We present a new sample of strong gravitational lens systems where both the foreground lenses and background sources are early-type galaxies. Using imaging from Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Advanced Camera for Studies (ACS) and Keck/NIRC2, we model the surface brightness distributions and show that the sources form a distinct population of massive, compact galaxies at redshifts 0.4 ≲ z ≲ 0.7, lying systematically below the size-mass relation of the global elliptical galaxy population at those redshifts. These may therefore represent relics of high-redshift red nuggets or their partly evolved descendants. We exploit the magnifying effect of lensing to investigate the structural properties, stellar masses and stellar populations of these objects with a view to understanding their evolution. We model these objects parametrically and find that they generally require two Sersic components to properly describe their light profiles, with one more spheroidal component alongside a more envelope-like component, which is slightly more extended though still compact. This is consistent with the hypothesis of the inside-out growth of these objects via minor mergers. We also find that the sources can be characterized by red-to-blue colour gradients as a function of radius which are stronger at low redshift - indicative of ongoing accretion - but that their environments generally appear consistent with that of the general elliptical galaxy population, contrary to recent suggestions that these objects are pre-dominantly associated with clusters.


As in conventional database management systems (DBMSs), to allow users to efficiently access and retrieve data objects, a multimedia database management system (MMDBMS) must employ an effective access method such as indexing and hashing. This paper provides a survey of tree-based multidimensional indexing techniques for MMDBMSs that maintain image data represented as feature vectors. These techniques support such data while maintaining desirable characteristics of a B-tree, an index structure most commonly used in traditional DBMSs. In this survey, we provide descriptions of each tree as well as give examples of the different data organization schemes. We also describe the advantages and disadvantages of using each technique. In addition, we provide classifications of the trees using several different properties. These classifications should assist researchers in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of any new indexing technique they develop as well as help users determine the most appropriate data structure for their applications.


We consider the emission spectrum of high-energy electrons in an intense laser field. At high intensities (a(0) similar to 200) we find that the QED theory predicts a narrower angular spread of emissions than the classical theory. This is due to the classical theory overestimating the energy loss of the particles, resulting in them becoming more susceptible to reflection in the laser pulse.


Increasing the susceptibility of tumor cells to apoptotic cell death following chemotherapy is of importance to the outcome of cancer treatment. Although the tumor suppressor gene p53 is required for efficient induction of apoptosis by chemotherapeutic agents, it is not the only apoptosis mediator gene. The molecular mechanisms mediating apoptosis following chemotherapy via p53-dependent or p53-independent pathways remain unclear. We show here that cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) induces the expression of interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE), a mammalian homologue of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell death gene ced-3, in murine and human malignant glioma cells during apoptosis regardless of their p53 status. Furthermore, overexpression of the murine ICE gene induces apoptosis in these tumor cells. The apoptosis induced by cisplatin treatment or murine ICE overexpression can be suppressed by the tetrapeptide ICE inhibitor Ac-YVAD-CMK or the apoptosis inhibitors bcl-2 or bcl-2-related bcl-XL gene. These findings suggest that ICE may mediate apoptosis induced by chemotherapy, and its induction could represent a novel approach for the effective treatment of malignant glioma.


The Magic Box, carried out by Dominique Perrault Architecture, is more than a public sports facility. It is a whole conceptual, urbanistic and constructive manifesto through the insertion of a radically contemporary building in a sensitive environment, which has helped to regenerate the southern edge of the city of Madrid and to round off the urban banks of the Manzanares River. The book includes unpublished texts by Andreas Ruby (a didactic essay) and Hans Ulrich Ibrist (an exclusive interview). It also includes a technical dossier dedicated to the construction of the building highly illustrated with plans (mostly unpublished) and a graphic documentation that breaks down the details of the construction, difficulties, successes and context of the assignment. In addition, this monograph also provides information on the competitive submissions, and further texts that explain the concept behind the Magic Box and the reason for its success.


Childhood maltreatment is a well-known risk factor for poor psychological outcomes across the lifecycle, including internalizing and externalizing difficulties, personality pathology and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Much less is known regarding the associations between specific types and combinations of maltreatment and these difficulties during adolescence. Given the limitations of variable-centered approaches that focus on correlations and associations, the present study used a person-centered approach (Latent Class Analysis) to examine whether groups of adolescents who experience specific types and combinations of maltreatment reported more internalizing and externalizing difficulties, borderline personality features, or NSSI. Participants were 327 adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 from the community, with 32% reporting some experiences of maltreatment. The findings indicate that for adolescents and young adults in the community, sexual abuse, as well as neglect and antipathy in combination with other forms of maltreatment were associated with significantly higher self-reported distress and dysfunction. Sexual abuse was linked to more internalizing difficulties, borderline personality features and NNSI, whereas both neglect and antipathy were associated with more internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Furthermore, neglect was associated with significantly more episodes of NNSI and antipathy with more self-reported borderline personality features.


Two new species of the recently established genus Billolivia (Gesneriaceae) are described from the Langbiang Plateau in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, namely B. noanii and B. trucii. Their conservation status is assessed. These findings increase the total number of Billolivia species to be 13. A key to all known species of the genus is given.


Abstract. Wind energy is anticipated to play a central role in enabling a rapid transition from fossil fuels to a system based largely on renewable power. For wind power to fulfill its expected role as the backbone – providing nearly half of the electrical energy – of a renewable-based, carbon-neutral energy system, critical challenges around design, manufacture, and deployment of land and offshore technologies must be addressed. During the past 3 years, the wind research community has invested significant effort toward understanding the nature and implications of these challenges and identifying associated gaps. The outcomes of these efforts are summarized in a series of 10 articles, some under review by Wind Energy Science (WES) and others planned for submission during the coming months. This letter explains the genesis, significance, and impacts of these efforts.


The South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as a major flashpoint in the last two decades. Some Chinese specialists have confirmed that the South China Sea (SCS) may possess approximately 130 billion barrels of oil and natural gas and also dubbed as the 'Asia's Persian Gulf.' Therefore, the dispute in the SCS is accentuated by an abundance of natural resources, and its strategic importance of the Spratly and Paracel islands has again caused conflicts in the South China Sea. Thus, the persistent competition over the maritime rights, especially claims to territorial sovereignty over islands, reefs and natural resources in the South China Sea has emerged as the 'new central theatre of conflict' in the world. Therefore, there is no peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region for more than two decades.  But, it is also apparent that all the members of ASEAN have a deep interest in keeping peace and prosperity in the South China Sea. Therefore, ASEAN has started involving itself in the issue since the adoption of the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea which was called for the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute. Again in 2002, ASEAN and China had signed Joint Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) to resolve the South China Sea disputes by peaceful means. Since then, ASEAN as a forum has been trying to resolve and manage the South China Sea dispute by initialising and supporting many frameworks or mechanisms (Track I and Track II) despite many differences among the member states about the issue. Thus, to analyse ASEAN's initiatives to the SCS dispute through various mechanisms and approaches for bringing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are the main concerns of my article along with its weaknesses and challenges it faces.

Keywords: ASEAN, ASEAN Declaration, ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), Code of Conduct (COC), Track I, Track II as Workshops on the South China Sea


We have investigated the cumulative effects of three smooth-muscle actin-binding proteins, gelsolin, caldesmon and tropomyosin, on actin activation of myosin Mg(2+)-ATPase activity under low-ionic-strength conditions. A combination of tropomyosin (at a stoicheiometric ratio to actin) and gelsolin (at a molar ratio to actin of up to 1:100) showed essentially additive stimulatory effects that were counteracted by caldesmon. Suppression of the gelsolin-induced activation of the ATPase by caldesmon was higher in the presence of tropomyosin although it was not complete even at stoicheiometric amounts of both proteins to actin. Since activation of actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin by gelsolin is related to its severing action, it is concluded that caldesmon and tropomyosin cannot fully protect actin filaments against the severing activity of gelsolin. Direct analysis of the actin-severing activity of gelsolin by a fluorimetric assay using pyrene-labelled actin confirmed this conclusion. Tropomyosin and caldesmon in saturating amounts relative to actin inhibited the activity of gelsolin by between 21 and 40% and 25 and 48% respectively, depending on the molar ratio of gelsolin to actin. The inhibitory effect was increased with a combination of both (up to 67%) although it was evident that even under these conditions the actin filaments were not fully protected from being severed by gelsolin. These findings were corroborated by electron-microscopic investigation of actin filaments with or without tropomyosin and caldesmon after the addition of gelsolin.


As urbanization and e-commerce continue to grow at a rapid rate, companies are rethinking the way they operate their final-mile distribution networks to prepare for the scaling of their costs. How can companies leverage their existing e-commerce distribution networks to fulfill demand across multiple service offerings, and should they jointly consider inventory control decisions in those design decisions? We explore this question by examining where companies locate inventory, how they use their existing facilities, and how both are used to satisfy demand. This research uses the augmented routing cost estimation (ARCE) formula alongside mixed-integer linear programming to determine the most cost-optimal network design for an e-commerce retailer. Overall, we determined that inventory control decisions have a significant impact on e-commerce distribution networks and should be jointly considered when considering network design. Alongside the solution, the managerial insights derived from our findings support multiple strategies and offer considerations in implementing a redesigned distribution network, especially if a company is limited in their ability to reorder inventory or have limitations in their transhipment operations. Capstone Advisor: Milena Janjevic Title: Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Megacity Logistics Lab


There have been many books about Margaret Thatcher asnd Thatcherism, and no doubt there will be many more. Though this book contains new insights into both her life and the philosophy named after her, it is principally about neither. Its subject, instead, is the small group of about thirty individuals who the author identifies as the men who promoted and supported her - who they were and how they contributed to the formulation and implementation of the policies of the Thatcher years. Very rarely were they Cabinet ministers, instead they tended to be the backroom advisers, the long-standing friends', the men from non-political walks of life who she admired and the men who were prepared to effect the things she wanted. These people include Enoch Powell, Alfred Sherman, Norman Strauss, John Hoskyns, Ian Gow, Alan Walters and Nigel Lawson.


