We explore the feasibility of resurrecting the apparent magnitude-redshift relation for a 'standard candle' to measure the cosmological constant and mass density. We show that type Ia supernovae, if measured with 0.15 mag uncertainty out to a redshift of z = 1, may provide a good standard candle or calibrated candle for this purpose. The recent discovery of probable type Ia supernovae in the redshift range z = 0.3 to 0.5 (Perlmutter et al. 1994a, and 1994b) indicates that the flux of optical photons from these events can be measured this accurately. The 7 distant supernovae discovered to date do not by themselves distinguish between different cosmological models, however the further discovery of about 50 type Ia supernovae at redshifts in the range 0.5 < z {approx} 1.0 could strongly constrain the allowed range of these parameters. We estimate that the follow-up photometry necessary for this measurement would be on the order of 20 - 70 hours of time on a lO-meter class telescope at a site with good seeing.


The capture of compact bodies by black holes in galactic nuclei is an important prospective source for low frequency gravitational wave detectors, such as the planned Laser Interferometer Space Antenna. This paper calculates, using a semirelativistic approximation, the total energy and angular momentum lost to gravitational radiation by compact bodies on very high eccentricity orbits passing close to a supermassive, nonspinning black hole; these quantities determine the characteristics of the orbital evolution necessary to estimate the capture rate. The semirelativistic approximation improves upon treatments which use orbits at Newtonian order and quadrupolar radiation emission, and matches well onto accurate Teukolsky simulations for low eccentricity orbits. Formulas are presented for the semirelativistic energy and angular momentum fluxes as a function of general orbital parameters.


ERP projects are complex and involve changing business processes, introduction of information technology and changing the way people do business. Various studies have been undertaken on ERP projects and they conclude that these projects are faced with a number of challenges ~ examples being taking long time to complete, overrunning budget and failing to deliver business objectives. This study was designed to analyse the critical success factors (CFS) that impact the effective implementation of ERP system projects in selected public service sector organisations in Kenya. A descriptive research methodology using questionnaires was used to collect data from selected public sector organisations spread across the various sectors of Kenyan economy. The target population comprised of 163 public sector organisations spread across the economy. The respondents from the selected organisations comprised ERP project team members, project managers, and managers. Also data was also collected from ERP system consultants. The sample size of the selected organisation was fifty six (56). Each selected organisation had three (3) respondents who are directly involved in ERP projects, giving an expected respondents of 168 in the study. 119 responses were received giving a response rate of 71%. Eight (8) key independent variables (CSF) were identified and analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, mode, and standard deviation). SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data and the results presented in tables, bar charts, and pie charts. The results were analysed to establish effects of the eight (8) variables on the success of the ERP projects in terms of three (3) indicators of project success i.e. project outcome, timeliness and budget. The results conclude that most of the ERP projects in public sector organizations are perceived by the respondents as having failed. Majority of the projects achieved a success rate of less than 50%. 92% indicated that their projects were completed behind schedule while 43% indicated that their projects did have a budget overrun. Majority of the respondents disagreed that their projects brought about the organisational benefits which are generally considered to be key outcomes of any ERP project. The other conclusion from the study is that the most critical success factor for ERP implementation is the selection of the supplier. This factor is closely followed by; training program, business process re-engineering and change management in that order. The research recommends that organisations should pay more attention to the selection of suppliers since it is the most high ranking critical success factor. Data classification and migration though important has less impact on the overall success of ERP projects compared to the other seven variables. xii ENyltTTll 11~\Ii"r.D~!TV 'lSRARY· . '.t\ t 11 t"", " ~: 1 ~.., :' '" •• ':. '


The case reported demonstrates multiple complications of a fracture of the pelvis with central displacement of the hip, culminating in a bizarre cutaneo-osteovesical fistula two and one-half years after the original trauma.

Such fistulae following hip fusion produced by internal fixation or following hipnailing for fractures of the femoral neck are singularly rare.

The fistula in this case was demonstrated by injection of the cutaneous ostium but not by cystography.

The treatment of such fistulae should consist in adequate drainage of abscesses, removal of sequestra, establishment of adequate bladder drainage, and control of infection by chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents.


