Purpose

This paper examines the experiences and outcomes of male teacher candidates in the College of Education at a large university in California.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed methods study highlights findings from the preliminary analysis of student records as well as qualitative observation notes from their university supervisors and master teachers during their student teaching placements. Comments from student teaching assistance plans and remediation tools from the College of Education, Field Placement Office were also used. It also included the quantitative analysis of enrollment data as well as mid- and final student teaching evaluations for one semester. This multiple data triangulation process was used to illuminate the unique challenges and successes of male teacher candidates and the variables that influence their outcomes.

Findings

There were significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the male and female teacher candidates across each key measure used. Male teacher candidates scored lower in the areas of mathematics, assessment, planning and student engagement during instruction.

Practical implications

This study offers strategies that teachers' trainers may use to recruit, retain and more effectively support the needs of their male elementary teacher candidates.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined both qualitative and quantitative data to determine pedagogical factors that impact male teacher candidates' challenges and/or successes during their student teaching experiences. Moreover, few studies have explored how teacher training programs can more effectively support the needs of this population. This study is designed to fill that void.


To obtain mechanistic insights about RecA-promoted base pairing between complementary polynucleotides, the complex formation of RecA with poly(dA) and poly(dT) in the presence of ATP (and ATP-regenerating system) has been studied. The reaction was followed using a fluorescent probe, benzopyrenediolepoxide (BPDE), covalently attached to less than 1% of the adenine bases of poly(dA). BPDE is sensitive to its environment and has been found useful for detection of interactions between DNA strands, in the three binding positions of the RecA filament, in the presence of adenosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (ATP[S]) [Wittung, P., Nordén, B. & Takahashi, M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 5799-5803]. The emission spectrum of RecA:BPDE-poly(dA) formed in the presence of ATP is similar to that observed with ATP[S] supporting similar structures of the complexes. However, the fluorescence anisotropy is considerably reduced, suggesting a higher degree of freedom of DNA in the presence of ATP hydrolysis. Upon addition of a complementary strand, poly(dT), to a preformed filament of RecA:BPDE-poly(dA) in the presence of ATP, the fluorescence intensity slowly decreases and a change of emission profile consistent with Watson-Crick base pairing is observed. This contrasts with the case of ATP[S] in which normal base pairing is never observed. Hence, ATP hydrolysis appears necessary for the RecA filament to be able to promote true renaturation. The renaturation reaction is found more effective when one of the complementary DNA strands is bound in the primary RecA DNA-binding position and the other is added as the third strand, but the reaction can also occur between DNA strands in any combination of binding positions in the RecA filament. This observation suggests the importance of the third DNA-binding position of the RecA filament. Renaturation between DNA strands in the other two combinations of binding positions is speculated to have a role in aborting the strand-exchange reaction when the strands are insufficiently complementary.


The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (FOIA) was a landmark global example of transparency, or access to information (ATI), to ensure democratically accountable governance. Government had grown in the twentieth century, especially in the new administrative state, and FOIA re-balanced the distribution of power between people and public authority. Today in the twenty-first century, much power in American society has migrated from the public sector to the private sector, specifically into the hands of corporations. Even insofar as it works well, FOIA operates only against the conventional state by enabling an individual's capacity to realize civil and political rights. FOIA simply was not designed to enable the attainment of human necessities such as education and housing, much less environmental protection and healthcare, especially when the greatest threat to those rights is not government deprivation, but the commercial marketplace.

ATI in Africa is a different story. Three decades after FOIA, planted among the unprecedented ambitions of the South African constitution was a right to ATI. And within that right lay an extraordinary new provision. As guaranteed by the South African constitution and enabling law, a person may request records from a nongovernmental respondent, a private body, if the person can show that the records are "required for the exercise or protection of any rights." In other words, South African ATI law jettisoned the historic barrier between public and private sectors. South African lawmakers were informed by the experience of apartheid, in which the private sector's complicity had been a vital and brutal partner in state-sanctioned human rights abuse.
Blossoming beyond even the visioning of an apartheid remedy, ATI in the private sector has been construed by the courts in a wide range of applications, from intrafamilial business disputes to environmental conservation. South African courts have struggled to define "required" and "rights" in applying the ATI law. But South Africa has demonstrated that ATI in the private sector can work. The public-private division justifies a change in the terms of access, but not an absolute barrier. In the last five years, the South African approach has been reiterated in the domestic law of at least five other African countries and in pan-African human rights instruments meant to inspire more domestic adoptions.

In this article, I suggest that the African example inspire U.S. FOIA reform. In its time, FOIA shone a light into the darkest corners of American politics. Now America deserves a new approach to restore power to the people in the age of the corporation.


In this paper, block preconditioners for the discretized Ohta-Kawasaki partial differential equation are proposed. We first discretize the Ohta-Kawasaki dynamic equation by time discretization via the convex splitting scheme and spatial discretization via the finite element method. The time discretized scheme is unconditionally energy stable. Due to the ill-conditional feature of the discretized linear system, the preconditioning approaches are required. Then, based on Schur complement, using the construction technique in the recent results, we propose block triangular preconditioners and give the spectral distribution for the preconditioning system. Further, by arranging the discretization system to a generalized saddle point problem, we offer a modified Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (MHSS) block preconditioner for the discretized Ohta-Kawasaki partial differential equation. The distribution of the eigenvalues for the preconditioned matrix is analyzed. Moreover, we present an adaptive m-step polynomial preconditioner to approximate the inverse for the (1, 1) position block matrix in the preconditioned matrix to get better effect of computing the block MHSS preconditioner. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed preconditioners for the Ohta-Kawasaki equation.


The overall objective of this project is to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of a solvent hydrogen donor process to convert kerogen in Eastern US shales to useful products. The goals are to determine the effect of donor content on conversion, changes in kerogen and products with conversion conditions, and the fate of the donor solvent including material balances with losses through isomerization, adduction reaction, and physical retention in the rock matrix. In particular, the project is divided into: (1) characterizing the kerogen of two samples of Eastern US shale, (2) hydrogen donor conversion of these shales using model solvents of varying donor content, and (3) characterizing the unreacted kerogen and liquid products. Accomplishments for this reporting period are presented for these tasks. 3 refs., 7 figs., 7 tabs.


This paper presents spatial arrays of antenna elements deployed over a plane region are often used to image sources of reflected power in radar applications. The array of antennas samples the reflected field at a fixed set of locations. The received data are then processed using signal processing techniques such as beamforming to produce an image characterizing the distribution of the objects in the field of view of the active array imaging system. For some applications, as in through-wall microwave imaging, the scene to be imaged is often illuminated with wideband signals to achieve good range resolution. For such imaging problems, the concept of coarrays may be used to facilitate array signal processing issues in a simplified context [1, 2], resulting in a Point Spread Function, PSF(thetas, phi), which is not only a function of weights at the coarray elements but also a function of the wideband signal spectrum, S(omega). For high resolution imaging, it is desirable to synthesize the weights and S(omega), to achieve a desired PSF distribution, for example one with certain beam shape and/or with tapered side lobe levels. This could be potentially a challenging non-linear optimization problem, consisting of a very large number of optimization parameters, and is different from the standard narrow-band fixed antenna array problem, which maybe solved by traditional array synthesis techniques. Evolutionary algorithms such as genetic algorithms (GAs), evolutionary programming (EP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are well suited for this class of problems.


The folklore reports from traditional medical practitioners that Croton macrostachyus has bioactivity against several diseases including diabetes mellitus have not been scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. Aqueous leaf extract of Croton macrostachyus was intraperitoneally and orally administered to alloxan (180.9 mg/ kg; intraperitoneally)-induced diabetic mice at different doses of 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt and the effects on blood glucose levels investigated. The treatments effects were compared with three controls (normal, diabetic and diabetic treated with a standard antidiabetic drugs (insulin administered intraperitoneally at 1 IU/kg body weight in 0.1 ml physiological saline or glibenclamide administered orally at 3 mg/kg body weight in 0.1 ml physiological saline). Phytochemical composition of the leaf extracts were qualitatively assessed using standard procedures.The diabetic control mice showed significantly (p<0.05) higher fasting blood glucose when compared with normal control mice. Treatment of diabetic mice with doses of the leaf extract resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of fasting blood glucose. The effects of the leaf extract were comparable with the conventional drugs. However, the glucose lowering potency of this plant extract was dose independent. The aqueous leaf extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. Therefore, the results suggest that Croton macrostachyus leaf extract is a potent hypoglycemic agent and this validates their folkloric usage. Further studies to investigate the mechanism of action for hypoglycemic activity for these plant species should be done in order to explore possibilities of developing a drug that can function by similar mode of action as the plant extract.


Abstract

Probabilistic methods of phylogenetic reconstruction (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) provide a robust framework for the statistical inference of phylogenies and for phylogenetic hypothesis testing. The likelihood ratio test is a powerful statistical tool for comparing the explanatory power of alternative phylogenetic hypotheses that strongly relies on the likelihood function. In the Bayesian framework, phylogenetic hypothesis testing is usually performed using Bayes' factors. Statistical tests involving phylogenies are widely used for comparing alternative phylogenetic hypotheses (tree topologies), studying evolutionary rate constancy (clock-like behaviour) of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein sequences, estimating changes in selective pressures at the sequence level, inferring ancestral character states at internal nodes on phylogenies, estimating historical biogeography, examining patterns of trait evolution along the tree or applying phylogenetic comparative methods, among others. In addition, molecular dating analyses allow formulating and comparing hypotheses on absolute divergence times of cladogenetic events.

