Background:Evidence that both quality and patient safety are jeopardized for patients undergoing transitions across care settings continues to expand. Performance measurement is one potential strategy towards improving the quality of transitional care. A valid and reliable self-report measure of the quality of care transitions is needed that is both consistent with the concept of patient-centeredness and useful for the purpose of performance measurement and quality improvement. Objective:We sought to develop and test a self-report measure of the quality of care transitions that captures the patient's perspective and has demonstrated utility for quality improvement. Subjects:Patients aged 18 years and older discharged from one of the 3 hospitals of a vertically integrated health system were included. Research Design:Cross-sectional assessment of factor structure, dimensionality, and construct validity. Results:The Care Transitions Measure (CTM), a 15-item uni-dimensional measure of the quality of preparation for care transitions, was found to have high internal consistency, reliability, and reflect 4 focus group-derived content domains. The measure was shown to discriminate between patients discharged from the hospital who did and did not have a subsequent emergency department visit or rehospitalization for their index condition. CTM scores were significantly different between health care facilities known to vary in level of system integration. Conclusions:The CTM not only provides meaningful, patient-centered insight into the quality of care transitions, but because of the association between CTM scores and undesirable utilization outcomes, it also provides information that may be useful to clinicians, hospital administrators, quality improvement entities, and third party payers.


The development of mobile computing combined, with the exponential growth of the Internet leads to new challenges in the development of large-scale information systems. As they move, users may experience dramatic variations in their environment, in terms of latency, network bandwidth, available services around etc. As a consequence, the level of service of the provided information may strongly depend on the context from which a user issues a query. To handle such variations while providing the best level of service to a user, information systems must be adaptive to change their behavior, preferably without the user intervention, depending on the current context of the user. We propose a general infrastructure based on contextual objects to design and develop adaptive distributed information systems in order to keep, even to improve, the level of the delivered service despite environment variations. As a first step to a complete implementation of our framework, we have implemented a location-aware Web service based on mobile-IP.


The stable anhydrous form of alpha-lactose has been obtained by the dehydration of alpha-lactose monohydrate in methanol. An X-ray powder diffraction pattern was recorded at room temperature with a laboratory diffractometer equipped with an INEL curved sensitive detector CPS120. The starting structural model of this form was found by a Monte-Carlo simulated annealing method. The structure was obtained through Rietveld refinements and the minimization of crystalline energy for the localization of the H atoms of the hydroxyl groups. Soft restraints were applied to bond lengths and angles. Networks of O-H...O hydrogen bonds account for the crystalline cohesion. A comparison is made between the hydrogen-bond networks of this form and those of the monohydrate and hygroscopic anhydrous forms of alpha-lactose.


Plants make use of three types of DNA methylation, each characterized by distinct DNA methyltransferases. One type, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), is guided by siRNAs to the edges of transposons that are close to genes, areas called mCHH islands in maize. Another type, chromomethylation, is guided by histone H3 lysine 9 methylation to heterochromatin across the genome. We examined DNA methylation and small RNA expression in plant tissues that were mutant for both copies of the genes encoding chromomethylases as well as mutants for both copies of the genes encoding DDM1-type nucleosome remodelers, which facilitate chromomethylation. Both sets of double mutants were nonviable but produced embryos and endosperm. RdDM was severely compromised in the double mutant embryos, both in terms of DNA methylation and siRNAs. Loss of 24nt siRNA from mCHH islands was coupled with a gain of 21, 22, and 24nt siRNAs in heterochromatin. These results reveal a requirement for both chromomethylation and DDM1-type nucleosome remodeling for RdDM in mCHH islands, which we hypothesize is due to dilution of RdDM components across the genome when heterochromatin is compromised.


Combining higher-order abstract syntax and (co)-induction in a logical framework is well known to be problematic. We describe the theory and the practice of a tool called Hybrid, within Isabelle/HOL and Coq, which aims to address many of these difficulties. It allows object logics to be represented using higher-order abstract syntax, and reasoned about using tactical theorem proving and principles of (co)induction. Moreover, it is definitional, which guarantees consistency within a classical type theory. The idea is to have a de Bruijn representation of λ-terms providing a definitional layer that allows the user to represent object languages using higher-order abstract syntax, while offering tools for reasoning about them at the higher level. In this paper we describe how to use Hybrid in a multi-level reasoning fashion, similar in spirit to other systems such as Twelf and Abella. By explicitly referencing provability in a middle layer called a specification logic, we solve the problem of reasoning by (co)induction in the presence of non-stratifiable hypothetical judgments, which allow very elegant and succinct specifications of object logic inference rules. We first demonstrate the method on a simple example, formally proving type soundness (subject reduction) for a fragment of a pure functional language, using a minimal intuitionistic logic as the specification logic. We then prove an analogous result for a continuation-machine presentation of the operational semantics of the same language, encoded this time in an ordered linear logic that serves as the specification layer. This example demonstrates the ease with which we can incorporate new specification logics, and also illustrates a significantly more complex object logic whose encoding is elegantly expressed using features of the new specification logic.


We present a review, of recent developments on nonlinear gauge theory containing a term coupled to gravity. We start by showing some of the confining features of this theory in flat space–time. We then consider the coupling, of this nonlinear term, to gravity and discuss two types of spherically symmetric solutions. One of them has a tube topology, that is , or of the Levi-Civita–Bertotti–Robinson (LCBR) type, where the metric coefficient gθθ is a constant. The other type of solutions, Reissner–Nordstrom–de Sitter (RNdS), with gθθ = r2, where r is a radial variable allowed to have all values from zero to infinity. Next we consider the matching of these solutions via lightlike, and subsequently, timelike membranes and show the topologically induced effects of "hiding of charge," where a charged particle can appear neutral to an external observer looking at it from the RNdS region and the "confining of charge" in a wormhole throat, where two opposite charges are at the opposite sides of a wormhole throats. We proceed with some applications to extended theories of general relativity, in the form of quadratic gravity model (F(R)), then wormholes arise naturally from the nonlinear electromagnetic field rather than requiring exotic matter to generate a predesigned wormhole geometry (Morris–Thorne approach), in another model considered here we have, in addition to quadratic gravity, a dilaton field (ϕ), where we find wormhole solutions with de Sitter asymptotics and confinement–deconfinement transition effects as function of the dilaton vacuum expectation value. The last application we present is to the "Two Measure Theory," where in addition to the metric volume element, , we consider a new, metric independent, volume element Φ. Finally we conclude and summarize our findings.


General Habitat Categories (GHC) is a classification scheme developed in BioHab1, 2 and a central concept in EBONE3. A characteristic of GHC is plant height, which can be derived using Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data. Computer classification of GHCs might be improved by combining spectral information in optical satellite data with LiDAR. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate to which degree airborne LiDAR improves SPOT data based classification of a selection of GHCs in a forest area in southern Sweden. Lat. 58° 30' N Long 13° 40' E. Managed forest with Scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea Abies) and birch (Betula spp). A SPOT 5 HRG XS scene. Airborne LiDAR data with an average point density of 26 returns/m2. Photo interpretation of GHCs, 585 sample plots, in aerial DMC images. Combining LiDAR and SPOT data shows promise, considering the restrictions to this study. In a similar study, using the same dataset for classifying CORINE land cover types, overall accuracy increased from 67.1% to 77.6% when adding LiDAR data4. This means that there is potential, though the methods need improvement and further tests should include a larger test area providing adequate amounts of sample plots per GHC.


In this study, we report on the preparation of NiO/graphite sheets nanofillers in PVA-polymer matrix using a simple cost-effective hydrothermal process for EM shielding effectiveness applications. The careful optimization of the growth conditions and NiO/G/PVA relative ratios have resulted in NiO nanoparticles formation with homogeneous density. In this nanocomposite, the NiO nanoparticles and graphite sheets were incorporated into a polymer to enhance the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. The morphological, structural, and chemical analysis have been conducted by SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. EDX and XRD analysis confirmed the exact chemical composition with high purity. SEM images showed the best morphology with homogenous NiO-nanoparticles distribution on graphite sheets for 15 wt% NiO relative ratio NiO/G/PVA nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was tested in different environments and shielding chambers that contained relatively high-level exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The shielding effectiveness (SE) measurements of NiO/G/PVA showed a significant increase of shielding effectiveness of about 17 dB compared to the commercial shielding paint. This can be ascribed to the homogenous distribution of NiO-NPs over the entire graphite sheets and the strong interaction of the incident electromagnetic radiation with the magnetic and electric dipoles in the nanocomposite. These finding is promising for enhanced flexible and cost-effective EMI shielding applications.In this study, we report on the preparation of NiO/graphite sheets nanofillers in PVA-polymer matrix using a simple cost-effective hydrothermal process for EM shielding effectiveness applications. The careful optimization of the growth conditions and NiO/G/PVA relative ratios have resulted in NiO nanoparticles formation with homogeneous density. In this nanocomposite, the NiO nanoparticles and graphite sheets were incorporated into a polymer to enhance the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. The morphological, structural, and chemical analysis have been conducted by SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. EDX and XRD analysis confirmed the exact chemical composition with high purity. SEM images showed the best morphology with homogenous NiO-nanoparticles distribution on graphite sheets for 15 wt% NiO relative ratio NiO/G/PVA nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was tested in different environments and shielding chambers that contained relatively high-level exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The shielding effect...


