Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and is considered to be the outcome of chronic liver inflammation. Currently, the main treatment for HCC is surgical resection. However, survival rates are suboptimal partially because of tumor recurrence in the remaining liver. Our aim was to understand the molecular mechanisms linking liver regeneration under chronic inflammation to hepatic tumorigenesis. Mdr2-KO mice, a model of inflammation-associated cancer, underwent partial hepatectomy (PHx), which led to enhanced hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, liver regeneration in these mice was severely attenuated. We demonstrate the activation of the DNA damage-response machinery and increased genomic instability during early liver inflammatory stages resulting in hepatocyte apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, and senescence and suggest their involvement in tumor growth acceleration subsequent to PHx. We propose that under the regenerative proliferative stress induced by liver resection, the genomic unstable hepatocytes generated during chronic inflammation escape senescence and apoptosis and reenter the cell cycle, triggering the enhanced tumorigenesis. Thus, we clarify the immediate and long-term contributions of the DNA damage response to HCC development and recurrence.


In this study, human T cells were provided with a reactivity against the Lewis-Y (Le(Y)) carbohydrate antigen, which is overexpressed on 70% of epithelial-derived tumors, but not normally recognized by T cells. Antitumor reactivity was achieved by transduction of T cells with a gene encoding a cell-surface chimeric receptor composed of single-chain anti-Le(Y) antibody linked to an enhanced cytoplasmic signaling domain made up of CD28 and CD3-zeta. Importantly, the single-chain antibody was humanized to try to reduce potential problems of human anti-mouse antibody responses in patients receiving chimeric receptor-modified T cells in future clinical trials. T cells expressing the chimeric receptor were demonstrated to secrete cytokines and proliferate in response to receptor ligation and lysed Le(Y+) tumors in vitro. Another aspect of this study was the finding that no activity was observed against normal tissue, as represented by autologous neutrophils that express low levels of Le(Y). Significantly, systemic delivery of anti-Le(Y) T cells dramatically inhibited established s.c. human ovarian OVCAR-3 tumors (a recognized difficult model to treat) in mice. Finally, we demonstrated that anti-Le(Y) T cells preferentially expanded or accumulated in the tumor compared with control empty vector T cells, thereby providing mechanistic insight into the specific antitumor response. This study supports the use of humanized gene-modified T cells as a potential therapy for Le(Y+) malignancies.


Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in innate- and adaptive immunity. The TLR pathways were shown to play key functional roles in experimental acute and chronic kidney injury, including the allo-immune response after experimental renal transplantation. Data about the precise impact of TLRs and their negative regulators on human renal transplant outcomes however are limited and contradictory. We studied twelve non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of which eleven in TLR1-8 and one in SIGIRR in a final cohort comprising 1116 matching donors and recipients. TLR3 p.Leu412Phe and SIGIRR p.Gln312Arg significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and were excluded. The frequency distribution of the minor alleles of the remaining 10 TLR variants were compared between patients with end-stage renal disease (recipients) and controls (kidney donors) in a case-control study. Secondly, the associations between the minor allele frequency of the TLR variants and delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection and death-censored graft failure after transplantation were investigated with Cox regression. Carrier frequencies of the minor alleles of TLR1 p.His305Leu (OR = 4.79, 95% CI = 2.35–9.75, P = 0.0002), TLR1 p.Asn248Ser (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07–1.47, P = 0.04) and TLR8 p.Met1Val (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14–1.64, P = 0.008) were significantly higher in patients with ESRD, with little specificity for the underlying renal disease entity (adjusted for age, gender and donor-recipient relatedness). The minor allele frequency of none of the TLR variants significantly associated with the surrogate and definite outcomes, even when multivariable models were created that could account for TLR gene redundancy. In conclusion, genetic variants in TLR genes were associated with the prevalence of ESRD but not renal transplant outcomes. Therefore, our data suggests that specific TLR signaling routes might play a role in the final common pathway of primary renal injury. A role for TLR signaling in the context of renal transplantation is probably limited.


Inhibition of telomerase activity has emerged as a promising strategy to combat cancer cells, especially ones with no specific molecular targets such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug, is causing DNA damage while apigenin, a plant-derived antioxidant, induces apoptosis in various cancer cell types. Little is known about their combined ability to inhibit telomerase activity in TNBC cells. In the current study, the effect of cisplatin in combination with apigenin was investigated with regards to telomerase activity and expression of the telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT as well as Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) and p23 in two types of TNBC (MDA-MB-231; HCC1806) and one non-tumorigenic (MCF10A) epithelial cell line. The results showed that the combined treatment of cisplatin and apigenin significantly down-regulated telomerase activity. The inhibition of telomerase activity was accompanied by a down-regulation of hTERT , Hsp90 and p23 at transcriptional and translational level in both TNBC cells, as compared to control cells. The results of the current study suggest that apigenin and cisplatin synergistically inhibit telomerase activity by downregulating the enzyme's catalytic subunit. However, the exact roles of Hsp90 and p23 in the regulation of telomerase activity requires further investigation as they seem to be TNBC subtype-specific.


Objectives To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an outpatient 12-step carboplatin desensitization regimen in patients with prior carboplatin HSR. Methods Patients with a history of carboplatin HSR undergoing carboplatin desensitization for mullerian cancer were included. Following consultation with a desensitization specialist, patients were premedicated for 3 days (prednisone 40 mg, montelukast 10 mg) and immediately prior to carboplatin (dexamethasone, antihistamine-1 and antihistamine-2 antagonists). Carboplatin was administered in 12 steps under dedicated nursing supervision: Bag1 (1% dose), Bag2 (2.5% of dose), Bag3 (96.5% of dose) were each given in 4 incremental steps. Planned infusion time for steps 1–11 was 15 minutes/step and step 12 was administered at 75ml/hour. Results 30 patients received carboplatin desensitization between 12/2016–01/2019. During their prior HSR 5/30 (16%) had required epinephrine. 19/30 (63%) were seen by an allergist prior to desensitization. 24/30 (80%) received ≥ 2 desensitization cycles with median of 3 (range 1–8). During desensitization 11/30 (37%) had breakthrough HSR; 9 of these 11 (81%) were able to receive additional cycles. 2/30 (7%) required epinephrine with 1 patient (3%) transferred to urgent care. No patient required admission for HSR. Reasons for treatment discontinuation were: completed planned treatment (12/30, 40%), disease progression (11/30, 37%), and HSR (5/30, 17%). Median time in chemo unit was 504 minutes (range 335–630). Conclusions 37% had breakthrough HSR despite the 12-step desensitization; however, the majority was able to receive additional platinum desensitization. Our data suggest that outpatient carboplatin desensitization is feasible but repeated HSR can occur. Dedicated nursing care and access to desensitization specialists are required.


The Cellular and Molecular Fungal Biology Conference provides a forum for presentation of the latest advances in fungal research with an emphasis on filamentous fungi. This open-registration scientific meeting brings together the leading scientists from academia, government and industry to discuss current research results and future directions at Holderness School, an outstanding venue for scientific interaction. A key objective of the conference is to foster interaction among scientists working on model fungi such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus nidulans and scientists working on a variety of filamentous fungi whose laboratory tractability is often inversely proportional to their medical, industrial or ecological importance. Sessions will be devoted to Systems Biology, Fungi and Cellulosic Biomass, Small RNAs, Population Genomics, Symbioses, Pathogenesis, Membrane Trafficking and Polarity, and Cytoskeleton and Motors. A session will also be devoted to hot topics picked from abstracts. The CMFB conference provides a unique opportunity to examine the breadth of fungal biology in a small meeting format that encourages in-depth discussion among the attendees.


In this paper, with a view toward fast deployment of locomotion gaits in low-cost hardware, we use a linear policy for realizing end-foot trajectories in the quadruped robot, Stoch $2$. In particular, the parameters of the end-foot trajectories are shaped via a linear feedback policy that takes the torso orientation and the terrain slope as inputs. The corresponding desired joint angles are obtained via an inverse kinematics solver and tracked via a PID control law. Augmented Random Search, a model-free and a gradient-free learning algorithm is used to train this linear policy. Simulation results show that the resulting walking is robust to external pushes and terrain slope variations. This methodology is not only computationally light-weight but also uses minimal sensing and actuation capabilities in the robot, thereby justifying the approach.


Abstract: Financial transaction networks are among the world's biggest networks. The digital (crypto) currency network, such as Bitcoin, is a relatively new sort of financial network. Namecoin is a cryptocurrency that is based on Bitcoin and includes functionalities such as DNS. The Namecoin network has nearly 17 million edges and over 2 million nodes. The analysis of such a crypto currency network can aid in the modelling or prediction of future transaction network growth. We evaluated the Namecoin blockchain data in 7 six-month periods in order to analyse the transaction network graph over time. In comparison to Bitcoin, our data imply that user behaviour and development patterns are different [1]. "An experimental open-source technology that improves the decentralisation, security, censorship resistance, privacy, and speed of certain components of the Internet infrastructure, such as DNS and identities," according to Namecoin's definition.