This paper analyzes the consequences for financial performance of technology strategies categorized along two dimensions: (1) explorative versus exploitative and (2) solitary versus collaborative. The financial performance implications of firms' positioning along these two dimensions has important managerial implications, but has received only limited attention in prior studies. Drawing on organizational learning theory and technology alliances literature, a set of hypotheses on the performance implications of firms' technology strategies are derived. These hypotheses are tested empirically on a panel dataset (1996-2003) of 168 R&D-intensive firms based in Japan, the US and Europe and situated in five different industries (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, ICT, electronics, non-electrical machinery). Patent data are used to construct indicators of explorative versus exploitative technological activities (activities in new or existing technology domains) and collaborative versus solitary technological activities (joint versus single patent ownership). The financial performance of firms is measured via a market value indicator: Tobin's Q index.


The principles of tax smoothing and public debt management with stochastic shocks to future national income are extended for prudence. A prudent government deliberately underestimates future national income and the tax base, especially if the variance and persistence of shocks hitting the tax base are large and the tax rate is high. As a precaution the tax rate is thus set higher and public spending lower to build precautionary buffers. This leads to gradual reductions in debt and debt service over time and thus, depending on political preferences, cuts in taxes or increases in public spending. Prudence offsets the intertemporal spending, tax and debt biases resulting from common-pool distortions. Appointing a strong finance minister with as many voting rights as the spending ministers combined ensures that the intratemporal common-pool distortions of an excessively large public sector are eliminated. A strong and prudent minister of finance can thus offset the impatient profligacy of squabbling spending ministers. However, if voters care about outcomes on election eve, finance ministers are tempted to build excessive precautionary buffers early on to dish out tax cuts and boost spending on election eve. Too much prudence may thus be abused for short-run electoral gains.


This thesis explores the advantages ofusing geospatial technologies in the field of archaeology. The purpose of this study, conducted on Site 9CE16 on Fort Benning, Georgia, was to examine the ways in which Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to more accurately depict artifacts and features present on archaeological sites. With the research I gathered, I constructed an updated site map which can be viewed in Figures 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. The map produced includes more features than were initially mapped at Site 9CE16 and help paint a clearer picture of the structures which existed at the original site. Also, included is a review of literature regarding the use of GIS in the field of archaeology. Overall, this paper argues that the benefit of using geospatial tools and analysis within archaeological field studies far outweighs the costs.


The synthesis and characterisation of a series of osmium polypyridyl complexes and the characterisation of a variety of anthraquinones is described, along with the fabrication and of gold, platinum and mercury microelectrodes The methods of characterisation include HPLC, UV-Visable spectroscopy, 'H-NiVIR and Cyclic voltammetry and Chronoamperometry.

Monolayers of osmium polypyridyl complexes and anthraquinones were found to adsorb from micromolar solutions of the respective compounds dissolved in their appropriate solvent, In respect to the osmium complexes adsorption occurred through the free pendant nitrogen present on the ligand while adsorption for the anthraquinone was by means of an interaction with the electrode surface. The microenvironments of the osmium polypyridyl complexes were found to be sensitive to both the type and concentration of electrolytic species in solution with perchlorate ions being the most strongly ion-paired. Osmium polypyridyl monolayers also proved to highly solvated at saturation coverages with the double layer setting up within the immobilised film.

Spontaneous adsorption of single and binary anthraquinone monolayers of anthraquinone- 2-7-disulphonic acid (2,7-AQDS) and l-chloro-4-hydroxy-anthraquinone (1,4-AQClOH) revealed that the adsorbates interact laterally within both single- and two-component monolayers with the concentration dependence of the surface coverage being adequately described by the Frumkin adsorption isotherm over the concentration range 1 - 3 0 |iM. The formal potentials, saturation surface coverages, free energies of adsorption and Frumkin interaction parameters are all affected by co-adsorption of the second quinone suggesting that dissimilar adsorbates interact laterally, most likely through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Analysis of anthraquinone monolayers of l-amino-2-sulphonic-4- hydroxy-anthraquinone [AQNH2SOH] revealed that at coverages were the inter-site separation of the adsorbates was at a minimum and during electrochemical switching of the redox state of the adsorbed film, the voltammetry altered from the ideal response resulting in the presence of a sharp spike. Analysis of this anomaly illustrated extensive lateral adsorbate interaction resulting in the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen bonded network at saturation coverages.


The studies show that the changes in intensity and frequency of the extreme
 weather events have been registered in many regions of the world. This paper
 gives an analysis of the change of 12 air temperature parameters, out of
 which 9 are climate indices. The indices suggested by WMO-CCL/CLIVAR have
 been used in order to investigate the changes in temperature extremes. The
 research related to the topic has been carried out by using the data from 23
 meteorological stations for the 1951 - 2010 period and calculations have been
 done on the seasonal level. The results show that the maximum and minimum air
 temperatures, which have "warmer values", are becoming more frequent on the
 territory of Montenegro which corresponds to the general idea of global
 warming.


UNLABELLED
The aim of this study was to characterise by duplex Doppler sonography the splenoportal venous and arterial blood flow in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) depending on the grade of biopsy proven steatosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
37 patients with NAFLD were examined: 22 female and 15 male average age 46,8 +/- 10,2 (29-62), with IBM 33,5 +/- 4,8 (28-42). The grade of steatosis was estimated by morphological investigation according to Brunt classification (1999). Colour Doppler sonography was performed by the same researcher using Doppler system Vivid-pro-7, USA with a 3,5 MHz convex probe.

RESULTS
Alterations were detected in the following parameters: increase of portal and splenic vein diameters, slow-down of blood flow velocity in the portal and splenic veins, increase of the congestion index, decrease of systolic and diastolic blood flow velocity in the common hepatic and splenic artery, increase of pulsatility and resistance indexes of these arteries, increase of portal hypertensive index and decrease of liver vascular index according to the progression of steatosis with maximal negative dynamics of all characteristics in patients with III grade of steatosis. The closest correlative connections were revealed between the grade of steatosis and congestion index (r = 0.81), portal hypertensive index (r = 0.79), and negative connection--with liver vascular index (r = -0.69).

CONCLUSION
Using Doppler sonography we have detected a deterioration of venous and arterial splenoportal hemodynamics in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in connection with the progression of steatosis, therefore this method may be used as a noninvasive way to estimation the grade of steatosis, establish the diagnosis of portal hypertension and detect the formation of liver cirrhosis.


Boiling flow of de-ionized water through 227 μm hydraulic diameter microchannels with 7.5 μm wide interconnected reentrant cavities at 47 kPa exit pressure has been investigated. Average two-phase heat transfer coefficients have been obtained over effective heat fluxes ranging from 28 to 445 W/cm2 and mass fluxes from 41 to 302 kg/m2 s. A map is developed that divides the data into two regions where the heat transfer mechanisms are nucleation or convective boiling dominant. The map is compared to similar atmospheric exit pressure data developed in a previous study. A boiling mechanism transition criterion based on the Reynolds number and the Kandlikar k1 number is proposed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME


STUDY QUESTION
Can biologically active vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)₂D3] regulate the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human uterine fibroid cells?

SUMMARY ANSWER
1,25(OH)₂D3 effectively reduced the expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cultured human uterine fibroid cells.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) express higher levels of MMP activity than adjacent normal myometrium, and this is associated with uterine fibroid pathogenesis. However, it is unknown whether 1,25(OH)₂D3 can regulate the expression and activities of MMPs in human uterine fibroid cells.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Surgically removed fresh fibroid tissue was used to generate primary uterine fibroid cells.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
An immortalized human uterine fibroid cell line (HuLM) and/or primary human uterine fibroid cells isolated from fresh fibroid tissue were used to examine the expression of several MMPs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1 and 2 and the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 after 1,25(OH)₂D3 treatment. Real-time PCR and western blots analyses were used to measure mRNA and protein expression of MMPs, respectively. Supernatant cell culture media were analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities using a gelatin zymography assay.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
1-1000 nM 1,25(OH)₂D3 significantly reduced mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HuLM cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.5 to P < 0.001). The mRNA levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13 and MMP-14 in HuLM cells were also reduced by 1,25(OH)₂D3. 1,25(OH)₂D3 significantly reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner in both HuLM and primary uterine fibroid cells (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Moreover, 1,25(OH)₂D3 increased the mRNA levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and TIMP-2 in a concentration-dependent manner in HuLM cells (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). 1,25(OH)₂D3 also significantly increased protein levels of VDR and TIMP-2 in all cell types tested (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Gelatin zymography revealed that pro-MMP-2, active MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 were down-regulated by 1,25(OH)₂D3 in a concentration-dependent manner; however, the active MMP-9 was undetectable.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
This study was performed using in vitro uterine fibroid cell cultures and the results were extrapolated to in vivo situation of uterine fibroids. Moreover, in this study the interaction of vitamin D3 with other regulators such as steroid hormone receptors was not explored.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
This study reveals an important biological function of 1,25(OH)₂D3 in the regulation of expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Thus, 1,25(OH)₂D3 might be a potential effective, safe non-surgical treatment option for human uterine fibroids.


