operate in existing internal combustion engines as a means for reducing emissions and improving the process efficiency of the Cl-ODH process. An experimental test stand was built based on a 13 hp gasoline generator with modified gas induction. The engine was also instrumented for data acquisition from the engine. A gas metering and mixing system was installed to precisely control the mass of gases induced into the engine. Various instrumentation was installed on the engine to monitor in-cylinder pressure, temperature at various locations, emissions, and fuel and airflow rates. Varying loads were applied and flow rates of the gases were induced to simulate different mixtures. It was found that under a high load, the mixed gas was able to generate comparable thermal efficiency and power to gasoline. But under no load or a part load condition the indicated thermal efficiency was found to be lower than that of gasoline. Further, the mixed gas also resulted in lower CO and NOx emissions compared to gasoline. The application of this work is an alternative fuel for existing engines that with little modification can operate effectively and benefit the overall process of ethylene generation.


The purpose was to study the relationships between psychological factors and perceptually-based values (Ratings of Perceived Exertion: RPE and Estimated Time Limit: ETL). The researchers obtained the scores of several psychological factors (anxiety, extraversion-introversion, neuroticism-stability, self-esteem, motivation, psychological resistance and endurance, desire for success, social desirability, dynamism, competitiveness, activity control, risk-taking, emotional control, aggressiveness, sociability, cooperation, acceptance of a judgment, and leadership) among 23 cyclists. The cyclists performed a graded exercise test in which the researchers collected RPE and ETL at 150, 200, 250 and 300W. Correlations between RPE/ETL and psychological factors were examined. RPE was correlated with leadership, psychological resistance and endurance. ETL was significantly correlated with psychological endurance. These results suggest a link between psychological factors, effort perception, and the time limits predic...


As we advance Personalized Healthcare (PHC) across Europe, also thanks to the EU Commission initiatives, such as the Europe's beating cancer plan and the development of the European Reference Networks (ERNs), it is critical not to lose sight of the patient, and to ensure that PHC is made safe, accessible, and affordable to all: every patient has the right to be treated with the best technology for their specific disease based on their specific situation.
Technological developments, the basis of personalized medicine, have made available for many patients new diagnostic and therapeutic options that have often led to a better therapeutic adherence to treatment and a better quality of life.
In order to allow personalized medicine to develop its full potential in the coming years in Italy and in the rest of the EU, many challenges will have to be faced within the healthcare sector.
From the point of view of civic and patient associations, in the face of changing scenarios, it is essential that citizens are aware of this, know how to assert their rights and are vigilant and the first actors of change. In this context, the "Manifesto for the right to personalized medicine for cancer patients", wants to intervene in support of patients suffering from cancer, providing an in-depth analysis of the opportunities that the approach to personalized medicine today can represent.
Launched in Italy in July 2020 by Cittadinanzattiva, the Manifesto is now brought to the attention of European Institutions, in particular the MEP Interest Group "European Patients' Rights and Cross-Border Healthcare" by Active Citizenship Network, the EU branch of the Italian NGO.


The experiment was developed to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn grain by dehydrated citrus pulp pellets on the performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Gertrudis young bulls fed high concentrate diets. Twenty-eight bulls, with average age of nine months and an initial weight of 277 kg, were kept in individual pens and fed during 92 days, after 21 days of adaptation. The animals were fed a diet with 20% of the dry matter as corn silage, with 40% of grain. Treatments evaluated included levels of 0, 25, 40 and 55% of dehydrated citrus pulp pellets in the dry matter diet. There was no effect of citrus pulp level on the average daily gain, daily dry matter intake, feed efficiency, carcass dressing, Longissimus muscle area and the kidney, pelvic and inguinal fat. The increasing level of citrus pulp on the diet decreased linearly the backfat thickness and increased linearly the liver weight and carcass weight. The feces pH was similar for all the citrus pulp levels. Liver abscess were not detected, although the diet had high concentrate level. The dehydrated citrus pulp pellets can compound until 55% of dry matter diet, replacing corn grain to finishing young bulls fed high concentrate diets, with a small decrease in subcutaneous fat.


JM is a 22 year old G2P1 who initially had a 13 week ultrasound which showed a thick membrane adjacent to the superior edge of the placenta, most likely representing a marginal hematoma. A 21 week ultrasound showed normal fetal anatomy, normal amniotic fluid and a normal left anterior placenta. A follow up 28 week ultrasound showed the following: turbid amniotic fluid filled with echoreflections, thick and heterogeneous placenta, numerous cystic structures emanating from the placenta, with no vascular flow, easily deformable by fetal body parts. The differential diagnosis at this point was: placental cyst (s), late amniotic rupture (extraamniotic pregnancy), previously undiagnosed early amnion rupture with amniotic bands. A follow up 33 week ultrasound showed good growth (45 percentile) and normal amniotic fluid. A fetal echo showed mild tricuspid regurgitation and mild narrowing of the ductus arteriosis. A maternal hyperoxygenation pulmonary vascular test showed normal pulmonary vascular reactivity in response to oxygen, thus decreasing the likelihood for pulmonary hypoplasia. At 36 weeks, the fetus was less than the 10th percentile for size with preservation of the head/abdomen ratio. The fetus was tested with umbilical artery Doppler, NST and AFI. She was induced at 39 weeks and delivered a healthy neonate weighing 5 lbs, 9 ounces. There were no gross anomalies and no evidence of amniotic bands. The placenta grossly showed a 2 × 2 × 3 centimeter placental cyst on the fetal side. Placental pathology reported a marginal hematoma, multiple subchorionic cysts, intervillous thrombosis and old hemorrhage in the membranes. Pathology noted that while not specific, marginal hematoma and evidence of old hemorrhage are characteristic of extramembranous pregnancy.


Introduction The subcoronal approach is the most widely used skin degloving procedure for corporoplasty. Although it is relatively easy and it fully exposes the corpora cavernosa, it is not free from several complications (subcoronal lymphedema, decrease of glans sensitivity, paraphimosis, distal skin necrosis), which sometimes require a postoperative circumcision, or a preoperative prophylactic circumcision. Aim To describe our own degloving approach, the "Trans-scrotal Penile Degloving (TPD)", that is suitable for most corporoplasties, and to present the outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective analysis conducted on 89 patients (pts) presenting with different penile diseases, and submitted to the TPD during Corporoplasty, from February 2008 to July 2010: Congenital curvature (26 pts); Peyronie's Disease (PD) with penile curvature (18 pts); PD with erectile dysfunction and curvature (25 pts); Redo surgery with complex tunica albuginea remodeling and prosthesis implant (20 pts). The TPD approach calls for a 5 cm incision to be placed ventrally on the scrotal raphe at the penile base: penile degloving is then easily carried out up to the coronal line. Subsequently, the dorsal neurovascular bundle is normally isolated and all types of different corporoplasties can be carried out. Results Any complication occurring during or after surgery has been registered. Patient follow-up controls were performed on day 7, month 1 and month 3 post-surgery: – No pre- or post-operative circumcision procedures were required; – There was no evidence of post-operative preputial edema or penile skin necrosis or loss of glans sensitivity; – In 6 patients, we noted a mild scrotal sub-dartos hematoma, which reabsorbed spontaneously. Conclusions TPD, which represents an evolution of our previous combined subcoronal-trans-scrotal approach, may be advantageously performed in most corporoplasties with optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes, and may replace in many cases the subcoronal approach without its associated complications.