Wayne County is Michigan's most populous county with 1.7 million residents and its county seat in Detroit. Unlike many other counties throughout the state, Wayne County does not provide a
government-supported law library to serve its residents. The Arthur Neef Law Library which serves the Wayne State University Law School has a long-standing tradition of opening its doors to provide legal research services and resources to members of the community.

A fundamental mission of the Law Library, as well as the entire University, is "…meaningful engagement in its urban community." Legal professionals, students and faculty from other educational institutions, and community residents who need legal information are referred to, and depend on, the Arthur Neef Law Library collections and librarian expertise. Community patrons typically account for approximately seventy percent of reference desk patrons. Librarians provide traditional reference and research services, as well as instruction in basic legal research and the use of databases, government information, open access and free web resources, legal self-help materials and print publications to community patrons.
The diverse experience levels of community patrons, including literacy and technical skills, familiarity with legal materials, and communication abilities provide unique challenges. One of the most compelling is the need for librarians to balance patron expectations with the best use of the library's resources. Collaboration with, and connections to other librarians and libraries (law and non-law), as well as knowledge of their collections plays a significant role in facilitating access to justice for community patrons.


This note provides a preliminary evaluation of the economic effects of the Public Works and Government Services Canada Integrity Framework. It is preliminary in that the study draws on a limited range of data and does not benefit from a sufficient passage of time to evaluate the Government of Canada's practice in applying the measures or the behavioral responses of firms or Canada's trading partners. Based on first principles analysis, the option of debarment imposes a cost not only on the firms that are debarred, but also on many innocent parties, including society at large. The costs are greater the less substitutable the products of the debarred firm are for their competitors' products. The reshuffling of markets triggered by debarment would generate additional "dead weight" costs equivalent to red tape (the nuisance administrative expenditures associated with re-contracting). As well, there would as a further set of knock-on impacts that cannot be quantified to compound the direct costs.


Cellular immunity in pigs inoculated with pseudorabies virus (PRV) was studied by the agarose plate technique of direct leukocyte migration-inhibition procedure. Migration of leukocytes from PRV-infected pigs was inhibited in the presence of PRV antigen, whereas migration of leukocytes from nonexposed pigs was not inhibited in the presence of the same antigen. The migration of leukocytes collected 4 days after intranasal exposure to PRV was inhibited; humoral antibodies could not be detected until 7 days after exposure. Cellular immunity was present in pigs 14 days after inoculation with inactivated PRV antigens; low concentrations of neutralizing and precipitating antibodies were present at this time. The leukocyte migration-inhibiton procedure was found to be a useful tool in studying the role of cellular immunity in PRV infections.


This study investigates the relationship between working capital management and profitability and introduces empirical evidence aboutworking capital management and its effect to the profitability of Industrial Jordanian companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange. The effect of different variables of working capital management have been studied including the Average collection period, Inventory turnover in days, Average payment period and Net Trade Cycle on the return of assets for Jordanian companies. The problem statement to be analyzed in this study is:Does working capital management affect profitability of Jordanian companies? Many parties will benefit from this research like creditors and investorsin making theirs investment decisions and the researchers in explaining market variables and the managers in focusing on liquidity. The study sample consists of 39 companies for the 8 years period from 2004-2011. Applying correlations and multiple regression analysis, the result shows that there are significant negative associations between working capital variables with firm's profitability so it highlights the importance of managing working capital to improve firm's profitability.Yet recommendations basedon findings are offered to improve certain factors like the Industrial Jordanian Companies must set a trade-off between profitability and liquidity so that neither the liquidity nor profitability suffers, managing working capital in more efficient ways,enhancing the audit report by adding a liquidity position paragraph, and develop models that increase the detecting liquidity problem ability.


Abstract : The Conference on Pharmacotherapy was organized by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences 26-30 April in Budapest. Eighty foreign experts and numerous Hungarian specialists participated. About half of the foreign participants were from capitalistic countries and the rest from socialist countries. A considerable number of experts represented large pharmaceutical companies, naturally interested in the results of Hungarian pharmacological research. It was in every respect justified to bring together experts of various professions interested in pharmacotherapy - pharmacochemists, pharmacologists, clinical specialists -- in one conference. In recent years such overwhelming numbers of reports have been pub%shed on new drugs that it became well-nigh impossible even for the expert to keep track of them. The work of the chemist creating the compound, the pharmacologist conducting experiments on animals to try out the drug, and the clinician using the drug on sick people is so closely related that a meeting of these scientists at :a conference table may contribute significantly to the solution of problems. The opening speech was offered by Minister of Health Frigyes Doleschall. Next, the history of pharmacological research in Hungary was outlined by Bela Issekutz, member of the Academy, the nestor of Hungarian pharmacologists; as discoverer of several drugs he has actively contributed to this history over the past 50 years. The agenda of the conference reflected the great problems and achievements of pharmacotherapy at present of primary interest. Several lectures dealt with current problems of psychopharmacology, a new branch of science which gives reason for new hope in cases of mental disease heretofore considered incurable. It was good news that both lectures in the field reported the discovery of new Hungarian drugs. Jozsef Borsy1s report was on a mild tranquilizer, Trioxa


: Displaced three - and four - part fractures of the humeral head are at high risk for a poor functional outcome after internal fixation. Primary prosthetic replacement can restore the pretraumatic anatomy and early mobilisation is possible. Functional outcome after hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder joint after trauma however is poor, regardless the type of implant used. However, a stable, painless joint is obtained at a "one time surgery". In our institute from April 1996 until January 2001 fifty-eight primary OrTra-prostheses were implanted. In 43 patients we could perform the follow up. The patients revealed a mean range of active movement from about flex./ext. 54 degrees/0/40 with abd./add. 67 degrees/0/20 degrees. Most important for the patients was the achieved painfree shoulder in 86% (ASES index) of all cases.


This study investigates impacts of altering subgrid-scale mixing in "convection-permitting" kilometer-scale horizontal-grid-spacing (Δh) simulations by applying either constant or stochastic multiplicative factors to the horizontal mixing coefficients within the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. In quasi-idealized 1-km Δh simulations of two observationally based squall-line cases, constant enhanced mixing produces larger updraft cores that are more dilute at upper levels, weakens the cold pool, rear-inflow jet, and front-to-rear flow of the squall line, and degrades the model's effective resolution. Reducing mixing by a constant multiplicative factor has the opposite effect on all metrics. Completely turning off parameterized horizontal mixing produces bulk updraft statistics and squall-line mesoscale structure closest to an LES "benchmark" among all 1-km simulations, although the updraft cores are too undilute. The stochastic mixing scheme, which applies a multiplicative factor to the mixing coefficients that varies stochastically in time and space, is employed at 0.5-, 1-, and 2-km Δh. It generally reduces midlevel vertical velocities and enhances upper-level vertical velocities compared to simulations using the standard mixing scheme, with more substantial impacts at 1- and 2-km Δh compared to 0.5-km Δh. The stochastic scheme also increases updraft dilution to better agree with the LES for one case, but has less impact on the other case. Stochastic mixing acts to weaken the cold pool but without a significant impact on squall-line propagation. It also does not affect the model's overall effective resolution unlike applying constant multiplicative factors to the mixing coefficients.


The luminescence-quenching processes limiting quantum efficiency in Er-doped silicon nanocluster light-emitting devices are investigated and identified. It is found that carrier injection, while needed to excite Er ions through electron-hole recombination, at the same time produces an efficient nonradiative Auger deexcitation with trapped carriers. This phenomenon is studied in detail and, on the basis of its understanding, we propose device structures in which sequential injection of electrons and holes can improve quantum efficiency by avoiding Auger processes.


Numerous studies have examined the natural time course of human lung function growth and decline throughout life. In most of these studies the investigators used statistical models that required a priori assumptions concerning the underlying form or structure of the lung function data, thus introducing possible biases. In this study we used recently developed nonparametric regression (spline) techniques to describe the evolution of lung function measures with age. This procedure yields an optimally fitted smooth curve through the data and estimates of the process velocity and does not require assumptions concerning the underlying shape of the data curves. The lung function growth-velocity curves are used to estimate the age of growth cessation. This technique was applied to the FVC, FEV1, and the FEV1/FVC ratios of 1,295 females and 1,230 males who were tested in at least one of the first nine surveys of the Tucson epidemiologic study of airway obstructive diseases. Data were analyzed stratified according to gender, smoking status, and respiratory symptoms or diseases. The results indicate large differences between the fitted FEV1 and FEV1/FVC smoothed curves of the various subgroups compared with asymptomatic nonsmokers. These differences were most pronounced in the adult symptomatic smokers, who had higher rates of lung function loss that also began at earlier ages, for both sexes. No significant differences were observed between asymptomatic and symptomatic nonsmokers, most likely because of the reduced number of symptomatic nonsmokers, particularly among the males.