Key Concepts:

Probabilistic methods of phylogeny reconstruction rely on explicit models of evolution, and provide a powerful framework for testing evolutionary hypotheses.

The likelihood principle provides a direct approach to hypothesis testing in terms of probability.

The likelihood ratio test is a powerful tool for comparing two alternative hypotheses.

In the Bayesian framework, hypotheses are usually compared using Bayes' factors.

Topology tests evaluate whether the analysed data, besides supporting a particular phylogenetic hypothesis, could support or reject alternative tree topologies.

Molecular dating analyses, by converting evolutionary distances into absolute ages, allow comparing alternative scenarios of temporal divergence on phylogenetic trees.

The effect of natural selection can be detected by measuring the relative rates of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions in multiple nucleotide sequence alignments of protein-coding genes.

Explicit models of trait evolution support probabilistic reconstructions of ancestral character states at internal nodes on phylogenies and testing of hypotheses regarding the process of trait evolution.

Phylogenetic comparative methods aim to identify adaptation through correlations between species traits and other variables, while accounting for phylogenetic nonindependence of data.

Keywords:

hypothesis testing;
likelihood ratio test;
Bayes' factor;
topology test;
molecular dating;
natural selection;
ancestral character state reconstruction;
phylogenetic comparative methods;
evolution


This study investigated comparative effectiveness of Textual Enhancement (TE) and Processing Instruction (PI) on the acquisition of English simple present tense third person singular form by elementary level EFL young learners. To this end, 43 seventh grade secondary school learners were conveniently selected for the study and randomly distributed into two experimental groups: TE (n = 21), PI (n = 22). Each group received different instructions (namely TE or PI) during two consecutive regular classroom hours (80 minutes in total). The learners took a pretest one week before the instructions, an immediate posttest one day after the instructions, and finally a delayed posttest after four weeks. According to the results of an interpretation task and two production tasks, both types of instructions helped the participants to increase their performance on the interpretation task. However, the results from production tasks showed that both input groups could not improve their production scores as much as expected from the literature. Although the study was conducted with limited number of students and without a control group, its results still suggest that English language teachers can use input-based instruction to help especially young learners to comprehend notoriously difficult structures as in this study.


Needs analysis is essential for designing any language course for learners. The aim of this study was to explore the learning needs of 20 participants, all of whom are nineteen-year old first year university Jordanian students. These were (five males and fifteen females) enrolled in Isra University Faculty of Nursing Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree nursing program during the Fall semester of the academic year 2010-2011. The researchers used three procedures, primarily nursing faculty and students interviews, observation of performance tests in labs, where participants performed lab procedures for their instructors, and clinical observations, where participants did the same procedures on actual clients in nursing homes and hospitals and needs analysis in the form of a 23questionnaire (or survey) to gather data about the participants' learning needs. Based on the findings of the needs analysis, the researchers developed a language course to respond to their area of greatest difficulty: communicating in Arabic and in most cases, in English with clients, colleagues, nursing supervisors and the teaching staff of nurses in clinical settings. Materials for the ESP course were drawn form relevant health care communication sources (Bradley & Edinberg, 1982; Purtilo, 1990; and Davis, 1998). A series of in-class presentations and videotapes with particular emphasis on role-plays were adapted form the same sources to reinforce the course content and develop health care communication skills in participants in English since they are usually prepared to communicate with clients, colleagues and nursing teaching staff of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds at work in and outside Jordan. The course proved useful in helping participants to do so. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to satisfy diverse medical students' English language requirements in diverse medical professions (250 words).


Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus(SLE) is characterised by complex interactions between both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Natural Killer(NK) cells and NK T cells(NKT) are increasingly recognised to play a significant role in the dysregulated immune response seen in SLE, with members of the Toll like receptor(TLR) family, specifically TLR7 and TLR9, identified as key players also. Objectives To characterise the activation state of SLE NK and NKT cells in their resting state and following TLR stimulation. Methods Following PBMC isolation from SLE patients surface activation of CD56+CD3-(NK) and CD56+CD3+(NKT) cells was characterised in the resting start and following TLR stimulation by flow cytometry using the following markers:CD69 and CD25. All samples were stimulated with TLR 3,4,7 and 9. Serum cytokine levels were determined by multiplex technology. Disease Activity was recorded by SLEDAI with a score >6 reflecting active disease. Differences in activation states were examined using the Mann Whitney test whilst Spearmans correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between cytokine levels, disease activity and monocyte activation. Results 25 Patients with SLE were recruited. In the resting state SLE patients NK cells and NKT cells have higher expression of surface CD69 compared to controls(NK Cell 30.1% v 20.3%, p=.013)(NKT Cell 7.4% v 2.3 %, p =0.002). In contrast a significant difference for CD 25 expression was seen in SLE patients NK cells only(0.9% v 0.5%, p=0.0142). In addition active SLE patients have higher NKT cell CD69 surface expression than inactive patients, a finding not seen in SLE patients NK Cells with a significant correlation observed between disease activity and resting NK T cell CD69 expression(r = 0.55, p=.012). A significant relationship was observed between NK cell percentage CD69 surface expression and serum IL-1β production(r= -0.72, p=0.01) and percentage CD25 and IL-8 production(r= -0.69, p=0.015) in SLE patients. NK T cell CD25 levels also showed significant correlation with both serum IL-6(r=0.63, p=0.032) and IFN-Y(r = 0.66, p=0.023). Regarding responses to TLR ligands, TLR 7 stimulation resulted in a significant increase in both NK cell and NKT cell surface expression of CD69 and CD25 from the resting state in patients. In addition stimulation with all the TLR ligands resulted in increased NK Cell CD25 expression in SLE patients as compared to stimulated healthy controls, a result that was also seen following TLR 4 stimulation for NK T cell CD69 expression (8.7% v 3.9%, p = 0.005). Finally TLR 3 and TLR 9 stimulation resulted in a significant increase in NK T cell CD69 expression in patients compared to their resting state (TLR3 14.9% V 7.4%, p = 0.02)(TLR9 12.9% v 7.4%, p=0.008). Conclusions Our results suggest that SLE patient NK cells and NK T cells are hyperactivated in their resting state compared to healthy controls with a significant relationship seen between resting NK T Cell CD69 expression and disease activity. Despite this baseline hyperactivated state SLE patients demonstrate increased responsiveness to TLR ligands. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared


Inflammation is the new paradigm for the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary artery disease. Factors that increase oxidative stress and apoptosis of cells within the lesion contribute to sustaining the inflammatory response. It was hypothesized that redox-active iron and oxysterols, which have both been found in association with atherosclerotic plaques, contribute to oxidative stress and apoptosis by distinct, but overlapping signaling pathways. The human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was used as a model system to study the roles of redox-active iron and 7-ketocholesterol in macrophage apoptosis. The ability of both reagents to induce apoptosis in THP-1 macrophages was demonstrated using flow cytometry. The kinetics of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage as measured by ELISA were also similar. qRT-PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of several pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. While 7-ketocholesterol increased the level of CHOP mRNA (a transcription factor in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-initiated apoptosis), there was no similar increase in response to iron ascorbate treatment. Expression of other markers of ER stress, like the transcription factors ATF3 and CEBPbeta, was increased by both compounds, but the timing of changes in gene expression was different. TNFalpha regulates both apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production. Macrophages are major producers of TNFalpha as well as being highly responsive to the cytokine. A comparison of the changes in TNFalpha mRNA and protein levels in response to iron ascorbate and 7-ketocholesterol suggested that while ERK1/2 and NFkB signaling are important in TNFalpha expression, differentially regulated post-transcriptional processes determine the release of TNFalpha by macrophages. These preliminary results suggest that the apoptotic pathways activated by oxysterols and redox-active iron may be different and that these compounds may have additive or synergistic effects on lesion progression.


Length biased data occurs when a prevalent sampling is used to recruit subjects into a study that investigates the time from an initial event to a terminal event. Such data are usually left-truncated and right-censored. While there have been accurate and efficient methods to estimate the survival function, not much work has been done regarding the estimation of the residual life time distribution or the summary parameters such as the median and quantiles of the residual life. This dissertation proposes to make two new contributions. In the first part of the dissertation, we propose two ways to estimate the quantiles of the residual life time at fixed time points accounting for the length biased and censored nature of the data. We provide the asymptotic properties of these estimators and investigate them through simulation studies. Considering that the variances of these estimators require density estimation, we suggest an alternate approach taken by Jeong and others to obtain the confidence interval for the available residual function. We apply these methods to a breast cancer dataset from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP).

n the second part of the dissertation, we propose a method for testing the equality of quantile residual life times from two different populations under prevalence sampling. This test can also be inverted to construct confidence intervals for the ratio or difference of two quantile residual life between two populations. We compare the performance of two methods, namely, the TPL and Huang and Qin methods via simulation. The results show that the proposed tests maintain Type I error. The test based on Huang and Qin survival estimator is more powerful than that of based on the TPL estimator. We apply our methods to test the equality of median residual life of breast cancer patients having recurrence and undergoing two different treatments.