SUMMARY Grazing season length (GSL) on grassland farms with ruminant production systems can influence farm economics, livestock disease transmission, environmental impact, milk and meat quality, and consumer choice. Bioclimatic variables are biologically meaningful climate variables that may enable predictions of the impact of future climate change on GSL on European farms. The present study investigated the spatial relationship between current GSL (months) measured by EUROSTAT on dairy, beef and sheep farms in 706, 774 and 878 regions, respectively, and bioclimatic variables. A stepwise multiple regression model revealed a highly significant association between observed GSL and bioclimatic variables across Europe. Mean GSL was positively associated with the mean temperature of the coldest quarter and isothermality, and negatively associated with precipitation in the wettest month. Extrapolating these relationships to future climate change scenarios, most European countries were predicted to have a net increase in GSL with the increase being largest (up to 2·5 months) in the north-east of Europe. However, there were also predictions of increased variability between regions and decreases in GSL of up to 1·5 months in some areas such as the west of France, the south-west of Norway and the west coast of Britain. The study quantified and mapped the potential impact of climate change on GSL for dairy, beef and sheep farms across Europe.


A high-linearity optical receiver with background-light-AGC for high PAPR signals is presented. The integrated BiCMOS optical receiver consists of a TIA with AGC, a linear amplifier and a line driver. The receiver THD is 1.7% and the third-order intermodulation is 50 dBc at 20 MHz and at an input optical power of −3.5 dBm. The third-order intermodulation decreases to 40 dBc at 100 MHz.


This qualitative study is based on institutional analysis as the methodological theoretical reference with the objective of analyzing researchers' implication during a research-intervention and the interferences caused by this analysis. The study involved researchers from courses in medicine, nursing, and dentistry at two universities and workers from a Regional Health Department in follow-up on the implementation of the Stork Network in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The researchers worked together in the intervention and in analysis workshops, supported by an external institutional analysis. Two institutions stood out in the analysis: the research, established mainly with characteristics of neutrality, and management, with Taylorist characteristics. Differences between researchers and difficulties in identifying actions proper to network management and research were some of the interferences that were identified. The study concludes that implication analysis is a powerful tool for such studies.


Many industrial and biological phenomena involve the evaporation of liquids in porous media. In drying processes the evaporation of a liquid meniscus from the solid is the key mechanism in the process and its efficiency. After a first steady stage of evaporation the meniscus becomes unsteady and recedes inside the pore. Diffusion of vapour becomes the controlling mechanism for evaporation in a later stage. In this work an experimental investigation is undertaken to study the various stages of evaporation of different liquids in capillary tubes (pores) of various sizes. The analysis of the data obtained from this investigation reveals some interesting behaviours and emphasizes the role played by vapour diffusion in the case of unsteady interface. The preliminary transient regime allowing the thermal field establishment, is followed by the first stage of evaporation is found to be dominated by thermocapillary effects associated with non-uniform evaporation and temperature gradients. The laste stage is a molecular diffusion-limited mode. The liquid volatility and the effect of the size of the tube (ranging from 200 to 900 μm) are also analysed to show the interaction between the various effects at different scales.


We present results of first-principles calculations on the transport properties, both under an electric field or a temperature gradient, in Co/Cu multilayered systems. The various effects brought about by the changes in the morphological parameters, such as the number of repeats and the layer thickness, are discussed in a systematic way. Our calculations show that the Seebeck coefficient and the magneto-thermopower (MTP) converge rather rapidly with the number of Co repeats. In the range of thin Co layers, we find strong variations in the amplitude and sign of both the Seebeck coefficient and the MTP. These large variations, which have no correspondent in the (magneto)conductance, are shown to be the result of quantum well states present in the minority spin channel of thin Co layers.


A family of probabilistic time series models is developed to analyze the time evolution of topics in large document collections. The approach is to use state space models on the natural parameters of the multinomial distributions that represent the topics. Variational approximations based on Kalman filters and nonparametric wavelet regression are developed to carry out approximate posterior inference over the latent topics. In addition to giving quantitative, predictive models of a sequential corpus, dynamic topic models provide a qualitative window into the contents of a large document collection. The models are demonstrated by analyzing the OCR'ed archives of the journal Science from 1880 through 2000.


Objectives Although there has been considerable discussion about the social safety net, few studies related to effect of duration of continuous receipt of Medical Aid on healthcare utilisation have been conducted. Therefore, we investigate whether the duration of receiving Medical Aid affected medical care utilisation. Setting Data were collected from the Korean Welfare Panel Study conducted from 2008 to 2012. Participants We included 11 783 samples. Interventions Estimating changes in their healthcare utilisation during specific time intervals (1, 2 and ≥3 years) after they switched from National Health Insurance to Medical Aid. Primary and secondary outcome measures Number of outpatient visits. Results The number of outpatient visits per year was 0.0.051-fold higher (p value: 0.434) among those who were Medical Aid beneficiaries for a continuous period of 1 year, 0.0.267-fold higher (p value: 0.000) among those who were beneficiaries for a continuous period of 2 years, and 0.0.562-fold higher (p value:<0.0001) among those who were beneficiaries for a continuous period of 3 years than it was among those who were beneficiaries of National Health Insurance. Conclusions Our results reflect an association between the number of consecutive years of receiving Medical Aid and number of outpatient visits. Since duration of dependence is correlated with reduced exit rates, limits on length of benefits should be considered to strengthen the incentive to return to work.


We examine the visual effect of whole-frame loss by different decoders. Whole-frame losses are introduced in H.264/AVC compressed videos which are then decoded by two different decoders with different common concealment effects: frame copy and frame interpolation. The videos are seen by human observers who respond to each glitch they spot. We found that about 39% of whole-frame losses of B frames are not observed by any of the subjects, and over 58% of the B frame losses are observed by 20% or fewer of the subjects. Using simple predictive features that can be calculated inside a network node with no access to the original video and no pixel level reconstruction of the frame, we develop models that can predict the visibility of whole B frame losses. The models are then used in a router to predict the visual impact of a frame loss and perform intelligent frame dropping to relieve network congestion. Dropping frames based on their visual scores proves superior to random dropping of B frames.


Origami structures, which were inspired by traditional paper folding arts, have been applied for engineering problems for the last two decades. Origami-based thin-wall tubes have been extensively investigated under axial loadings. However, less has been done with radial stiffness as one of the critical mechanical properties of a tubular structure working under lateral loadings. In this study, the radial stiffness of novel thin-wall tubular structures based on origami patterns have been studied with compression tests and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The results show that the radial stiffness of an origami-inspired tube can achieve about 27.1 times that of a circular tube with the same circumcircle diameter (100 mm), height (60 mm), and wall-thickness (2 mm). Yoshimura, Kresling, and modified Yoshimura patterns are selected as the basic frames, upon which the influences of different design parameters are tested and discussed. Given that the weight can vary due to different designs, the stiffness-to-weight ratio is also calculated. The origami-inspired tubular structures with superior stiffness performances are obtained and can be extended to crashworthy structures, functional structures, and stiffness enhancement with low structural weight.


Under a spinal anaesthetic I stretched the anal sphincter and found a large ragged tear, infiltrated with blood, of the lower anterior rectal wall at its junction with the anal canal. Through the tear the membranous urethra was felt, and it passed across the cavity high and dry like a clothes-line. There were no faeces or pieces of clothing in the rectum or in the wound. After tying off one or two spouting vessels and applying swabs wrung out of very hot saline the bleeding soon ceased, and the rectum and the cavity were swabbed out with acriflavine lotion 1:1,000. The rectal wound was then sutured and closed, save for leaving a small space at its dependent part for removal of an acriflavine gauze drain. A catheter was passed to exclude injury of the urethra or bladder. Anti-gas gangrene and anti-tetanic sera were given. The bowels were confined for several days after the manner following a radical operation for piles, and the drain was removed in thirty-six hours.


In the present study, we describe the synthesis and characterization of new generation of cancer-targeting magnetic nanoprobes: superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell functionalized with recombinant anti-HER2 single chain fragment variable (scFv) of Trastuzumab antibody. An anti-HER2 scFv with terminal cysteine (scFv 4D5-Cys) has been rationally engineered in order to favor its orientation- and site-directed covalent conjugation to the polymeric surface of PEGylated SPIONs. Optimization of scFv and nanoparticles production allowed to obtain well-characterized SPIONs-PEG–scFv nanoparticles carrying ∼7 fragments per nanoparticle, having a hydrodynamic diameter of ca. 86 nm and nearly neutral surface. The nanoprobes-scFv capability to recognize the HER2 protein has been confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared to non-targeted PEGylated SPIONs, the SPIONs–PEG–scFv nanoprobes showed an enhanced binding to HER2-overexpressing cells (SK-BR3) in vitro as it was shown by immunofluorescence. Finally, ICP-AES measurements shown that in 1 hour the uptake of SPIONs–PEG–scFv in HER2-overexpressing cells is 2.1 times greater than non-targeted PEGylated SPIONs. Therefore, both due to their physico-chemical characteristics and the immunotargeting of HER2-positive breast cancer cells, the SPIONs–PEG–scFv appear as promising nanoplatforms for future applications in theranostic treatment of cancers.


Allium roots grown in C14-thymidine and H3-thymidine media were treated with N hydrochloric acid at 60°C. as in standard Feulgen hydrolysis. The retention of the radioactive thymidine in DNA as a function of hydrolysis time was studied autoradiographically. No significant loss of label was detected until hydrolysis was extended beyond the optimal time for Feulgen staining. The data are consistent with the assumption that there is no significant loss of DNA during normal Feulgen hydrolysis in the material used.