The TACIS (Technical Assistance for the Central Independent States) programme, initiated in 1991, was aimed at assisting the economic transformation in 13 countries of East Europe and Central Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgistan, Moldavia, Mongolia, Russia, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Initially, the TACIS was only a kind of support given within the framework of technical assistance. However, in the course of twelve years of its functioning, it became a complex system of cooperation of different East European and Central Asian countries with the European Communities, inclusive of political cooperation. In 1991.1999 the aid under the TACIS programme was granted to the East European and Central Asian countries as support to different areas (defined by the Council Regulation No. 99/2000) in the following proportions: nuclear safety and environment protection (20%), restructuring of the stateowned industry sector and development of the private sector (14%), reform of the government administration, reforms of the social security system and the education system (15%), agriculture and food supply (8%), energy (9%), transportation (7%), telecommunications (1%), consulting and small projects (6%), other such as society democratization programmes (6%), servicing and coordinating the utilization of the TACIS programme funds (14%). Apart fromthe above-mentionedmain assistance areas, also regional cooperation programmes, with special regard to transborder regional cooperation and twin-cities programmes, were financed under the TACIS programme. Also, under the impact of the Tshernobyl nuclear plant failure, programmes for nuclear safety improvement in this region of the world were financed within the framework of TACIS. Likewise, funds from the TACIS programme were granted for repairing the ravages of the Tshernobyl tragedy. As to the utilization of the assistance by individual countries of the region in 1991.2000, the largest share fell to Russia (53%), The second greatest assistance beneficiary was Ukraine (19.2%). The remaining countries received significantly smaller assistance: Armenia (2.5%), Azerbaijan (3.6%), Belarus (2.3%), Georgia (2.7%), Kazakhstan (4.7%), Kirgistan (2.1%), Moldavia (2.6%), Mongolia (1.2%), Tadjikistan (0.3%), Turkmenistan (1.7%), Uzbekistan (4.3%). The budget of the TACIS programme for 1991.1999 amounted to Euro 4,206 million, while for 2000-2006 it is estimated at Euro 3,138 million.


THE manner of handling the administration of parenteral fluid needed during the early care of a series of closely observed battle casualties constitutes the basis for this report. The casualties occurred in the New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago and Philippine areas. Observations were conducted mainly aboard an LST acting as a casualty ship during the early phases of amphibious operations. Casualties were received from ships damaged during the landing phases and from troops landed on the invasion beaches. TYPES OF CASES An analysis of cases of 345 patients will be made (6.8 per cent of the total patients treated). Tables 1, 2 and 3 contain information concerning the types of injuries encountered. In table 1 the frequency of the types of injuries is given. Outside the group with burns 51.2 per cent of the patients sustained multiple injuries, that is, multiple lacerations of skin, muscles or other parts, with or without


Purpose: The paper aims to assign the characteristics of the systems' responsiveness due to patient satisfaction. We base our analysis on the Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), including indicators from six categories, i.e. patient rights and information, access to medical services, treatment results, scope and range of medical services offered, prevention of vaccination patients, access to medicines. Design/Methodology/Approach: We investigate data from 2014 to 2018 for thirty-five countries. The studied group of countries is divided into two subgroups the group of countries with the Bismarck model (group A) and those with Beveridge's model (group B). Ward's method was used as a method of cluster analysis. Findings: (1) The number of clusters is stable over time – both in 2014 and 2018, five clusters are identified; (2) The number of clusters within subgroups A and B is similar and stable over time; (3) The number of clusters created suggests that the responsiveness of health systems is a complex concept perceived by patients in different ways; (4) There are no essential differences between countries with the system of public health and countries where health financing bases on insurance schemes. Originality/value: The results suggest that the system's responsiveness cannot be perceived as one-dimensional. While assessing the system's responsiveness, patients take into consideration different factors.


As a new solid-state welding process, friction stir welding (FSW) has been successfully used for joining low melting point materials such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, but the FSW of high melting point materials such as steels and titanium alloys is still difficult to carry out because of their strict requirements for the FSW tool. Especially for the FSW of titanium alloys, some key technological issues need to solve further. In order to accomplish the FSW of titanium alloys, a specially designed tool system was made. The system was composed of W-Re pin tool, liquid cooling holder and shielding gas shroud. Prior to FSW, the Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates were thermo-hydrogen processed to reduce the deformation resistance and tool wear during the FSW. Based on this, the thermo-hydrogen processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy with different hydrogen content was friction stir welded, and the microstructural characterizations and mechanical properties of the joints were studied. Experimental results showed that the designed tool system can fulfill the requirements of the FSW of titanium alloys, and excellent weld formation and high-strength joint have been obtained from the titanium alloy plates.


MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ∼21 nucleotide noncoding RNAs produced by Dicer-catalyzed excision from stem-loop precursors. Many plant miRNAs play critical roles in development, nutrient homeostasis, abiotic stress responses, and pathogen responses via interactions with specific target mRNAs. miRNAs are not the only Dicer-derived small RNAs produced by plants: A substantial amount of the total small RNA abundance and an overwhelming amount of small RNA sequence diversity is contributed by distinct classes of 21- to 24-nucleotide short interfering RNAs. This fact, coupled with the rapidly increasing rate of plant small RNA discovery, demands an increased rigor in miRNA annotations. Herein, we update the specific criteria required for the annotation of plant miRNAs, including experimental and computational data, as well as refinements to standard nomenclature.


Through silicon vias (TSVs) play a critical role in today's microelectronic technology as they enable fabrication of three-dimensional integrated circuits. Traditionally, copper has been used to fill TSVs. However, copper is prone to electro-migration and as the size of TSVs become smaller, copper resistance increases significantly, thereby reducing its potential for TSV material at nanoscales. A proposed hybrid structure is presented here in which Carbon Nanotube (CNT) bundles are grown vertically inside TSVs and encased with copper. The CNT bundles assists with increasing the strength of the hybrid structure and is likely to enhance the reliability of the package. Thermo-mechanical stress analysis and reliability evaluations is conducted to determine the effect of CNT bundles on stress distribution in the package and their impact on reliability of other critical components such as solder bumps that are used to join the silicon layers. The finite element analysis shows that addition of CNT material to the structure, even in small volume ratios tend to redistribute the stress and refocus it to inside the CNT material rather than interfaces. Interface stresses in low strength material typically cause delamination and failure in the package. Redistribution of stress is likely to enhance the reliability of the TSVs. Additional reliability analysis of the solder joints, shows that CNT additions enhances the number of cycles to failure four times. It is hypothesized that addition of CNTs decreases the local CTE mismatch between the silicon layers and assists in reducing the stress in solder bumps. This hypothesis is proven using finite element simulations.


An Intractable Cough SIR,-A patient attended at this clinic with a note from her panel doctor which stated that she suffered from an intractable cough, which was worse at night. The patient gave a history of a cough every winter for many years beginning in November. This winter, 1942, the cough had been worse and much more so for the last two months. She had tried everything she knew of-mixtures, inhalants, and cod-liver oil. The doctor's medicine had eased the cough a little. She was getting " fed up" and desperate. She tried h'er best to cure the cough. For four nights she had been awake all night. She tried' to control the cough by holding her breath. There was no evidence-x-ray or clinical-of organic disease of the lungs. On further questioning the patient admitted that the cough frightened her. She was afraid it nieant serious disease. She awoke with a dry mouth every morning. I formed the opinion that the cough was not due to organic disease but to the patient's making a mistake in the way she tried to stop it.. The condition was aggravated by the mixed feelings stirred in herself and her husband. The dry mouth in the morning indicated that she was breathing through her mouth, and actual observation showed that she breathed through her mouth habitually before each act of coughing. The cough stirred feelings which aggravated the situation -,and both frightened and annoyed the patient, irritated the husband, and became a source of argument between them. I told the patient' that no organic disease was discovered in her lungs, and the following advice was given: to' take any medicine ordered by the doctor; to breathe through the nose during sleep and before each act of coughing; whenever she felt the desire to cough she should close the mouth and breathe slowly through the nose counting six; she should. not think of stopping the cough, or try to stop it by holding her breath; she should let herself cough freely without fear, annoyance, or anger. The patient returned to me the following week and stated that she had used the method advised. She had breathed through the nose before each cough and then found that she did not want to cough. Her mind had also been relieved when informed that no disease was present. This technique or trick of breathing control was found to be effective on one occasion when a patient was having an artificial pneumothorax refill. He said he wanted to cough. I instructed him to close his mouth, breath slowly through the nose counting six, then open the mouth and let himself cough. The patient obeyed the instructions: closed his mouth, breathed through the nose counting six, then opened his mouth, but did not cough. The habitual use of this method will relieve many dry irritating coughs without either sedatives or expectorants. In other cases reduction in cigarette smoking and in the use of condiments may also be necessary. In all cases the patient is advised to place one hand' over the mouth before coughing. This method is of great value in cold, foggy weather.-I am, etc., P. A. GALPIN, Chest Clinic, Plaistow, E.13. Tuberculosis Officer.


The rapidly growing demand for even more detailed low-cost measurements of weather and environmental conditions, including wind flow, asks for self-sustained energy solutions that eliminate the need for external recharge or replacement of batteries. Today's wind measurement market is limited to traditional anemometers, ultrasonic measurement or expensive LIDAR (Light Imaging, Detection and Ranging) systems. This paper presents the initial design considerations for a low-cost combined air speed and wind direction sensor, which harvests energy to drive it and to power the wireless transmission of system configurations and measurements. An energy-budget for this transmission is included. Copyright © 2018 VBRI Press.