Upon the demise of socialism in 1991 Albania implanted a radical land reform, redistributing formerly collective land on an equal per capita basis, leading to drastic changes in land use. The consequences of this transition for the post socialist rural landscapes in Albania are examined in this paper. A village-level survey was conducted to analyze household resources and constraints. The survey was then integrated with data derived from satellite image interpretation and geographic information systems to develop a statistical model of two key land use changes of interest: the abandonment of cropland and forest-cover loss. Findings indicate that cropland is more likely to be abandoned further away from populated places, the national road network, and in villages with a lower household density. Land fragmentation is associated with greater abandonment in the later stages of transition. Forest loss occurs predominantly around the populated places in the period immediately following the collapse of socialism, and occurred in more remote areas within the last decade. New spatio-social partitions are emerging in the landscape, as land users abandon land to seek new opportunities, shift to more profitable market-oriented agriculture, or revert to subsistence strategies in the most marginal areas. Land-use and land-cover change are research aspects that are of global, regional as well as local importance. Examples for global significance are the carbon sequestration potential of soils and the biomass. Regional importance has, for example, the vegetation cover of particularly sloping land due to potential downstream damages caused by sedimentation of upstream topsoil erosion. Locally important are the income generating possibilities of the land, most importantly in rural areas from crop and livestock production. This paper assesses the recent developments in land-cover modifications and land-cover changes in Southeastern Albania with an emphasis on regional and local determinants of land-cover changes including a qualitative discussion of the potential impacts on environmental and socioeconomic development. To derive the state of and the changes in land cover changes satellite images area interpreted for three points in time. The spatially explicit land-cover data is linked to village data derived from a quantitative village survey, and to various indicators derived from geographic information systems (GIS).


Recent studies in our laboratory indicated that inactivation of a putative tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 9q is likely to be associated with an early step of esophageal carcinogenesis. To further define a region containing the putative tumor suppressor gene, we have examined loss of heterozygosity in 37 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas using 14 microsatellite markers mapped to 9q31-q34.1. Loss of heterozygosity was observed in 30 (81%) of 37 tumors at one or more of the loci examined, and partial or interstitial deletions at 9q31-q34.1 were detected in 13 of these tumors. On the basis of these results, we constructed a detailed deletion map and defined a commonly deleted region between the D9S262 and D9S154 loci at 9q31-q32. The genetic distance between these two loci is estimated to be approximately 4 cM.


A vibrotactile N-back task was used to generate cognitive load while participants were guided along virtual paths without vision. As participants stepped in place, they moved along a virtual path of linear segments. Information was provided en route about the direction of the next turning point, by spatial language ("left," "right," or "straight") or virtual sound (i.e., the perceived azimuth of the sound indicated the target direction). The authors hypothesized that virtual sound, being processed at direct perceptual levels, would have lower load than even simple language commands, which require cognitive mediation. As predicted, whereas the guidance modes did not differ significantly in the no-load condition, participants showed shorter distance traveled and less time to complete a path when performing the N-back task while navigating with virtual sound as guidance. Virtual sound also produced better N-back performance than spatial language. By indicating the superiority of virtual sound for guidance when cognitive load is present, as is characteristic of everyday navigation, these results have implications for guidance systems for the visually impaired and others.


It is analyzed the impacts of outsourcing cost and wage tax progression under labor market imperfections with Nash wage bargaining and flexible outsourcing. With sufficiently strong (weak) labor market imperfection, lower outsourcing cost has a wage-moderating (wage-increasing) effect so that there is a negative (positive) effect on equilibrium unemployment. Higher tax progression, to keep the relative tax burden per worker constant, has a wage moderating and a positive effect on employment and negative effect on outsourcing.


As research has progressed, it has become clear that the main difficulties in ATM pertain to its operational details rather than the concept. And it seems likely that these control issues will be much more complicated and costly for ATM switches when compared with current telephone circuit switches. The asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is the target switching technique for the future public broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN). The purpose of this article is to examine the management and control functions in ATM switching systems implied by current industry standards and agreements on OAM and traffic control. Until now, ATM research in the areas of switch design and traffic control have progressed essentially independently. First, we briefly review the B-ISDN Protocol Reference Model and its representation of the different information flows in ATM. Network management and traffic control principles in ATM, and in particular OAM, are overviewed. With this information as background, we attempt to infer their implications on the functional blocks of an ATM switching system. An example switch architecture model with distributed management and control functions is outlined, and some design issues are discussed.<<ETX>>


One of the modern times challenges, related to technological developments is the possibility of connecting concepts, such as Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning to the process of teaching foreign languages.
Recent studies suggest that machine learning can be equipped with an intelligence, similar to the human one. More specifically, machines can be programmed, trained and developed for self-learning. This way, devices such as Google Home, Alexa or Siri, to mention only three of the most recent developments in the field of VA, can become a teacher's assistant during the language classes, and be able to completely transform the classroom.
One of the most time-consuming activity, during language teaching, is the interaction with each individual student. The new artificial intelligence technologies can substitute the teacher, and pair with each student, creating a personal connection with them, helping them improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and can even have a conversation with the student. This way we can talk about an instant trainer, that can become a virtual peer for the student.
Another benefit of the virtual assistant involvement in the language classes is the enormous amount of information, that can be accessed online, offering very personalised learning opportunities for the students, can be trained to repeat different parts of the lesson, so that students could benefit from a personalised learning plan.
The present study tries to explain the process through which the virtual assistant can be trained in order to fulfil the classroom needs. The final aim is to understand how to train the virtual assistant, so that learners could take control of the learning process.
Thus, the communicative method of language teaching and learning, where the student is let to discover concepts and understand grammatical structure will be accomplished in conjunction with the virtual assistant, while the teacher merely guides the class, focusses on the most appropriate assessment and ultimately facilitate the learning process.