The Internet brings three potential benefits to consumers: increased search efficiency, better product evaluation, and enhanced transaction convenience. However, actual benefits can vary a great deal across different product categories. In particular, difficulties in performing evaluation online have significantly reduced the volume of online transaction in a number of important product categories. Ignoring the differentiated impact of the Internet at different stages of the consumer decision-making process is a major reason for the failure of many previous online initiatives. The article identifies five e-business models that best utilize the inherent advantages of the Internet at different stages and matches what the Internet can offer with what customers truly value.


The primary objective of this study is to develop a quantitative model to predict the effects of materials, environment and mechanics such as loading configuration on environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) of stainless steels in high-temperature water. It has basically been accepted that crack propagation in oxygenated high temperature water is controlled by a slip-dissolution and/or deformation-oxidation mechanism. According to this mechanism, the crack-tip strain rate is an extremely important mechanical parameter for determining the crack growth rates. Based upon a formulation obtained by combining Faraday's equation with an elastic plastic analysis of the strain singularity at a growing crack-tip in work hardening materials, a theoretical formulation of crack-tip strain rate has been derived for plane strain and plane stress conditions. The FEM analysis for 3D crack growth can be compared to the theoretical 2D analysis. In this paper, we first make a CCP (Center Crack Plane) model, and performed a 3-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (3D-FEA) to evaluate the crack-tip stain rate paying attention to the element mesh size and to the loading history. After optimization these parameters, the calculated crack-tip strain distribution, including its logarithmic singularity, was founded to agree well with the theoretical distribution. The significance of the crack-tip strain rate upon the crack-tip strain distribution and crack growth rate was demonstrated. The specimen size effects on crack growth rates were discussed from this point of crack-tip strain distribution. Finally, we focused on the importance of crack-tip strain rate as a unique mechanical parameter that controls the crack growth rate.


We consider the issue of Block Bootstrap methods in processes that exhibit strong dependence. The main difficulty is to transform the series in such way that implementation of these techniques can provide an accurate approximation to the true distribution of the test statistic under consideration. The bootstrap algorithm we suggest consists of the following operations: given x t ~ I(d 0 ) , 1) estimate the long memory parameter and obtain dˆ , 2) difference the series dˆ times, 3) apply the block bootstrap on the above and finally, 4) cumulate the bootstrap sample dˆ times. Repetition of steps 3 and 4 for a sufficient number of times, results to a successful estimation of the distribution of the test statistic. Furthermore, we establish the asymptotic validity of this method. Its finite-sample properties are investigated via Monte Carlo experiments and the results indicate that it can be used as an alternative, and in most of the cases to be preferred than the Sieve AR bootstrap for fractional processes.


In this paper first,a method combining dichotomy and finite element is presented which identify elastic modulus parameters of mistuned bladed based on the test data of blade static frequency and simulation blade deliberate mistuned by change elastic modulus.Then, dynamic characteristics of deliberate mistuned 10Hz and 41Hz bladed-disk system were analyzed in work rotating speed based on CMS mothod, respectively. The exciting force of airflow exert on costal margin of blade tip.According to dynamic test results,the incentive order is 4. The analysis results show that along with the mistuning frequency difference increases,the largest amplitude of blade is becoming smaller(except tuned system) , and scheme of large frequency difference 41Hz deliberate mistuned (scheme Ⅱ) better than scheme of small frequency difference 10Hz deliberate mistuned (scheme Ⅰ) for vibration reduction of bladed-disk system in work rotating speed for 11300r/min. The analysis results are consistent with the dynamic test results.


Summary.  Background: Selecting initial anticoagulant dose by patient weight for acute pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis has clinical credibility; however, uncertainty remains regarding how to dose obese patients with newer anticoagulants because outcome data are sparse. Objectives: To use the Matisse trials' comparison of sc fondaparinux once daily with control heparin therapies (intravenous unfractionated heparin for pulmonary embolism, sc enoxaparin 1 mg/kg b.i.d. for deep vein thrombosis) for initial treatment in order to compare primary outcomes (venous thromboembolism recurrence and major bleeding) in obese patients. Patients and methods: Primary outcomes were compared in subsets composed of patients weighing ≤ and > 100 kg and with body mass index (BMI) < 30 and ≥ 30 kg/m2. Medians and ranges for weight and BMI were compared for patients suffering either recurrence or major bleeding. Results: Twenty‐two thousand and one patients received fondaparinux and 2217 received enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. Four hundred and ninety‐six patients (11%) weighed > 100 kg and 1216 (28%) had a BMI ≥ 30. Treatment groups had similar characteristics. The upper limit in subject weight for recurrence was 166 kg (BMI 58), and for major bleeding 120 kg (BMI 39). The incidences of recurrence and major bleeding were similar for each patient subset of weight and BMI for both fondaparinux and heparin treatment groups. Among patients with a primary outcome, median weights and BMIs were also similar. Conclusions: The current recommended doses of fondaparinux and heparins for the treatment of venous thromboembolism appear to provide similar protection against recurrence and major bleeding to one another and to obese and non‐obese patients.


Introduction Management of critical events requires teams to employ nontechnical skills (NTS), such as teamwork, communication, decision making, and vigilance. We sought to estimate the reliability and provide evidence for the validity of the ratings gathered using a new tool for assessing the NTS of anesthesia providers, the behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS), and compare its scores with those of an established NTS tool, the Anaesthetists' Nontechnical Skills (ANTS) scale. Methods Six previously trained raters (4 novices and 2 experts) reviewed and scored 18 recorded simulated pediatric crisis management scenarios using a modified ANTS and a BARS tool. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated separately for the novice and expert raters, by scenario, and overall. Results The intrarater reliability of the ANTS total score was 0.73 (expert, 0.57; novice, 0.84); for the BARS tool, it was 0.80 (expert, 0.79; novice, 0.81). The average interrater reliability of BARS scores (0.58) was better than ANTS scores (0.37), and the interrater reliabilities of scores from novices (0.69 BARS and 0.52 ANTS) were better than those obtained from experts (0.47 BARS and 0.21 ANTS) for both scoring instruments. The Pearson correlation between the ANTS and BARS total scores was 0.74. Conclusions Overall, reliability estimates were better for the BARS scores than the ANTS scores. For both measures, the intrarater and interrater reliability was better for novices compared with domain experts, suggesting that properly trained novices can reliably assess the NTS of anesthesia providers managing a simulated critical event. There was substantial correlation between the 2 scoring instruments, suggesting that the tools measured similar constructs. The BARS tool can be an alternative to the ANTS scale for the formative assessment of NTS of anesthesia providers.


Spoken English learning has always been the largest obstacle to the English communicative competence of Chinese students. This paper adopts the in-depth learning method based on computer-aided speech recognition technology to achieve the automatic speech recognition of spoken English and to overcome the defects of spoken speech evaluation in the traditional mode such as fairly high subjectivity and low evaluation efficiency. Meanwhile, the evaluation method of the traditional computer-aided spoken speech quality has been improved, and multi-parameter indicators such as accuracy, speed, rhythm and intonation have been taken into account. Through the establishment of the objective and efficient spoken English speech recognition and evaluation model, we are able to provide true and credible evaluations and timely feedback guidance for learners. The research results effectively guide learners to study spoken English, which uplifts the existing level of spoken English learning in China.


Notch signaling is a highly conserved signaling pathway important in the transcriptional control expecially during cell fate choice and tumorigenesis. For examplem breast cancer is isusally associated with dysregulated Notch signaling. Therefore, understanding the transcriptional control by Notcvh is fundamental to understand tumor biology of brest cancer. The action of Notch is very contect dependent, but not much is known about the underpinning mechanisms of how different transcriptional controls are achieved. Besides, there were yet to be an accurate genome-wide binding profile of CSL. Here, we have generated CSL null breast cancer cell line and aim to perform accurate binding profile analysis by introducing a tagged version of exogenous CSL. This will shed light on the mechanism of transcriptional control by canonical Notch signaling, ecpecially in the context how it relates to cancer progression in human breast cancer.


Organizations that are subject to increasingly dynamic environments need employees who adapt to changing demands (adaptive performance). Although the literature has studied this type of performance in recent years, the contribution of explanatory models in the context of information systems has been scarce. Based on the migration literature, the article proposes that the individual's intention of adaptive behavior (focused on improving his/her domain of the information system) is influenced by push factors (dissatisfaction, disconfirmation with his/her current domain), pull factors (expected benefits of improving his/her domain of the system), and mooring factors (self-efficacy, inertia, switching cost, and attitude toward the adaptation process). The results of this research may help management to design for change management strategies in the context of information systems.


Oculopharyngeal muscular mystrophy (OPMD) is an inherited disorder caused by mutations of the polyadenylate binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) gene. While a pathogenic hypothesis has been formulated that links the genetic and molecular abnormalities to cellular abnormalities, there is no proven explanation for the targeting of the craniofacial muscles. We propose a hypothesis that bridges this gap. It is based on the phenomenon of continuous remodeling of normal adult extraocular muscles (EOMs). Unlike the EOMs, the myonuclei of other skeletal muscles are postmitotic in the adult unless the muscles are injured. Continuous myofiber remodeling most likely requires upregulation of genes involved in cell cycling, and in protein degradation and synthesis. PABPN1 is a nuclear protein that performs the essential function of controlling polyadenylation of mRNA and the fidelity of protein synthesis. In OPMD, the ongoing production of mutant PABPN1 in muscles undergoing continuous remodeling could result in a failure of accurate production of mRNA required for the maintenance of the myocytes. Over many years, this would lead to cumulative myonuclear loss and finally to myofiber loss. This hypothesis offers an explanation for the selective involvement of extraocular muscles affected in OPMD and the onset of symptoms in adulthood.