This article revisits the old controversy concerning the relation of the mothers brother and sisters son in patrilineal societies in the light both of anthropological criticisms of the very notion of kinship and of evolutionary and epidemiological approaches to culture. It argues that the ritualized patterns of behavior discussed by RadcliffeBrown, Goody, and others are to be explained in terms of the interaction of a variety of factors, some local and historical, others pertaining to general human dispositions. In particular, an evolved disposition to favor relatives can contribute to the development and stabilization of these behaviors not by directly generating them but by making them particularly catchy and resilient. In this way, it is possible to recognize both that cultural representations and practices are specific to a community at a time in its history (rather than mere tokens of a general type) and that they are, in essential respects, grounded in the common evolved psychology of human beings.


Abstract:Ekphrasis or rendering a visual object in writing, a form of ancient Greek and Roman rhetoric, has been recognized as a literary device since the description of Achilles's shield in Homer's Iliad. This article will examine Evliyâ Çelebi's ekphrastic rendering of certain works of sculpture in Seyahatnâme (The Book of Travels) and demonstrate the working of culture, creed, and aesthetic taste in the ekphrastic narrativity of foreign works of art. As ekphrasis is affect par excellence, the argument of this paper rests on the possibility of normative and cultural control of affect, contrary to the concept of affect that exclusively refers to the neurosciences of subliminal response and emotion or to the idea that affect is simply the sum total of corporeal responses to physical stimuli. As I try to demonstrate through a close reading of Çelebi's ekphrastic passages on sculpture in his Seyahatnâme, ekphrastic writing can rest on both aspects of affect: its subliminal as well as intentional states.


For the time being, the concrete prism test (CPT) CSA A23.2-14A or ASTM C1293 remains the most reliable test method to evaluate the effectiveness of lithium nitrate against alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete; however, the extended testing period of two years has often limited its acceptance by practitioners. In its actual form, the popular accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) CSA A23.2-25A or ASTM C1260 cannot be used to predict this effectiveness, thus it needs to be modified accordingly. Part I of this study looked at the influence of a number of parameters on the effectiveness of lithium to control expansion of mortar bars incorporating a variety of reactive aggregates from Canada and the United States. The second part of this study (Part II) compares the results obtained in modified versions of the AMBT with those from the CPT performed on the same aggregates, with the objective of proposing the best accelerated test procedure for determining the minimum amount of lithium nitrate necessary to counteract ASR expansion in concrete. The results obtained in this study have shown that the effectiveness of lithium nitrate greatly varies from one reactive aggregate to another while not being correlated with the degree of reactivity or the petrographic nature of the reactive aggregates to counteract. A safe method of predicting the effective [Li]/[Na+K] to used in concrete is proposed which uses two AMBTs, one of which involves adding lithium to both the mortar bar and the soak solution. It allows the prediction of an effective [Li]/[Na+K] for aggregates that respond relatively well to lithium. The method allows the identification of aggregates that respond particularly badly to the lithium, for which the concrete prism test is recommended for evaluating the minimum lithium dosage to use for ASR control.


Mindfulness training (MT) reduces self-referential processing and promotes interoception, the perception of sensations from inside the body, by increasing one's awareness of and regulating responses to them. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the insular cortex (INS) are considered hubs for self-referential processing and interoception, respectively. Although MT has been consistently found to decrease PCC, little is known about how MT relates to INS activity. Understanding links between mindfulness and interoception may be particularly important for informing mental health in adolescence, when neuroplasticity and emergence of psychopathology are heightened. We examined INS activity during real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training (NAMT) targeting the PCC. Healthy adolescents (N = 37; 16 female) completed the NAMT task, including Focus-on-Breath (MT), Describe (self-referential processing), and Rest conditions, across three neurofeedback runs and two non-neurofeedback runs (Observe, Transfer). Regression coefficients estimated from the generalized linear model were extracted from three INS subregions: anterior (aINS), mid (mINS), and posterior (pINS). Mixed model analyses revealed the main effect of run for Focus-on-Breath vs. Describe contrast in aINS [R2 = 0.39] and pINS [R2 = 0.33], but not mINS [R2 = 0.34]. Post hoc analyses revealed greater aINS activity and reduced pINS activity during neurofeedback runs, and such activities were related to lower self-reported life satisfaction and less pain behavior, respectively. These findings revealed the specific involvement of insula subregions in rtfMRI-nf MT.


This paper evaluates the effects of including transfers between service zones on overall service performance in a paratransit system. Transfers were included to improve the operational efficiency of a system when maintenance of a desirable zoning structure was obligatory. This proposed innovative service design was compared with more traditional cases of no transfer zoning and no zoning. A set of instances was generated from demand data obtained from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, and evaluated through simulation analyses. The results demonstrated that under a zoning structure, this transfer design (in comparison with a nontransfer design) provided noticeable improvements in efficiency measures and better passenger trips per vehicle revenue hour while maintaining a minimum customer service standard; however, the overall performance of the no-zoning strategy used by the Houston, Texas, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County performed the best, on average.


While open science gains prominence in South Africa with the encouragement of open data sharing for research purposes, there are stricter laws and regulations around privacy – and specifically the use, management and transfer of personal information – to consider. The Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA), which came into effect in 2021, established stringent requirements for the processing of personal information and has changed the regulatory landscape for the transfer of personal information across South African borders. At the same time, draft national policies on open science encourage wide accessibility to data and open data sharing in line with international best practice. As a result, the operation of research ethics committees (RECs) in South Africa is affected by the conflicting demands of the shift towards open science on the one hand, and the stricter laws protecting participants' personal information and the transfer thereof, on the other. This article explores the continuing evolving role of RECs in the era of open data and recommends the development of a data transfer agreement (DTA) for the ethical management of personal health information, considering the challenges that RECs encounter, which centres predominantly on privacy, data sharing and access concerns following advances in genetic and genomic research and biobanking.


Abstract The Eastern Mediterranean region is characterized by one of the largest concentrations of ophiolites anywhere in the world. Many of these ophiolites are fragmentary or highly deformed, such that their initial mode of tectonic emplacement cannot easily be inferred from the local field relations. The emplacement of many of these ophiolites can usefully be compared with the intact Oman ophiolite, one of the largest and best-studied ophiolites in the world. The Oman ophiolite is commonly believed to have been created in Late Cretaceous time (c. 95 Ma) above an oceanward-dipping, intra-oceanic subduction zone. This was followed by collision of the subduction zone with the downflexed Arabian passive margin, facilitating the emplacement of the ophiolite onto the continental margin. A less likely alternative is that the Oman ophiolite formed at a mid-ocean ridge that then collapsed, initiating the emplacement of the ophiolite. An Oman-type model is applicable to many of the Mid-Jurassic and the Late Cretaceous ophiolites of the Eastern Mediterranean region that were thrust over former passive continental margins. These ophiolites are again mainly of suprasubduction-zone type. Such ophiolites include many of the Jurassic ophiolites of Greece, Albania and former Yugoslavia, and also the Late Cretaceous ophiolites of Turkey and northern Syria. These ophiolites were emplaced from both more northerly and southerly Neotethyan ocean basins. In contrast, the opposing (northerly) margins of these oceanic basins experienced a history of subduction-accretion, marginal arc volcanism and back-arc basin formation ('Cordilleran-type' ophiolites). Ophiolites that were emplaced associated with active margin settings range from large accreted thrust sheets to small slices within accretionary prisms and back-arc basins. Examples include the Late Cretaceous ophiolites that are related both to the northern margin of the southern Neotethys and to the northern margin of the northern Neotethys in Turkey. Not all ophiolites were emplaced in response to large-scale horizontal tectonic transport (e.g. Jurassic Guevgueli ophiolite, northern Greece), and several ophiolites experienced dominantly strike-slip or transpression (e.g. the Late Cretaceous Antalya ophiolites, SW Turkey). In general, the mode of ophiolite emplacement, especially the direction of emplacement relative to the orientation of the adjacent continental margin was influenced by the regional palaeogeographical setting.


Abstract
 The Metastelmatinae (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) include 13 genera and approximately 260 species with complex morphological affinities that are broadly distributed in the Neotropics. This study investigated phylogenetic relationships within this subtribe using plastid (trnT-F, trnS-G, trnH-psbA, trnD-T, rps16, and matK) and nuclear (ITS) markers. The taxonomic sampling focused on the South American species, and included approximately 25% of the subtribe. Individual data partitions, and combined datasets were analyzed using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony. The results indicated that most genera of Metastelmatinae are not monophyletic. Internal relationships in the subtribe and key morphological characters used in the taxonomy of the group are discussed. The lack of resolution in the molecular phylogeny, incongruent phylogenetic signals between plastid and nuclear datasets, and the lack of morphological features for individual clades prevented major taxonomic changes in this group, those of which were restricted to the inclusion of Barjonia harleyi and Hemipogon harleyi into Minaria forming the new combinations Minaria harleyi and M. volubilis , and the synonymy of Macroditassa under Peplonia with the new combinations Peplonia adnata and P. macrophylla .


BACKGROUND
Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early animal and clinical studies have provided some evidence to support an inhibitory effect of relaxin on preterm birth for women in preterm labour.

OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of relaxin for women in preterm labour on preterm birth and associated maternal and neonatal/infant health outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 June 2013), and the reference lists of relevant papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of relaxin compared with no treatment, a placebo, or an alternative tocolytic, for preventing preterm birth for women in preterm labour. Primary review outcomes included birth within 28 hours of treatment, birth within seven days of treatment, perinatal mortality, and a serious neonatal adverse outcome composite.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies.