Focusing on the controversial birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin, this article explores how debates about the safety of these drugs have materialized in risk evaluations and the management of technological risk. Drawing on in-depth interviews with stakeholders and content analysis of legal, medical, and regulatory documents, I highlight how professional contraceptive risk assessment is characterized by systemic uncertainty and doubt, resulting in increased responsibility for users themselves to manage the drugs' potentially increased risks of venous thromboembolism. The analysis centers on three key areas in the assessment process that denote disagreement: risk measurement in postmarket surveillance data, the distinctiveness of the drugs' benefits when compared to other contraceptive technologies, and the weighing of the risks and benefits against each other. While professionals negotiate uncertainty both in epidemiological research and in clinical practice, users are constructed as agents who should manage risk individually. Such processes are underlined by a diffusion of responsibility in the systemic management of contraceptive risk. This article suggests, more broadly, that medical technologies can be conceptualized as artifacts that are instrumental in the dispersion of risks.


This research addresses three selected modelling problems that occur in credit scoring. The focus is on segmentation, modelling Loss Given Default (LGD) for unsecured loans and affordability assessment. It is usually expected that segmentation, i.e. dividing the population into a number of groups and building separate scorecards for them, will improve the model performance. The most common statistical methods for segmentation are the two-step approaches, where logistic regression follows Classification and Regression Trees (CART) or Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) trees. In this research, these approaches and a simultaneous method, in which both segmentation and scorecards are optimised at the same time: Logistic Trees with Unbiased Selection (LOTUS), are applied to the data provided by two UK banks and a European credit bureau. The model performance measures are compared to assess an improvement due to the segmentation. For unsecured retail loans, LGD is often found difficult to model. In the frequentist (classical) two-step approach, the first model (logistic regression) is used to separate positive values from zeroes and the second model (e.g. linear regression) is applied to estimate these values. Instead, one can build a Bayesian hierarchical model, which is a more coherent approach. In this research, Bayesian methods and the frequentist approach are applied to the data on personal loans provided by a UK bank. The Bayesian model generates an individual predictive distribution of LGD for each loan, whose potential applications include approximating the downturn LGD and stress testing LGD under Basel II. An applicant's affordability (ability to repay) is often checked using a simple, static approach. In this research, a theoretical framework for dynamic affordability assessment is proposed. Both income and consumption are allowed to vary over time and their changes are described with random effects models for panel data. On their basis a simulation is run for a given applicant. The ability to repay is checked over the life of the loan and for all possible instalment amounts. As a result, a probability of default is assigned to each amount, which can help find the maximum affordable instalment. This is illustrated with an example based on artificial data.


Background: Although personal digital assistant use among residents is common, few outcomes-based studies have examined the impact of this technology on medical education. Aims: We evaluated the educational effectiveness of a personal digital assistant-based geriatric assessment tool. Methods: Internal medicine residents were enrolled as subjects. Personal digital assistant users were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a geriatric assessment tool for use on their device. Outcome measures included pretest/posttest performance and tabulation of geriatric functional issues on hospital dismissal summaries. Results: Seventy-two residents participated. Of these, 38 (53%) reported personal digital assistant use. Twenty were assigned to receive the geriatric assessment tool. Average change between pretest and posttest scores was highest for the group using the geriatric assessment tool on a personal digital assistant (2.8, P = 0.01). This group also had the highest average posttest score and the highest average number of geriatric functional issues identified on dismissal summaries, but neither value was significantly different from respective averages for the other study groups. Conclusions: Residents who used a personal digital assistant-based geriatric assessment tool demonstrated greater improvement in geriatric knowledge than peers who did not use this resource. Curricula adapted to this technology may prove useful in medical education.


The aim is to forecast the damage length of damaged maritime structures at each coast for each pass of a typhoon of the equivalent wave energy of a typhoon at a latitude of 30˚N using the so-called equivalent wave energy (EWE) method, which has been improved. EWE of typhoons is defined based on the maximum wind speed and the duration of wind blowing of the typhoon. Using the data on the damage length of maritime structures by typhoons and the path and the equivalent wave energy of typhoons, the vulnerability of coastal regions along the coastline of Japan for 13 groups of typhoon with different paths is estimated. The improved EWE method has been upgraded in comparison with EWE method and it will be used to estimate the damage length of damaged maritime structures that will occur along the coast at a latitude of 30˚ N before a typhoon strikes. The forecasting method reported here will be used for the purpose of coastal zone management in disaster prevention works. Further, it provides useful for information of storm warning and evacuation of residents along coastlines.


Cognitive control lies at the core of human adaptive behaviour. Humans vary substantially in their ability to execute cognitive control with respect to optimally facing environmental challenges, although the neural origins of this heterogeneity are currently not well understood. Recent theoretical frameworks implicate the locus coeruleus noradrenergic arousal system (LC‐NE) in that process. Invasive neurophysiological work in rodents has shown that the LC‐NE is an important homeostatic control centre of the body. LC‐NE innervates the entire neocortex and has particularly strong connections with the cingulate gyrus. In the present study, using a response conflict task, functional magnetic resonance imaging and concurrent pupil dilation measures (a proxy for LC‐NE firing), we provide empirical evidence for a decisive role of the LC‐NE in cognitive control in humans. We show that the level of individual behavioural adjustment in cognitive control relates to the level of functional coupling between LC‐NE and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, as well as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we show that the pupil is substantially more dilated during conflict trials requiring behavioural adjustment than during no conflict trials. In addition, we explore a potential relationship between pupil dilation and neural activity during choice conflict adjustments. Our data provide novel insight into arousal‐related influences on cognitive control and suggest pupil dilation as a potential external marker for endogenous neural processes involved in optimising behavioural control. Our results may also be clinically relevant for a variety of pathologies where cognitive control is compromised, such as anxiety, depression, addiction and post‐traumatic stress disorder.


A thesis in the Department of Special Education, Faculty of Educational Studies , Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of the requirements for award of Degree of Master of Education in Special Education, of the University Of Education, Winneba


This research case examines leadership and management in the context of a small service company. The ways in which leadership and management activities are collectively performed by a CEO and their employees when they encounter practical issues in the introduction of a new service are of particular focus. The study's theoretical background draws from mundane and relational views of leadership. Interviews and videotaped data from one office meeting are used to examine the case. The analysis reveals how polyphonic chatting consisting of two iterative phases—playful chatting and factful chatting—enables democratic and appreciative interactions between the CEO and the employees to such an extent that it is difficult to determine who is leading the conversation.