An eye monitor whose design is inspired by the human visual system is presented. The monitor incorporates an internal representation or model of what the eye looks like to a video camera. The system can measure the position of the eyes and the size of the pupil in the presence of interfering noise and in patients wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, and it tolerates defocusing due to small movements in depth by the patient. The system makes real-time correction for head and eye movements while measuring pupillary responses to controlled light stimuli. The design and software and hardware components are described, and some applications are noted. Its use for early clinical detection of visual diseases by objectively measuring pupillary responses to carefully controlled light stimuli is examined as an example. Some general observations about using computers in medical measurements are made.<<ETX>>


Today, there are two major understandings for graph convolutional networks, i.e., in the spectral and spatial domain. But both lack transparency. In this work, we introduce a new understanding for it -- data augmentation, which is more transparent than the previous understandings. Inspired by it, we propose a new graph learning paradigm -- Monte Carlo Graph Learning (MCGL). The core idea of MCGL contains: (1) Data augmentation: propagate the labels of the training set through the graph structure and expand the training set; (2) Model training: use the expanded training set to train traditional classifiers. We use synthetic datasets to compare the strengths of MCGL and graph convolutional operation on clean graphs. In addition, we show that MCGL's tolerance to graph structure noise is weaker than GCN on noisy graphs (four real-world datasets). Moreover, inspired by MCGL, we re-analyze the reasons why the performance of GCN becomes worse when deepened too much: rather than the mainstream view of over-smoothing, we argue that the main reason is the graph structure noise, and experimentally verify our view. The code is available at this https URL.


One of the flows inherent in V/STOL operations, the jet in ground effect with a crossflow, is studied using the Fortified Navier-Stokes (FNS) scheme. Through comparison of the simulation results and the experimental data, and through the variation of the flow parameters (in the simulation) a number of interesting characteristics of the flow have been observed. For example, it appears that the forward penetration of the ground vortex is a strong inverse function of the level of mixing in the ground vortex. An effort has also been made to isolate issues which require additional work in order to improve the numerical simulation of the jet in ground effect flow. The FNS approach simplifies the simulation of a single jet in ground effect, but will be even more effective in applications to more complex topologies.


This paper examines the New Zealand health professional's role (with an emphasis on doctors) in several aspects of child sexual abuse intervention and treatment. Both current and proposed legal provisions are considered. After an explanation of their important role in this area, the current child protection framework insofar as it is relevant to health professionals is outlined. This is followed by an analysis of changes proposed in the Government's White Paper for Vulnerable Children and Vulnerable Children Bill which will affect the landscape in which health professionals work. While there are benefits to proposed measures, some raise privacy and ethical concerns, or are inadequate to address the problem. The paper then addresses the legal requirements around the undertaking of medical examinations following a sexual abuse allegation, observing that the legislation raises questions around issues of consent, and making some suggestions for amendment. Finally, the general healthcare needs of adult survivors of abuse are considered.


This paper deals with the design of robust fault detection for networked control systems with large transfer delays, in which it is impossible to totally decouple the fault effects from unknown inputs (including model uncertainties and external plant disturbances). First, we employ the multirate sampling method together with the augmented state matrix method to model the long random delay networked control systems as Markovian jump systems. Then, a Hinfin fault detection filter is designed based on the model developed. Through the appropriate choice of the filter gain, the filter is convergent if there is no disturbance in the system, meanwhile the effect of disturbances on the residual will satisfy a prescribed Hinfin performance. The problem of achieving satisfactory sensitivity of the residual to fault is formulated and its solution is given. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.


Background: Double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are a key factor in carcinogenesis. The necessary repair of DSBs is pivotal in maintaining normal cell division. To address the relationship between altered expression of DSB repair of proteins Ku70 and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in colorectal cancer (CRC), we examined the expression levels and patterns of Ku70 and ATM in CRC samples. Methods: Expression and coexpression of Ku70 and ATM were investigated by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays and confirmed further with fluorescent immunohistochemistry in CRC and pericancerous samples from 112 Chinese patients. Results: Downexpression patterns for both Ku70 and ATM were found in the CRC samples and were significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis stage and decreased 5-year overall survival rate. Conclusion: Downregulated Ku70 and ATM were associated with poor disease-free survival. Loss of Ku70 and ATM expression might act as a biomarker to predict poor prognosis in patients with CRC.


This study has been conducted to evaluate the orientation-dependent stored energy of deformed grains from the data measured using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The stored energy in deformed grains is an important term as a driving force for static recrystallization of cold-rolled steels. Subgrain method based on subgrain structure is used for quantitative analysis of the stored energy developed in cold-rolled interstitial free (IF) steels to a reduction of 80%. The orientation dependent stored energy term was used in Monte Carlo technique to simulate static recrystallization of IF steels.


This article describes a STARTALK intensive summer high school Mandarin language and culture program that was conducted for three summers. Participants across the three years included 40 Mandarin Level II and 53 Mandarin Level III high school students. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented to show the effectiveness of the program. Students' language proficiency scores showed significant improvement between pre- and posttests for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Interview and observational data are also discussed to show students' improvement in all four Mandarin language skills, as well as their increased knowledge of Chinese culture. A detailed program description including program goals, curriculum, instruction, and assessment is also shared for those who are interested in replicating the program model.


When institutional investors hire proxy advisors to prepare reports on matters up for vote at public company shareholder meetings, are they interested primarily in acquiring a bottom-line recommendation on how to vote, on which they can then blindly rely? Or in acquiring information that will help them make their own voting decisions? Supporters of controversial reforms introduced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2019 and 2020 gravitate toward the former position, arguing that reform is needed to discourage undue reliance on proxy advisor recommendations. Opponents gravitate toward the latter position, arguing that additional regulation generally is unnecessary given that institutional investors already review their proxy advisors' work product and make their own voting decisions.

This article argues that neither of these positions presents a full picture of proxy advisors' role in shareholder voting, and puts forward a more nuanced account that better reflects existing empirical evidence: institutional investors tend to use proxy advisors first and foremost as issue spotters, helping them distinguish (i) controversial matters that require a review of the proxy advisor's analysis and potentially other information sources from(ii) non-controversial matters where they can vote in line with the proxy advisor's recommendation without undertaking further review. On this account, proxy advisors do influence shareholder voting, but this influence derives primarily from their ability to direct institutional investors' attention away from some proposals and toward others, rather than from institutional investors' following their recommendations in lockstep.

This account casts one common criticism of proxy advisors' standards—that they reflect a one-size-fits-all approach to corporate governance that results in recommendations that do not reflect each public company's unique circumstances—in a new light that exposes potential problems unaddressed by the SEC's reforms. At the same time, it casts doubt on the usefulness of many of the reforms introduced by the SEC, which appear to be predicated on the flawed assumption that blind reliance on proxy advisor recommendations is a serious problem.


Previous studies identified a region on chromosome 1 associated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertension-induced renal disease in fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rats. This region contains a mutant γ-adducin (Add3) gene that impairs renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation, but its contribution to renal injury is unknown. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that knockout (KO) of Add3 impairs the renal vasoconstrictor response to the blockade of nitric oxide synthase and enhances hypertension-induced renal injury after chronic administration of L-NAME plus a high-salt diet. The acute hemodynamic effect of L-NAME and its chronic effects on hypertension and renal injury were compared in FHH 1Brown Norway (FHH 1BN) congenic rats (WT) expressing wild-type Add3 gene versus FHH 1BN Add3 KO rats. RBF was well autoregulated in WT rats but impaired in Add3 KO rats. Acute administration of L-NAME (10 mg/kg) raised mean arterial pressure (MAP) similarly in both strains, but RBF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) fell by 38% in WT versus 15% in Add3 KO rats. MAP increased similarly in both strains after chronic administration of L-NAME and a high-salt diet; however, proteinuria and renal injury were greater in Add3 KO rats than in WT rats. Surprisingly, RBF, GFR, and glomerular capillary pressure were 41%, 82%, and 13% higher in L-NAME–treated Add3 KO rats than in WT rats. Hypertensive Add3 KO rats exhibited greater loss of podocytes and glomerular nephrin expression and increased interstitial fibrosis than in WT rats. These findings indicate that loss of ADD3 promotes L-NAME–induced renal injury by altering renal hemodynamics and enhancing the transmission of pressure to glomeruli. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A mutation in the γ-adducin (Add3) gene in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats that impairs autoregulation of renal blood flow is in a region of rat chromosome 1 homologous to a locus on human chromosome 10 associated with diabetic nephropathy. The present results indicate that loss of ADD3 enhanced NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester–induced hypertensive renal injury by altering the transmission of pressure to the glomerulus.


Radiometric calibration is a key activity being undertaken for the science cameras which are part of the Panoramic Camera (PanCam) instrument for the ESA/NASA 2018 ExoMars mission. The PanCam instrument is designed to be the 'eyes' of the Mars rover and is equipped with two wide angle multi-spectral cameras (WACs) from MSSL, and a focusable High Resolution Camera (HRC) from DLR. To achieve its science role within the ExoMars mission, the PanCam must be able to generate terrain reflectance spectra to help identify the mineralogy of the Martian surface, and able to generate true-colour images of the Martian environment. These images will be scrutinised by scientists back on Earth for possible exobiology clues. Aberystwyth University (AU) is responsible for delivering the PanCam Calibration Target (PCT) which is an essential component for the science operations of the PanCam instrument. Its purpose is to allow radiometric calibration and to support geometric calibration check-out of the PanCam instrument during the ExoMars mission. Unlike other camera calibration targets flown to Mars, the PCT target regions are being made from stained glass. The paper describes the work undertaken during the design, early build and testing of the PCT, together with results from the baseline algorithms that have been designed and implemented to process the multi-spectral PanCam images.