Public health significance of this research is enormous. For a population experiencing certain disease such as cancer, it is important to estimate the quantiles of the residual life time at specific time points to assess the impact of a disease and an intervention strategy on the population. This dissertation will provide accurate and efficient methods for estimating these quantiles.


The feeding behaviour of the Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes and the Royal Spoonbill P. regia at Lake Cowal, NSW, was studied between 1970 and 1972. The Yellow-billed Spoonbill occurred throughout the year; the Royal Spoonbill was rare or absent from June to September. Feeding behaviour and success are described; contents of twenty-eight stomachs of Yellow-billed and of twenty of Royal Spoonbills are reported. In contrast with the Royal Spoonbill, the Yellow-billed has a longer and narrower bill, simpler and slower methods of feeding and takes more arthropods, fewer fish and less non-animal matter.


One of the limitations in the applications and commercialization of metal oxides in diverse fields is their inferior colloidal stability. The ability of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) to remain in the suspended form for long duration is influenced by the particle size and the capping efficiency of the surfactant employed. Among the metal oxides, ZnO is exploited as an effective biocidal agent. For practical applications, the incorporation of ZnO into liquids using a stabilizer is of importance, and therefore synthesizing nanoparticles with high dispersity in solution still remains a challenge. The present work is aimed at synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in colloidal form with great stability, minimal particle size and high antibacterial activity. Herein, we report a single step synthesis of ZnO colloids in aqueous medium by using a biocompatible polymer PVA (poly(vinyl alcohol)) as a stabilizing agent. Both ZnO (without PVA) and ZnO-PVA NPs are prepared using ultrasonic irradiation and their differing particle sizes, stabilities and antibacterial activities are correlated. ESR measurements reveal that ZnO NPs of reduced particle size (∼5 nm) produced increased levels of reactive-oxygen species (ROS). The biocidal effect of the colloidal solution was examined on two bacterial species: Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The results revealed an enhancement in the antibacterial activity for the ZnO-PVA nanofluid.


In recent years, the number of consumer products incorporating a combination of mechanical and electronic systems has increased enormously. Because of this development we decided to start a course called 'Mechatronics in product design' (Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology). The paper describes the course (lectures, practical exercises and assessment) in detail. What we learned is; course books on mechatronics in product design are not available, control engineering is tuff stuff for IDE students, hands-on exercises (or using simulation software) is very helpful and the more integration between mechanical and electrical engineering the better.


This essay is an attempt to apply the Derridan notion of differance to Barthelme's two short stories entitled "Nothing: A Preliminary Account" (1987) and "Sentence" (2003). The research seeks to illustrate that everything is the victim of language plays. Accordingly, as long as differance is one of those plays, it is going to be deconstructed within the stories by its own jeux. Through "Nothing: A Preliminary Account", the discussion is sought after making a threshold from which language could be seen as the major problem of our world. It does so by constructing the new world of nothing within its story. On the other hand, throughout "Sentence", our beliefs about construction of any ideological system for defining anything are depicted as false and fake. As one sees the new definition of 'sentence' from Barthelme's outlook, the essay provides the reader to see the arbitrariness of differance world construction from another angel. Furthermore, using deconstruction methodology creates ways to go beyond the world of words; it is like watching language from outer space. Although deconstruction is aware of being trapped within the labyrinthine made by language, it has no other way to use it. In fact, deconstruction cannot use language, but also it cannot not use it. Deconstruction in Barthelme's stories constructs another world. It puts language under erasure, but at the same time invites the reader to go beyond its world.


The recent growth of multimedia requires an extensive use of metadata for their management. However, a uniform access to metadata is necessary in order to take advantage of them. In this context, several techniques for achieving metadata interoperability have been developed. Most of these techniques focus on matching schemas defined by using one schema description language. The few existing matching systems that support schemas from different languages present some limitations, especially when using semantic and structural information. In this paper we present a new integration system supporting schemas from different description languages. Moreover, the proposed matching process makes use of several types of information (linguistic, semantic and structural) in a manner that increases the matching accuracy.


We have been developing an S-band Cs-Te photocathode rf electron gun system for various application researches such as pulse radiolysis experiments and laser Compton scattering experiments at Waseda University. These researches demande for high quality and well controlled electron beam. In order to measure the ultra-short electron bunch, we decided to use rf-deflector cavity, which can convert the longitudinal distribution to the transverse. With this technique, the longitudinal bunch profile can be obtained as the transverse profile on the screen monitor. We used the 3D electromagnetic field simulation codes HFSS for designing rf-deflector cavity and GPT for beam tracking. The cavity has two-cell structures operating on π-mode, standing wave, dipole(TM120)mode at 2856 MHz. We have confirmed on HFSS that two-cell rf-deflector cavity can produce 660 G magnetic field per cell on beam line with 750 kW input rf-power. This field strength is equivalent with our target, which is 100 fs bunch length measurement at 4.3 MeV. In this paper, we will present the cavity structure design, and the measurement results of manufactured cavity.


This paper presents an adaptive approach for synchronization of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy chaotic systems. T-S fuzzy model can represent a general class of nonlinear system and we employ it for fuzzy modeling of the chaotic drive system. Since the output of the drive system is only available for synchronization, the response system is designed based on fuzzy adaptive observer for uncertain parameters and parameter mismatch cases. We analyze the stability of the overall fuzzy synchronization system by applying Lyapunov stability theory and derive stability conditions by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) problem. The adaptive law is derived to estimate the uncertain parameters or parameter mismatch. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed fuzzy adaptive synchronization approach.


Introduction: Senescence is implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, and cigarette smoke (CS) induces cellular senescence. SIRT6, a class III histone deacetylase (HDAC), has been demonstrated to antagonize cellular senescence, through the attenuation of IGF-Akt singaling. Autophagy is also regulated by IGF-Akt signaling through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Autophagy plays a regulatory role in cellular senescence by eliminating damaged proteins, but a role for SIRT6 in autophagy activation has not been shown. Hence, we investigated the regulatory role for SIRT6 in autophagy activation in terms of CS-induced cellular senescence.

Methods: Using human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC), senescence associated beta-galactosidase staining and western blotting of p21 were performed to evaluate senescence. SIRT6 expression vector and siRNA were transfected into HBEC using the Neon® Transfection System. To characterize autophagy, western blotting for LC3 and p62 were performed. Autophagy was inhibited by knock down of LC3 and ATG5 by siRNA transfection.

Results: CS extract (CSE)-induced HBEC senescence was inhibited by SIRT6 overexpression, while SIRT6 knock down and mutant SIRT6 (H133Y) without HDAC activity for H3K9 increased HBEC senescence. SIRT6 overexpression increased autophagy activation via attenuation of IGF-Akt-mTOR siginaling. Conversely, SIRT6 knock down and mutant SIRT6 (H133Y) inhibited autophagy activation. Autophagy inhibition attenuated the anti-senescent effect of SIRT6 overexpression.

Conclusion: Deacetylation mediated by SIRT6 is involved in CSE-induced HBEC senescence via autophagy regulation, which can be attributed to attenuation of IGF-Akt-mTOR siginaling.


Background

There is strong evidence suggesting that support from a trained healthcare professional can have a positive effect on initiation, duration, and experiences of breastfeeding. It is therefore important that nursing, medical and other students in healthcare, acquire knowledge about breastfeeding, and develop skills to effectively support and care for pregnant women and new mothers. This study tried to investigate the knowledge level, attitudes, and perceptions of gynecology healthcare professionals in Greece towards breastfeeding.
Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was provided asking the healthcare professionals and students to answer multiple choice questions. The study was conducted mainly at the facilities of Medical Faculty Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The questionnaire was administered to 312 healthcare professionals (midwifes, students, physicians, and other healthcare professionals).
Results

The questionnaire demonstrated that 70% of the respondents had moderate breastfeeding knowledge at best while 30% lacked knowledge concerning the management of special breastfeeding scenarios. 84% had previous personal breastfeeding experience or at least are willing to do so in the future (themselves or their partners) with 39.1% aiming to breastfeed approximately for one year. The same pattern was observed in terms of their breastfeeding recommendations to other mothers regardless of their sex. 59.6% admitted that they did not have the necessary time to properly inform mothers about breastfeeding while 72.4% acknowledged improper breastfeeding information as an important factor for the low breastfeeding rates in Greece. Finally, 80.4% stated that their education was lacking in didactic depth and their training in hands-on experience while 88.8% clearly underlined that there was room for improvement in their education/training curriculum. Expert teams, well-organized educational programs and advanced computing could contribute to the personnel's harmonization with the various breastfeeding objectives to create a "breastfeeding-friendly" social environment.
Conclusions

This study revealed that although most Greek gynecology healthcare professionals have very positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, their breastfeeding knowledge was moderate at best and could be further improved.


Bacteriological examination of faeces and swabs from fourteen species of reptiles predominantly constrictors, yielded six serotypes of Salmonella as well as Arizona hinshawii, Proteus species, Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter species. Organisms isolated were identified using conventional bacteriological methods and yielded two serotypes of salmonellae not previously identified in Canada: Salmonella nima and Salmonella 58:a.


The Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is a Chinese scientific satellite designed for cosmic ray studies with a primary scientific goal of indirect detection of dark matter particles. As a crucial sub-detector, the BGO calorimeter measures the energy spectrum of cosmic rays in the energy range from 5 GeV to 10 TeV. In order to implement high-density front-end electronics (FEE) with the ability to measure 1848 signals from 616 photomultiplier tubes on the strictly constrained satellite platform, two kinds of 32-channel front-end ASICs, VA160 and VATA160, are customized. However, a space mission period of more than 3 years makes single event effects (SEEs) become threats to reliability. In order to evaluate SEE sensitivities of these chips and verify the effectiveness of mitigation methods, a series of laser-induced and heavy ion-induced SEE tests were performed. Benefiting from the single event latch-up (SEL) protection circuit for power supply, the triple module redundancy (TMR) technology for the configuration registers and the optimized sequential design for the data acquisition process, 52 VA160 chips and 32 VATA160 chips have been applied in the flight model of the BGO calorimeter with radiation hardness assurance.


This paper updates previous research on physician-based measures of access to care for Medicare beneficiaries following the implementation of Medicare payment reform in 1992. Using data collected in spring 1993, the results show that the majority of physician-based access indicators did not change significantly from 1992 levels. Those indicators that did change generally offset reductions in access identified immediately after the implementation of Medicare physician payment reform.


Drs ANTHONY D ORMEROD and MARION I WHITE (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB) write: In 1965 Chang described a 44 year old patient who was treated for a second time with griseofulvin for a relapse of tinea unguium. Three days later he developed cold urticaria associated with photosensitivity, which cleared within three days of stopping treatment and returned during rechallenge with griseofulvin.' So far this report has not been substantiated by further reports of this association. We describe a similar case. An atopic 14 year old girl was treated with griseofulvin 500 mg for Trichophyton rubrum infection of the fingernails and palms. Six weeks later she developed a widespread urticarial rash, particularly prominent on the exposed areas, and treatment with griseofulvin was stopped. The urticaria persisted, however, and was noted to be worse after exposure to cold. A 10 minute application of an ice cube gave a positive reaction. The cold urticaria was still troublesome during the winter three years after its onset. Investigations, including full blood count; liver function tests; measurement of sedimentation rate and concentrations of urea and electrolytes, antinuclear factor, cryoglobulins, and C3 and C4; and a direct antiglobulin test yielded normal results. Her IgE was increased at 459 IU/ml. The precipitation or potentiation of cold urticaria by diverse antigenic stimuli is well recognised and may occur after viral infection or bee stings2 or be restricted to an area of antigenic stimulation during pollen desensitisation.3 These stimuli may induce the production of an IgE autoantibody to a cold dependent antigen. Such an antibody might then be perpetuated in the immunological memory and explain the persistence of our patient's urticaria, which is no longer dependent on griseofulvin. Such persistence of urticaria after an acute allergic reaction is well recognised and often follows a reaction to penicillin but has not previously been reported in association with griseofulvin.


This study was carried out to determine the effects of Moringa oleifera seeds on the microbial and physiological parameters of industrial and kitchen effluents. Different concentrations of the Moringa seeds (1%, 2%, 4%, and 8%) were prepared and used to treat known volumes of domestic and kitchen effluents using alum (1%) as the control for a 4 day treatment period. Phytochemical screening, coagulation, and microbiological studies were carried out using standard methods. The results revealed the presence of several phytochemicals including Flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac, glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, terpenoids, and coumarins in both the ethanol and aqueous extracts of the Moringa seeds. Coagulation studies revealed that the pH of the industrial effluent treated with 1% alum (control) and 1% Moringa increased from day 1 (pH3.75) to day 4 (pH4.0). Conductivity values showed that the industrial effluent treated with 8% Moringa had the highest conductivity value on day 1 (2470Ω/m) while 1% Moringa treated group had the lowest value on day 4 (1000Ω/m). Microbial studies revealed that lowest values for the heterotrophic count (83 x 10 2 ), coliform count on MAC agar (124 x 10 2 ) and coliform count on EMB agar (130 x 10 2 ) for the industrial effluent. Industrial effluent treated with 1% Moringa had the lowest MPN value of 7 on day 4. The results showed that M. oleifera seeds have good coagulation abilities and can be used in water treatment processes. However, further research into optimum parameters required for efficient treatment of effluents should be encouraged.


Lack of physical activity is a problem amongst student populations given their large proportion of desk-bound activity. Attrition from physical activity programs is widespread. Attrition is influenced by proximal and distal factors of health behaviour. This literature review provides an overview of the theoretical basis of the need for physical activity. Theories on health behaviour are compared, the most useful behaviour change models for deriving theory-based interventions are determined, and an overview of the most successful intervention techniques according to taxonomy-based meta-studies is provided. The literature indicates that integrated interventions that include multiple evidence-based, theory-driven intervention techniques can be effective for increasing physical activity behaviour in individuals and, consequently, improve health outcomes. Professional delivery and individual tailoring further increase the efficacy of interventions. Opportunities for future research are recommended in the areas of converging behaviour change theories, measurement devices for physical activity, and broadening the evidence base for the maintenance phase of health behaviour change.


PURPOSE: To evaluate the bond strength of a total-etching adhesive system to dentin irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 17% (EDTA). METHODS: Thirty human molars were sectioned 3mm below the oclusal surface and were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10): G1, no treatment (control); G2, 1% NaOCl; G3, NaOCl followed by EDTA. The specimens received the total-etching adhesive system, restored with microhybrid composite resin, sectioned and trimmed to create 4 hourglass-shaped slabs of each tooth. The slabs were tested in microtensile bond strength in a universal testing machine (Emic DL 2000) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test. G2 samples were not submitted to the test because they fractured just before testing, and its values were considered zero to the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The means and standard deviations (MPa) were: G1, 8.41 (±3.51); G2, 0.0 (±0.00); G3, 8.47 (±3.53). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the application of the NaOCl irrigating solution significantly decreased the bond strength values. The use of NaOCl followed by EDTA resulted in bond strength values not statistically different from control group.


BACKGROUND
Relative apical sparing pattern of longitudinal strain (RapSP-LS) was suggested in advanced cardiac amyloidosis (CA). It is unclear whether it is present in less advanced CA.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Patients with presumptive diagnosis of CA and mean left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) ≤14 mm were recruited. Apart from RapSP-LS visually identified, relative apical longitudinal strain index (RapLSI) was defined as [average apical LS/(average basal LS+average mid-ventricle LS)]. Among 119 patients included, 47 were finally diagnosed with CA. RapLSI was higher in the CA group compared to other causes of increased mean LVWT (P<0.001), but with a significant range of overlap noted. In contrast, RapSP-LS visually assessed was noted in most CA patients (31/47, 66.0%) except in those with preserved LV ejection fraction, normal LVWT, and mildly decreased global LS, suggesting least advanced CA. On multivariate analysis of the added diagnostic role of RapSP-LS or RapLSI on top of clinical, electrocardiographic, and conventional echocardiographic parameters, addition of RapLSI produced only borderline increase in area under the curve of the multivariate model (P=0.05), whereas addition of RapSP-LS significantly increased it (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Visual identification of RapSP-LS is useful in terms of added diagnostic value compared with quantitative calculation of RapLSI. Its clinical application, however, should be used with caution in patients with less advanced CA.


The article discusses Israel's ambiguous policy towards Lebanon since the late 1960s and early 1970s and assesses its long-term impact on Israeli-Lebanese relations. Its main argument is twofold: first, Israel reacted to the gradual decline of Lebanon's effective sovereignty in the Lebanese-Israeli border area in the late 1960s and early 1970s by adopting an ambiguous policy, which, while recognizing Lebanon's formal sovereignty, sought to "make up" for its lack of effective sovereignty in the Israeli-Lebanese border area by stepping up Israel's involvement there; second, Israel's ambiguous policy towards Lebanon, together with other factors, such as the armed activities of Palestinian and Lebanese factions in and from South Lebanon, has been a major factor for the continuous violence in the Lebanese-Israeli border area, most recently the war between Israel and Hizbullah in 2006. I conclude with suggestions of how to put an end to the cycle of ambiguity and conflict in Israeli-Lebanese relations.


A new form of technology was developed which focussed on gluten-free bread with gluten-free sourdough and rowan powder (from the botanical species Sorbus aucuparia). This new form of technology allows organoleptic characteristics to be improved, along with structure, texture, microbial spoilage resistance, and the shelf life of gluten-free bread. The gluten-free dry microbial composition with lactic acid bacteria was developed as a starter for sourdough. The lactic acid bacteria, L. brevis E38, was experimentally selected for dry microbial composition on the basis of its antagonistic activity against ropy bread disease pathogens (B. subtilis and B. licheniformis). The dependence was revealed of the accumulation of acetic acid and lactic acid in the sourdough on the microbial composition during fermentation. A gluten-free sourdough technology was developed which involved a new starter, rice, and soy flour at a ratio of 0.2:2:1. It was shown that the use of soy protein slows down the fermentation process in the sourdough. An increase in acidity levels of between 7.5 9.5 times higher in the dough with sourdough and rowan powder when compared to dough without sourdough. Sourdough usage allowed compressibility of the crumb to be increased by between 1.8 2 times, with a specific volume of 19.0% and a porosity of 9.8% and 11.5%, and for the sensory characteristics to be improved as perceived by consumers. It was proved that microbial composition with a lactic acid bacteria, L. brevis E38, inhibits ropy disease and mould development in bread. The results of the present study showed that the addition of sourdough and rowan powder can be used to improve the quality of gluten-free bread.