Low-income students are underrepresented in engineering and are more likely to struggle in engineering programs. Such students may be academically talented and perform well in high school, but may have relatively weak academic preparation for college compared to students who attended better-resourced schools. Four-year engineering and computer science curricula are designed for students who are calculus-ready, but many students who are eager to become engineers or computer scientists need additional time and support to succeed. The NSF-funded Redshirt in Engineering Consortium was formed in 2016 as a collaborative effort to build on the success of three existing "academic Redshirt" programs and expand the model to three new schools. The Consortium takes its name from the practice of Redshirting in college athletics, with the idea of providing an extra year and support to promising engineering students from lowincome backgrounds. The goal is to enhance the students' ability to successfully graduate with engineering or computer science degrees. This Work in Progress paper describes the Redshirt programs at each of the six Consortium institutions, providing a variety of models for how an extra preparatory year or other intensive academic preparatory programs can be accommodated. This paper will pay particular attention to the ways that institutional context shapes the implementation of the Redshirt model. For instance, what do the Redshirt admissions and selection processes look like at schools where students are admitted directly to engineering from high school versus schools where students are admitted after one or two years taking engineering prerequisites at the university? What substantive elements of the first-year curriculum are consistent across the consortium? Where variation in curriculum occurs, what are the institutional factors that produce this variation? How does the Redshirt program fit with other pre-existing academic support services on campus, and what impact does this have on the Redshirt program's areas of focus? Program elements covered include first-year curricula, prematriculation summer programs, academic advising and support services, admissions and selection processes, and financial aid. Ongoing assessment efforts and research designed to investigate how the various Redshirt models influence faculty and student experiences will be described.


Globalization has provided excellent opportunities for the global manufacturing community together with a stringent barrier on cost control. Target costing has emerged as one of the main tools in aiding the manufacturers to be globally competitive. This paper analyses the effect of tools such as quality function deployment (QFD) and value engineering (VE) on target costing and explores the way in which these tools assist in achieving the target cost. The target costing model developed by Cooper and Slagmulder (Cooper, R. and Slagmulder, R., Target Costing and Value Engineering, Productivity Press, New York, NY, 1997) has been modified and tools such as QFD and VE have been incorporated in the model. Due to inherent uncertainties in the associated cost of various elements, the model has been further strengthened with the use of fuzzy logic. The theoretical model developed was implemented in an Indian auto component manufacturing company and the results were analysed. Target costing significantly relies upon QFD and VE for its effective implementation. Uncertainty in cost estimation plays a significant role in the target costing process since any variation in cost violates the cardinal rule of target costing, "the target cost should never be exceeded". Fuzzy logic plays a vital role in accounting for uncertainty in the target costing process and gives a different perspective to arrive at the function cost. A functional approach (VE) combined with QFD backed by fuzzy approach appears to work effectively for a target costing process that is evidenced from the case study. It appears that the model developed will work satisfactorily for an industrial product and the validity of the model for fast moving consumer goods has to be ascertained.


In the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), which accounts for over half of world tuna production, purse seine effort and catch on floating objects have increased significantly due to a rapid increase in the use of fixed and free-floating fish aggregation devices (FADs). FAD fishing has had an impact on the current status of the stocks of the three main target tunas in the equatorial WCPO, skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye (T. obesus). FADs have been shown to influence the behaviour and movement patterns of the three tuna species with the juveniles of each species occupying shallower habitats when associated with FADs. Aggregation of tunas around drifting objects increases their vulnerability to purse seine gear, particularly for juvenile and small size classes. Further to the impacts on the target stocks, the use of FADs has increased the vulnerability of other fishes to the purse seine method, including some shark and billfish species. Given the concern over FAD-related fishing effort on target and bycatch species, there is a need to understand how FAD use affects target and bycatch stocks. Science needs to better support management decisions are highlighted including the need to identify the magnitude of broader community-level affects.


Online learning environments are an important aspect to many University courses. They allow flexibility in student approaches, and permit students from a range of backgrounds to take part in education. This paper considers an online learning environment which provides a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) style approach teaching Cisco router configuration techniques, such as might be required in a course teaching the CCNA curriculum.


A laboratory-scale hybrid anaerobic baffled reactor (HABR) with five compartments using synthetic brewery wastewater as organic loading rates (OLRs) was investigated for the start-up performance and the effects of microbial community segregation on reactor start-up. Experimental results demonstrated that it was found that the COD removal efficiencies were 92~96% at 1.2 kgCOD/(m3•d) feeding over a period of 33 d, after which the reactors then successfully started. The highest percentage of CO2 in biogas was found in Compartment 1, thereafter decreased from Compartment 2 to Compartment 5 which corresponded to the increased of the percentage of CH4. It indicated that the proper anaerobic consortium in each separate compartment was developed along with specific environmental conditions, which offers the explanations that high treatment efficiency of HABR accompanied by high process stability and low operational requirements in start-up period.


Recently, much concern has been expressed about the U.S. retirement system. Social Security is underfunded, while supplemental plans reportedly provide benefits half only that of Social Security and have gained little ground over the last 40 years. The shift to defined contribution plans is often seen as problematic. Some analysts suggest scrapping tax preferences for retirement plans and expanding Social Security. Much evidence that supplemental plans are coming up short on enhancing retirement security comes from the Current Population Survey (CPS). The analysis here shows that most income from retirement plans is not captured by the CPS or the Social Security reports developed using it. Ignoring retirees' growing private retirement savings and income distorts the role played by private pensions, resulting in inaccurate assessments of retirees' economic status. This error may bias policymakers' judgment as to the right policies for an aging population and underfunded pensions.


We present a study of the radiative recombination in In0.15Ga0.85N/GaN multiple quantum well samples, where the conditions of growth of the InGaN quantum layers were varied in terms of growth temperature (< 800 °C) and donor doping. The photoluminescence peak position varies strongly (over a range as large as 0.3 eV) with delay time after pulsed excitation, but also with donor doping and with excitation intensity. The peak position is mainly determined by the Stark effect induced by the piezoelectric field. In addition potential fluctuations, originating from segregation effects in the InGaN material, from interface roughness, and the strain fluctuations related to these phenomena, play an important role, and largely determine the width of the emission. These potential fluctuations may be as large as 0.2 eV in the present samples, and appear to be important for all studied growth temperatures for the InGaN layers. Screening effects from donor electrons and excited electron-hole pairs are important, and account for a large part of the spectral shift with donor doping (an upward shift of the photoluminescence peak up to 0.2 eV is observed for a Si donor density of 2 x 1018 cm-3 in the well), with excitation intensity and with delay time after pulsed excitation (also shifts up to 0.2 eV). We suggest a two-dimensional model for electronand donor screening in this case, which is in reasonable agreement with the observed data, if rather strong localization potentials of short range (of the order 100 Å) are present. The possibility that excitons as well as shallow donors are impact ionized by electrons in the rather strong lateral potential fluctuations present at this In composition is discussed.


Since market and environmental conditions are becoming increasingly turbulent, ICT sourcing alternatives (such as colocation) have gained considerable attention in the industry since they allow firms to become more agile and responsive to environmental changes and increasing competition. However, little research has been conducted to analyze how different factors affect ICT sourcing decisions in the light of uncertainty arising from environmental turbulence. Since uncertainty and unpredictability of environmental changes might lead to mimicry of successful business strategies, this article focuses on the analysis of how uncertainty resulting from environmental turbulence leads to an imitative ICT adoption behavior of firms. Based on a multimethod research approach, we applied a Delphi study and a quantitative field study. The empirical results support our hypothesis that turbulent environmental conditions lead to mimetic adoption behavior, thus providing a theoretical contribution to the extant literature.


Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes comprising released cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and landraces of Australian, Mediterranean basin, Indian, and Ethiopian origin were evaluated at 5 representative sites (Merredin, WA; Minnipa, SA; Walpeup, Vic.; Tamworth, NSW; Warwick, Qld) over 2 years. Data on plant stand, early vigour, phenology, productivity, and yield components were collected at each site. Site yields ranged from 0.3 t/ha at Minnipa in 1999 to 3.5 t/ha at Warwick in 1999. Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction was highly significant. Principal components analysis revealed contrasting genotype interaction behaviour at dry, low-yielding sites (Minnipa 1999, Merredin 2000) and higher rainfall, longer growing-season environments (Tamworth 2000). Genotype clusters performing well under stress tended to yield well at all sites except Tamworth in 2000, and were characterised by early phenology and high harvest index, but were not different in terms of biomass or early vigour. Some of these traits were strongly influenced by germplasm origin. The material with earliest phenology came from Ethiopia, and southern and central India, with progressively later material from northern India and Australia, and finally the Mediterranean. There was a delay between the onset of flowering and podding at all sites, which was related to average temperatures immediately post-anthesis (r = –0.81), and therefore larger in early flowering material (>30 days at some sites). Harvest index was highest in Indian and Ethiopian germplasm, whereas crop height was greatest in Australian and Mediterranean accessions. Some consistently high yielding genotypes new to the Australian breeding program were identified (ICCV 10, BG 362), and the existing cultivar Lasseter was also confirmed to be very productive.


STUDY QUESTION
Does low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) require heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF) signaling to induce extravillous trophoblast differentiation and decrease apoptosis during oxidative stress?

SUMMARY ANSWER
LMWH increased HBEGF expression and secretion, and HBEGF signaling was required to stimulate trophoblast extravillous differentiation, increase invasion in vitro and reduce trophoblast apoptosis during oxidative stress.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Abnormal trophoblast differentiation and survival contribute to placental insufficiency syndromes, including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Preeclampsia often manifests as a pro-thrombotic state, with unsuccessful transformation of the spiral arteries that reduces oxygen supply and can produce placental infarction. LMWH improves placental function by increasing blood flow. Recent data suggest that the actions of LMWH transcend its anti-coagulative properties, but the molecular mechanism is unknown. There is evidence that LMWH alters the expression of human HBEGF in trophoblast cells, which regulates human trophoblast pathophysiology. HBEGF, itself, is capable of increasing trophoblast survival and invasiveness.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
First-trimester placental explants and the HTR-8/SVneo cell line, established using extravillous trophoblast outgrowths from first-trimester villous explants, were treated in vitro with LMWH to examine the effects on HBEGF signaling and trophoblast function under normal physiological and pathological conditions. A highly specific antagonist of HBEGF and other inhibitors of HBEGF downstream signaling were used to determine the relationship between LMWH treatment and HBEGF.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Placental tissues (n = 5) were obtained with IRB approval and patient consent from first-trimester terminations. Placental explants and HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured on plastic or Matrigel™ and treated with a therapeutic dose of LMWH (Enoxaparin; 10 IU/ml), with or without CRM197, pan Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (ERBB) inhibitor, anti-ERBB1 or ERBB4 blocking antibodies, or pretreatment of cells with heparitinase I. Extravillous differentiation was assessed by immunocytochemistry to determine the relative levels of integrins α6β4 and α1β1. Trophoblast invasiveness was assessed in villous explants by measuring outgrowth from villous tips cultured on Matrigel, and by invasion assays with HTR-8/SVneo cells cultured on Matrigel-coated transwell insert. Placental explants and HTR-8/SVneo cells were exposed to oxidative stress in a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) model, measuring cell death by TUNEL assay, caspase 3 cleavage, and BCL-2α expression.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
LMWH induced extravillous differentiation, according to trophoblast invasion assays and integrin (α6β4-α1β1) switching. Treatment with LMWH rescued cytotrophoblasts and HTR-8/SVneo cells from apoptosis during exposure to reoxygenation injury, based on TUNEL, caspase 3 cleavage and BCL-2α expression. Experiments using CRM197, ERBB1 and ERBB4 blocking antibodies, pan-ERBB inhibitor and removal of cell surface heparin demonstrated that the effects of LMWH on trophoblast invasion and survival were dependent upon HBEGF signaling.

LARGE SCALE DATA
N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The primary limitation of this study was the use of only in vitro experiments. Patient demographics from elective terminations were not available.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
These data provide new insights into the non-coagulation-related aspects of perinatal LMWH treatment in the management of placental insufficiency disorders.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (HD071408 and HL128628), the March of Dimes, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. There were no conflicts or competing interests.


IntroductionSocioeconomic gradients in health exist in Canada. Although multiple Canadian area-based socioeconomic measures (ABSM) have been developed, none have been specifically validated against relevant pediatric outcomes. Our objective was to use key pediatric health outcomes and compare the strength of association with a number of ABSM, including income quintile.
Objectives and ApproachThis is a retrospective cross-sectional assessment of the association between socioeconomic status (SES) measured by ABSM and key pediatric health outcomes at the population level. Data from the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository was used for residents aged 0-19y. The timeframe was 2010-2015. Outcomes included preterm births, birth weight, mortality, vaccination rates and teen pregnancy. Regressions used each outcome against various ABSM (e.g. CAN-Marg, SEFI2, INSPQ) or income quintile. Best model for each outcome was assessed by goodness of fit measure (AIC). Measures of inequality included SII (Slope Index of Inequality) and RII (Relative Index of Inequality, both RIImean and RIIratio).
ResultsIn our regression models, the 4 Can-Marg subcomponents consistently had about 15% lower AICs (best fit) across all 16 key pediatric outcomes compared to INSPQ (Raymond-Pampalon), income quintile or SEFI2 (Socioeconomic Factor Index - Version 2). Sex differences were small and inconsequential. Whether ABSMs were treated as continuous or categorical predictors was of little statistical consequence. Of note, 15 of the 16 outcomes had socioeconomic gradients identified by SII or RII on at least one of the ABSMs. Income quintile detected 12 of 15, CAN-Marg material deprivation detected 9; the combination of CAN-Marg material deprivation and ethnicity detected 13 of 15. SEFI2 detected only 3 and the National INSPQ detected 6.
Conclusion/ImplicationsThere are significant health inequalities in pediatric outcomes in Manitoba (15 of 16 studied). Combining CAN-Marg measures of poverty (material deprivation) and ethnic concentration identified 13/15 cases of documented inequality and was the best ABSM for capturing pediatric health gradients; it was similar to income quintile alone.


Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is a highly recommended intervention towards the advancement of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients' health profile; though with low participation rates. Although home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) with the use of wearable sensors is proposed as a feasible alternative rehabilitation model, further investigation is needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable sensors-assisted HBCR in improving the CVD patients' cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health profile. PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO were searched from 2010 to January 2022, using relevant keywords. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials, written in English, comparing wearable sensors-assisted HBCR to center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) or usual care (UC), were included. Wearable sensors-assisted HBCR significantly improved CRF when compared to CBCR (Hedges' g = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06, 0.39; I2 = 0%; p = 0.01), whilst comparison of HBCR to UC revealed a nonsignificant effect (Hedges' g = 0.87, 95% CI −0.87, 1.85; I2 = 96.41%; p = 0.08). Effects on physical activity, quality of life, depression levels, modification of cardiovascular risk factors/laboratory parameters, and adherence were synthesized narratively. No significant differences were noted. Technology tools are growing fast in the cardiac rehabilitation era and promote exercise-based interventions into a more home-based setting. Wearable-assisted HBCR presents the potential to act as an adjunct or an alternative to CBCR.


Psoriatic onycho-pachydermo periostitis (POPP) is recognized as a rare subset of psoriatic arthritis, characterized by psoriatic onychodystrophy, connective tissue thickening above the distal phalanx, and a periosteal reaction. Therapy for this rare disease is based on treatments used for psoriatic arthritis, but traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate, have shown inconsistent and unsatisfactory results. We report herein a successful therapeutic approach for POPP using the fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody adalimumab in a 42-year-old male patient. After 4 months of anti-TNF treatment, a remarkable normalization of the clinical appearance was achieved and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the initial inflammatory lesions. Therefore, we consider a TNF-blocking strategy as promising for treatment of POPP.


This paper describes a fast method of correcting for optical distortion in head-mounted displays (HMDs). Since the distorted display surface in an HMD is not rectilinear, the shape and location of the graphics window used with the display must be chosen carefully, and some corrections made to the predistortion model. A distortion correction might be performed with optics that reverse the distortion caused by HMD lenses, but such optics can be expensive and offer a correction for only one specific HMD. Integer incremental methods or a lookup table might be used to calculate the correction, but an I/O bottleneck makes this impractical in software. Instead, a texture map may be defined that approximates the required optical correction. Recent equipment advances allow undistorted images to be input into texture mapping hardware at interactive rates. Built in filtering handles predistortion aliasing artifacts.


Background:Given high rates of HIV among Baltimore men who have sex with men (MSM), we examined characteristics associated with HIV prevalence and unrecognized HIV infection among Baltimore MSM at two time points. Methods:Cross-sectional behavioral surveys and HIV testing in 2004-2005 and 2008 using venue-based sampling among adult Baltimore men at MSM-identified locations. MSM was defined as sex with a male partner in the past year. Bivariate and backward stepwise regression identified characteristics associated with HIV and unrecognized infection. Results:HIV prevalence was 37.7% overall in 2004-2005 (n = 645) and 37.5% in 2008 (n = 448), 51.4% and 44.7% among black MSM and 12.9% and 18.3% among non-Hispanic white MSM. Compared with non-Hispanic white MSM, black MSM were 4.0 times (95% confidence interval, 2.3-7.0) more likely to be HIV-positive in 2004-2005 and 2.5 times (95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.0) more likely in 2008. Prevalence of unrecognized HIV infection was 58.4% overall in 2004-2005 and 74.4% in 2008, 63.8% and 76.9% among black MSM and 15.4% and 47.4% among non-Hispanic white MSM. In adjusted models, unrecognized infection was significantly associated with minority race/ethnicity, younger age, and no prior year doctor visits in 2004-2005 and with younger age and no prior year doctor visits in 2008. Conclusion:High rates of HIV infection and substantial rates of unrecognized HIV infection among Baltimore MSM, particularly men of color and young men, require urgent public and private sector attention and increased prevention response.


It's becoming increasingly frequent hearing assertions such as  "don't touch me or I'll sue you", "don't look me in the eyes", "don't go through my drawers", "don't read my mail", "don't listen to my conversations", "don't touch my hard drive", "because I'll sue you". And many parents live under the menace of "or I'll sue you"  (page 65), and after these statements we may ask: Do parents have to confront this kind of situations nowadays? Are parents supported by authorities in these situations? What are more important: the youngsters' rights, or the parents' faculties? Do parents only have duties towards their children? Or do they also have rights? As for the youngsters: do they only have rights, as authorities and media make us see? Or do they have obligations or duties? And finally, what is more important or what does society value? Are parents prepared and trained for being parents?


Monocytes adjust deadly reactive oxygen species production by altering the subunit composition of the ORAI calcium channel. Keeping monocytes in business When monocytes of the immune system encounter a bacterial pathogen, they activate a calcium signaling pathway called SOCE, which is mediated by the ORAI/STIM complex. ORAI subunits form the Ca2+ channel; STIM is its activating partner. This calcium signal activates a plasma membrane enzyme that produces toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill the bacteria. Given that ROS also inactivate ORAI channels, how do the monocytes maintain signaling? Saul et al. found that human monocytes respond by altering the composition of the ORAI channel. ROS inhibit ORAI channels composed of ORAI1 subunits; however, if just one of the six channel subunits is ORAI3, then the channel resists this ROS-mediated inactivation. Human monocytes exposed to bacterial peptides in culture and phagocytes isolated from mice infected with bacteria increased the amount of ORAI3 and reduced the amount of ORAI1. This change in the ORAI3/ORAI1 ratio meant that more ROS-insensitive channels were present and the cells could continue to produce the appropriate calcium signal and mediate bacterial killing. In phagocytes, pathogen recognition is followed by Ca2+ mobilization and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)–mediated "oxidative burst," which involves the rapid production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We showed that ORAI Ca2+ channels control store-operated Ca2+ entry, ROS production, and bacterial killing in primary human monocytes. ROS inactivate ORAI channels that lack an ORAI3 subunit. Staphylococcal infection of mice reduced the expression of the gene encoding the redox-sensitive Orai1 and increased the expression of the gene encoding the redox-insensitive Orai3 in the lungs or in bronchoalveolar lavages. A similar switch from ORAI1 to ORAI3 occurred in primary human monocytes exposed to bacterial peptides in culture. These alterations in ORAI1 and ORAI3 abundance shifted the channel assembly toward a more redox-insensitive configuration. Accordingly, silencing ORAI3 increased the redox sensitivity of the channel and enhanced oxidation-induced inhibition of NOX2. We generated a mathematical model that predicted additional features of the Ca2+-redox interplay. Our results identified the ORAI-NOX2 feedback loop as a determinant of monocyte immune responses.