This essay discusses the concept and construction of identity in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and reflects on how the characters are trapped within the norms that exist in the wizarding society. Furthermore, this essay discusses gender roles to suggest that they are a major part of what makes up an identity in the fictional world of the novel. Harry Potter's identity becomes problematic for him as he enters the wizarding world. He has to transform and adapt his identity so that he is able to fit in in the new society. The essay further argues that identity construction is an interesting topic since the novel has become widely popular with a younger audience, a group that often struggles with issues related to identity construction. By analyzing segments where issues related to social norms emerge, the essay makes claims that the characters of the wizarding world are ruled by norms and expectations of how to react, often due to factors that they cannot control, for example gender. The characters also reinforce these roles in order to not lose agency, which is something that the essay argues can happen when an individual does not conform to the roles that they are assigned to.


Continuous carbon and glass fibre reinforced composite materials (thermoplastic or thermoset) are widely recognized as having significant potential for lightweight structures in many industrial sectors. One barrier to the widespread uptake of thermoplastic composites (TPC) structures is the lack of economic, quick and reliable component manufacturing processes that includes joining technologies. Different joining techniques such as resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, vibration welding or induction welding are used, revealing respective advantages and disadvantages.The aim of the European Eurostars project LaWocs ("Laser transmission welding of thermoplastic composite structures") was to develop a novel joining technique for TPC parts based on laser transmission welding (LTW) technology. Laser transmission welding is an industrially established welding technique for unreinforced and short fiber reinforced thermoplastics.Within the framework of the project, this technology was transferred to the specific requirements of long fibre reinforced TPC materials. Demonstrator parts and materials were mainly realized for aerospace applications. This welding method has provided the possibility to join thermoplastic brackets, retainers and pins to larger components made of CFRP without adhesive bonding or riveting. Larger structures were also realized, welded and tested within the project. It emerged very clear that laser transmission welding of TPC offers a highly flexible and automatable process with short cycle times and with reduced manufacturing steps.Continuous carbon and glass fibre reinforced composite materials (thermoplastic or thermoset) are widely recognized as having significant potential for lightweight structures in many industrial sectors. One barrier to the widespread uptake of thermoplastic composites (TPC) structures is the lack of economic, quick and reliable component manufacturing processes that includes joining technologies. Different joining techniques such as resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, vibration welding or induction welding are used, revealing respective advantages and disadvantages.The aim of the European Eurostars project LaWocs ("Laser transmission welding of thermoplastic composite structures") was to develop a novel joining technique for TPC parts based on laser transmission welding (LTW) technology. Laser transmission welding is an industrially established welding technique for unreinforced and short fiber reinforced thermoplastics.Within the framework of the project, this technology was transferred to the specifi...


In situ measurements of
the chemical compositions and mechanical properties of kerogen help understand
the formation, transformation, and utilization of organic matter in the oil
shale at the nanoscale. However, the optical diffraction limit prevents attainment
of nanoscale resolution using conventional spectroscopy and microscopy. Here, we
utilize peak force infrared (PFIR) microscopy for multimodal characterization
of kerogen in oil shale. The PFIR provides correlative infrared imaging, mechanical
mapping, and broadband infrared spectroscopy capability with 6 nm spatial
resolution. We observed nanoscale heterogeneity in the chemical composition,
aromaticity, and maturity of the kerogens from oil shales from Eagle Ford shale
play in Texas. The kerogen aromaticity positively correlates with
the local mechanical moduli of the surrounding inorganic matrix, manifesting
the Le Chatelier's principle. In situ spectro-mechanical characterization of oil
shale will yield valuable insight for geochemical and geomechanical modeling on
the origin and transformation of kerogen in the oil shale.


Despite the sustained enthusiastic interest in fluorescent carbon nanodots (FCNDs), it is still challenging to achieve bright and widely tunable solid-state luminescence. Herein, organogels embedded with FCNDs were simply synthesized via a one-pot pyrolysis method. Subsequently, the excitation of a single ultraviolet (UV) excitation line results in tunable solid-state luminescence ranging from blue to red with quantum yields (QYs) >14%. In this study, N and S elements were co-doped to regulate the aggregation of FCNDs, which consequently modulated the Stokes shift of the photoluminescence (PL) by managing the degree of photon reabsorption. Notably, without compact aggregations, the dispersions of FCNDs in the organogel matrix indeed render bright fluorescence, which results from the suppression of excessive photon reabsorption and nonradiative resonant energy transfer (NRET).