Although peer support arrangements are a promising strategy to promote inclusion in general education classrooms, previous studies have not addressed how paraprofessionals might implement this strategy under typical circumstances without extensive researcher involvement. In this single-case design study, four special education teachers trained and supported four paraprofessionals to implement peer support arrangements through delivery of a professional development package consisting of an initial orientation, video modeling, and brief coaching with performance feedback. Teachers implemented the professional development accurately, paraprofessionals implemented peer support arrangements with fidelity, and three of the four middle school students with severe disabilities increased their social interactions with peers while maintaining previous levels of academic engagement. These findings suggest a possible avenue for equipping paraprofessionals to implement peer support arrangements. Recommendations for preparing teachers to train and support paraprofessionals to implement intervention strategies are offered along with directions for future research.


SUMMARY: The reaction between penicillin and the penicillinase of Bacillus subtilis strain 749c, in the cell-bound and the free states, was studied over the range pH 3.9-9.0. The results suggested that the bound penicillinase behaved as though it were reacting in an environment of significantly lower pH value than that of the bulk phase. This effect was not as great as that calculated from electrokinetic data for B. subtilis surfaces. Various ways of interpreting the data are discussed.


Properties and applications of all-vanadium redox flow batteries are discussed and a two-dimensional model is developed. The model, which is based on a comprehensive description of mass, charge, energy and momentum transport and conservation, is combined with a global kinetic model for reactions involving vanadium species. Gas evolving reactions are then incorporated into the modelling frame work. Bubble formation as a result of evolution at the negative/positive electrode is included in the model, taking into account the attendant reduction in the liquid volume and the transfer of momentum between the gas and liquid phases, using a modified multiphase-mixture approach. Comparisons to simulations with negligible gas evolution demonstrate the effect of gas evolution on the efficiency of the battery. The effects of reactant concentration, flow rate, applied current density and gas bubble diameter on gas evolution are investigated. Significant variations in the gas volume fraction and the bubble velocity are predicted, depending on the operating conditions. The construction of a cell and charge/discharge experiments are described. Numerical simulations are compared to experimental data for different vanadium concentrations and mean linear electrolyte flow rates, demonstrating good agreement. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effect of changes in the operating temperature on performance of the all- vanadium redox flow battery and the extent of oxygen evolution. It is shown that variations in the electrolyte flow rate and the magnitude of the applied current substantially alter the charge/discharge characteristics, the temperature rise and the distribution of temperature. The effects of heat losses on the charge/discharge behaviour and temperature distribution are investigated. Conditions for localised heating and membrane degradation are discussed


We propose a new trench gate power MOSFET with poly-Si spacers formed in the trench to work as gate material. This approach reduces the total gate charge and gate-to-drain capacitive coupling without affecting any other device performance parameter. Using 2-D numerical simulation on a ~25-V trench gate MOSFET, we have shown that using a 50-nm-wide spacer gate in a 1×1 μm trench may give >; 40% reduction in the gate-to-drain charge compared with the conventional device. The proposed technique has been shown to be better than the other techniques proposed earlier for reducing gate charge as it does not affect the gate control of the accumulation region charge or any other performance parameter, e.g., breakdown voltage, and can be implemented along with any of the existing techniques.


The surface integral formulation is used for the computation of TM and TE modes propagating in dielectric loaded waveguides. This formulation makes use of the surface equivalence principle whereby the field at any point internal or external to the waveguide can be expressed in terms of equivalent surface currents. This procedure reduces the original problem into a set of integro-differential equations which is then reduced to a matrix equation using the method of moments. The solution of this matrix equation provides the propagation characteristics of the waveguide and the equivalent surface currents existing on the waveguide walls. The equivalent surface currents can be used to compute the fields at all points, both inside and outside the waveguide. The surface integral method has been used to compute the propagation characteristics of waves propagating in dielectric loaded waveguides. The computed results agree very well with analytical and published data. A method that can be used to remove spurious modes is illustrated. >


Every speaker of a native language undergoes an interlanguage continuum or the way that the language learners go through from the first to the second language. Interlanguage is an essential theory for teachers to know what goes on in the learning process. It makes the teachers look at the varieties of mistaken linguistic forms with an eye for improvement. Interlanguage is the main motive to conduct this research. The article aims to analyze the interlanguage used by the Ukrainian participants. The study analyzes how semi-fluent to fluent Ukrainian speakers of English produce compliments as a speech act. Then the results to the linguistic patterns of the same speech act to those used by native speakers of English in the US are compared. Participants were interviewed via a survey to collect the following data: compliment forms, correlation of compliment formulas, Russian/Ukrainian transfer of typical compliments, and common idiomatic complement expressions. The results of this study have cultural implications in the teaching of the second language (English) in the Ukrainian context. To simplify the act of complimenting second language (L2) students, the research suggests some main speech tactics of producing compliments based on metalinguistic awareness and contextual factors. It helps to attain pragmatic teaching goals and supports the interlanguage development of learners to be more productive in their second language.


The historical chronology shows a narrow intertextual link between literature and music, present in various cultural and artistic contexts. It is essential, therefore, employment and use of educational skills as the main approach to promoting reading habit among students. Through to ICT and the area of Arts Education can develop an active methodology where standards and focused on the understanding and the promotion of reading fiction in the area of Spanish Language and Literature contents are worked, thus promoting creativity and autonomy in students through meaningful learning that contributes to the development of the learners. The draft is based on a teaching experience of hypertext creation aimed at students in 5th year of Primary Education (2nd Tranche), where classical literature (folktales) merges with the ternary musical form (ABA), the point starting from a narrative and musical invention which is reflected in ICT tools through different program used for editing and mounting. This is intended also to demonstrate the similarity between the structure and organization which keep the literary and musical patterns.


Mostly, families used to look for certain books to share their enjoyment with their children for purposes of guidance, inspiration, creation, development, and introducing an enchanting world. Crossing boundaries is one of the most important goals that help children to empower their mentality and to enrich their emotional reactions of love, nobility, and sympathy. Classic children's stories help to create an imaginative world which is most memorable and notable. Such stories fill children's life with senses of challenging and possibilities to live the impossibilities as well as they shape children and reader's life style with values and traditions through characters and ends. In comparison with the recent children's stories and arts, those classics are distinguished by many details that are challenged by scenes of death, shedding blood, depression, unfamiliar weapons, and violence. Themes of separation from and reunion with parents, rebirth after sleeping-like death, justice after struggle, oppression of stepmother, or the lifelong spell of a witch were all subjugated to be changed into intensive aggressiveness and harshness of realities. Hence, the researchers of this paper try to shed the light on the influence of classic bedtime stories that tackled the sudden soul mate presence and the effect of love in transforming imagination into reality, in a semi comparative analysis with an example from modern children's story. Moreover, these stories suggest that modernity brings abandonment and alienation to kids and leads them to no home to belong. Children who used to be told these stories or watched them are not happy as they are frightened to be abused or attacked. They are fearful of what is coming next, troubled of horrible dreams, and trust no one. Therefore, there will be a possibility to present an aggressive generation.  The challenge under the scope of children's literature encourages the researchers returning to some classic stories when a knight's kiss resurrects the dead feelings of a princess giving her a rebirth. While modernity in children's literature moves to complex phases of development in that teacher, academic curriculums, movie makers, story tellers, and children celebrate that confused part. Hence, the paper investigates valuable traditions of worth researching to remind in the first part through some traditional fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs. While the second part deals with the suspense and tension in The Tale of Peter Rabbit as a British children's book. The paper ends up with a brief conclusion that shows the comparative imagination and fantasy in classic and modern children's literature. Keywords : Children's Literature, fairytales, traditions, feminist rights, oppression and justice


Background: Inflammatory lesions and neurodegeneration lead to motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Accumulation of disability is at least partially due to diminished capacity for neuroplasticity within the central nervous system. Aerobic exercise is a potentially important intervention to enhance neuroplasticity since it causes upregulation of neurotrophins and enhances corticospinal excitability, which can be probed using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Whether people with progressive MS who have accumulated substantial disability could benefit from walking rehabilitative training to enhance neuroplasticity is not known. Objective: We aimed to determine whether 10 weeks of task-specific walking training would affect corticospinal excitability over time (pre, post, and 3-month follow-up) among people with progressive MS who required walking aids. Results: Eight people with progressive MS (seven female; 29–74 years old) with an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6–6.5 underwent harness-supported treadmill walking training in a temperature controlled room at 16°C (10 weeks; three times/week; 40 min at 40–65% heart rate reserve). After training, there was significantly higher corticospinal excitability in both brain hemispheres, reductions in TMS active motor thresholds, and increases in motor-evoked potential amplitudes and slope of the recruitment curve (REC). Decreased intracortical inhibition (shorter cortical silent period) after training was noted in the hemisphere corresponding to the stronger hand only. These effects were not sustained at follow-up. There was a significant relationship between increases in corticospinal excitability (REC, area under the curve) in the hemisphere corresponding to the stronger hand and lessening of both intensity and impact of fatigue on activities of daily living (Fatigue Severity Scale and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, respectively). Conclusion: Our pilot results support that vigorous treadmill training can potentially improve neuroplastic potential and mitigate symptoms of the disease even among people who have accumulated substantial disability due to MS.