Purpose: The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify and synthesize available research evidence on the utility of Mayo Clinic's Early Screen for Discharge Planning (ESDP) tool to (1) identify adult patients early during their hospital stay who require referral to specialized hospital discharge planning services (SHDCPS) and (2) review its utility in predicting patient outcomes including hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission risk, and discharge destination. This review also begins by highlighting the important role of physical therapists in discharge planning. Methods: A critical narrative review was conducted of relevant studies identified through a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and ProQuest databases and subsequent systematic screening and selection process. Studies were included and critically appraised if they met eligibility criteria: studies investigating the development, predictive validity and utility of the ESDP in hospital patient populations, and studies comparing the ESDP with other discharge planning tools. Key data were then extracted and tabulated before a critical narrative synthesis of key findings was completed. Results: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, with 5 studies receiving a rating of "good" quality. The included studies investigated the ESDP tool in adults within acute inpatient hospital settings, including heart failure, colorectal surgery, general medical and surgical, and oncology wards. Conclusion: Five of the 7 included studies were of good quality and, together, studies provided evidence that the ESDP tool correctly identifies adults requiring referral to SHDCPS. However, further research of the ESDP tool is recommended to account for variations observed in special populations and expand knowledge of its utility to predict outcomes such as hospital LOS, readmission risk, and discharge destination.


Because of several design advantages and operational characteristics, particularly in offshore farms, vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are being reconsidered as a complementary technology to horizontal axial turbines. However, considerable gaps remain in our understanding of VAWT performance since cross-flow rotor configurations have been significantly less studied than axial turbines. This study examines the wakes of VAWTs and how their evolution is influenced by turbine design parameters. An actuator line model is implemented in an atmospheric boundary layer large eddy simulation code, with offline coupling to a high-resolution blade-scale unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model. The large eddy simulation captures the turbine-to-farm scale dynamics, while the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes captures the blade-to-turbine scale flow. The simulation results are found to be in good agreement with three existing experimental datasets. Subsequently, a parametric study of the flow over an isolated VAWT, carried out by varying solidities, height-to-diameter aspect ratios and tip speed ratios, is conducted. The analyses of the wake area and velocity and power deficits yield an improved understanding of the downstream evolution of VAWT wakes, which in turn enables a more informed selection of turbine designs for wind farms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


PURPOSE
To evaluate the biocompatibility and effectiveness of porcine SIS (small intestinal submucosa), when used as a patch to repair a defect on the anterior duodenal wall.

METHODS
The experimental study was performed in 8 dogs. A segment of the anterior duodenal wall was removed and the defect was repaired with a patch of porcine intestinal submucosa. On the 120th post operative day the animals were sacrificed and the segment of duodenum containing the patch was removed to a macroscopic and microscopic evaluation.

RESULTS
There was no infection, suture dehiscence or fistula. The microscopic evaluation showed complete re-epithelization in 75% of the cases, with moderate fibroblastic proliferation in 87.5% of the cases.

CONCLUSION
The porcine SIS used as a patch acts as a tissue substitute for repairing induced lesions in duodenal wall of dogs.


The Brazilian government has announced volunteer targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the 2009 COP meeting in Copenhagen. In this paper we estimate the economic impacts from alternative policies to achieve such targets, including actions to cut emissions from deforestation and agricultural production. We employ a dynamic-recursive general equilibrium model of the world economy. The main results show that deforestation emissions in Brazil can be reduced at very low costs, but the costs of cutting emissions from agricultural and energy use may reach 2.3% loss in GDP by 2020 if sector specific carbon taxes are applied. Those costs may be reduced to 1.5% under a carbon trading scheme. The negative impacts of carbon taxes on agricultural production indirectly reduce deforestation rates. However, directly cutting emissions from deforestation is the most cost-effective option, since it does not hurt agricultural production, which still expands on lower yield and underutilized pasture and secondary forest areas.


The issue of earnings management has continued to be problematic in the financial reporting context. It has proved to be an important topic that concerns a wide range of stakeholders, including regulators, investors and preparers. The objective of this paper is to examine the perceptions of different stakeholders with regard to the financial reporting quality of Libyan commercial banks (LCBs) by addressing the issue of earnings management. The paper adopts a qualitative approach in order to investigate the topic of earnings management. It considers motives for, and techniques of, earnings management as well as the role and potential role for accounting standards and improved corporate governance in addressing the issue. The paper reports on 28 semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders of LCBs. It is found that financial reporting quality is perceived to be impaired as a result of earnings management. It also provides prima facie evidence of some fraudulent activity in the management of earnings. IFRS/IAS as well as a sound corporate governance system is perceived to have an important potential role in improving financial reporting quality. Some confusion and ambiguity in the understanding of the term earnings management was also identified.


Application of veterinary drugs in livestock production is inevitable as they are essential for treatment of diseases, prevention of diseases, modification of physiological functions, improvement of growth and productivity as well as for ensuring food safety. However, recent reports have revealed that the use of veterinary drugs in large amounts and consistently could result in deposition of antimicrobial residues in muscle and organs of animal. Consumption of these residues in animal products may pose health risk to consumers including development of antibiotic resistance bacteria, allergy, reproductive disorder and hypersensitivity reaction. It is in line with this that this chapter seeks to examine the cause, occurrence, mode of detection, health implication and possible solution to veterinary drugs residues in meat and meat products.


A technique for determining a minimum roundoff noise extended state space (e-state) realization of fixed-point recursive digital filters is developed. Previous efforts have developed such minimum roundoff noise e-state structures for the second-order e-state equation only. This new algorithm determines a minimum roundoff e-state structure for the general order e-state equation. The technique obtains a linear transformation which, when applied to the original structure, produces a minimum noise e-state structure. A combination of a conjugate gradient algorithm and a variable metric algorithm is employed to determine the transformation coefficients. The e-state roundoff noise characteristics are illustrated by numerical examples. It is found that the minimum-noise e-state structure can have lower roundoff noise than the conventional minimum-noise structure, since fewer state variables are actually computed. In an e-state structure an Nth-order filter where N=LM can be implemented by M difference equations of order L resulting in a computational complexity of O[L(M+1)/sup 2/]. One advantage of e-state structures, compared to other realizations, is the use of fewer but longer inner products which pipelined digital signal processors are designed to handle efficiently.


Commonly-known for their sophisticated and robust results, and some lack of time-to-market orientation, the universities are reviewing their roles to be more competitive in the innovation ecosystems. The actual context is large growing of acceleration programs to promote Open Innovation in startups, as well as traditional corporations, interested in the development of innovation across organisational boundaries. Although recent studies emphasise that startups developed or supported by universities have more expectations of success than non-academic startups, the movement of acceleration programs with an emphasis on open innovation is not always connected to universities and supported for research and development. This fact indicates that there are opportunities to encourage the work of universities with companies and other actors for the development of market-oriented proposals and innovative solutions that cover different fields of knowledge through transdisciplinary research. This study has as main objective to identify practices and impacts of acceleration programs for open innovation and its relationship with Research and Development in universities. This study is conducted in two phases in order to analyse the impacts: the first is a systematic review of the literature to identify state of the art of the studied themes in a combined manner. The second phase of the article consists in study two application cases of acceleration programs at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. The work aims to analyse the impacts of the open innovation and acceleration programs found in the literature and in the case study in order to identify opportunities for improvement for the programs of acceleration of open innovation which universities propose or participate. The expected result is to provide subsidies for universities to increase their participation and contribution in programs, to accelerate innovation and open innovation, supported by transdisciplinary and excellent research.


Purpose The aim of this study is to prove that type 2 diabetes mellitus can induce increasing inflammation marker in renal and that the provision of darapladib as Lp-LA2 Inhibitor agents can inhibit inflammation that were measured from the expression of IL-1B and IL-6- type cytokine in renal. This study also discusses the correlation between IL-1B and IL-6- type cytokine expression in renal. Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three main groups; those are negative control group (NC), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus group (T2DM) given high fat diet (HFD) with streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection (35mg/kg BW) and diabetes mellitus + darapladib group (DM + DP). Each group was treated within two serial treatment time: 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Expressions of IL-1B and IL-6- type cytokine in renal were the markers that we measured by immunofluorosense method. Results The administration of darapladib can significantly decrease the expression of IL-1B- type cytokine (p ANOVA = 0.029, p < 0.005) measured in rats' renal both at weeks 8 and 16 in the T2DM group. The Expression of IL-6- type cytokine also showed a significant difference after treated with darapladib both at weeks 8 and 16 in T2DM group with p-value of ANOVA = 0.033, p < 0.005. The Pearson correlation showed a strong correlation (linear regression value was r2 = 0.743). Conclusion Our results show that atherosclerosis caused by inflammation in renal T2DM SD rats could be inhibited by the administration of darapladib.


OBJECTIVE
To take advantage of the small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) targeting the human augmenter of liver regeneration (hALR) and anti-hALR monoclonal antibody (McAb) to inhibit the function of hALR, and to demonstrate whether the growth of hepatoma is influenced by siRNA targeting hALR and anti-hALR McAb through inhibiting expression of hALR.