CNC machining is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes. While possessing good flexibility and fast cycle time, there are some restrictions imposed depending on the geometry of the part to be machined. One challenge often encountered is the machining of thinwall structures. The instability and deflection of the thin-wall causes difficulty for control of the machining condition, affecting the accuracy of the modeling and simulation of the process. This paper presents an alternative machining method called spiral-layer machining that could improve this condition using the concept of layer manufacturing technology and technologies that would reduce the machining force or tool-force variation and divert the force-vector. A case study of machining a turbine blade was conducted to verify the method. The result was successful in terms of stability and feasibility. Error correction techniques are being investigated to ensure good dimensional precision of the part.


Leaderless group decision-making denotes the idea that political decisions from a non-hierarchical discussion structure can be more legitimate and effective than those from a hierarchical structure. Since the latter half of the 20th century, such decision-making has been practiced widely in community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), "deliberation" forums, as well as in the business and management settings. While one may argue its origins go back to Athenian direct democracy, it was the zeal of the 1960s participatory democracy movement in the United States that produced the more sophisticated principles, philosophies, and mechanics of leaderless group decision-making. The progressive social movement activists at that time considered non-hierarchical groups as ethically appropriate to their causes. Since then, this tradition of leaderless group decision-making processes has been adopted in many grassroots social movements.
 Debates and controversies abound concerning leaderless group decision-making. It has been a normative imperative for many social activists to adopt decision-making in a leaderless manner. Research to date, however, has produced no conclusive evidence that leaderless group discussion results in better or more effective decisions. Proponents argue that members of a leaderless group would develop greater capacities for self-governance because in such a setting they can take more personal and egalitarian initiatives to organize activities of the group. This, in turn, would lead to better group dynamics and discussion, and, eventually, better decisions. Critics suggest that leaderless groups are slow and inflexible in decision-making and that the supposedly leaderless groups usually end up with leaders because of the social dynamics and human nature present in group interactions.
 Regardless of its potential benefits and problems, the ideals of deliberative and participatory democracy are strongly propelling this egalitarian, discourse-based form of group decision-making. Researchers will gain a great deal of insight from literature in deliberation concerning the functions, problems, and future directions of leaderless groups. In addition, there is a need to study leaderless groups in a more multi-faceted way, as research to date has been dominated by psychology-based quantitative assessment of groups. Qualitative and ethnographic approaches will be helpful to further assess the dynamics of leaderless group decision-making.


Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable, late presenting primary cancer, conferring a survival of 8–14 months. Different intrapleural treatments have been tested as part of a multimodality approach to treat a select group of patients with limited disease, increasing survival. Recently, povidone-iodine has been shown to induce apoptosis in microscopic tumour cells in vitro, with no reported complications. This is the first in vivo study assessing the apoptotic rate caused by intraoperative hyperthermic betadine lavage using routine immunohistochemistry combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Methods We included surgically fit patients aged >18, undergoing minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleural biopsy between December 2016 and February 2018, for confirmed or presumed pleural malignancy. Parietal pleural biopsies were obtained at 7.5, 15 and 30 minutes after hyperthermic betadine lavage, and compared to pre-lavage biopsy samples, for apoptotic changes. Viable tumour samples underwent histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis as well as TEM for features of apoptosis. Results N=6. Median age was 76 years. Median overall survival was 26.7 months. There was no statistical impact on survival of side of disease (left vs. right). There was no significant difference in expressions of markers of apoptotic index pre and post betadine treatment upon immunohistochemical analysis. There was no discernible effect on morphological features of apoptosis seen with betadine treatment, on TEM analysis. No side effects were identified post betadine lavage. Conclusions Although hyperthermic betadine lavage is a safe antiseptic solution with no toxicity when performed intraoperatively, it confers no effect on apoptotic rate or necrosis. It is therefore unlikely that hyperthermic betadine lavage will have an impact on reducing the microscopic residual disease after pleurectomy decortication and enhancing survival.


Purpose: The RET proto-oncogene has been implicated in breast cancer, and the studies herein describe the preclinical and safety assessment of an anti-RET antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) being developed for the treatment of breast cancer. Experimental Design: RET protein expression was analyzed in breast tumor samples using tissue microarrays. The fully human anti-RET antibody (Y078) was conjugated to the DM1 and DM4 derivatives of the potent cytotoxic agent maytansine using thioether and disulfide linkers, respectively. The resulting compounds, designated Y078-DM1 and Y078-DM4, were evaluated for antitumor activity using human breast cancer cell lines and established tumor xenograft models. A single-dose, 28-day, safety study of Y078-DM1 was performed in cynomolgus monkeys. Results: By immunohistochemistry, RET expression was detected in 57% of tumors (1,596 of 2,800 tumor sections) and was most common in HER2-positive and basal breast cancer subtypes. Potent in vitro cytotoxicity was achieved in human breast cancer cell lines that have expression levels comparable with those observed in breast cancer tissue samples. Dose-response studies in xenograft models demonstrated antitumor activity with both weekly and every-3-weeks dosing regimens. In cynomolgus monkeys, a single injection of Y078-DM1 demonstrated dose-dependent, reversible drug-mediated alterations in blood chemistry with evidence of on-target neuropathy. Conclusions: RET is broadly expressed in breast cancer specimens and thus represents a potential therapeutic target; Y078-DM1 and Y078-DM4 demonstrated antitumor activity in preclinical models. Optimization of the dosing schedule or an alternate cytotoxic agent with a different mechanism of action may reduce the potential risk of neuropathy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5552–62. ©2015 AACR.


High Performance Cement-based composites such as some UHPFRC or SHCC exhibit a tensile strain hardening response associated to the progressive formation of finely distributed microcracks. Strain Hardening (SH) - UHPFRC with suitable fibrous mixes have a dense matrix, a very low capillary absorption of liquids, significant viscoelastic potential and limited shrinkage. They exhibit a tensile strain hardening response up to 0.3 ‰. Strain hardening materials are candidates for improving existing or new structures to increase their durability and mechanical performance. With this aim in view, the impact of macro and microcracking on the protective function and corrosion mechanisms in cementitious materials has to be critically weighed to choose adequate materials in terms of strength and deformability, to fulfil durability requirements. From this basis, the mechanical response (strength, deformability and associated crack formation) can be tailored according to the applications. Finally, future steps for the development and applications of these advanced contemporary materials can be defined.


: The world-wide importance of malaria in restricting economic growth, labor productivity and social progress in many less developed portions of the world and A.I.D.'s past, present and future role in the control of this disease is briefly reviewed. In developing its future role in a changing and dynamic setting, the A.I.D. has developed and established new policies for malaria control which interlink more closely with the Primary Health Care systems and directly relate, in many cases, to other A.I.D. health projects in child survival. These new policies and criteria are summarized. A review of the three emphasis areas of research, training and program design is provided. Intersectorial coordination is stressed as is cooperation in its assistance efforts with multilateral and other bilateral agencies in combatting this disease. The paper concludes that malaria remains an important health interest of the A.I.D. and support for technology development, transfer and adaptation is expected due to the economic and social importance of the disease.