Choline is an essential dietary nutrient essential to the development and function of the central nervous system. Prenatal choline deficiency alters hippocampal development as well as acetylcholine metabolism, leading to cognitive impairments and attentional and sensory processing deficits into adulthood. MK-801 is an NMDA receptor antagonist frequently used in rodent models of neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly schizophrenia. Acutely and subchronically, it causes hyperlocomotion and social withdrawal. One primary goal of the present study were to investigate prenatal choline deficiency induces a biological vulnerability to the motor deficits, anhedonia, and social impairment precipitated by low-dose sub-chronic MK-801 administration in adulthood. Another goal was to illustrate any sex differences that exist in response to this treatment. Using the saccharin preference task, we found that deficient-fed males administered MK-801 had a diminished preference during test 2, but the effects of drug and diet condition were inconsistent overall and across sex. In motor assessments immediately following injection with MK-801 or saline, males and females injected with MK-801 demonstrated motor impairment across three dimensions. Females sustained this level of impairment throughout the course of injections. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that prenatal choline deficiency may represent a vulnerability to MK-801 induced anhedonia in males. Females are also affected to a greater degree by this neurotoxic treatment, as indicated by motor responses to acute and sub-chronic administration. This research contributes to the existing body of research investigating the effect of prenatal choline availability and pharmaceutical treatment on the expression of symptoms relevant to schizophrenia. ASSESSING A TWO-HIT MODEL Gray 4


We present a Schur complement Domain Decomposition (DD) algorithm for the solution of frequency domain multiple scattering problems. Just as in the classical DD methods we (1) enclose the ensemble of scatterers in a domain bounded by an artificial boundary, (2) we subdivide this domain into a collection of nonoverlapping subdomains so that the boundaries of the subdomains do not intersect any of the scatterers, and (3) we connect the solutions of the subproblems via Robin boundary conditions matching on the common interfaces between subdomains. We use subdomain Robin-to-Robin maps to recast the DD problem as a sparse linear system whose unknown consists of Robin data on the interfaces between subdomains---two unknowns per interface. The Robin-to-Robin maps are computed in terms of well-conditioned boundary integral operators. Unlike classical DD, we do not reformulate the Domain Decomposition problem in the form a fixed point iteration, but rather we solve the ensuing linear system by Gaussian elimination of the unknowns corresponding to inner interfaces between subdomains via Schur complements. Once all the unknowns corresponding to inner subdomains interfaces have been eliminated, we solve a much smaller linear system involving unknowns on the inner and outer artificial boundary. We present numerical evidence that our Schur complement DD algorithm can produce accurate solutions of very large multiple scattering problems that are out of reach for other existing approaches.


This study investigated the effect of achievement motive on goal orientation, and that of goal orientation on intrinsic interest in learning and academic achievement, based on the model proposed by Elliot and Church (1997). A sample of 222 fifth and sixth grade students of an elementary school, and another of 307 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students of a junior high school participated in the study. The approach-avoidance framework of Elliot and Harackiewicz (1996) was used to classify goal orientations. With multiple-sample structural equation modeling, the paths in two causal models, one for each of the elementary and junior high school samples, were compared. A path was found from hope for success to mastery orientation, from both hope for success and fear of failure to performance-approach orientation, and from fear of failure to performance-avoidance orientation. Mastery and performance-approach orientations each had a positive effect on intrinsic interest in learning. For elementary school children, performance-approach orientation enhanced academic achievement, and for junior high school students, mastery orientation mainly facilitated it. Performance-avoidance orientation had a negative effect on both intrinsic interest and academic achievement.


BACKGROUND
Extensive literature documents personal distress among physicians and a decrease in their satisfaction with the practice of medicine over recent years. We hypothesized that physicians who spent more of their time in the aspect of work that they found most meaningful would have a lower risk of burnout.

METHODS
Faculty physicians in the Department of Internal Medicine at a large academic medical center were surveyed in the fall of 2007. The survey evaluated demographic variables, work characteristics, and career satisfaction. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Additional questions evaluated which professional activity (eg, research, education, patient care, or administration) was most personally meaningful and the percentage of effort that was devoted to each activity.

RESULTS
Of 556 physicians sampled, 465 (84%) returned surveys. A majority (68%) reported that patient care was the aspect of work that they found most meaningful, with smaller percentages reporting research (19%), education (9%), or administration (3%) as being most meaningful. Overall, 34% of faculty members met the criteria for burnout. The amount of time spent working on the most meaningful activity was strongly related to the risk of burnout. Those spending less than 20% of their time (approximately 1 d/wk) on the activity that is most meaningful to them had higher rates of burnout (53.8% vs 29.9%; P<.001). Time spent on the most meaningful activity was the largest predictor of burnout on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 2.75; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS
The extent to which faculty physicians are able to focus on the aspect of work that is most meaningful to them has a strong inverse relationship to their risk of burnout. Efforts to optimize career fit may promote physician satisfaction and help to reduce attrition among academic faculty physicians.


Student retention is important to all Higher Education Institutions. This has driven considerable research and focus, much of which concluded that each institution must define those factors by which it can identify student retention risk. These factors include student attendance, engagement, participation, academic performance, socio-economic background, etc. Once these factors are identified the institution then works to put some sort of proactive intervention programme in place to prevent the student moving from a retention risk to a retention statistic. Much of the research supports the move towards data driven decision making for each institution: use data to identify the retention risk early, make some sort of intervention with the student with a view to mitigating the risk. Unsurprisingly, the research has predominantly focused on the behaviour of the student and providing data to institutional leaders who then drive interventions aimed at altering the at risk student's behaviour. However, very little research has considered how this data is impacting on the leaders themselves. This move towards a data driven culture has a significant dependency on leaders making data driven decisions and thus their behaviour is also an important factor. This paper looks at the impact a move towards a data driven culture can have on leadership behaviour.


WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT
Dihydrocodeine (DHC) is an opioid analgesic sometimes prescribed as an alternative to other medications (e.g. methadone and buprenorphine) for opioid misuse. Its effectiveness is, however, still controversial. DHC prescription rates seem to be related to levels of DHC fatalities, possibly in relation to levels of disregard of the availability of supervised or interval dispensing of opioids, but no large-scale analysis of DHC fatalities has been carried out. We analysed here involvement of DHC in fatalities that occurred between 1997 and 2007 among individuals with a history of opiate/opioid misuse reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (np-SAD).

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS
DHC, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities. Typical cases identified were males in their early thirties. In accidental overdoses, DHC, which had been prescribed to 45% of the victims, was typically identified in combination with other drugs, such as heroin/morphine, methadone and hypnotics/sedatives. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were more typically identified in combination with DHC in suicides. Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake and prescribers should carefully consider a pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction.

AIMS
Although its effectiveness is somewhat controversial, it appears that dihydrocodeine (DHC) is still prescribed in the UK as an alternative to both methadone and buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction.

METHODS
Data covering the period 1997-2007 voluntarily supplied by coroners were analysed. All cases pertaining to victims with a clear history of opiate/opioid misuse and in which DHC, either on its own or in combination, was identified at post-mortem toxicology and/or implicated in death, were extracted from the database.

RESULTS
Dihydrocodeine, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities meeting the selection criteria. In 44% of cases it was directly implicated in the cause of death. These cases represented about 6.8% of all opiate/opioid-related deaths during this period. Typical DHC cases identified were White males in their early thirties. Accidental deaths (96%) were likely to involve DHC in combination with other psychoactives, mainly heroin/morphine, hypnotics/sedatives and methadone. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were found in proportionately more suicide cases than in accidental overdoses. DHC had been prescribed to the decedent in at least 45% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS
Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake. More in particular, co-administration of DHC with heroin, methadone and benzodiazepines may increase the risk of accidental fatal overdose. Prescribers should carefully consider pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction. More resources are required to do prospective research in this area.


Herein, two conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) containing dual heteroatoms (named as CMPSNs) were synthesized using 4,7-dibromobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole and alkynyl monomers as the building blocks though a Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling reaction for the efficient removal of antibiotics from water. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 13C CP/MAS solid-state NMR, ultraviolet (UV) adsorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to confirm the structure of the resulting CMPSNs. Under our synthesis conditions, CMPSNs with interesting morphologies were obtained, where the macroscopically porous network structure was composed of aggregated hierarchical micrometre-sized microporous spheres. Employing tetracycline as a model antibiotic, for the first time, the performance of the CMPSNs for the removal of tetracycline from water was systematically investigated. The results of the adsorption kinetics of tetracycline showed that the adsorption mechanism of the resulting polymers followed a pseudo-second-order model. Moreover, the adsorption behaviour of CMPSNs for tetracycline fitted well with the Freundlich model. In addition, the adsorption thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption is an endothermic process, and it was also found that the temperature was beneficial to the adsorption and that the adsorption process was spontaneous. The findings obtained from this work make the CMPSNs promising candidates for the capture of tetracycline, which may open a new opportunity to address certain environmental issues, especially from the global-scale severe water pollution arising from antibiotics.