METHODS
This study was conducted in the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical University, China, between January 2005 and May 2007. We transfected siRNA plasmid pSIALR-A, which targeted the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) of hALR and the unrelated control plasmid pSIALR-B into human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. Then, the proliferation of HepG2 cells, after being treated with pSIALR-A and anti-hALR McAb was detected. The growth of the xenograft tumor was observed after being treated with pSIALR-A and anti-hALR McAb in nude mice.

RESULTS
We successfully constructed expressing plasmid pSIALR-A and pSIALR-B. The pSIALR-A inhibited the expression of hALR in HepG2 cells significantly. The siRNA targeting hALR and anti-hALR McAb inhibited obviously the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro. siRNA targeting hALR and anti-hALR McAb significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumor in 5 nude mice. Anti-hALR McAb inhibited apparently the autonomous growth of HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrated that anti-hALR McAb inhibited the autonomous growth of hepatoma cells obviously, moreover, hALR maintained the autonomous growth of hepatoma cells in vitro through an autocrine mechanism.


This paper presents a 28-Gb/s transceiver in 32-nm SOI CMOS technology for chip-to-chip communications over high-loss electrical channels such as backplanes. The equalization needed for such applications is provided by a 4-tap baud-spaced feed-forward equalizer (FFE) in the transmitter and a two-stage peaking amplifier and 15-tap decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) in the receiver. The transmitter employs a source-series terminated (SST) driver topology which doubles the speed of existing half-rate designs. The high-frequency boost provided by the peaking amplifier is enhanced by adopting a structure with capacitively coupled parallel input stages and active feedback. A capacitive level-shifting technique is introduced in the half-rate DFE which allows a single current-integrating summer to drive the four parallel paths used for speculating the first two DFE taps. Error-free signaling at 28 Gb/s is demonstrated with the transceiver over a channel with 35 dB loss at half-baud frequency. In a four-port core configuration, the power consumption at 28 Gb/s is 693 mW/lane.


Foremost insolvency practitioners are agitating for the reform of the Nigerian corporate insolvency law, and in particular, its rescue system. They seek to transplant the corporate rescue model of either the United States or of England and Wales into the Nigerian insolvency system. On the premise that the present system, as well as the proposed models should be clearly understood before reforms are executed, this thesis examines the three rescue models in focus. Very little is written on the existing Nigerian rescue system. Utilising an analytical and empirical method, the thesis educes a robust and, it argues, representative picture of the Nigerian corporate rescue law and practice. It finds that the Nigerian rescue system comprises an informal and a formal phase. A company is more likely to be rescued at the informal phase, which is being developed by stakeholders to mitigate the substantive and institutional challenges that beset the formal phase. The formal rescue law is inadequate because its regimes are not fit for purpose. The greatest challenge it faces, it is argued, is administrative. Institutional failings have injected the tardiness and uncertainty that now characterise the Nigerian rescue system. The thesis proposes an analytical framework by which the rescue systems of Nigeria, the US and England and Wales, as well as other corporate rescue models, can be examined. From the analysis it presents, prospective reformers can identify the core elements of corporate rescue and how these are administered by their preferred models. They can also observe how these elements are administered by the Nigerian rescue model. It is expected that the robust findings presented in the thesis will contribute considerable value to the on-going insolvency reform debate in Nigeria.


Oil discharge rate in rotary compressor has a significant influence on heat transfer performance of condenser and evaporator in air conditioning system. In order to find out the influence which caused by the structure of rotary compressor on the oil discharge rate, the flow field of rotary compressor has been calculated by VOF method and the lubricant distribution in rotary compressor can be obtained. At the same time, Oil discharge rate in rotary compressor at different operating conditions has been calculated in this paper.


Abstract In this paper the marine factors of erosion contributing to the chalk cliffs located on either side of the English Channel are examined. From an analysis of the literature, the main physical phenomena determining the marine erosion of the shore platform and the foot of the cliff are considered. Field observations of the coastal chalk cliff show that the vertical erosion of the shore platform does not appear to be the main cause of cliff erosion, which is mainly governed by cliff collapse processes. To estimate the impact of waves on the base of the cliff, experiments were carried out in a wave flume. The pressure due to the waves and the dissipation of waves were measured for three simple configurations of the boundary conditions between the cliff and the sea. The pressure never exceeded the compressive strength of chalk rock. Nevertheless, pressure fluctuations due to periodic waves can induce a fatigue process within the fracture structures. The experimental results showed that the shingle by itself has a low effect on wave energy dissipation. The main effect of shingle is to reduce the water depth at the toe of the cliff. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a lower water depth leads to a lower impact of the waves on the cliff.


PURPOSE
Smokers have increased denture stomatitis caused primarily by Candida albicans. The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of a wide range of nicotine and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) concentrations on biofilm formation and metabolic activity of C. albicans on acrylic denture material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
C. albicans (ATCC strain 10231) was used. Standardized denture acrylic (PMMA) specimens (total of 135 specimens) were incubated with C. albicans and exposed to nicotine and CSC at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml) and (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml), respectively. For each experiment, 3 samples per nicotine and CSC concentration and a total of 45 specimens (27 specimens for the nicotine and 18 specimens for the CSC-treated samples) were used and were selected randomly for each group. The control group consisted of 0 mg/ml of nicotine or CSC. The viability of C. albicans was measured using spiral plating on blood agar plates. The effect of nicotine and CSC concentrations on planktonic cells was were measured using a microplate reader. Metabolic activity of 24-hour-old established C. albicans biofilm exposed to nicotine and CSC for 24 hours in microtiter plates was determined using a 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay.

RESULTS
The viability of C. albicans increased concomitant with increasing concentrations of CSC and nicotine, particularly at 0.5 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. Concentrations of CSC and nicotine above this resulted in an inhibitory effect on C. albicans viability. CSC and nicotine at 4 and 16 mg/ml, respectively, increased C. albicans biofilm metabolic activity.

CONCLUSION
Nicotine and CSC up to certain concentrations caused increases in biofilm formation, metabolic activity, viability, and planktonic cell absorbance of C. albicans. This in vitro study demonstrates the effectiveness of tobacco on promoting the growth of C. albicans and suggests their potential contributing factor in C. albicans biofilm related infections in smokers.


The "developmental state" has become prominent alternative development model defended by contemporary Western aid donors, particularly in Africa. Purported "developmental states", such as Ethiopia and Rwanda, are argued to possess strong-willed, visionary leaderships whose commitment to delivering on ambitious development plans renders them attractive donor partners. These leaderships are also, however, often authoritarian and unapologetic when criticized for democratic backsliding or human rights abuses. For many Western donors this represents a tolerable trade-off. The purpose of this article is to interrogate, critique and explain the assumptions and ideas underlying this trade-off. Using the case study of Ethiopia, we argue that donor officials' understandings of "developmental state" are varied, vague and superficial, the main commonality being a "strong" regime with "political will" and a non-negotiable approach to domestic governance. We suggest that donors have too readily and uncritically accepted, internalized and deployed these notions, using the "developmental state" concept to justify their withdrawal from serious engagement on democratic reform. This derives from a systemic donor preference for depoliticized development models, as well as from Ethiopian officials' own savvy political manoeuvrings. It has also, however, weakened donors' position of influence at a time when the Ethiopian regime is debating major political reform.


We develop algorithms for adaptable schedule problems with patient waiting time, surgeon waiting time, OR idle time and overtime costs. Open block surgery scheduling of multiple surgeons operating in multiple operating rooms (ORs) motivates the work. We investigate creating an "adaptable" schedule of surgeries under knowledge that this schedule will change (be rescheduled) during execution due to uncertain surgery times and other disruptions. The problem we address consists of finding an initial "day before" OR schedule (surgery starting times, surgery sequence in each OR and surgery sequence for each surgeon), and is formulated as a multi-stage stochastic integer program (with the initial schedule determined in phase 1) using sample average approximation. A small (due to complexity) computational study is conducted. We find optimal initial schedules under simple right shift rescheduling policies, and further demonstrate that more complex rescheduling policies (i.e. recourse) can be effective in improving performance given a variety of initial schedules Stochastic integer program based algorithms for adaptable open block surgery scheduling


The metabolic properties of live cells are very susceptible to intra- or extra-cellular perturbations, making their measurements challenging tasks. We show that the dynamics of lipid droplets (LDs) carry information to measure the lipid metabolism of live cells. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy was used to statistically quantify LD dynamics in living cells in a label-free manner. We introduce dynamic signatures of cells derived from the LD displacement, speed, travel length, and directionality, which allows for the detection of cellular changes induced by stimuli such as fluorescent labeling, temperature change, starvation, and chemical treatment. Histogram fittings of the dynamic signatures using lognormal distribution functions provide quantification of changes in cellular metabolic states. The LD dynamics also enable separation of subpopulations of LDs correlated with different functions. We demonstrate that LD dynamics are new markers to quantify the metabolic changes in live cells.


This paper presents an approach for solving the inherent problem with multicast routing scalability — by co-operation between end-systems and the network. We introduce an extremely efficient, elegant way to name arbitrary sized inter-meshed aggregations of multicast addresses. This is done in such a way that it is easy to calculate how to change the name to encompass many more related names. We describe how these aggregate names could be used anywhere in place of the set of addresses to which they refer, not by resolving them into multiple operations, but by a single bulk action throughout the routing tree, and in session descriptions potentially including those for reservations. Initial aggregation in end-systems might only reduce the problem by an order of magnitude, but it is believed that this will provide sufficient structure for routers to be able to recognise further aggregation potential. To improve the chances of router aggregation, address set allocation schemes must fulfil certain criteria that are laid down in this paper.