: The effect of therapy on the clinical course of pleuropulmonary and systemic Nocardia asteroides disease in 78 reported cases was analyzed. All patients were treated with drugs. In 72 cases sulfonamides alone or in combination with other antibiotics was given; 45 patients underwent surgical procedures. The extent of disease had a bearing on survival as only 3 of 39 patients (7.6%) with isolated pleuropulmonary involvement died. These fatalities occurred among the 16 patients of this group who received immunosuppressive drugs. One of 12 patients (8.3%) with suppurative foci other than brain abscess and pleuropulmonary nocardiosis died, whereas the fatality rate of cases with nocardial brain abscess was 47.8%. Thirty-one patients relapsed or had progression of disease while receiving drugs for nocardiosis, 30 of them within the first three months. Prolonged post-treatment observation is essential in the management of nocardiosis as four patients relapsed after drug therapy was discountinued, three of them between six and eight months. Although there was no significant difference in the survival of patients treated with only drugs when compared to those who also had surgery, no fatalities occurred among those medically treated for six months or longer (p = .0091).


Raffmetal EN AB-Al Si7Mg0.3 (EN AB-42100) is a heat-treatable, Al-Si-Mg casting alloy in ingot form for remelting. It is used extensively for producing sand, permanent mold and investment castings for applications requiring a combination of excellent casting characteristics, high strength with good elongation, and good corrosion resistance. This alloy can be produced to a wide range of mechanical properties by making small adjustments to the magnesium content and/or heat treatment. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as casting, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: Al-480. Producer or source: Raffmetal S.p.A.


Culture plays an important role in affecting corporate behaviors when formal institutions fall short. Using China's A-share listed companies as a sample, we analyze the impact of Chinese alcohol culture on corporate rent-seeking behavior. We find that firms in regions in which alcohol plays a more prominent role show more rent-seeking expense. The results are still robust when we use the regional gender ratio and temperature as instruments. It is further found that a high level of alcohol culture in CEOs' home region significantly enhances rent-seeking expense. Moreover, the promoting effect of alcohol culture on corporate rent-seeking is significantly reduced in the state-owned firms or under the improvements in formal institutions. As for influence mechanism, we find that the alcohol culture can promote the tendency of executives and officials to engage in corruption. This paper provides micro evidence for the impact of culture on the real economy. JEL classification numbers: G32, G38Keywords: Culture; Rent-seeking; Alcohol; Corruption


Present study aimed to determine the effects of salt stress in 13 melon genotypes and 4 commercial melon varieties collected from the Van Lake Basin. Two doses of salt applications were conducted at 0 mM and 50 mM NaCl concentrations and the plants were cultivated in 3 repeats under 25 ± 2 °C temperature and 16/8 light/dark periods based on the randomized block experimental design in climate chamber conditions. In order to determine the effect of stress, traits such as 0-5 scale, shoot and root lengths, shoot diameters, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, leaf relative water content, membrane injury index, stoma widths and lengths, stomatal areas and stoma densities were evaluated. The reaction of the genotypes against stress was determined via mixture modeling and PCA analysis. In PCA analysis, three PCA components explained 71.48% of the total variation at 0 mM, while four components explained 69.53% of the total variation at 50 mM. As a result of the mixture modeling analysis, it was observed that 4 sub-populations for 0 mM and 3 sub-populations for 50 mM were formed and it was revealed that the salt-tolerant genotypes were in the sub-population 3 and salt-susceptible genotypes were in the sub-population 1.


Due to the knowledge economy emergence, many terminologies were added to the management studies' literature such as knowledge work, knowledge workers, knowledge organizations and knowledge management. Most of these terms are still debatable in the literature and practice. This review will be critically discussing knowledge work and workers. Although many statistics and definitions supported the existence of knowledge work and thus the classification of knowledge workers as a distinctive working class, these terms haven't reached a consensus. Still a lot of scholars believe that knowledge workers are nothing but a reclassification of the existing working classes with no strong theoretical and empirical evidence to support such a claim. Knowledge work and workers is believed to be terms that indicate the changing working conditions that affect all working classes in different intensities. This can be represented by the occupational knowledge intensification caused by different factors such as the increase in utilizing technologies at the workplace and growing market demands for customization. The review concludes that knowledge work and workers are still weak concepts and if they are to survive their definition and differentiation should be narrowed and cleared. Alternatively, such terms could be excluded and substituted by categorizing different emerging working classes into new professions, following the professionalization process.


Aims. LYRA, the Large Yield Radiometer, is a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) solar radiometer, planned to be launched in November 2009 on the European Space Agency PROBA2, the Project for On-Board Autonomy spacecraft. Methods. The instrument was radiometrically calibrated in the radiometry laboratory of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) at the Berlin Electron Storage ring for SYnchroton radiation (BESSY II). The calibration was done using monochromatized synchrotron radiation at PTB's VUV and soft X-ray radiometry beamlines using reference detectors calibrated with the help of an electrical substitution radiometer as the primary detector standard. Results. A total relative uncertainty of the radiometric calibration of the LYRA instrument between 1% and 11% was achieved. LYRA will provide irradiance data of the Sun in four UV passbands and with high temporal resolution down to 10 ms. The present state of the LYRA pre-flight calibration is presented as well as the expected instrument performance.


We present a new method of evaluating the information of interest in the output response of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. A well-known spread-spectrum technique is used to get the sensor information from an individually addressed SAW sensor. On-off keying-coded SAW sensors are picked out of a number of sensors by correlating the sensor response signal with a replica of the known response signal of a particular sensor. The influence of a measurement quantity (e.g., temperature, pressure, current, voltage,...) on a SAW sensor can be observed as a scaling of time and shape of the sensor response signal. This scaling factor is evaluated by use of correlative signal processing techniques. A main advantage of this method is the capability of multiple access, i.e., to distinguish different sensors in the range of a single interrogation system. Since this technique makes it possible to deal with sensor response signals overlapping in the time domain, sensors can remain short and, therefore, cheap. The principle of operation, limits of the method, and experimental results for temperature measurements are also presented.


Using experimental methods, body size, nutritional state (hunger) and light level were investigated as possible determinants of the extent to which juvenile lingcod Ophiodon elongatus used structural refuges. In the laboratory, older, larger individuals (134–162 mm total length, LT) exhibited a higher propensity for structure use than did smaller juvenile fish (78–103 mm LT). In fish of both body sizes, increasing hunger levels caused fish to emerge more readily from refuges than satiated individuals, with this effect most prominent for smaller fish. Diel patterns of ambient illumination were simulated in the laboratory, and refuge use by large individuals decreased significantly in response to lower nocturnal light levels, a pattern that was not observed in the smaller size class. These results indicate an ontogenetic shift in refuge use. During the summer, as post-settlement fish grew larger, they tended to increase affinity for structurally complex habitat, and also showed divergent patterns of behaviour in relation to hunger and light level. Journal compilation # 2006 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles No claim to original US government works


Rock glacier is a rare case of study for 3D modelling. This type of models has particular properties which make it a special application for multi-view stereo reconstruction algorithms. In this work we analize different types of methods for dense reconstruction from wide base-line views. Besides that we select a method which was adapted and implemented for the specific case of rock glacier modelling. Principally we add two suitable innovations: implement a pyramidal image structure for get more efficient computation and use a feature-based method to obtain a initial terrain surface and improve the depth estimation. The proposed method has been tested in a real rock glacier example (Veleta in Sierra Nevada, Spain) with good results.


: The need for continuing education in clinical pharmacology for practising doctors is seen in the light of a study of the prescribing information contained in recent New Zealand drug advertisements. Less than half of the advertisements contained details of dosage and only a quarter mentioned toxic effects.


Recent longitudinal studies have contributed substantially to the understanding of teacher learning. Yet, research on learning to teach English pronunciation is still in its infancy with the aim of this article being the exploration of the longitudinal development of four L2 instructors' practices and cognitions about English pronunciation pedagogy. Qualitative data were collected in three phases over six years, ranging from the beginning of a pronunciation pedagogy course into the teacher's current professional careers. Pre- and post-course questionnaires, a course assignment, focus groups, observations, narrative frames, and semi-structured interviews were triangulated to produce detailed teacher profiles, which then provided a thorough understanding of the practitioner's developing practices and cognitions. Findings demonstrated complex and continuous yet nonlinear and individual development, especially in two areas: (i) the teachers' delivery of pronunciation instruction and (ii) their focus on pronunciation pedagogy. Four specific factors were also identified as impacting the developmental process of teachers' practices and cognitions about pronunciation. In light of these findings, the article concludes with a recommendation to extend an existing framework for preparing pronunciation teachers.


coking tail wastewater is difficult to dispose due to its hard-degradation substance. Biological Aerated Filter (BAF),with a characteristics of strong resistance to organic impact load,is a new way in treating high-concentration organic wastewater.In this paper, coking tail wastewater disposed in two-stage BAF is investigated. It shows that the optimized condition to dispose organic is that temperature is 25 ~ 35 °C, pH is7 ~8, gas-water ratio is 2~3:1, reflux ratio is 0.5~1. Under optimal conditions COD removal rate of the system remains stable around 69.10%.