The maleate salt of rosiglitazone, an orally-active thiazolidinedione with antidiabetic properties and potential antineoplastic activity. Rosiglitazone activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), a ligand-activated transcription factor, thereby inducing cell differentiation and inhibiting cell growth and angiogenesis. This agent also modulates the transcription of insulin-responsive genes, inhibits macrophage and monocyte activation, and stimulates adipocyte differentiation.


Models, created using different modeling formalisms or techniques, usually serve different purposes and provide unique insights. While each modeling technique might be capable of answering specific questions, complex problems require multiple models interoperating to complement/supplement each other. This Multi-Modeling approach for solving complex problems is full of syntactic and semantic challenges. In this chapter, a systematic methodology for addressing Multi-Modeling problems is presented. The approach is domain specific: domain identification and domain analysis are the first steps in which the multi-modeling concepts and modeling techniques associated with a domain of interest are identified and analyzed. Then a new Domain Specific Multi-Modeling Workflow Language supported with a domain ontology is used to construct the workflow that defines the interoperation of the selected models. The domain ontology provides semantic guidance to affect valid model interoperation. This general approach is illustrated using a case study from the Drug Interdiction and Intelligence application domain. Analysis of diverse intelligence and sensor data using various modeling techniques is essential in identifying the best courses of action. For this example, the created workflow focuses on the interoperation of Social Networks, Timed Influence Nets, and Geospatial Models.


Disaster management is a dynamic process, integrated and sustainable effort to increase quality of preventive, preparedness,mitigaton, emergency response, evacuation and reconstruction. Mitigation is strategy to reduce and minimize negative impact of disaster. At least, there are six strategies in tsunami mitigation. Firstly, to protect living, infrastructure and coastal zone environment. Secondly, to increase understanding and participation in mitigation of tsunami. Third, to increase preparedness and awareness of upcoming disaster. Fourth, to increase coordination and institution capacity. Fiveth, to establish law enforcement that can be efective to realize disaster mitigation by mean of making code of conduct that regulate mitigation implementation, to develop guidance of planning and implemetation of disaster protection. Sixth, to push sustainability of economic activity and increasing social wellfare, security, and confort in coastal zone area.


Abstract— The ability of a variety of α1‐acid glycoproteins (AAG) to affect the intrinsic activity of the α1, ‐adrenergic antagonist prazosin was studied in rabbit aortic strip preparations. From these studies, the activity of AAG appears to be linked to their ability to bind the antagonist. However, a capability to bind prazosin was not the only requirement for this effect. The removal of sialic acid and partial removal of the galactose and mannose residues by periodate oxidation of human AAG all but eliminated the ability of AAG to affect the intrinsic pharmacologic activity of prazosin, although the binding of prazosin was not significantly affected. The presence of bovine AAG, a protein that has a low ability to bind prazosin, reduced the effect of human AAG on prazosin activity. Based upon these results, we propose that AAG is able to bind in the vicinity of the α1‐adrenoceptors, therefore extending the binding region for antagonists in such a way as to decrease the ability of the antagonist to interact with the receptor. The carbohydrate side‐chains are important for the binding of AAG in the region of the adrenoceptor.


Analyses of enzymes from various metabolic pathways in pulmonary carcinoid tumors and radiological measurements of their volume increase were compared with those for lung carcinomas of various cell types. The results describe new biochemical features in carcinoid tumors, present the first quantitative evidence for their slow growth rate (i.e., long doubling time) in vivo, and show that measurement of 2 or 3 appropriate enzymes in biopsy samples can guard against instances in which carcinoids and adeno- or oat cell carcinomas are mistaken for one another on histological examination. The uridine kinase to thymidine kinase ratio as well as the beta-galactosidase concentration of carcinoid tumors were 5 times higher than of carcinomas, and their gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was below that of all 35 adeno- and the 11 squamous cell carcinomas. Thymidine kinase, which bears a quantitative inverse correlation to volume doubling time (irrespective of cell type), had much lower titers in the 9 carcinoids than in the 6 oat cell carcinomas and reflects most clearly their very different (despite common histogenesis) clinical malignancy. Owing to their long doubling time, carcinoid tumors on the average required a much longer period (40.5 years) to attain final volume than did carcinomas (17.8 years). The calculated mean age of the subjects when growth began, -0.5 years (as opposed to 51 years for carcinomas), suggests a prenatal or early childhood inception for pulmonary carcinoid tumors.


A series of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSW)-filled, castor oil-based polyurethane/epoxy resin graft interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites were prepared. The tensile and impact strengths, fractured surfaces, damping properties, and thermal stability of the IPN composites were studied systematically in terms of composition. Results revealed that the addition of CSWcan significantly improve the tensile strength though the impact strength was impaired. The damping properties were the best when the CSW content was 3%. The thermal decomposition temperature was also improved by the incorporation of CSW. It is expected that the CSW-filled IPN composites may be used as structural damping materials.


The properties of phosphatidylinositol kinase and diphosphoinositide kinase from rat kidney cortex were studied. The enzymes were completely Mg2+-dependent. Cutscum detergent activated phosphatidylinositol kinase, but diphosphoinositide kinase was inhibited by all detergents tested. The pH optima were 7.7 for phosphatidylinositol kinase and 6.5 for diphosphoinositide kinase. On subcellular fractionation of kidney-cortex homogenates by differential centriflgation, the distribution of phosphatidylinositol kinase resembled that of the marker enzymes for brush-border, endoplasmic-reticulum and Golgi membranes. Diphosphoinositide kinase distribution resembled that of thiamin pyrophosphatase (assayed in the absence of ATP), diphosphoinositide phosphatase and triphosphoinositide phosphatase. Activities of both kinases were low in purified brush-border fragments. Diphosphoinositide kinase is probably localized in the Golgi complex.


The purpose of this study was to examine whether a set of instructional practices commonly prescribed to online faculty in the higher education setting were consistent with the expectations of a group of experienced online student participants. Online faculty performance conventions were collected from 20 institutions of higher learning located in the United States. The collective practices yielded three primary domains related to administrative faculty performance expectations in online instruction: Communication, Presence/Engagement, and Timeliness/Responsiveness. Undergraduate participants representing a cross section of colleges and universities in the United States were surveyed to determine their expectations for online faculty as compared to scaled items derived from the lists of participating institutions. The results of this investigation offer practitioners insight into how administrative instructional guidelines relate to the user demands of an informed group of undergraduate online students.