Of 66 patients (31 female and 35 male) with demyelinating inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (DIP), 12% (8/66) had a chronic relapsing and/or progressive course (CR-DIP) and 88% (58/66) had an acute monophasic illness (acute Guillain-Barré syndrome or GBS). Ten (15%) of the 66 had one or more associated putative autoimmune diseases; of these ten, five had CR-DIP and five had GBS. Cell-mediated immune responsiveness (CMI) of 30 cases with DIP was tested in vitro by lymphocyte transformation. Peripheral nervous system neuritogenic protein (NP) and central nervous system encephalitogenic myelin basic protein were the challenge antigens. Eighteen (60%) of the 30 patients had CMI to NP of human peripheral nervous system origin when a stimulation index (SI) of 2 or more was evaluated as positive; eight 27% (1) had CMI to NP when a positive SI was 3 or more. Of the 44 control patients with other neuropathies, only two (4.6%) demonstrated CMI to NP (SI, greater than or equal to 2). The in vitro response of patients with DIP to myelin basic protein (7/30) was not significantly different from that of the control population (16/44). The high incidence of DIP associated with autoimmune diseases and the CMI to NP in this group suggest that DIP may be an autoimmune disease with NP as one possible major antigen.


The dilemma in the November/December issue concerned a vet who transported a dog between clinics in the boot of an estate car (In Practice, November/December 2010, volume 32, pages 514–515). The animal was secured with a lead, but on arrival it was found dead, trapped with the lead around its neck. The noises the dog had been making seemed to be agitation, and when they stopped the vet assumed the dog had gone to sleep. Pippa Swan commented that it could be assumed that the cause of death was strangulation and that the dog had suffered. It might have been a tragic misjudgement, but that could not absolve the vet's responsibility for the animal. A possible way forward would be to consider whether a vet who had behaved in this way should be judged more harshly than a member of the public. While vets should know the consequences of tying up a dog without proper supervision, they were also human and could make mistakes. Were the incident to be reported, the consequences for the vet might not stop at going to court; the RCVS Disciplinary Committee might decide that the vet was guilty of serious professional misconduct. If there was no evidence that the behaviour had any implications for future conduct, a decision for no further action, or a warning or reprimand might be sufficient.


The use of composite materials for retrofitting of masonry structures has received great attention during the last two decades. For masonry buildings there are several advantages in using composite materials. Traditional techniques that were largely used and investigated in the past, may be inadequate in seismic areas where the added mass could increase seismic actions. Moreover, for historical and architectural heritage structures, the compatibility, sustainability and reversibility of the intervention is a key factor for the selection of the most appropriate strengthening system. Many investigations have shown that fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) can be effectively used to induce a passive confinement action on masonry columns and improve the axial capacity and ductility of the structural members. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the compressive behaviour of clay brick masonry cylinders reinforced with basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) grids. The main aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the BFRP wraps on the strength and ductility of masonry columns. Twelve clay brick masonry cylinders, cored from masonry walls and columns, were reinforced using either one or two layers of BFRP grids. Two different arrangements were used for producing the cylinders in order to investigate the effect of vertical joints on the response of masonry cylinders. The basalt grid had a cell size of 6x6 mm. After a preliminary experimental study aimed at characterizing the mechanical properties of bricks, mortar and basalt grid, the cylinders were tested under uniaxial compression loading. The test results showed a strength increase between 30% and 38% for cylinders wrapped with one layer and between 69% and 71% for those wrapped with two layers of BFRP grids.


Alternative questions differ prosodically from identically worded disjunctive yes/no questions in their accentual characteristics and their final pitch contour. Alternative questions are canonically pronounced with a final fall and with pitch accents on all disjuncts, while disjunctive yes/no questions are canonically pronounced with a final rise and generally without pitch accents on every disjunct. This article presents an experiment investigating the importance of these prosodic features in disambiguation. The experiment shows that the final contour is the most informative prosodic feature. Accentual characteristics also play a significant role, but, contrary to what is often assumed in the literature, cannot force an alternative question interpretation or a yes/no question interpretation on their own. Several theories of disjunctive questions are discussed in the light of these experimental results.


Photonic crystals (PC) are periodic optical structures containing low and high refractive index layers that influence the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Photonic cavities can be created by inserting defects into a photonic crystal. Such structures have received significant attention due to their potential of confining light inside volumes (V) smaller than a cubic wavelength of light (λ/n)3 which can be used to enhance light-matter interaction. Cavity quality factor (Q) is useful for many applications that depend on the control of spontaneous emission from an emitter such quantum optical communication and low-threshold lasing. High Q/V values can also result in an enhancement of the radiative rates of an emitter placed on the surface of the cavity by means of the Purcell effect. This thesis concerns the fabrication and study of two types of optical cavity containing an organic-semiconductor material. The cavities explored are; (1) one-dimensional micropillar microcavities based on multilayer films of dielectric and organic materials, and (2) two-dimensional nanocavities defined into a photonic crystal slab.
 Firstly, light emission from a series of optical micropillar microcavities containing a thin fluorescent, red-emitting conjugated polymer film is investigated. The photoluminescence emission from the cavities is characterized using a Fourier imaging technique and it is shown that emission is quantised into a mode-structure resulting from both vertical and lateral optical confinement within the pillar. We show that optical-confinement effects result in a blue-shift of the fundamental mode as the pillar-diameter is reduced, with a model applied to describe the energy and distribution of the confined optical modes. Secondly, simulation, design, and analysis of two dimensional photonic crystal L3 nanocavities photonic crystal are presented. Nanocavities were then prepared from silicon nitride (SiN) as the cavity medium with the luminescence emitted from an organic material at red wavelengths that was coated on the cavity surface. To improve the quality factor of such structures, hole size, lattice constant and hole shift are systematically varied with their effect as cavity properties determined. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) modelling is used to support the experimental work and predict the optimum design for such photonic crystal nanocavity devices. It is found that by fine-tuning the nearest neighbour air-holes close to the cavity edges, the cavity Q factor can be increased. As a result, we have obtained a single cavity mode having a Q-factor 938 at a wavelength of 652 nm. Here, the cavity Q factor then increases to 1100 at a wavelength of 687 nm as a result of coating a red-emitting conjugated polymer film onto the top surface of the nanocavity. We propose that this layer planarizes the dielectric surface and helps reduce optical losses as a result of scattering.


Hydrazine borane (N(2)H(4)BH(3)) is the novel boron- and nitrogen-based material appearing to be a promising candidate in chemical hydrogen storage. It stores 15.4 wt% of hydrogen in hydridic and protic forms, and the challenge is to release H(2) with maximum efficiency, if possible all hydrogen stored in the material. An important step to realize this ambitious goal is to synthesize HB with high yields and high purity, and to characterize it fully. In this work, we report a 2-step synthesis (salt metathesis and solvent extraction-drying) through which N(2)H(4)BH(3) is successfully obtained in 3 days, with a yield of about 80% and a purity of 99.6%. N(2)H(4)BH(3) was characterized by NMR, IR, XRD, TGA and DSC, its stability in dioxane and water was determined, and its thermolysis by-products were characterized. We thus present a complete data sheet that should be very useful for future studies. Furthermore, we propose a discussion on the potential of HB (with H(2) released by either thermolysis or hydrolysis) in chemical hydrogen storage.


Package cracking during soldering is considered. This cracking is classified by two mechanisms. One mechanism is a classical MODE-I, whereby delamination originates under the die pad and propagates in most cases to the package's outer surface. The other is MODE-II cracking which starts from delamination at the die attach material interface. A simulated method of MODE-II cracking is established. Using this method, suitable properties of encapsulant to prevent MODE-II cracking are presented. These properties led to the development of a new molding compound, which has excellent resistance to MODE-II cracking. >


Bats are particularly susceptible to environmental changes because of their low reproductive rate, longevity, and high metabolic rates, which lead to relatively high food requirements. Thus, bat populations take a relatively long time to recover from increased mortality rates, and monitoring schemes should cover long time periods. In this work we analyzed the population trajectories of two bat species, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis myotis, the most numerous in five caves in southern Poland, which are known as important bat hibernacula on a continental scale. Data were collected by regular counts in 1985–2001, depending on the particular cave; in addition, previous data on the number of hibernating bats in these caves, available since 1951, were taken from existing publications. We analyzed time-series data using average locality indices and TRIM methods, and both produced similar results. Generally, the populations of the two studied bat species showed recent increasing trends, especially visible as an effect of recovery after years of decline. The situation recorded in southern Poland is very similar to that described in other places in Europe, where recoveries of bat populations have also been observed in the last decades. Although it is difficult to present results from formal analyses, because of the lack of good data, at least some factors—less exposure to contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals), improving food availability due to climate change, and a lower predation rate (including human pressure), both in the breeding season and during wintering—positively affected both species.


Missile as a kind of weapon which plays a significant role in tactical strike, strategic strike and strategic deterrent, has been at the top position of the development of weapon in all country. This paper faces to the high-speed inter-missile networking, and design the deployment of the physical layer. All the missiles within the range of node running in the air automatically form a temporarily communication network, and any missile can communicate in the range of a node. When the distance between two missiles is more than the range of signal node, the message is relayed by neighbor nodes between them. Missiles can relay with satellite by configuring the satellite gateway, and send back to missile base and control center. The experiments show that the design in this paper improve the coverage of a single data link, which make the missiles efficient exchange information in network and lay a technique foundation for cooperation between missiles.