MAIN RESULTS
We included three quasi-randomised controlled trials, with a total of 149 women and their babies. All three trials were at a high risk of bias. When comparing women receiving relaxin with those who did not receive relaxin, there was a significant reduction in birth within seven days of treatment in one trial of 30 women (risk ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.87), yet no significant difference was seen for perinatal mortality in this trial (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.15). The second and third included trials did not report on any of the primary outcomes pre-specified in the review, including birth within 48 hours of treatment, birth within seven days of treatment, perinatal mortality, and serious neonatal adverse outcomes.One trial found a significant increase in pregnancy prolongation for women receiving relaxin (RR 8.00, 95% CI 1.14 to 56.33; 30 women). None of the three included trials found significant differences in the outcomes of fetal death, neonatal death, birthweight or preterm birth, and no trial reported on longer-term outcomes for the babies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is limited randomised controlled trial evidence available on the effect of relaxin during pregnancy for preventing preterm birth for women in preterm labour. Evidence from one quasi-randomised trial suggested a reduction in birth within seven days of treatment for women receiving relaxin, compared with women in a control group, however this trial was at a high risk of bias and included only 30 women. There is thus insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of relaxin in women in preterm labour for preventing preterm birth.


The aim of this research project was to improve current practice by investigating different test methods to quantify moisture damage in an effort to serve the short and long term needs of the agency and industry. In the short term, more efficient test methods were investigated for use as a screening test to supplement current testing procedures. The Stripping Test was chosen as a candidate to serve this need. This test measures the mass loss due to moisture conditioning of a HMA loose mix. The test was evaluated in terms of serving as a screening test to waive mechanical testing requirements for mixes that display resistance to moisture damage. To serve the long term needs of the agency the use of fracture energy, a fundamental property of the asphalt mixture, was investigated as a first step in identifying a parameter that relates to pavement performance. The research involved selection and testing of common hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixes used in Wisconsin using the stripping test to measure percent mass loss and the indirect tension test to measure tensile strength and fracture energy. Test results were evaluated on an individual basis in their ability to reliably identify moisture damage due to sample conditioning and the effects of the addition of an anti-stripping agent or change in aggregate type or gradation. The results of the mechanical testing were compared to the non-mechanical test results to evaluate the possibility of incorporating a non mechanical screening test into current Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) asphalt mixture testing specifications. Furthermore, the statistical method of analysis of variance was performed on the mechanical testing results to identify significant effects. The quality of the mechanical tests was then determined by evaluating if the significant effects were consistent between the mechanical testing parameters and with common engineering knowledge. The results of this research concluded that the Stripping Test is not adequate for use by WisDOT due to high variability within testing results for a certain mix. The fracture energy test gave promising results however, the high variability and complex test protocol prevent recommendation for the test to be implemented at this time. Recommendations from this research include improvement of the fracture energy test procedure to reduce variability, and further investigation into the physical causes of moisture damage. Specifically asphalt/aggregate adhesion, the effect of the mastic (fine aggregate and binder), and physiochemical interaction between the asphalt binder and aggregate must be understood.


Local hypothermia was used to manage motor disorders in infantile cerebral paralysis. Ice was applied to muscles being the key factors in the pathologic muscular synergies and determinants of the level of motor disorders at the residual stage of infantile cerebral paralysis. The hypothermic method is given in detail with respect to different pathologic muscle synergies and infantile cerebral paralysis syndrome peculiarities: spastic diplegia varying in severity, hyperkinetic syndrome. EMG investigations yielded results correlating with a positive clinical effect. The EMG data indicated that deprivation of pathologic muscle afferentation not only reduced the muscle spasticity but also led to functional reconstruction in the spinal motoneuron pool.


On June 1st, 2009 flight AF447 from Rio to Paris crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The safety and legal investigations concluded that human factors have played an important role in the accident. Observing that a number of elements from the report written by the French Office of Investigations for Civil Aviation Safety may be assimilated to known concepts from HCI, we propose to use the report as a case study for HCI research. After introducing the aeronautical vocabulary required to its understanding, we extract the HCI-related elements from the report, and assimilate, organize and translate them into conceptual frameworks from the Model of Action and Epistemology. We hope to foster further research aiming at a more formal modeling of the accident, or to foster the identification of possible improvements of the onboard systems.


Abstract Background and study aims The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning-based model to classify bowel cleansing quality and to test this model in comparison to a pixel analysis model and assessments by four colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) readers. Methods A pixel analysis and a machine learning-based model with four cleanliness classes (unacceptable, poor, fair and good) were developed to classify CCE videos. Cleansing assessments by four CCE readers in 41 videos from a previous study were compared to the results both models yielded in this pilot study. Results The machine learning-based model classified 47 % of the videos in agreement with the averaged classification by CCE readers, as compared to 32 % by the pixel analysis model. A difference of more than one class was detected in 12 % of the videos by the machine learning-based model and in 32 % by the pixel analysis model, as the latter tended to overestimate cleansing quality. A specific analysis of unacceptable videos found that the pixel analysis model classified almost all of them as fair or good, whereas the machine learning-based model identified five out of 11 videos in agreement with at least one CCE reader as unacceptable. Conclusions The machine learning-based model was superior to the pixel analysis in classifying bowel cleansing quality, due to a higher sensitivity to unacceptable and poor cleansing quality. The machine learning-based model can be further improved by coming to a consensus on how to classify cleanliness of a complete CCE video, by means of an expert panel.


An open double coordinates computer numerical control (CNC) system was developed, which was based on PC and PMAC motion controller card. A miniature and teaching CNC lathe machine was developed with a simple structure, low cost, small volume and suitability for teaching. The CNC system had the advantages of 2-axis linkage, program editing, manual operation, inching operation, simulation processing operation, automatic operation and dynamic display of the tracing. The system was based on the Windows XP platform. Its interface was friendly and it was convenient to manipulate.


The paper presents a mechatronic system for automatic inspection of circular saw teeth. The described system, based on numerical processing of recorded tooth images, has been implemented in the automatic vision controller system WKOPTar. The applied mechatronic system for the automatic spindle control positioning guarantees for the circular saw blade teeth a proper position enabling to grab and record tooth images even for non-uniform pitches in the examined circular saw blade. Some examples of measurements and geometry analyses of circular saw teeth were provided in order to illustrate the diagnostic usability of the apparatus. The system allows the user to determine up to 32 parameters for one tooth. However, the direct interpretation of physical parameter is sometimes partially limited by the software because the same parameter might have different meaning. Thus, in some cases a proper interpretation of the results may be feasible after recorded tooth screen analyses.


Introduction Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare and account for less than 1% of breast tumors. They occur over a wide age range with a median age of 45 years. Malignant transformation of a phyllodes tumor is a rare form of breast cancer accounting for just 0.5% of all breast cancers. A simple mastectomy is performed for giant phyllodes tumors (>10 cm), those that are multifocal, in cases of malignant phyllodes tumors, in cases of recurrence or in phyllodes of 'borderline' histology Case report We report a rare case of a rapidly growing malignant giant phyllodes tumor of the young, 26 year-old white woman, who underwent successful combined treatment nipple-sparing mastectomy and irradiation in National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania Conclusions Multidisciplinary approach and modern imaging studies allows us to diagnose and successfully treat this rare pathological state. Scientific trials to delineate proper indications for combined treatment malignant phyllodes tumor of the young patients are needed.


This chapter discusses the role of personal values in adult development. Personal values can be seen as higher order goals that an individual personally endorses and as a more general attitude about what people ought to do or what is generally important in life. Research has repeatedly demonstrated a gap between expressed values and actual behavior; nevertheless, we maintain that values can serve as an overarching cognitive compass to evaluate one's future as well as past behaviors and goals. On the basis of empirical research on goals we posit that personal values and their function change over the lifespan. We argue that personal values might be especially relevant for life planning in adolescence and early adulthood and for life review in later adulthood.


This article embodies two key narratives among many that have emerged from a 14-year research project. The first narrative is of a community-engaged solution, a peer health mentor program, which was imagined during a prison participatory health and university research project, as described in Arresting Hope. The second is the narrative of Releasing Hope, a collection of writings by women with incarceration experience sharing their experiences, their challenges, and the barriers they face as they seek to heal from fractured and interrupted lives. A unique form of collaboration, innovation, research creation, and knowledge dissemination, Releasing Hope invites readers to reconsider communal perceptions, attitudes, and resistance towards those with incarceration experience, who struggle each day to be seen, not as former criminals, but as women capable of reimagining and enacting new lives. These two narratives illustrate the possibilities present when women are empowered with voice and agency. In the article, we aim to capture the spirit of both projects, in the interspersing of text and image, a collage of voices that speak to the experiences and learning that emerged through these two research ventures.


In this paper, we study trilinear optimization problems with nonconvex constraints under some assumptions. We first consider the semidefinite relaxation (SDR) of the original problem. Then motivated by So [3], we reduce the problem to that of determining the L2-diameters of certain convex bodies, which can be approximately solved in deterministic polynomial-time. After the relaxed problem being solved, the feasible solution of the original problem with a good approximation ratio can be obtained from the feasible solution of the relaxed problem by state-of-art algorithms. Last we consider a class of biquadratic optimization problems, which has a close relationship with the trilinear optimization problems.