This research aims to identify the dimensions, components, and indicators of successor development in central bank managers. The successor development plan provides the best staff in the critical jobs of the organization given the lack of necessary planning in the departure of managers and experienced people in the organization, along with the lack of identification of talented people to replace managerial positions. This applied research employed an exploratory method to conduct the study and used a mixed method to collect data in two quantitative and qualitative parts. The successor development indicators in the central bank were explained in the qualitative part using the content analysis method in two stages of document analysis and library studies, as well as semistructured interviews. The views of the sample in the quantitative section were examined with a researcher-made questionnaire compared to indicators calculated from the qualitative section. The statistical sample in the qualitative section consisted of 12 senior managers of the Central Bank who were collected by purposive and snowball sampling method to achieve theoretical saturation. A total of 285 basic, middle, and senior managers of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran were selected in the quantitative section by stratified random sampling using the Morgan table. Content analysis and coding method were performed for data analysis in the qualitative section. One sample t-tests were performed to explain and prioritize dimensions, components, and indicators in the quantitative part. According to the results, 68 indicators were identified, explained, and prioritized in 12 components and four dimensions of organizational readiness, competency development, human resource empowerment, and underlying factors. The highest frequency among the indicators in the quality sector is related to the component of "professional qualifications." The dimension of "human resource empowerment" (mean=4.03) and the component of "education and development" (mean=4.036) were the most crucial successor development requirements for central bank managers.


A subtraction hybridization approach combined with a differentiation therapy model of human melanoma identified melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (mda-7) as a gene up-regulated during induction of terminal differentiation. Based on conserved structure, chromosomal location and cytokine-like properties, mda-7, has now been classified as a member of the expanding interleukin (IL)-10 gene family and designated as mda-7/IL-24. Extensive in vitro and in vivo human tumor xenograft studies confirm that mda-7/IL-24 induces apoptosis specifically in tumor cells without harming normal cells. Unique properties of mda-7/IL-24 action also include potent "bystander antitumor" activity, an ability to exert anti-angiogenic effects, immune modulating ability and a capacity to enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody therapy. Very recent studies from our groups further reveal autocrine regulation and chemoprevention facilitating properties of mda-7/IL-24. Based on these remarkable antitumor attributes, mda-7/IL-24 was evaluated by intratumoral injection with a replication incompetent adenovirus expressing this gene (Ad.mda-7; ING 241) in a phase I clinical trial in patients with metastatic melanomas and other advanced solid cancers. mda-7/IL-24 was well tolerated with significant clinical activity. This review highlights our current understanding of the molecular and biochemical basis of mda-7/IL-24 antitumor properties and highlights its potential as a viable gene-based therapy for a wide spectrum of primary and advanced cancers.


Lignin-based anion exchangers (L-AE) were prepared by reacting lignin with epichlorohydrin and triethylamine in the presence of N,N-dimethylformamide and a catalyst. A multi-factor and multi-level orthogonal design of experiment was carried out in order to obtain the optimal conditions for the preparation of lignin-based anion exchangers. The optimized parameters including the dosages of catalysts, the amounts of triethylamine, graft reaction time, and the graft reaction temperature were defined. Data of nitrate removal and yield were used as performance indicators of the products prepared. The results indicated that the reaction temperature was the primary factor. The optimal synthesis reaction parameters were lignin:pyridine:triethylamine = 2 g:3 mL:12 mL. The optimal experimental temperature was 70 °C, and the reaction time was 7 h. The yield was 188.6% and the nitrate removal was 91.2%. Under some reaction conditions, the yields were found greater than 100%; this was due to the grafted mass from epoxidation with epichlorohydrin and quaternization (through the reaction of epoxide with triethylamine).


of the original article? Social dilemmas occur when the pursuit of self-interest by individuals in a group leads to less than optimal collective outcomes for everyone in the group. A critical assumption in the human sciences is that people's choices in such dilemmas are individualistic, selfish, and rational. Hence, cooperation in the support of group welfare will only occur if there are selfish incentives that convert the social dilemma into a nondilemma. In recent years, inclusive fitness theories have lent weight to such traditional views of rational selfishness on Darwinian grounds. To show that cooperation is based on selfish incentives, however, one must provide evidence that people do not cooperate without such incentives. In a series of experimental social dilemmas, subjects were instructed to make single, anonymous choices about whether or not to contribute money for a shared "bonus" that would be provided only if enough other people in the group also contributed their money. Noncontributors cited selfish reasons for their choices; contributors did not. If people are allowed to engage in discussion, they will contribute resources at high rates, frequently on irrational grounds, to promote group welfare. These findings are consistent with previous research on ingroup biasing effects that cannot be explained by "economic man" or "selfish gene" theories. An alternative explanation is that sociality was a primary factor shaping the evolution of Homo sapiens. The cognitive and affective mechanisms underlying such choices evolved under selection pressures on small groups for developing and maintaining group membership and for predicting and controlling the behavior of other group members. This sociality hypothesis organizes previously inexplicable and disparate phenomena in a Darwinian framework and makes novel predictions about human choice. 748 BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES (1991) 14:4 Continuing Commentary An explanatory mechanism that merits more attention


In order to reduce the weight of airplane and increase its mechanical behaviors, more and larger integrated parts are applied in modern aviation industry. When machining multi-frame aeroplane parts, more than 90% of the materials would be removed, resulting in severe distortion of the parts due to the weakened rigidity and the release of residual stress. This might also lead to stress concentration and damage of the parts. The effect of material removal from residually stressed billet is simulated using FEA software ANSYS, and the causations of distortion is analyzed. To verify the finite element simulation, a high speed milling test on aluminum alloy 7050T7351 is carried out. The results show that the simulation result is consistent with the experimental one. It included that the original residual stress in the blocks of aero-aluminum component is one of key factors to cause machining distortion.


ABSTRACT Gene amplification is believed to play an important role in antibiotic resistance but has been rarely documented in clinical settings because of its unstable nature. We report a rise in MICs from 0.5 to 16 μg/ml in successive Acinetobacter baumannii isolated over 4 days from a patient being treated with tobramycin for an infection by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, resulting in therapeutic failure. Isolates were characterized by whole-genome sequencing, real-time and reverse transcriptase PCR, and growth assays to determine the mechanism of tobramycin resistance and its fitness cost. Tobramycin resistance was associated with two amplification events of different chromosomal fragments containing the aphA1 aminoglycoside resistance gene part of transposon Tn6020. The first amplification event involved low amplification (6 to 10 copies) of a large DNA fragment that was unstable and conferred tobramycin MICs of ≤8 μg/ml. The second event involved moderate (10 to 30 copies) or high (40 to 110 copies) amplification of Tn6020. High copy numbers were associated with tobramycin MICs of 16 μg/ml, impaired fitness, and genetic instability, whereas lower copy numbers resulted in tobramycin MICs of ≤8 μg/ml and no fitness cost and were stably maintained in vitro. Exposure in vitro to tobramycin of the initial susceptible isolate and of the A. baumannii AB0057 reference strain led to similar aphA1 amplifications and elevated tobramycin MICs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of in vivo development of antibiotic resistance secondary to gene amplifications resulting in therapy failure. IMPORTANCE A combination of whole-genome sequencing and mapping were used to detect an antibiotic resistance mechanism, gene amplification, which has been presumed for a long time to be of major importance but has rarely been reported in clinical settings because of its unstable nature. Two gene amplification events in a patient with an Acinetobacter baumannii infection treated with tobramycin were identified. One gene amplification event led to high levels of resistance and was rapidly reversible, while the second event led to low and more stable resistance since it incurred low fitness cost on the host. Gene amplification, with an associated rise in tobramycin MICs, could be readily reproduced in vitro from initially susceptible strains exposed to increasing concentrations of tobramycin, suggesting that gene amplification in A. baumannii may be a more common mechanism than currently believed. This report underscores the importance of rapid molecular techniques for surveillance of drug resistance. A combination of whole-genome sequencing and mapping were used to detect an antibiotic resistance mechanism, gene amplification, which has been presumed for a long time to be of major importance but has rarely been reported in clinical settings because of its unstable nature. Two gene amplification events in a patient with an Acinetobacter baumannii infection treated with tobramycin were identified. One gene amplification event led to high levels of resistance and was rapidly reversible, while the second event led to low and more stable resistance since it incurred low fitness cost on the host. Gene amplification, with an associated rise in tobramycin MICs, could be readily reproduced in vitro from initially susceptible strains exposed to increasing concentrations of tobramycin, suggesting that gene amplification in A. baumannii may be a more common mechanism than currently believed. This report underscores the importance of rapid molecular techniques for surveillance of drug resistance.


Variations in the leaf morphological and anatomical features of Moringa oleifera Lam. accessions from Northern Nigeria have been reported. The wide range of uses of this naturalised crop in Nigeria has in recent time witnessed increasing demand of its foliar product in nutritional, medical and ecological applications. The upsurge demand for this product needs to be balanced with new lines of improved performance to meet the supply chain of the country and beyond. To achieve this, the present study was aimed at setting the foundation of variability analysis based on morphology and anatomical features of the leaf to detect promising cultivars for mapping out of future breeding schemes of this multi-purpose crop. The generated data were analysed with NTSYS pc software, and the plant accessions clustered into six groups irrespective of area of collection. Out of these accessions, 16BAU from north-east part of Nigeria gave the highest leaf length measurement of 60.3 cm while 18 KGGM had the lowest value of 35.3 cm and each were formed in separate clusters of IV and III respectively.