Radiolunate fusion has been used successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid ulnar translation of the carpus and degenerative radiolunate arthritis. Fusing the lunate to the radius places the keystone of the carpus in an aligned and stable position. The use of radiolunate fusion has been introduced here for other treatment challenges including traumatic ulnar translation of the carpus, dynamic midcarpal instability, volar and static intercalated segment instability. Pain relief was excellent and preoperative range of motion was maintained with radiolunate fusion.


This thesis analyses the Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theatre company, seeking to investigate its relation to broader issues of gender in contemporary Japan. Takarazuka has simultaneously reinforced and challenged the gender norms of Japanese society for the past ninety years, and indeed provides insights into the construction of those very norms. Takarazuka takes images of masculinity and femininity from mainstream society, the media, arts and popular culture, in both Japan and other countries, and reconstructs them according to its own distinct notions of how gender should be portrayed, both on and off its stage, not only by its performers, but also by fans and creative staff. Unlike in other single-sex theatrical genres featuring cross-dressing, such as Kabuki, gender is the essential focus of every performance in Takarazuka. Takarazuka's practices show that gender is not inherent, but must be learned through observation, imitation and direct instruction, and that various versions of male gender can be assumed for specific purposes, even temporarily, by biological females (and vice versa). Takarazuka's relationship with gender extends well beyond the stage itself; and one of the ways in which this thesis goes beyond other studies is its focus on the whole life-course of Takarazuka performers, including their girlhood and post-retirement years.

The relationship with gender issues encompasses fans as well. The popularity of Takarazuka's male-role players (otokoyaku), in particular, indicates that the manipulation of gender within a theatrical context has great appeal for audiences. However, many Takarazuka fans, especially female fans of the otokoyaku, evidently not only passively consume the artistry of gender impersonation on its stage, but also actively contribute to its production by communicating their expectations about gender performance to the actors and the Takarazuka administration, and by encouraging each performer to sustain her stage gender off-stage when she appears in public, at least to a certain extent. The emotional investment of fans in supporting Takarazuka is often intense and long-lasting, and their attraction to Takarazuka clearly is not necessarily based solely upon sexuality, as other studies have proposed, but involves broader issues of gender.

The influence of Takarazuka derives not only from its performances, but also from many other aspects of its organisation and gender-linked practices. Takarazuka's existence and details about its members and various unique practices are widely publicised by the media. Its influence upon the social construction of gender in Japan extends beyond the confines of its theatres, its versions of gender roles affecting the lives of many in the general populace apart from those directly involved in performing in, creating or supporting its productions.


OBJECTIVE
Drug-eluting coronary stent use is common. Antiplatelet drug use after stent placement is necessary to prevent stent thrombosis. It has been recommended that at the time of stent placement, patients be given instructions regarding stopping antiplatelet drugs before elective surgery. Unfortunately, patients may be given inappropriate preoperative instructions by health care providers or may stop the drugs on their own. This can lead to perioperative myocardial infarctions and death.

DESIGN
Survey.

SETTING
Preoperative evaluation clinic of 2 teaching hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS
One hundred sixteen patients with coronary stents completed a 13-question survey. The questionnaire assessed patient understanding of stent type and the risks of stopping antiplatelet drugs, in addition to communication among the patient, their surgeon, and their treating cardiologist before elective surgery.

INTERVENTION
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The majority of patients stated either they had received no instructions from their implanting cardiologist regarding future surgery and antiplatelet drugs or they were unsure if any instructions had been given. Most patients (57%) received antiplatelet instructions regarding their planned surgery from their surgeon, whereas only 14% received instructions with (known) cardiology input. The majority of patients were unaware or unsure of any risk in prematurely stopping their antiplatelet drugs.

CONCLUSION
Many patients are unaware of their stent type and the risks of inappropriately stopping antiplatelet drugs. Furthermore, they may have received either inappropriate preoperative instructions or no instructions at all. The opportunity exists to improve preoperative communication with patients in order to minimize perioperative thrombotic risks of coronary stents.


The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the Saudi Arabia National Dialogue and activities of King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) represent a viable attempt to address socio-political issues; whether the ongoing National Dialogue process accurately reflects the aspirations and concerns of contemporary Saudi society; what its impact on socio-political development may be; and how it relates to wider regime strategies and to the evolution of the Saudi polity. The thesis examines KACND's institutions, practices and impacts, as well as Saudis' perceptions of all these. It does so by embedding the analysis in a survey of the evolution of broader Saudi socio-political dynamics; drawing in particular on Gramsci, it asks whether the system is moving from a form of patrimonial state to one of ideological hegemony, and whether the KACND is a catalyst in this transition or may even be part of the apparatus that is driving this transition, including its indirect or unintended effects. To that end, the thesis examines the mutual relationship between KACND and the key Saudi social constituencies, with their attendant issues. In particular, it explores the extent to which the KACND's activities directly and indirectly impact on internal crossconstituency communication and discourse in the Kingdom. The thesis explores the legitimisation of state-society dialogue in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the direct and indirect consequences of the National Dialogue process with reference to the role and activities of KACND. It examines the expanding activities of KACND, including the evolving range of issues discussed as part of the institution's activities, and the scope of participants. It highlights the shift from ideology-based National Dialogue Meetings such as on national unity and women's rights, to service-based National Dialogues such as on employment and health. It also examines the newly established Cultural Discourse and assesses the impact of this initiative as a space for ideological debate. The study is based on extensive fieldwork in Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2011, referencing information and official documentation not previously available, and


As an ambulance driver in World War I and a war correspondent in World War II and the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway had a unique opportunity to experience the brutality of war and to confront violence, fear and death. His war experiences, especially the injuries he sustained on the Italian front, significantly influenced his works, particularly the evolution of his war veterans, as is highlighted in Hemingway's male protagonists of In Our Time (1925), The Sun Also Rises (1926), A Farewell to Arms (1929), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), and Across the River and Into the Trees (1950). Nick Adams, Jake Barnes, Frederic Henry, Robert Jordan, and Richard Cantwell all experience the horrors of war and all are severely injured in one way or another, and it is through these military experiences that the Hemingway war veteran evolves from being a passive self-absorbed man that things happen to, to a passionate and courageous man who is in control of his own life. A study of the evolution of Hemingway's five male protagonists, in the order of their appearance, highlights Adams', Barnes', Henry's, Jordan's, and Cantwell's similarities as well as their differences. Each incarnation of the Hemingway war veteran deals with similar problems and as the character evolves the better he becomes at dealing with the situations life throws at him. Nick Adams' journey towards adulthood highlights his struggles with fear, death and war as well as his relationships with women. Seriously wounded in the Great War, Nick's war experience causes him to retreat from human companionship as he attempts to recuperate. Nick's recovery is uncertain and he faces his future alone and isolated. Jake Barnes is left physically impotent by his war injuries and is trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with Lady Brett Ashley. As Jake finally realizes that he must free himself from Brett before she ruins him, his revelation hints at a possible future where he is alone but at peace. Like Nick and Jake, Frederic Henry is seriously injured in World War I. Confronted with his own mortality he enters into a relationship with Catherine Barkley. However, as Frederic is unable to commit fully to Catherine and their future, he is left alone and isolated after the death of Catherine and their son. Robert Jordan joins the fight against Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Sent on a fatal mission behind the enemy lines, Robert nevertheless enjoys his final days as he bonds with the guerrillas and has an intense love affair with Maria. A fervent believer in the cause, Robert Jordan's heroic portrayal and inevitable death suggests that although perfection is always worth striving for, it is always, inevitably, unattainable. At the age of fifty Colonel Richard Cantwell is dying of a heart disease. After decades of army service, having fought in both World Wars, Richard has suffered through multiple injuries and his army career has left him disillusioned and bitter. As death approaches Richard attempts to come to terms with his war experience and says good-bye to his mistress and his friends. After making the most out of his final days Richard suffers a fatal heart attack.


In this paper, we experimentally evaluate the zero-shot performance of a preliminary version of GPT-4 against prior generations of GPT on the entire Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), including not only the multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), but also the open-ended Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) and Multistate Performance Test (MPT) components. On the MBE, GPT-4 significantly outperforms both human test-takers and prior models, demonstrating a 26% increase over ChatGPT and beating humans in five of seven subject areas. On the MEE and MPT, which have not previously been evaluated by scholars, GPT-4 scores an average of 4.2/6.0 as compared to much lower scores for ChatGPT. Graded across the UBE components, in the manner in which a human tast-taker would be, GPT-4 scores approximately 297 points, significantly in excess of the passing threshold for all UBE jurisdictions. These findings document not just the rapid and remarkable advance of large language model performance generally, but also the potential for such models to support the delivery of legal services in society.