The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is meant to simulate aspects of nuclear explosions by training 192 of the world's most powerful laser beams on a speck of nuclear fuel. To be built at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, the $1.2 billion machine is a key element of science-based stockpile stewardship: a program to monitor and assess the aging nuclear stockpile without actually exploding any warheads. But critics question both NIF's relevance to weapons and whether it can meet its technical goals.


Introduction. Examines implications of research suggesting fast access to information may reduce the time needed for creative thinking and reflection. To support human thought through information provision, more opportunities to experience and work with imperfect information and to engage with ambiguities are needed.
Method. Four linked arguments are presented: (i) working through uncertainty and ambiguity is conducive to creativity; (ii) the time and effort associated with managing information can be detrimental to creative thought; (iii) in scholarly research there is increasingly less time to think; (iv) revisiting the concept of uncertainty in information seeking offers a creativity stimulation pathway.
Analysis. Ethnographic data about scholarly research practice and judgments about information in that context are used to illustrate some of the claims made.
Results. Respondents were as likely to find information on the Internet as from doctors, although several reported that they had no access to these resources. Many used the information they found to look after themselves or someone else, to decide whether to seek assistance from a professional and/or to make treatment decisions. A significant proportion of women reported that they did not discuss with a doctor the information they found.
Conclusions. Developing an awareness of and being in uncertainty is a critical condition in any creative endeavour.


BACKGROUND
The current shortage of deceased donor kidneys makes it difficult to design a kidney allocation scheme that balances optimal utility with supply. The aim of this study is to derive a recipient risk score (RRS) that could be used with the deceased donor score (DDS) to maximize the total number of years of renal allograft function as a means to improve allocation.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 47,535 adult recipients of deceased donor renal transplants between 1995 and 2002 from the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research Files. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to derive an RRS and estimate recipient and graft survival as a function of RRS. Annual rates of organ supply and recipient demand for deceased donor kidneys were estimated from expectancy data and expressed in renal years (years provided by a functioning kidney allograft). Renal-year analyses were used to optimize allocation.

RESULTS
The strongest predictors of recipient survival after transplantation used in the RRS were recipient age, history of diabetes mellitus, history of angina, and time on dialysis therapy. When used with DDS, RRS provided a utility-based allocation system for deceased donor kidneys that theoretically increased the annual (2002) rate of supply by 15%.

CONCLUSION
The RRS is a practical system that, when combined with a method to assess donor organs, such as DDS, may improve deceased donor renal allocation.


appreciation and support (or denial) of the several functional-developmental or evolutionary schemes postulated in recent years for the prehistoric culture sequences of the Andean region, but Willey barely relates either his data or interpretations, if at all, to those schemes. On the other hand, this kind of criticism is only indicative of the great value of the work in presenting a large body of data of a new kind in Peruvian archaeology, which opens the possibilities of a much more penetrating understanding of cultural institutions and processes in the Andean area. Willey pleads that the study is experimental, and it is perhaps with that caution in mind that he has refrained from extensive inference or speculation in this first work of its kind. The final chapter, "The Virii Valley in Peruvian Prehistory," places the settlement pattern data in Virii in relation to the rest of the country. The chapter amounts to a summary of the present knowledge of Peruvian prehistoric architecture, very valuable in itself, and serves not least to point up that the present work is unique in the advancement of knowledge of this phase of Peruvian archaeology. The work is excellently organized, with careful crossreferencing, summaries and recapitulations at all stages of presentation, and a wealth of site and valley maps. A series of plates, indifferently reproduced, illustrates the major architectural types in the valley.


There is a lack of consensus on how to measure poverty in general, even though poverty indices and poverty profiles are increasingly being used as guides in targeting resources to reduce poverty. In order to compare changes in poverty rates for Kenya, this study tests robustness of the observed changes in the poverty using stochastic dominance analysis, a robust way of ranking distributions. This approach avoids the problem that poverty comparisons may not be robust to the subjective choice of a poverty line. It also avoids the potential that small movements across the thresholds may have large impacts on poverty indices. This is then compared with results from other studies to determine the extent to which conclusions differ and the extent to which the findings are sensitive to the choice of poverty lines. Hence this study tries to answer the following questions. Are the results from poverty studies sensitive to the choice of poverty lines especially when the choice is at the discretion of the analyst? How does this affect their robustness? Does the conclusion differ substantially when summary measures (e.g. mean, variance) and stochastic dominance analysis methods are employed? Do we have an improvement in the levels of poverty in Kenya?


serum samples were collected from apparently healthy goats of different age and sex from Anand, Navsari and Valsad districts of Gujarat (India), were screened for mycoplasmal antibodies by slide agglutination test using colored antigen of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri. Out of 200 serum samples screened 85 were found to be positive indicating overall seroprevalence of 42.50 percent. The higher prevalence was observed in Navsari district (66.66 %) followed by Valsad (60.66%) and Anand district (32.85 %). The higher incidence in these district could be suggest the endemicity of the disease. Slide agglutination test for mycoplasmal antibodies detection using colored antigen of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri. antigen was found to be quick, simple, low cost with ease of application in the field without the need of any specialized training and equipments.


Avian influenza is an infection of birds caused by the Influenza A virus, which due to crowded conditions and occupational exposure in live poultry markets, has jumped the species barrier to humans. With an estimated case fatality rate of up to 60%, it is vital to map the existing digital technologies that may be utilized to improve disease monitoring and health outcomes for avian influenza. This scoping review aimed to identify which digital technologies may improve disease prevention, detection and control, and could be used as a basis for strengthening health systems. A search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science for studies that reported the utilization of digital technologies with specific reference to avian influenza. Search dates ranged from 2009 (January) to 2017 (July). Data was extracted into a summative table, citations managed using EndNote software and data synthesized through grouping digital technology domains, using narrative and graphical methods. The scoping review identified 111 relevant studies, and revealed data modelling (n=72) and novel technologies (n=15) referring primarily to diagnostic tools, to be the most utilized technologies in tackling avian influenza. A large portion of the data-modelling domain was compromised of computer-assisted mathematical modelling (n=42) including mathematical modelling (n=8), simulation modelling (n=14) and spatioal-temporal modelling (n=20), primarily used to estimate outbreak distribution according to migratory patterns and transmission dynamics. A major challenge reported was poor biosecurity measures of poultry markets. Digital technologies indicated potential in improving disease detection, control and prevention, particularly through the use of data modelling with meteorological data sets. However, it became evident, that to maximize potential of these digital technologies better implementation of biosecurity measures would be necessary in majorly affected regions such as Asia.


Intelligence, expertise, ability and talent, as these terms have traditionally been used in education and psychology, are socially agreed upon labels that minimize the dynamic, evolving, and contextual nature of individual-environment relations. These hypothesized constructs can instead be described as functional relations distributed across whole persons and particular contexts through which individuals appear knowledgeably skillful. The purpose of this article is to support a concept of ability and talent development that is theoretically grounded in 5 distinct, yet interrelated, notions: ecological psychology, situated cognition, distributed cognition, activity theory, and legitimate peripheral participation. Although talent may be reserved by some to describe individuals possessing exceptional ability and ability may be described as an internal trait, in our description neither ability nor talent are possessed. Instead, they are treated as equivalent terms that can be used to describe functional transactions that are situated across person-in-situation. Further, and more important, by arguing that ability is part of the individual-environment transaction, we take the potential to appear talented out of the hands (or heads) of the few and instead treat it as an opportunity that is available to all although it may be actualized more frequently by some.


Abstract After the Mexican Revolution (1920–1920) large landholdings were expropriated and handed over to the rural population formally organized in communities known as ejidos. The Agrarian Law stipulated that ejidatarios (members of ejidos) acquired only usufructuary rights to the individual plots allocated to them, and were not empowered to sell or rent them, nor to retain land which they ceased to work. Transactions concerning plots of ejido land, illegal until 1992, were studied in the ejido of La Canoa, a small hamlet in Jalisco. It was found that many ejidatarios migrated, usually to the USA , for periods of years, and rented out their land while they were away. They ran the risk of having their land taken away on the occasion of the periodic Investigation of Use of Plots (IUP) by the Ministry of Agrarian Reform (SRA). However, by putting a relative in charge of the land, and by paying the small annual tax in person, the ejidatario could often avoid this. Other ejidatarios would normally follow the strategy of not raising objections. Sales of land to other ejidatarios also occurred. Although they often disapproved for social reasons, others again found it preferable not to interfere. The ejido assembly would approve such transfers under the pretence that they were 'voluntary transfers of use rights', that the land had been abandoned and allocated to the purchaser, or that the purchaser was the vendor's heir. Officials of the SRA were paid not to make problems, and no sale was ever cancelled. When in 1992 a new Agrarian Law was enacted allowing sales, ejidatarios began to engage in sales in the 'new way', through the use of documents drawn by lawyers. Although the measuring and registration of plots, required by the Law as a condition for sales, had not yet occurred, they were confident that the sales would not be cancelled. It is seen that the negotiation, bargaining and execution of illegal transactions were carried out in a discursive context formed by the formal agrarian legislation. The SRA lacked the capacity or information to exercise detailed control over land, and so long as the ejidatarios were not divided among themselves, they could 'keep the law at a distance'. Governmental techniques were re-enchanted: thus the IUP turned into a procedure for the legalisation of illegal or formally defective transactions; documents such as tax receipts became 'proof' of continued residence in the ejido. 'Shadow procedures' were created to conceal illegal transactions. It is argued that these illegal land transactions became established in a patterning of processes which may be best understood not as based on a normative order but as a force field in which the patterns emanated from conflict and competition.