Background: Inflammatory monocytes are drivers of vascular injury and disease. Results: Depletion of lysozyme M-positive monocytes prevents eNOS uncoupling and iNOS-derived nitro-oxidative stress. Conclusion: Monocytes determine eNOS and iNOS function by directly modulating tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability. Significance: Understanding the impact of inflammation on endothelial function in detail is essential to identify tailored therapeutic strategies. Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and increased inducible NOS (iNOS) activity amplify vascular oxidative stress. The role of inflammatory myelomonocytic cells as mediators of these processes and their impact on tetrahydrobiopterin availability and function have not yet been defined. Angiotensin II (ATII, 1 mg/kg/day for 7 days) increased Ly6Chigh and CD11b+/iNOShigh leukocytes and up-regulated levels of eNOS glutathionylation in aortas of C57BL/6 mice. Vascular iNOS-dependent NO formation was increased, whereas eNOS-dependent NO formation was decreased in aortas of ATII-infused mice as assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation of lysozyme M-positive (LysM+) monocytes in ATII-infused LysMiDTR transgenic mice prevented eNOS glutathionylation and eNOS-derived Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-sensitive superoxide formation in the endothelial layer. ATII increased vascular guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I expression and biopterin synthesis in parallel, which was reduced in monocyte-depleted LysMiDTR mice. Vascular tetrahydrobiopterin was increased by ATII infusion but was even higher in monocyte-depleted ATII-infused mice, which was paralleled by a strong up-regulation of dihydrofolate reductase expression. EPR spectroscopy revealed that both vascular iNOS- and eNOS-dependent NO formation were normalized in ATII-infused mice following monocyte depletion. Additionally, deletion as well as pharmacologic inhibition of iNOS prevented ATII-induced endothelial dysfunction. In summary, ATII induces an inflammatory cell-dependent increase of iNOS, guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I, tetrahydrobiopterin, NO formation, and nitro-oxidative stress as well as eNOS uncoupling in the vessel wall, which can be prevented by ablation of LysM+ monocytes.


Tavorite-type compositions offer rich crystal chemistry for positive electrodes in rechargeable batteries, among which LiVIIIPO4F has the highest theoretical energy density (i.e. 655 Wh kg−1). In this article, we report for the first time the synthesis of the related Na-based phase crystallizing in the Tavorite-like structure. Its in-depth structural and electronic characterization was conducted by a combination of several techniques, spanning electron and X-ray powder diffraction as well as infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The magnetic susceptibility measurement reveals an average oxidation state for vanadium slightly higher than V3+. This slight oxidation is supported by infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopies which highlight the presence of V4+[double bond, length as m-dash]O vanadyl-type defects leading to an approximated NaVIII0.85(VIVO)0.15(PO4)F0.85 composition. In this material, the profile of the diffraction lines is governed by a strong strain anisotropic broadening arising from the competitive formation between the ionic V3+–F and the covalent V4+[double bond, length as m-dash]O bonds. This material shows a limited extraction of sodium, close to 15% of the theoretical capacity. Indeed, its electrochemical properties are strongly inhibited by the intrinsic low sodium mobility in the Tavorite framework.


In this paper we analyze the liquidity (time on market) of rental dwellings and its determinants for different liquidity quantiles in the largest seven German cities. The determinants are estimated using censored quantile regressions in order to investigate the impact on very liquid to very illiquid dwellings. We use micro data to examine the time on market for about 400,000 observations from the first quarter of 2013 to the second quarter of 2017. Hedonic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as spatial gravity variables and various fixed effects are used as exogenous determinants. For almost all regression coefficients we find consistent signs across all quantiles of the time on market distribution, i.e. the proportional hazard assumption, underlying the Cox model, is not violated. However, we find substantial differences in the magnitude of the regression coefficients over the liquidity quantiles. This is the first paper, to the best of our knowledge, to apply censored quantile regressions to the liquidity analysis on the real estate market.


Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters are the fundamental signal processing technique to analyze the surface Electromyography (sEMG). These filters are defined by their particular orders (e.g. first-, second- or third-order) and the frequency they passed through. Although, EMG signals from human skeletal muscles are important to realize the muscle features, but there is no consistency found in the literature regarding the influence of different orders of the filter and cutoff frequency when processing and filtering EMG signal during lower limb (Biceps Femoris) muscle contraction. It is therefore important to know the response of muscle EMG signal after changing the order of filters and cut-off frequencies. Thus, this paper addresses the behavior of the signal patterns after varying the filter order and cut-off frequency of the filter. To record the EMG signal, one healthy male participated in this study after obtaining his informed consent and the electrodes were placed on the lower limb Biceps Femoris muscle during sit-to-stand task at a normal speed. During the signal processing, the cut-off frequency of the filter was fixed with the variation of the order of the filter. Later, the order of the filter was fixed while the cut-off frequency was varied. Finally, the results show that varying the order of filter (while frequency fixed) does not distort the EMG signal significantly, whereas varying the frequency changes the shape of the signal considerably.


The blood pressures (BP) in 418 vegetarian Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) volunteers in Western Australia were compared with those in 290 non-vegetarian volunteers in Narrogin, a Western Australian country town. The mean systolic and diastolic BPs in the SDAs, adjusted for age, sex, height and weight (128.7/76.2 mm of mercury) were significantly less than those in the Narrogin residents (139.3/84.5). It appeared unlikely that these differences could be explained by differences in alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee or egg consumption, socioeconomic status or physical activity. There was, however, a gradient toward increasing BP with increasing egg intake in SDAs, and SDAs who drank tea or coffee had a higher mean diastolic BP than those who did not (mean difference of 4.2 mm of mercury). The possibility that selective bias or unmeasured environmental differences might explain the difference in BP between the two groups is discussed.


Goats consume juniper, but toxic terpenoids within the plant limit intake. Our objective was to determine if dosing goats with the adsorptive compound activated charcoal would increase juniper consumption. Twenty Boer-cross goats were placed in individual pens; at 0800 hours, 10 were dosed with 1 g kg(-1) body weight (BW) of activated charcoal in an aqueous solution, and 10 were not dosed. Dosing occurred daily for 10 days. Goats were offered redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.) in Trial 1, ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei Buch.) in Trial 2, and a choice between redberry and ashe juniper in Trial 3. For each trial, juniper was offered to all goats for 2 hours after dosing with activated charcoal. In Trial 1, goats dosed with activated charcoal consumed more (P < 0.05) redberry juniper during the first 5 days of exposure. In Trial 2, activated charcoal did not affect ashe juniper intake. In Trial 3, dosing with activated charcoal did not affect juniper intake. All goats preferred ashe to redberry juniper. Juniper intake increased across days of exposure for Trials 1 and 2, apparently because goats adapted to the terpenoids in juniper through repeated exposure. It appears that activated charcoal will only increase redberry juniper intake during initial exposures. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v54i3_bisson


Although job segregation concentrates women in the lowest status and lowest paid jobs in the workforce, women are disproportionately satisfied with their jobs. This paper assesses the strength of women's work commitment in Western industrial societies, and finds it to be markedly lower than men's work commitment. Work commitment is also found to be a powerful predictor of women's work decisions and job choices. The majority of women aim for a homemaker career in which paid work is of secondary or peripheral importance, with strong support from their husbands for this strategy. A minority of women are committed to work as a central life goal, achieving jobs at higher levels of status and earnings. The existence of these two discrete groups within the female workforce explains the paradox of women's high satisfaction with poor jobs, and helps explain the persistence of job segregation. We conclude that more refined and sociological indicators of workforce participation must be developed to replace the standard measures used by labour economists.


CCR5, as the major co-receptor for HIV-1 entry, is an attractive novel target for the pharmaceutical industry in the HIV-1 therapeutic area. In this study, based on the structures of maraviroc and 1,4-bis(4-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)butane-1,4- dione (1), which was identified using structure-based virtual screening in conjunction with a calcium mobilization assay, a series of novel small molecule CCR5 antagonists have been designed and synthesized through fragment assembly. Preliminary SARs were obtained, which are in good agreement with the molecular binding model and should prove helpful for future antagonist design. The novel scaffold presented here might also be useful in the development of maraviroc-derived second generation CCR5 antagonists.


: Effects of the Yantar-Aantitox (succinic acid preparation) preparation on bioenergetic processes in mitochondria of rat liver during the experimental disorders of beta oxidation process evoked by 4-pentenoic acid have been studied. It is established that the course administration of Yantar-Antitox leads to normalization of disturbed bioenergetic processes in rat liver, which is due to stimulation of the rapid metabolic cluster of mitochondria.


SIGNIFICANCE
A rare case of bilateral horizontal gaze palsy with intact vertical gaze eye movements and largely intact vestibulo-ocular reflex is presented owing to demyelinating lesions of the patient's bilateral paramedian pontine reticular formations and left infranuclear abducens nerve from the patient's recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to report on a rare case of bilateral horizontal gaze palsy from a supranuclear lesion in a patient with a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

CASE REPORT
A 43-year-old African American woman presented urgently for evaluation of her inability to move her eyes into either horizontal gaze. Vertical conjugate movements remained intact, as did three of four extraocular muscles with horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex testing, suggesting a supranuclear palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two demyelinating lesions in her inferior pons, which spared her nuclear and internuclear horizontal gaze pathways, as well as three of four extraocular muscles of her infranuclear horizontal gaze pathway as evidenced by her largely intact vestibulo-ocular reflex. This suggested bilateral paramedian pontine reticular formation lesions (supranuclear) and a mild left abducens nerve palsy (infranuclear).