During the last decades, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) has become a more frequently used method to recognize adult's prior learning worldwide. This thesis analyzes a process of RPL in the health care sector in Sweden where health care assistants' prior workplace learning is assessed for eligibility regarding subjects that are part of the upper-secondary health care program. Prior research on RPL is to a significant degree non-theoretical and focus is primarily on policy-level research. This thesis adds to the field by proposing a critical social theory perspective on RPL. In the thesis, the RPL process is analyzed through Jurgen Habermas' theory of communicative action and Axel Honneth's recognition theory. General questions posed are: What are the power issues in the RPL process? What are the implications of the tensions between the lifeworld of work and the system of education? What consequences do mutual understanding and communication have for the outcome of the RPL process? What part does recognition play for the participants? The results disclose the power relations that emerge in the relationship between participants and teachers. The concept of a "caring ideology" is developed and problematized. Further, the importance of mutual understanding between participants and teachers in the assessment process is discussed, focusing on the consequences of a lack of mutual understanding. On a macro level, the analysis demonstrates the tension between the participants' prior learning and the educational system's demand for formalizing such learning. In addition, analyses of a more developmental character that intend to show the potential for critical learning, change and recognition are advanced. The results suggest that communicative action can be used to develop RPL into processes focusing on critical learning and change. Recognition of traits and abilities also could enhance an individual's positive relations with the self. Such recognition could develop self-confidence, and thus RPL has the potential to encourage learning and cultivate continuing self-realization through work. Note This published doctoral dissertation served as the basis for four articles published in international educational journals where access is restricted. The main part of the dissertation can be accessed free of charge and is made available here in PLAIO . Sandberg, F. (2012). Recognition of prior learning in health care: From a caring ideology and power, to communicative action and recognition (Published doctoral dissertation). Linkoping University Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linkoping, Sweden. Retrieved from http://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:552215/FULLTEXT01.pdf Article 1 Sandberg, F. (2010). Recognising health care assistants' prior learning through a caring ideology. Vocations and Learning: Studies in Vocational and Professional Education , 3 (2), 99-115. Article 2 Sandberg, F. (2012). A Habermasian analysis of a process of recognition of prior learning for health care assistants. Adult Education Quarterly , 62 (4), 351-370. Article 3 Sandberg, F. (2013, July). A reconstructive analysis of the potential for critical learning and change in recognition of prior learning: a Habermasian analysis. British Educational Research Journal . doi:10.1002/berj.3113 Article 4 Sandberg, F., & Kubiak, C. (2013). Recognition of prior learning, self-realisation and identity within Axel Honneth's theory of recognition. Studies in Continuing Education , 35 (3), 351-365. Our special thanks to Fredrik Sandberg for allowing us to share his doctoral thesis with our PLAIO readers.  For more information on Sandberg and his work, please visit http://www.ibl.liu.se/medarbetare/sandberg-fredrik?l=en


An engineering model of solar array can reflect the real-time output voltage and current, the maximum power point voltage, the maximum power point current and the maximum power point in any light intensity and any temperature of solar arrary. A simulation model is established in Matlab/Simulink and proved the engineering model correctly and reliability. Using the method of Perturbation and Observation (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (INC) track the maximum power point of a solar array under the reference standard of these output elements, and found out the pursuit gain around the reference standard oscillation and further to validate the model's reliability.


Treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is challenging and evidence to guide therapeutic decisions remains scarce. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for SVT. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched from inception up to December 2019 without language restrictions to include observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting radiological or clinical outcomes in patients with SVT. Pooled proportions and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Of 4312 records identified by the search, 97 studies including 7969 patients were analyzed. In patients receiving anticoagulation, the rates of SVT recanalization, SVT progression, recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and overall mortality were 58% (95% CI, 51-64), 5% (95% CI, 3-7), 11% (95% CI, 8-15), 9% (95% CI, 7-12), and 11% (95% CI, 9-14), respectively. The corresponding values in patients without anticoagulation were 22% (95% CI, 15-31), 15% (95% CI, 8-27), 14% (95% CI, 9-21), 16% (95% CI, 13-20), and 25% (95% CI, 20-31). Compared with no treatment, anticoagulant therapy obtained higher recanalization (RR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.66-3.44) and lower thrombosis progression (RR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.42), major bleeding (RR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.92), and overall mortality (RR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33-0.60). These results demonstrate that anticoagulant therapy improves SVT recanalization and reduces the risk of thrombosis progression without increasing major bleeding. The incidence of recurrent VTE remains substantial also in anticoagulated patients. Effects were consistent across different subgroups of patients.


Deficit financing occasioned by low domestic savings and low capital formation, have characterised the Nigerian economy since the 1970s with attendant increase in inflation. Empirical studies on Nigeria have shown that deficit financing directly affects inflation and capital formation when examined independently. However, little attention has been paid to a simultaneous investigation of the direct and indirect effects of deficit financing components on inflation and capital formation for Nigeria. Consequently, this study was designed to fill this gap through time series data and the instrumental variable approach. The study found that deficit financing components indirectly impacted on inflation and capital formation in Nigeria from 1970 to 2017; as against the direct effects reported in empirical studies. Also, inflation was found to have had adverse effect on capital formation. Hence, better synergy of fiscal and monetary policies to effectively tame inflation and ensure growth of capital formation was recommended.


This paper examines the effect of creating a specialised economic court on subsequent litigation rates, forum selection, and court performance. To do so, we utilized a quasi-experimental research design and compared court decisions under two time frames: before and after the reform, and two judicial frameworks: the specialised court vs. generalist courts. Using a unique data from Israel, where an Economic Division within the Tel Aviv District Court was established in the last decade, we find evidence that specialisation fosters a fast development of a coherent and consistent body of law. This effect is driven by fast adjudication and by judges' relying on each other's past decisions to jointly develop the case law. Importantly, although increased efficiency was not exclusively related to specialisation, further analysis suggests that the specialised division is more capable of managing a particularly time-consuming docket. Lastly, although the reform did not lead to the initiation of a greater number of lawsuits, it did cause a major shift in forum selection. We conclude that specialisation may be especially productive in developing markets like Israel, where the use of private lawsuits to promote investor protection is relatively new and growing rapidly.


In Couplets, Brian Massumi presents twenty-four essays that represent the full spectrum of his work during the past thirty years. Conceived as a companion volume to Parables for the Virtual, Couplets addresses the key concepts of Parables from different angles and contextualizes them, allowing their stakes to be more fully felt. Rather than organizing the essays chronologically or by topic, Massumi pairs them into couplets to encourage readers to make connections across conventional subject matter categories, to encounter disjunctions, and to link different phases in the evolution of his work. In his analyses of topics ranging from art, affect, and architecture to media theory, political theory, and the philosophy of experience, Massumi charts a field on which a family of conceptual problems plays out in ways that bear on the potentials for acting and perceiving the world. As an essential guide to Massumi's oeuvre, Couplets is both a primer for his new readers and a supplemental resource for those already engaged with his thought.


Most models of the saccadic eye movement system imply that saccades are programmed for a certain distance and direction. Electrical stimulation of the brain was used to move the eyes of monkeys just before saccades to visual targets. Despite the stimulation-induced perturbation, saccades brought gaze to the target locations. This compensation indicates that saccades are coded to direct the eyes to a certain position in the orbit (or in space).


Inborn errors of metabolism are a heterogeneous group of disorders that may be inherited or may occur as the result of spontaneous mutation. These diseases involve failure of the metabolic pathways involved in either the break-down or storage of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and proteins. Although any given inborn error of metabolism is very rare, taken as a group, inborn errors occur in 1 in 2500 births, making them quite common. They can present at any age, and therefore, a working knowledge of these diseases, their presentations, and their evaluation is critical for the emergency provider.


This paper reports on the availability, collection and transportation costs of agricultural crop residue for cellulosic ethanol processing in the state of Washington using Geographic Information Systems. The GIS Network Analyst extension toolset is employed to map and spatially analyze the crop residue available within given distances/haul zones for 12 eastern counties. Using census feature classification codes, driving speed limits were assigned to all road segments to calculate haul times to a specific biorefinery location. The feedstock farm gate cost, transportation costs, resource availability and geographic distribution were incorporated to derive feedstock supply curves. To better understand how variation in transportation costs affects the feedstock delivered costs, a sensitivity analysis is conducted incorporating a range of diesel prices.


Introduction: Kidneys are the vital organs of the body which are having multiple functions. The benign or malignant diseases of the kidney result in total organ removal. Renal tumors comprises a wide spectrum of neoplastic lesions with patterns that are distinct for children and adults. In India management of chronic kidney diseases is a great challenge as the dialysis and kidney transplantations are expensive.
Objectives: To study histopathological features of various renal tumors in nephrectomy specimens and to determine the age and sex distribution in various renal tumors
Materials and Methods: The study was done in Mysore medical college and research institute. Total 14 nephrectomy cases were studied in a period of 2 years from 2015 to 2017.
Results: Total 14 renal tumors were studied. In which RCC is the most common -10 cases, followed by SCC and Angiomyolipoma, 2 cases each. Most of the patients presented in age group of 4th to 5th decade with male to female ratio of 1.16:1. Histologically RCC-clear cell type was the most common subtype.
Conclusion: RCC is the most common renal tumors in which clear cell type is most common subtype.

Keywords: Renal tumors, Renal cell carcinoma, Clear cell carcinoma.