We propose real-time, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), 3D face pose estimation without face detection or landmark localization. We observe that estimating the 6DoF rigid transformation of a face is a simpler problem than facial landmark detection, often used for 3D face alignment. In addition, 6DoF offers more information than face bounding box labels. We leverage these observations to make multiple contributions: (a) We describe an easily trained, efficient, Faster R-CNN–based model which regresses 6DoF pose for all faces in the photo, without preliminary face detection. (b) We explain how pose is converted and kept consistent between the input photo and arbitrary crops created while training and evaluating our model. (c) Finally, we show how face poses can replace detection bounding box training labels. Tests on AFLW2000-3D and BIWI show that our method runs at real-time and outperforms state of the art (SotA) face pose estimators. Remarkably, our method also surpasses SotA models of comparable complexity on the WIDER FACE detection benchmark, despite not been optimized on bounding box labels.


Insect pollination is an effort to increase the efficiency of fruit production on limited land. The research aimed to observe the activity and pollination efficiency of wild insects and Tetragonula laeviceps on black nightshade plants and yardlong beans using an intercropping system in Sukawangi Village, Sumedang Regency from September to January 2020. Observations were made at 08:00-15:00 WIB during the flowering period. Observations were made on the treatment of T. laeviceps application, open-pollination, and self-pollination, each treatment consisting of 100 black nightshade flowers and 100 yardlong bean flowers and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Insect activity was measured based on flower handling time, foraging rate, visitation rate, and fruit set. Fruit quality was measured based on diameter, weight, length, and oBrix. The study recorded 3 visiting insect flowers in black nightshade and yardlong, which potentially act as a pollinator, with varying visit patterns in open-pollination. The highest fruit set efficiency of black nightshade occurred in the application treatment of T. laeviceps and yardlong beans in the open-pollination treatment. There was significant in oBrix of black nightshade fruit and yardlong beans, whereas self-pollination only yielded significantly longer fruit in yardlong beans. Thus, T. laeviceps could be used as one possible domesticated pollinator to improve fruit set efficiency and fruit quality of black nightshade and yardlong beans.
Keywords: fruit quality, fruit set, insect activity


This review summarizes results of an extensive series of laboratory studies on the behavioural responses of early life stages of walleye pollock, Theragra chakogramma to key environmental factors including light, temperature, gravity, turbulence, food availability and predator presence. Experiments focused on vertical distribution of egg through 0-age stages, and social interactions of age-0 juveniles. Key factors were modified either singly or in concert to determine their direct and indirect influence on fish behaviour. The observed results suggest that the behaviour of individual fish depends on the integration of a continually changing hierarchy of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with the relative importance of a specific factor varying with ontogeny and over time and space. The broad range of responses displayed by early life stages suggests that behaviour plays an important role in determining the consequences of environmental variability on walleye pollock populations. In general, results from our laboratory experiments are consistent with patterns observed in field studies, supporting the efficacy of using experimental behavioural research to define some of the underlying mechanisms controlling distribution and survival in the field, and eventual recruitment to adult populations.


The present invention discloses a seed culture sample carrier, comprising a base and a plurality of culture vessels, each culture vessels are stacked, comprising a dish culture vessel body, a vertical cylinder, the bumps and the injection tube, the top end surface of the cuvette body is provided with a top groove dish, located at the top of the base a base top channel, a culture vessel at the lowermost bump based top slot, a rotatable tube passes through all the vertical tube, vertical tube and the cartridge is rotated relative rotation between the outer wall and the vertical side wall of the rotatable tube cylinder sealing contact with the wall of the outer tube is rotated drainage tank; are provided with liquid inlet communicating with the interior of the dish vertical cylindrical body, each hole is provided with a liquid cell strainer and check valves are liquid, the liquid injection pipe and the lower end internal fluid communication dish; bump above the culture vessel in a culture vessel below the top groove dish. Advantageous effects of the present invention is that: for cell culture and measuring, comparison, spatial layout is reasonable and stable structure, more convenient operation, the process of adjusting the test consistency is good, with high accuracy.


Engineering biocompatible and physiologically stable nanoscaled therapeutics and imaging agents with the ability to target tumor tissue is a key challenge for the advancement of cancer therapeutics and diagnostic imaging. Here, we present chelating amphiphiles with the capacity to form nanoassembled colloidal particles containing high payloads of gadolinium (Gd) ions. We present the in situ synthesis and complexation of Gd with colloidal nanoassemblies (NAs) based on diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) amphiphiles. This method allows for facile simultaneous incorporation of several metal ions for applications in multimodal imaging and therapeutics. The diverse internally nanostructured NAs made from sole precursor amphiphiles and their Gd-complexes were investigated by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryo-TEM. Depending on the molecular structure of the amphiphiles, the structures of NAs range from micelles to liposomes, to colloidal particles of inverse hexagonal (hexosomes) and inverse bicontinuous cubic phases (cubosomes), to multilayered nanospheres. The in vitro contrast activity of these NAs exhibited high relaxivity values as T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement agents. Further, an α-Flag antibody fragment (Fab') was bioconjugated to the surface of the Gd-complexed NAs. The binding ability of these targeted NAs to a FLAG-tagged protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The in vitro cytotoxicity against two cell lines showed that except for the negatively charged micellar Gd-DTPA amphiphile, liposomal and higher order internally nanostructured NAs had low cell toxicity. The efficient cellular uptake of Gd-NAs by melanoma cancer cells was also investigated.


ABSTRACT The survival of eggs and nymphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) was estimated on young plants (< 1 year) of Citrus sinensis (cultivar Valencia) grafted on Citrus limonia in 3 seasons (Winter and Spring 2013; and Autumn 2014) in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. Young shoots with eggs were selected from natural or artificial infestations. Eggs, small nymphs (1st to 3rd instar), and large nymphs (4th and 5th instar) were counted every 3 days. Shoots with large nymphs were caged until the emergence of the adults. The lowest eggs and nymph survival were observed during Winter (0.0%), and Autumn (0.4%); the highest survival rates were recorded during Spring (12.2%). The biotic factor of mortality identified was the parasitism of large nymphs by Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), observed in all seasons. Air temperatures (minimum and maximum), and air relative humidity (minimum) could not explain the immature survival differences between Spring (12.2%) and Autumn (0.4%). Rainfall during Spring (165 mm) was higher than during Autumn (48 mm) and may have favored the survival of D. citri in the Spring. Adverse abiotic factors seem to be more important on immature D. citri survival than the biotic factor (parasitism).


Three hypertensive patients receiving ticrynafen, a new uricosuric diuretic, experienced adverse reactions. One patient experienced acute renal failure, the second experienced a renal stone, and the third had a fatal hemorrhage while receiving anticoagulation therapy with warfarin sodium. All complications can be explained by known actions of the drug and are preventable. However, these reactions illustrate the potential hazards from widespread substitution of ticrynafen for thiazide diuretics in the treatment of hypertension.


Abstract Background The outcomes of patients with stage III cutaneous melanoma who undergo complete surgical resection can be highly variable, and estimation of individual risk of disease recurrence and mortality remains imprecise. With recent demonstrations of effective adjuvant targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, more precise stratification of patients for costly and potentially toxic adjuvant therapy is needed. We report the utility of pre-operative circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in patients with high-risk stage III melanoma. Patients and methods ctDNA was analysed in blood specimens that were collected pre-operatively from 174 patients with stage III melanoma undergoing complete lymph node (LN) dissection. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of ctDNA for distant metastasis recurrence-free survival and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Results The detection of ctDNA in the discovery and validation cohort was 34% and 33%, respectively, and was associated with larger nodal melanoma deposit, higher number of melanoma involved LNs, more advanced stage and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Detectable ctDNA was significantly associated with worse MSS in the discovery [hazard ratio (HR) 2.11 P < 0.01] and validation cohort (HR 2.29, P = 0.04) and remained significant in a multivariable analysis (HR 1.85, P = 0.04). ctDNA further sub-stratified patients with AJCC stage III substage, with increasing significance observed in more advanced stage melanoma. Conclusion Pre-operative ctDNA predicts MSS in high-risk stage III melanoma patients undergoing complete LN dissection, independent of stage III substage. This biomarker may have an important role in determining prognosis and stratifying patients for adjuvant treatment.


An automated method is proposed to segment and quantify the volume of cystoid macular edema (CME) for the abnormal retina with macular hole (MH) in 3D OCT images. The proposed framework consists of three parts: (1) preprocessing, which includes denoising, intraretinal layers segmentation and flattening, MH and vessel silhouettes exclusion; (2) coarse segmentation, in which an AdaBoost classifier is used to get the seeds and constrained regions for Graph Cut; (3) fine segmentation, in which a graph cut algorithm is used to get the refine segmentation result. The proposed method was evaluated in 3D OCT images from 18 typical patients with CMEs and MH. The true positive volume fraction (TPVF), false positive volume fraction (FPVF) and accuracy rate (ACC) for CME volume segmentation are 84.6%, 1.7% and 99.7%, respectively.