Storage of contaminants in low permeability media (LPM) presents a great challenge for prediction of remediation effectiveness and efficiency. The reason lies in the contaminants' complex behaviors within heterogeneous media. Both interparticle and intraparticle diffusion contribute to the difficulty of precise site assessment. Sorption of contaminants--especially within LPM--may sequester the contaminants from active treatment, while desorption over a long period of time leads to contaminant release from storage and consequent re-contamination. Research has been conducted toward better understanding of contaminant diffusion and sorption/desorption processes to better predict contaminant response to site treatment. However, most of the research has been carried out within homogeneous media, while real scenarios in environmental problems feature media whose permeability and other characteristics vary significantly over the treatment volume. Further, few efforts have combined the interparticle/intraparticle diffusion and sorption/desorption processes together. This research aims at a feasible experimental design of diffusion and desorption of contaminant in heterogeneous media to address the gaps in previous research. A 2-D experimental system was designed to evaluate interparticle/intraparticle diffusion processes of trichloroethylene (TCE) in heterogeneous media. The 2-D system was modified to include organic matter in media for simulation of sorption/desorption processes. Results of the research will improve the understanding of how these different transport processes act together within heterogeneous media. Results will also allow for the evaluation of the impact of contaminant mass transport from within low permeability media at a potential treatment site and can support the development of mathematical tools/models combining interparticle/intraparticle and sorption/desorption processes. Such a model will promote more accurate site assessment and provide more confidence in the choice of an effective, economically optimized remediation strategy.


Introduction: Surrogacy is one of the methods of infertility treatment in women who congenitally or medically suffer from lack of a suitable uterus for fertilization and embryo transport. This method has been used in other countries for several decades. It has also been considered and used in our society as well. According to characteristics of this treatment some ethical, legal, psychological and sociological challenges occur in this respect which not only create some concerns for the public, but also may cause resistance in health department's authorities and policy makers. This study was performed aimed at investigating the attitude of rural infertile women towards surrogacy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women with primary infertility in rural states of Jahrom town in 2011. Data were collected after evaluated the reliability and validity by two-part questionnaire containing demographic information and attitudinal statements and analyzed using SPSS software version 19 and descriptive analytical spearman tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean of positive attitudes towards surrogacy was 65.5±12.7. Mean age of women were 35.6±7.9 and level of education were varied from illiterate to higher than diploma. Those with infertility treatment history had more positive attitude towards this treatment than those who had no experienced about that. 146 women (73) because of fear of failure and 87 women (43.5) because of legal problems existing in this method did not choose this treatment. 95 women (47.5) reported that if this method was used, the child should not be fully informed of how he created. Conclusion: According to the majority of the studied cases' positive attitudes towards surrogacy and since awareness of families' beliefs and tendencies toward legalizing surrogacy and maintaining their rights is very important, also difference in beliefs which exist in our country, more comprehensive researches in this subject is recommended.


Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) effects of being individually affected by downward wage rigidity on layoffs, quits and intra-firm mobility are investigated. We measure the individual extent of wage rigidity within a structural empirical model that allows us to estimate the notional wage growth which is about 1.4 % on average over the whole period. Wage growth is swept up by 3.3 % through wage rigidity and 62 % of the work force are in the real rigid regime. We find negative effects of wage sweep-up on quits, layoffs and promotions. This is consistent with a core-periphery view of the labour force, where a core work force is at the same time protected from layoffs and from wage cuts, whereas a peripheral work force provides a buffer for adjustment and suffers from both flexible wages and more insecure jobs. Reducing promotions for high wage sweep-up workers seems to be strategy of employers to circumvent wage rigidity. This suggests that it is not a pay policy chosen by the employer, but that it is imposed upon the employer through bargaining power. However, decreased promotion opportunities do not seem to fully outweigh the benefit of generous wage growth.


Wireless sensor networks are of energy-constrained nature, which calls for energy efficient protocols as a primary design goal. Thus, minimizing energy consumption is a main challenge.We are concerned in howcollected data by sensors, can be processed to increase the relevance of certain mass of data and reduce the overall data traffic. Since sensor nodes are often densely deployed, the data collected by nearby nodes are either redundant or correlated. One of the great challenges for the aforementioned problem is to exploit temporal and spatial correlation among the source nodes. Our work is composed of two main tasks: 1- A predictive modeling task that aims to capture the temporal correlation among collected data. 2- A data similarity detection task that measures the data similarity based on the spatial correlation.


1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) affects the passage rate of cells from S to G2 phase to a greater extent than from G1 to S. This finding is consistent with the fact that the compound may have its major biological effect during the latter part of S and the early part of G2. The magnitude of these effects is related to the dose and duration of ara-C administration. Inhibition of DNA synthesis can occur without disturbances in transit time.


The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly growing and provides the foundation for the development of smart cities, smart home, and health care. With more and more devices connecting to the Internet, huge amounts of data are produced, creating a great challenge for data processing. Traditional cloud computing has the problems of long delays. Edge computing is an extension of cloud computing, processing data at the edge of the network can reduce the long processing delay of cloud computing. Due to the limited computing resources of edge servers, resource management of edge servers has become a critical research problem. However, the structural characteristics of the subtask chain between each pair of sensors and actuators are not considered to address the task scheduling problem in most existing research. To reduce processing latency and energy consumption of the edge-cloud system, we propose a multilayer edge computing system. The application deployed in the system is based on directed digraph. To fully use the edge servers, we proposed an application module placement strategy using Simulated Annealing module Placement (SAP) algorithm. The modules in an application are bounded to each sensor. The SAP algorithm is designed to find a module placement scheme for each sensor and to generate a module chain including the mapping of the module and servers for each sensor. Thus, the edge servers can transmit the tuples in the network with the module chain. To evaluate the efficacy of our algorithm, we simulate the strategy in iFogSim. Results show the scheme is able to achieve significant reductions in latency and energy consumption.


Becoming a successful writer is an important skill for the young because it predicts academic success, supports and extends learning, provides opportunities to participate in civic and community life and fulfils expectations of the workforce to create clear and concise documents. Many secondary students in the US, however, struggle to gain basic academic literacy skills that meet the demands of higher education and the workforce. This qualitative study explored how a specific writing genre, occasional papers, opened opportunities for students to situate themselves and each other as authors in an 11th-grade English classroom. The paper argues that high school students need more opportunities to construct their identities as lifelong authors, who write to make sense of themselves and the world around them and write to promote dialogue with an audience if they are to succeed at high-stakes exams and writing as a member of the workforce. Suggestions for how to integrate such writing within a standardized curriculum are discussed.


Background. People older than 90 years represent an increasing segment of the US population, but little information exists on their hospitalization for acute illness. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients aged 95 through 99 years admitted during 1 year to a large teaching hospital. Results. Of 43 patients admitted at least once, 14 were admitted twice, 6 were admitted three times, and 1 was admitted four times; 35 (81%) were women, and 8 (19%) were men. Patients admitted more than once took a mean of 6.8 ± 3.3 drugs compared with 4.4 ± 2.6 drugs for patients admitted only once. Routine laboratory values were typically normal or mildly abnormal. Mean hospitalization was 5.6 ± 3.5 days. Only 2 patients (5%) died. All 11 patients with a recent fall were discharged to a long-term nursing facility, compared with only 18 of 30 patients without a recent fall. Conclusions. Patients aged 95 through 99 years generally have a favorable prognosis when hospitalized for an acute medical condition. However, patients with a recent fall are more likely to require placement in a long-term nursing facility, and patients taking six or more drugs on admission are more likely to be rehospitalized within 12 months.


In this paper, we compare the heave, surge, and pitch dynamics of a submerged cylindrical point absorber, simulated using potential flow and fully resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. The potential flow model is based on the time-domain Cummins equation, whereas the CFD model uses the fictitious domain Brinkman penalization technique. The submerged cylinder is tethered to the seabed using a power take-off (PTO) unit, which restrains the heave, surge, and pitch motions of the converter and absorbs energy from all three modes. It is demonstrated that the potential theory overpredicts the amplitudes of heave and surge motions, whereas it results in an insignificant pitch for a fully submerged axisymmetric converter. It also underestimates the slow drift of the buoy, which the CFD model is able to capture reliably. Furthermore, we use fully resolved CFD simulations to study the performance of a three degrees of freedom cylindrical buoy under varying PTO coefficients, mass density of the buoy, and incoming wave heights. It is demonstrated that the PTO coefficients predicted by the linear potential theory are sub-optimal for waves of moderate and high steepness. The wave absorption efficiency improves significantly when a value higher than the predicted value of the PTO damping is selected. Simulations with different mass densities of the buoy show that converters with low mass densities have an increased tension in their PTO and mooring lines. Moreover, the mass density also influences the range of resonance periods of the device. Finally, simulations with different wave heights show that at higher heights, the wave absorption efficiency of the converter decreases and a large portion of available wave power remains unabsorbed.