The distribution of non-histone nuclear antigens was studied during early somatic embryogenesis of carrot using nuclear antibodies specific for small nuclear RNPs (snRNPs), nuclear matrix proteins and nucleolar proteins. Immunofluorescence showed that in interphase cells snRNPs and nuclear matrix proteins were localized in the nucleus with a speckled pattern. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the snRNPs were irregularly distributed while the nuclear matrix proteins showed a distribution preferentially over the condensed chromatin. None were localized in the nucleolus. The nucleolar proteins were localized in both dense fibrillar and granular components while the fibrillar centres were devoid of gold particles.
 The localization of these antibodies in plant cell nuclei, in a way comparable to the patterns described in animal cells, indicates the general presence of snRNPs in all eukaryotic nuclei. It further confirms the relation of the nuclear matrix proteins to plant cell proliferation events and the possible role of the nucleolar proteins in both rRNA transcription and preribosome assembly.


Abraham Fraenkel was one of the first non-partizan mathematicians to
take a serious interest in intuitionism. In the second edition of his "Einleitung in die Mengenlehre" he extensively discussed the foundational situation in the early twenties. Brouwer implicitly gave his fiat to the presentation by reading the proofs and suggesting corrections.


Past attempts to uncover evidence that economically disadvantaged groups are unjustly exposed to environmental disamenities have failed to take into account self-selection behavior of individuals or groups of individuals. For instance, when choosing a place to live, households may be trading environmental quality for other housing, neighborhood and location characteristics they care about. This paper proposes two types of tests that differ from previous studies of environmental equity. First, a hedonic pricing model is used to test for systematic price discrimination in real estate markets where environmental disamenities exist. Next, a test based on an endogenous choice model is proposed that incorporates the no-envy concept of economic equity. The results support a nding for environmental discrimination with respect to African American households, but do not suggest that poor households are unfairly exposed to environmental disamenities.


Drawing on a study of community-managed forest reserves in southern Tanzania, this article discusses how community members engage and shape inclusive protected area management practices to produce outcomes that were not intended by external implementers. The article shows how a participatory natural resource monitoring scheme operating in the area becomes part of the villagers' collective and individual efforts to assert their claims to territory and resources vis-a-vis the state, other communities, and other community members. By altering the monitoring procedures in subtle ways, community members strengthen the monitoring practices to their advantage, and to some extent move them beyond the reach of government agencies and conservation and development practitioners. This has led to outcomes that are of greater social and strategic value to communities than the original 'planned' benefits, although the monitoring scheme has also to some extent become dominated by local 'conservation elites' who negotiate the terrain between the state and other community members. Our findings suggest that we need to move beyond simplistic assumptions of community strategies and incentives in participatory conservation and allow for more adaptive and politically explicit governance spaces in protected area management.


The study reported here aimed to establish whether the stakes of examinations taken by students in the final two years of compulsory education in the UK were associated with degree of self‐reported examination anxiety, and whether examination stakes moderated the anxiety–examination grade relationship. Data were collected from 615 students who were due to take examinations conceptualised as high stakes (a terminal examination), mid stakes (a modular examination), or low stakes (a mock examination). Findings suggested that students reported the lowest levels of anxiety and attained the highest grades in the mid stakes examination. Regression analysis suggested that examination stakes do moderate the inverse anxiety–grade relationship, but the effect for high stakes examinations was not in the expected direction. Results are interpreted in the context of limitations to this study's design. Factors associated with the different timing of the examinations may have influenced results. Due to design limitations, these findings should only be considered provisional and an attempt should be made to replicate the findings using a more robust design. This study highlights the difficulties with designing studies and collecting data in an applied educational context.


In order to control the thermal stress of forming process, based on "element birth and death" technology of finite element method, a numerical simulation of three-dimensional temperature field and stress field during multi-track & multi-layer laser metal deposition shaping(LMDS) process is developed with ANSYS parametric design language (APDL). The dynamic variances of temperature field and stress field of forming process are calculated with the energy compensation of interaction between molten pool-powder and laser-powder. The temperature field, temperature gradient, thermal stress field and distribution of residual stress are obtained. The results indicate that although the nodes on different layers are activated at different time, their temperature variations are similar. The temperature gradients of samples are larger near the molten pool area and mainly along z-direction. Finally, it's verified that the analysis results are consistent with actual situation by the experiments with same process parameters.


Graphene sheets were obtained through solvothermal reduction of colloidal dispersion of graphene oxide in benzyl alcohol. The graphene/rod-shaped TiO(2) nanocomposite was synthesized by this novel and facile solvothermal method. During the solvothermal reaction, both the reduction of graphene oxide and the growth of rod-shaped TiO(2) nanocrystals as well as its deposition on graphene occur simultaneously. The photocatalytic activity of graphene/rod-shaped TiO(2) and graphene/spherical TiO(2) nanocomposites was compared. In the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO), the graphene/rod-shaped TiO(2) nanocomposite with the optimized graphene content of 0.48 wt% shows good stability and exhibits a significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity compared to the bare commercial TiO(2) (P25) and graphene/spherical TiO(2) nanocomposite with the same graphene content. Photocurrent experiments were performed, which demonstrate that the photocurrent of the graphene/rod-shaped TiO(2) nanocomposite electrode is about 1.2 times as high as that of the graphene/spherical TiO(2) nanocomposite electrode. The photocatalytic mechanism of graphene/rod-shaped TiO(2) nanocomposite was also discussed on the basis of the experimental results. This work is anticipated to open a possibility in the integration of graphene and TiO(2) with various morphologies for obtaining high-performance photocatalysts in addressing environmental protection issues.


The diurnal cycle of precipitation and thermodynamic profiles over western Colombia are examined in new GPM satellite rainfall products, first-ever research balloon launches during 2016 over both sea and land, and numerical simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. This paper evaluates the Mapes et al. mechanism for midnight–early morning coastal convection that propagates offshore: reduction of inhibition in the crests of lower-tropospheric internal waves. Shipborne balloon launches confirm the evening development of such inhibition by a warm overhang in saturation moist static energy (SMSE) near 700–800 hPa. This feature relaxes overnight, consistent with the disinhibition hypothesis for early morning rains. Over the coastal plain, soundings also show late afternoon increases in near-surface MSE large enough to predominate over the overhang's inhibition effect, driving a second peak in the rainfall diurnal cycle. Parameterized convection simulations fail to simulate the observed coastal rainfall. Still, during a November 2016 wet spell, a cloud-permitting one-way nested 4 km simulation performs better, simulating morning coastal rainfall. In that simulation, however, early morning cooling in the 700–800 hPa layer appears mainly as a standing signal resembling the local radiative effect rather than as a propagating wave. We consider the additional hypothesis that the offshore propagation of that morning convection could involve advection or wind shear effects on organized convective systems. Strong easterlies at mountaintop level were indeed simulated, but that is one of the model's strongest biases, so the mechanisms of the model's partial success in simulating diurnal rainfall remain ambiguous.


Conceived as a necessary reconsideration of the pristine "elegiac question" in Ovid's Metamorphoses, this book intends to offer an analysis of the function of elegiac discourse within Ovid's magnum opus from the perspective of metapoetics. To that end, the author undertakes, in the first section, a close re-reading of some relevant passages of Latin love elegy. From a prism that takes into account the characteristically elegiac multivocality, the genre reveals itself as an agonistic discourse in which the poet dramatises his metaliterary power-relation with the puella, who is unveiled as the synthesis of the distinct sub-products of his poetic activity. Thereupon, the author proceeds to scrutinise how elegiac elements are assimilated and transformed as they become integrated within the framework of Ovid's poem of changing forms. Far from being a mere stylistic ornament, the presence of an elegiac register in many erotic passages tells us about Ovid's stance towards love as a metapoetic trope. By reworking elegiac tradition to the point of transforming it into a novum corpus, the poet ultimately substantiates the mutability of generic categories.


We demonstrate that the modification of anthracene with B ← N Lewis pairs at their periphery serves as a highly effective tool to modify the electronic structure with important ramifications on the generation and reactivity toward singlet oxygen. A series of BN-fused dipyridylanthracenes with Me groups in different positions of the pyridyl ring have been prepared via directed electrophilic borylation. The steric and electronic effects of the substituents on the structural features and electronic properties of the isomeric borane-functionalized products have been investigated in detail, aided by experimental tools and computational studies. We find that BDPA-2Me, with Me groups adjacent to the pyridyl N, has the longest B-N distance and shows overall less structural distortions, whereas BDPA-5Me with the Me group close to the anthracene backbone experiences severe distortions that are reflected in the buckling of the anthracene framework and dislocation of the boron atoms from the planes of the phenyl rings they are attached to. The substitution pattern also has a dramatic effect on the self-sensitized reactivity of the acenes toward O2 and the thermal release of singlet oxygen from the respective endoperoxides. Kinetic analyses reveal that BDPA-2Me rapidly reacts with O2, whereas BDPA-5Me is converted only very slowly to its endoperoxide. However, the latter serves as an effective singlet oxygen sensitizer, as demonstrated in the preferential formation of the endoperoxide of dimethylanthracene in a competition experiment. These results demonstrate that even relatively small modifications in the substitution of the pyridyl ring of BN-fused dipyridylanthracenes change the steric and electronic structure, resulting in dramatically different reactivity patterns. Our findings provide important guidelines for the design of highly effective sensitizers for singlet oxygen on one hand and the realization of materials that readily form endoperoxides in a self-sensitized manner and then thermally release singlet oxygen on demand on the other hand.