The main goal of data-aggregation algorithms in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is to gather and aggregate data in an energy efficient manner so that network lifetime is enhanced. In this article, we focus on QoS-based data-aggregation problems in WSNs. Firstly, we provide a definition of the different QoS parameters for data aggregation, such as energy efficiency, network lifetime, data latency and data quality. Then, we compare the different algorithms on each QoS parameter, describe the main features of each algorithm, and highlight the trade-offs between each parameter. Finally, we conclude with possible future research directions on QoS-based data aggregation in WSNs.


Throughout the estrous cycle the oviduct epithelium undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes. To elucidate cyclic cellular events and associated regulation mechanisms of 17beta estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), we mimicked estrous cycle stages in vitro using a culture system of primary porcine oviduct epithelium cells (POEC). Cells were polarized in an air/liquid interface and then treated with E2 and P4 for physiological time periods: In experiment 1, high concentration of P4 with low concentration of E2 for 10 days resembled diestrus; in experiment 2, following the previous diestrus, sequential high E2 with low P4 for 2.5 days represented estrus. Histomorphometry and electron microscopy showed cyclic changes in cellular height, cell population, and cilia density under the influence of hormone stimulation. Transepithelial electrical resistance was high in simulated diestrus but reduced in estrus. Thus, E2 and P4 affect cellular polarity, transformation of ciliated and secretory cells, as well as electrical conductivity of oviduct epithelium. Simulation of diestrus led to significant decrease in expression of hormone receptors (PGR and ESR1) and other epithelial markers (MUC16, OVGP1, and HSP90B1), while sequential simulated estrus caused an increase in these markers. The hormonal regulation of some marker genes was clearly time-dependent. Furthermore, POEC showed increased sperm-binding capacity in simulated estrus. In this study, we also present a novel approach based on the AndroVision software, which can be routinely utilized as a parameter for ciliary activity, and for the first time, we showed fluid movement patterns along the epithelium lining in vitro. estrous cycle stages, fluid movement pattern, hormonal stimulation, oviduct epithelium, sperm binding


Ten normal young adult females performed maximal and graded exertions of the stoop lift, hand grip, and finger pinch. The levels of graded exertion required were 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The sequence of all conditions were fully randomized. Each of the randomized conditions was tried three times in succession. The entire experiment was carried out on four different days at the same time of the day on Monday, Wednesday, Friday of one week and Friday of the next week. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis with t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression. There were significant differences in the efforts produced in three different activities (p<0.01). The levels of exertion from 20% to 80% were significantly different from each other (p<0.01). However, there were no significant differences between the three trials of any given condition and the exertions produced on four different days. The 80% and 60% of exertions were overestimated and 20% was underestimated compared to the objective values based on MVC (p<0.01). At 40% effort there was no significant difference between the objective level of exertion and subjectively gauged and produced effort. The reliability of perception among the female subjects was similar for finger pinch, hand grip, and stoop lift activities.


Measuring biomechanics of the knee with an acceptable degree of accuracy is difficult. When the in vivo knee joint motion is analyzed in all its six degrees-of-freedom without compromising on physiological loading conditions, the task becomes even more challenging. This thesis offers a brief overview of the development, validation and application of a non-invasive imaging methodology to capture the in vivo biomechanics of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficient knees.

By combining dual fluoroscopy to capture the in vivo joint motion and magnetic resonance imaging to reconstruct the joint anatomy, we obtained a comprehensive insight in both tibiofemoral as well as patellofemoral kinematics and cartilage biomechanics of healthy knees under various loading conditions. These baseline measurements helped us comprehend the alterations in biomechanics seen in knees after injury of either ACL or PCL, which in turn generated clinically useful data for the improvement of our surgical reconstruction techniques.


Edward Gibbon said of the ancient Athenians, "when the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free." America is the longest-lived democracy in the history of the world, but there are signs that our own extraordinary system faces a similar peril. A vibrant civil society, characterized by active citizen participation, is essential to a strong democracy, argues Brian O'Connell, and in his new book he offers a citizen's guide to this concept of civil society -- what it is, how it functions, its limitations and potential, and most importantly, what individuals can do to nurture and support it. It is designed to provide practical understanding and foster action among community and national leaders, including mayors, civic leaders, school boards, public administrators, independent sector leaders, scholars, and teachers. Civil Society explores the idea and the reality of citizen participation, including government's essential responsibility to preserve the freedoms that allow and encourage it. It also traces the contemporary weakening of this tradition as a result of indifference, selfishness, loss of confidence in government, governmental limits on citizen participation, the influence of special interests on elected officials, separation between the haves and have nots, intolerance and incivility. Founding president of INDEPENDENT SECTOR and first chairman of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Brian O'Connell draws on his extensive practical experience of civil society to outline concrete actions that can improve the prospects of an enduring democracy, including: - increasing the role of education in preparing students for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship;- reorienting public administrators towards a greater receptivity of citizen involvement;- expanding research into and conducting regular evaluations of the state of civil society itself;- developing a concerted effort to share and apply what we already know about passing on to future generations the nation's traditions of service and generosity. In Civil Society, Brian O'Connell has created a practical handbook for elected officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens who seek to nurture and expand this crucial dimension of a democratic society.


Herein, a graphene field effect transistor (GFET) was constructed on an optic fiber end face to develop an integrated optical/electrical double read-out biosensor, which was used to detect target single-stranded DNA (tDNA). Two isolated Au electrodes were, respectively, prepared as the drain and source at the ends of an optic fiber and coated with a graphene film to construct a field effect transistor (FET). Probe aptamers modified with fluorophore 6'-carboxy-fluorescein (6'-FAM) were immobilized on the graphene for specific capture of tDNA. Graphene oxide (GO) was introduced to quench 6'-FAM and construct a fluorescence biosensor. Thus, a dual GFET and fluorescence biosensor was integrated on the end-face of an optic fiber. Following synchronous detection by fluorescence and FET methods, results showed satisfactory sensitivity for DNA detection. Compared with conventional biosensors using a single sensing technology, these dual sensing integrated biosensors significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of DNA detection. Furthermore, this proposed technique provides both a new biosensor for single-stranded DNA detection and a strategy for designing multi-sensing integrated biosensors.


The effect of conversion from cyclosporine-steroid immunosuppression to the new agent FK506 was studied in 96 liver allograft recipients who were experiencing graft dysfunction or cyclosporine toxicity. Patients were stratified according to the cause of graft dysfunction that ultimately led to conversion to FK506. Response to FK506 introduction was monitored pathologically and biochemically. The outcome of a switch from CsA to FK506 was highly favorable in patients experiencing acute and the early stages of chronic rejection, despite optimal conventional therapy. Patients with later stages of chronic rejection did not respond to conversion to FK506 and most eventually lost their liver grafts in this process. Patients in whom we had difficulty separating chronic rejection from chronic persistent or low-grade chronic active hepatitis were mostly unaffected by conversion to FK506. Active hepatitis was a poor indication for conversion, because most of the patients experienced graft failure or died from liver failure. As a group, there was no statistically significant change in renal function 180 days after conversion to FK506. These findings expand the experience with FK506 in human liver allograft recipients.


Purpose: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is an important enzyme in the production of nitric oxide (NO). The constitutive type (cNOS) is expressed in the normal physiologic state, and the inducible type (iNOS) in expressed in the active immune state. cNOS is divided into an endothelial type (eNOS) and a neuronal type (nNOS). eNOS affects blood vessels, while nNOS affects nerve fibers. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of eNOS and nNOS in rat bladders with short-term partial outlet obstructions. We presupposed that NO is responsible for prolonged micturition problems after partial outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods: Specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300g were used for the study. Individual bladders were obtained from sham-operated control rats (n=5) and from experimental rats at 12 hours and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after partial urethral obstruction (n=25). eNOS and nNOS were detected using immunochemical staining and analyzed with confocal microscopy and an image analyzer. Results: eNOS and nNOS expression were detected in both the control group and in the group with partial outlet obstruction. The expression of eNOS showed a sharp increase at 3 days after obstruction and returned to normal at 7 days. The expression of nNOS was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: In this study, we showed that eNOS increases in the rat bladder after partial outlet obstruction. This finding suggests that overproduction of NO may be the result of ischemic injury sustained during partial bladder outlet obstruction. (Korean J Urol 2008;49:622-626) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏


The Euler–Poincaré characteristic (EPC) of a polyconvex subset X of Rd can be evaluated by covering the subset with an auxiliary tessellation, measuring its contribution within each cell of the tessellation and adding all contributions. Two different ways are proposed to define the contribution of a cell to the EPC of X. These contributions turn out to be related by duality formulae. Finally, three applications are given: the measurement of the EPC on adjacent fields, the measurement of the EPC on discretized images and the detection of defects in atomic structures.


Group works have become an integral component of modern education system. The focus of this study is to explore the students' perception of group works. Based on a pilot study with 64 students and subsequent study with 274 participants, this research provides a holistic reading on group works from students' perspectives. The study analyses relative preference of students between individual and group assignments, advantages and disadvantages of group works and the strategies followed by the students in the process. The study also explores students' perception of free riding, peer evaluation and practical issues that teachers need to consider in designing group works. Analyses are conducted to capture the differences in perception based on the gender, academic performance and year of study of the participants.