Objectives: Processors are computing elements of most of the embedded systems. As the technology is growing day by day, processors that are released in the market are mostly embedded processors. Processors are designed to perform concurrent operations and execution at a higher clock rate to meet the performance demands result in large heat dissipation and energy consumption. Thus there is an emphasis on power and energy consumption reduction in real time embedded processors. This work targets to reduce the processor power consumption without violating the real time constraints. Method: In this work, a dynamic power management technique named dynamic counters is employed in real-time system to minimize power consumption. The proposed method facilitates bounding of the events conservatively for effective bounding of future workload. It also employs scheduling ON and OFF time of the devices based on workload bounding at run-time. Simulation analysis is carried out to confirm the performance enhancement of the proposed method. Findings: Energy consumed by the processor increases with the number of event arrivals and switching of modes facilitates significant energy savings. Improvement: Run-time and memory overheads are overcome by dynamic counter technique. Effective bounding of future workload enhances computational efficiency.


The growing popularity of large crowded events has complicated their management, leading to the exploration of new crowd management strategies targeted at streamlining operations to address the risks from stampedes, infrastructure collapse, health, and terrorist threats. The emphasis has been to alleviate financial losses, keep event organizers safe from liability, and most importantly keep the attendees safe. Effective communication among and between officials and guests has been identified as a key element in this process. However, few scholars have investigated these strategies among heterogeneous crowds that congregate at religious sites. To overcome this gap, the authors use a case study approach focusing on initiatives adopted in managing approximately 3 million pilgrims from over 140 countries, congregating in Mecca, Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage season. Findings suggest that the recently popularized use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wrist bands for counting pilgrims at ports of entry and mosque gates alone is inadequate. A more networked approach that integrates the voices of Hajj pilgrims in risk communication is needed. Setting up Community Response Grids (CRGs) to use social media channels among pilgrim visitors need to be explored.


Achondroplasia and trisomy 21 are, within their respective categories, conditions the most frequent genetic diseases found in new- borns. The simultaneous presence of both conditions in the same patient, has been however, reported only once in the world literature. In this paper we present a patient affected by both entities (Achondroplasia and Trisomy 21). The clinical findings and the reasons for the rare reported frequency of these cases are discussed.


Recent antibiotic use is a well documented risk factor for infection or colonisation with resistant pathogens.1–7 Despite this recognition, unnecessary antibiotic prescribing remains common. In the United States more than a fifth of all antibiotic prescriptions for children and adults are written for upper respiratory tract infections or bronchitis, conditions that are almost always viral. 8 9 Similar rates of unnecessary antibiotic use have been described in Britain.10 These findings are consistent with results from focus groups among doctors, in which participants have estimated that 10% to 50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.11

Only limited data are available to evaluate whether reducing antibiotic prescribing will reduce the spread of resistance. In Finland the proportion of group A streptococcal infections resistant to macrolides was nearly halved after a successful campaign to reduce the use of macrolide antibiotics.12 A cross sectional survey in Iceland found that carriage of penicillin resistant pneumococci was strongly associated with both individual and community-wide levels of antimicrobial use,13 and there is some evidence that an intervention programme has decreased the proportion of pneumococcal infections caused by penicillin resistantstrains.14

#### Summary points

Unnecessary antibiotic use for viral illness is common and has led to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae and other community acquired pathogens

Factors that contribute to antibiotic overuse include lack of education, patients' expectations, past experience, and economic incentives

Multifaceted interventions are needed to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use; peer education and feedback on doctors' use of antibiotics can promote behaviour change

Educational interventions for the public should include a public relations campaign with simple messages, clinic based patient education, and community outreach activities

Health organisations should develop policies to support judicious antibiotic use and evaluate whether existing policies may unintentionally promote overuse of antibiotics

Achieving more judicious …


Gregory's remarkable career and his scientific work are detailed and critically assessed. Accounts of his heroic 1893 expedition to the Rift Valley (a term he coined) in Kenya (now the Gregory Rift), his first crossing of Spitzbergen, and his resignation as Leader of the first British Antarctic Expedition of 1901, when racing to the Pole under Scott became the priority, draw on unpublished letters. While in Melbourne he published on mining geology and a series of geography textbooks. His 1901 Lake Eyre expedition in Central Australia initiated the phrase 'The Dead Heart of Australia' and controversy over the source of artesian water. In the Chair of Geology in Glasgow from 1904, he built up the largest first-year geology class in the UK, over 400 students. He worked in every field of geology and every continent except Antarctica. He was also involved with the search for a 'homeland' for the Jews in Libya and Angola. He shrewdly realized that Wegener's Continental Drift Theory erroneously supposed that the Pacific Ocean was wider than now before the Atlantic opened. This led to his influential rejection of Continental Drift. He drowned in Peru traversing the Andes having published over 30 books and nearly 400 articles.


As a result of the growing demand for organic products, especially organic milk, the livestock organic production has increased. In this paper botanical and chemical composition of forage for organic diary cow production in Fruska Gora region were analysed. In the mixed hay samples, species from the Poaceae family were classified, according to their nutritive value into the first class. Dominant presence of Dactilys glomerata L. and Poa pratensis was revealed. Lucerne hay was predominantly composed only by one leguminous species Medicago sativa L. Basic nutritive components of mixed and Lucerne hay: crude moisture, crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude cellulose, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) phosphorous (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were determined. Determined levels of hazardous and noxious substances (mycotoxins, pesticides and heavy metals) in all hay samples were in the range according to regulations. Botanical analysis has confirmed the presence of plants with high yield and of high nutritive value. Chemical analyses of hay samples originating from Fruska Gora has pointed out that the level of crude proteins, cellulose, fats, macro and trace elements can completely satisfy the requirements of animals in organic farming and therefore can present a solid base for further development of organic dairy farming.


Self-regulation (or so-called homeostasis) is a property of all living organisms to maintain an internal stable state through specialized biofeedback mechanisms under varying external and internal conditions. Although these feedback mechanisms in living organisms are complex networks and hard to implement one-to-one in artificial systems, the new approaches in soft robotics may benefit from the concept of self-regulation-especially in the new endeavors of making untethered, autonomous soft robots. In this study, we show a simple system, in which plant robots display heliotropism (sun tracking) and nyctinasty (leaf opening) through artificial self-regulation attained through a bioinspired transpiration mechanism. The feedback involves dehydration/hydration and transpiration events that keep the stem continuously in a metastable position, which maximizes light on plant leaves and the efficiency of light harvesting when solar panels are attached on leaves. We also demonstrate that this artificial feedback can be regulated by doping with light-absorbing chemicals or by changing the geometry of the system, and it can further be expanded to other lightweight systems. Implementing self-regulation into (soft) robots through bioinspired material feedback is beneficial not only for energy efficiency and harvesting but also for achieving embodied intelligence in autonomous soft robots.


Abstract The article deals with a case report of successful hybrid surgical treatment of a patient presenting with a posttraumatic large false saccular aneurysm of the aortic arch with mediastinal displacement and compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and trachea. The patient was subjected to a hybrid operation, i. e., bypass grafting of the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery with a bifurcation prosthesis from the ascending aorta through sternotomy, carotid-vertebral and carotid-subclavian bypass grafting on the left in a combination with endoprosthetic repair of the aortic arch with the stent graft Valiant Thoracic 40 × 224 mm (VAMF 4040c200TE) manufactured by the Medtronic Company. The postoperative period was uneventful followed by rather rapid rehabilitation of the patient. One month after the operation, the clinical state improved considerably. His voice restored virtually completely, and breathlessness disappeared. According to the findings of MSCT angiography, the aneurysmatic cavity is thrombosed, with the stent graft showing no evidence of either dislocation or endoleak. The bifurcation bypass graft is functioning. According to the data of duplex scanning, the anastomoses established on the neck are patent.


Understanding the design of a product without human supervision is a crucial task for e-commerce services. Such a capability can help in multiple downstream e-commerce tasks like product recommendations, design trend analysis, image-based search, and visual information retrieval, etc. For this task, getting fine-grain label data is costly and not scalable for the e-commerce product. In this paper, we leverage knowledge distillation based self-supervised learning (SSL) approach to learn design representations. These representations do not require human annotation for training and focus on only design related attributes of a product and ignore attributes like color, orientation, etc. We propose a global and task specific local augmentation space which captures the desired image information and provides robust visual embedding. We evaluated our model for the three highly diverse datasets, and also propose and measure a quantitative metric to evaluate the model's color invariant feature learning ability. In all scenarios, our proposed approach outperforms the recent SSL model by upto 8.6% in terms of accuracy.


Plasma epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) levels were examined among healthy men aged 20 to 25 and 60 to 65 years basally and during EPI infusions. On separate days, 14.3 and 42.9 ng/kg/min EPI was administered intravenously for 45 min. Although there was no age difference in venous EPI levels basally, the old had less increase during the EPI infusions. The plasma metabolic clearance rate of EPI was greater among the old men. Plasma NE levels were elevated among the elderly men, but both age groups had an increase in NE during the EPI 42.9 ng/kg/min infusion rate. During EPI infusions, the old men had less increase in systolic but not diastolic blood pressure or heart rate compared with the young men. The different pattern of change in venous EPI levels and increased metabolic clearance rate of EPI observed among the old men could, in part, explain diminished end-organ responsivity.