CONCLUSIONS
Close evaluation of extraocular motilities and a solid understanding of the supranuclear, nuclear, internuclear, and infranuclear components of the horizontal gaze pathway can help identify challenging gaze palsies when encountered in a clinical setting. Appropriate neuroimaging can then be performed with an emphasis on the suspected location of the lesion(s) based on the patient's clinical findings.


Purpose In recent years, several case reports have described venous thromboembolism (VTE) on FDG PET/CT. In this short communication, we present results from a proof-of-concept pilot study aimed at providing some preliminary data on the efficacy of FDG PET/CT in prospective patients with suspected VTE. Patients and Methods Fifteen patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) were included prospectively and underwent a whole-body FDG PET/CT. Patients were divided into 4 groups as follows: DVT+ (DVT proven by high clinical suspicion and positive compression ultrasound), DVT− (DVT ruled out by low clinical suspicion and negative compression ultrasound), PE+ (PE proven by high clinical suspicion and positive lung scintigraphy), and PE− (PE ruled out by low clinical suspicion and normal lung scintigraphy). Images were interpreted visually by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians independently and without knowledge of other imaging results. Results Seven DVT+, 6 DVT−, 6 PE+, and 1 PE− were included. Five patients were suspected of both DVT and PE. FDG PET/CT correctly diagnosed the presence or lack of DVT in all patients, whereas results are more ambiguous in PE with only 2 of 6 PE patients showing FDG avidity. The readers agreed in all cases. Conclusions Although further studies are warranted for further clarification, our preliminary data substantiate that FDG PET/CT is a viable modality for assessing VTE, at least for DVT. We believe our results add positively to the limited data on this subject and are promising enough to warrant further larger series.


Abstract Aiming to reduce flatness (Total Thickness Variation, TTV) defects in the lapping process of the silicon wafer manufacturing, it is crucial to understand and eliminate the root cause(s). Financial losses resulting from TTV defects make the lapping process unsustainable. DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control), which is a Six Sigma methodology, was implemented to improve the quality of the silicon wafer manufacturing process. The study design and the choice of procedures were contingent on customer requirements and customised to ensure maximum satisfaction; which is the underlying principle of the rigorous, statistical technique of Six Sigma. Previously unknown causes of high TTV reject rates were identified, and a massive reduction in the TTV reject rate was achieved (from 4.43% to 0.02%). Also, the lapping process capability (Ppk) increased to 3.87 (beyond the required standard of 1.67), suggesting sustainable long-term stability. Control procedures were also effectively implemented using the techniques of poka yoke and control charts. This paper explores the utility of Six Sigma, a quality management technique, to improve the quality of a process used in the semiconductor industry. The application of the Six Sigma methodology in the current project provides an example of the root cause investigation methodology that can be adopted for similar processes or industries. Some of the statistical tools and techniques were used for the first time in this project, thereby providing new analysis and quality improvement platform for the future. The article offers a deeper understanding of the factors that impact on the silicon wafer flatness in the lapping process. It also highlights the benefits of using a structured problem-solving methodology like Six Sigma.


Travel writing has been viewed as one of the main sources of national typologies and is often held responsible for the consolidation of stereotypes about otherness and for the promotion of an imperialist agenda. This paper aims to investigate conceptions of Greekness in contemporary Greek travelogues which involve a rethinking of stereotypical national representations. The analysis proceeds by proposing the method of "questioning home" in travelogues through diffracted gazes towards the traveller's homeland as a result of his encounter with otherness. In the second part, Greekness is explored beyond the nation-state approach and the long-held national stereotype of the "Greek particularism", Greece's isolation because of the country's unresolved tension between East and West. A. Vistonitis' and M. Kassolas's travelogues reporting their travels to the East (China) and to the West (USA) respectively at the end of the 20 th century are examined as case-studies. Through narrators' dialogues with their hosts and the raising of relevant political and geopolitical issues, "transnational" conceptions of Greek identity are explored: the notions of "diaspora", "cosmopolitan citizenship", "openness" and "connectivity" challenge the national narration based on "purity" and "exclusion", and facilitate the investigation of potential roles for Greece in the globalized world of the early 21 st century.


This review focuses on three different processes: action priming, action prediction, and outcome evaluation. Together, these processes form a foundation for social perception early in life. Priming and prediction is argued to be separable processes with different degrees of plasticity, based in part on unique neural structures. These two future-oriented processes are assumed to operate in a sequential manner. A third set of processes, outcome evaluations, follows the completion of observed events and compare the actual events with the assumptions postulated by the preceding future-oriented processes. Together, these processes are argued to provide good grounds for learning via internal models that detect error signals that arise from the potential mismatch between priming and prediction and actual events as they unfold in the external world and use this information to update the accuracy of future-oriented processes.


: Metacestodes Dioecocestus asper (Cyclophyllidea) habe been found in larvae of dragonflies Aeshna spp. (Odonata, Anisoptera) from the lakes of the Upper Kolyma and northern Okhotsk seaboard basins (3.8 +/- 0.46 % of n = 1730 and 0.09 +/- 0.09 % of n = 1065, respectively) for the first time. Thus, participation of dragonflies in lifecycle of Dioecocestidae has been proved. Larvagenesis of D. asper (from spontaneously infested hosts) have been retraced from the stage of primary lacuna up to fully-developed metacestode. Process of development of the metacestode D. asper includes two invaginations. The first one follows the start of exogenous formation of undifferentiated anlage of the cystoscolex; as the result, the latter settles to the bottom of the forming two-layered exocyst homologous to the cercomer. Subsequent development of the prospecive part and the endocyst occurs in the closed amniotic cavity of the sacciform exocyst, the back pole of which preserves embryonic hooks and the front pole possesses the invaginational channel. At the stage of early scolexogenesis, the endocyst with the anlage of the strobila and the scolex separates from the exocyst and the excretory atrium forms on the back pole of endocyst. At the stage of late scolexogenesis, the formation of the larval strobila (differentiation of the sex) is completed and the second invagination starts. Strong retractors pull bottom of the stribila into the endocyst; simultaneously, the front part of it is also turned inside. The invaginational pore of the endocyst of fully-developed metacestode D. asper remains open; the scolex with the most part of the strobila is located outside the endocyst in the cavity of the exocyst. The encystment of the metacestode occurs when the temperature rises up to 40 degrees C (i. e., reaching the temperature of the definitive host). Morphogenesis of the uniquely large (among the cyclophyllid metacestodes developing in the invertebrate intermediate host) metacestode D. asper lasts for about two--three years and is associated with the developmental terms of the intermediate host, the larva of the Aeshna dragonfly, in climatic conditions of the Far North-East of Asia. Early stages of morphogenesis of D. asper were noted at the dragonfly larvae of the age of 0+ (at September) and 1+ (at June), and fully-developed metacestodes, only at elder ages. Owing to the extremely large size of D. asper metacestodes we refer them as a specific modification of cysticercoids: a megalocercus (Megalocercus). Common features were noted in the structure and morphogenesis of D. asper megalocercus and ascocerci of Schistotaeniidae. High morphological similarity of these metacestodes and their development in relative taxonomic groups of intermediate hosts, larvae of amphibiotic insects (the dragonfly larvae, and occasionally the larvae of mayflies or water-bugs), prove their belonging to the same philogenetically related group of metacestodes Cyclophyllidea, emerging independently from other groups of cysticercoids. We suggest naming this morpho-ecological group of larvocysts as ascocerci (or ascocysticercoids). The use of the name "ascocercus" as nominal nomenclature for group of larvocysts supposes the change of the name "ascocercus Schistotaeniidae" to "euascocercus".


Bone is an active tissue that works as a tissue and an organ as well. It is constituted of cells and blood vessels by nearly 10% of its volume, while the rest 90% is majorly contributed by extracellular portion. Bone is a living structure stably undertaking continual remodeling between bone formation and bone resorption, where bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) exhibit a crucial role. The differentiation process of osteoblasts and osteoclasts takes place in a balanced manner under normal conditions. This intricate balance is chiefly sustained by biochemical signaling cascades, facilitating accurate bone homeostasis in the body. Loss of balance/misregulated signaling in the bone development or disruption may lead to pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, etc. Among several regulators for bone-signaling pathways, microRNAs have appeared as an imperative control of gene expression at the level of post-transcription while addressing the genes that control bone remodeling with appropriate responses in the pathogenesis and perhaps the management of bone diseases. Further, microRNAs control the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which finally influence the bone formation. Hence, there is a great possibility in exploiting microRNAs as putative therapeutic targets for the medical relief of bone associated disorders, including osteoporosis.


Over the last two decades, coherent risk measures have been well studied as a principled, axiomatic way to measure the risk of a random variable. Because of this axiomatic approach, coherent risk measures have a number of attractive features for computation, and they have been integrated into a variety of stochastic programming algorithms, including stochastic dual dynamic programming algorithms, a common class of solution methods for multistage stochastic programs. However, even though they facilitate computational tractability, they can suffer from a type of time inconsistency, which we call conditional inconsistency. This inconsistency can lead to sub-optimal policies if agents care about their state at the end of the time horizon, but control risk in a stage-wise fashion. The more general class of convex risk measures includes the entropic risk measure, which is conditionally consistent and computationally tractable. We explore the relationship between convex risk measures and distributionally robust optimization, and we discuss how to incorporate general convex risk measures into a stochastic dual dynamic programming algorithm.