Out of various mode of failure of rocket motor, material failure is the main cause of concern. This may be due to either the micro cracks present in the material or caused during manufacturing process. Ultimate tensile strength and thickness of the material are the parameters responsible for structural failure. The fracture strength of a classical brittle material is inversely proportional to the square root of the crack length. Stress intensity factor of the material when reaches its critical value called critical stress intensity factor, it fails as brittle fracture. It is a material property and the controlling factor to select suitable material for rocket motor. It decreases with the increase of material thickness. A thin plate sample of steel SAE 4130 having a central crack has been considered. The sample is stressed under tensile load in plane stress condition in universal testing machine. On reaching a particular stress, the crack begins to propagate and the same is analysed using Feddersen approach. Crack generated due to circumferential stress developed in the rocket motor tube as result of maximum propellant gas pressure should be less than half the thickness of the material. Under this condition it can be predicted that no structural failure would occur. The paper also suggests the criteria for safe design to withstand the severe conditions through which a rocket motor undergoes. The sample being the actual material certain data has been suitably modified however, keeping the working principle intact.


I introduce a new set of natively probabilistic computing abstractions, including probabilistic generalizations of Boolean circuits, backtracking search and pure Lisp. I show how these tools let one compactly specify probabilistic generative models, generalize and parallelize widely used sampling algorithms like rejection sampling and Markov chain Monte Carlo, and solve difficult Bayesian inference problems. I first introduce Church, a probabilistic programming language for describing probabilistic generative processes that induce distributions, which generalizes Lisp, a language for describing deterministic procedures that induce functions. I highlight the ways randomness meshes with the reflectiveness of Lisp to support the representation of structured, uncertain knowledge, including nonparametric Bayesian models from the current literature, programs for decision making under uncertainty, and programs that learn very simple programs from data. I then introduce systematic stochastic search, a recursive algorithm for exact and approximate sampling that generalizes a popular form of backtracking search to the broader setting of stochastic simulation and recovers widely used particle filters as a special case. I use it to solve probabilistic reasoning problems from statistical physics, causal reasoning and stereo vision. Finally, I introduce stochastic digital circuits that model the probability algebra just as traditional Boolean circuits model the Boolean algebra. I show how these circuits can be used to build massively parallel, fault-tolerant machines for sampling and allow one to efficiently run Markov chain Monte Carlo methods on models with hundreds of thousands of variables in real time. I emphasize the ways in which these ideas fit together into a coherent software and hardware stack for natively probabilistic computing, organized around distributions and samplers rather than deterministic functions. I argue that by building uncertainty and randomness into the foundations of our programming languages and computing machines, we may arrive at ones that are more powerful, flexible and efficient than deterministic designs, and are in better alignment with the needs of computational science, statistics and artificial intelligence. Thesis Supervisor: Joshua B. Tenenbaum Title: Paul E. Newton Career Development Professor


The aim of this study is to show the importance of quality in the economics and social field and to highlight peculiarities, problems and interferences of education quality assurance at universities and colleges within the context of Bologna and Tuning methodology. Methodology: the paper is prepared using scientific, methodical literature and legal acts, documentation comparative analysis and case study methodology. The conclusions are based on the research as well as the experience of consultancy activities when developing quality management systems at Lithuanian universities and colleges. Particular attention is drawn to general and special competences and qualification requirements of bachelor's and master's degree. Quality of studies depends on such factors: management level of the activities of the universities, financing, up to date study programs, professional lecturers, training institutions, international integration of study programs, academic exchange of students and lecturers, evaluation of study quality, quality culture, clear system of motivation and others. These factors have to be assessed through the quality management system of universities or colleges and improvements need to be made. Most education institutions implementing quality management tools and principles confront with such major problems: complication of description of study quality concept and content; multiplicity of study quality indicators and their measurement and assessment delicacy; lack of skills using TQM concept, its principles, ISO 9001, EFQM, CEEMAN, EPAS, CAF management and accreditation models and quality methods; complication resolving university work into interdependent managed processes and process thinking formation; inertia and sometimes even resistance of a part of employees to fundamental changes. There are areas in higher education organizations that need specific attention in order to make impact to root causes instead of showing and tackling final consequences. The action plan needs to be developed by a top management to improve the system of assessment that could highlight relevant areas of improvement of main and supportive processes. Other proposals and insights for improvement of quality of high education were formulated.


Azimuthally dependent shortwave radiance in an atmosphere–ocean system is calculated for different types and concentrations of suspended matter in ocean and atmosphere. The transfer code, the matrix-operator method, is also applied to a rough ocean surface. With emphasis on remote sensing of oceanic constituents conditions for measurements are simulated to estimate the contribution of phytoplankton, sediment, and yellow substances to the ocean-leaving radiance within the 0.415–0.740-μm wavelength interval. The masking of these upward radiances by surface reflection and atmospheric extinction is discussed. In most conditions upward spectral radiance in the nadir direction usually contains the highest proportion of the oceanic underlight, even for an ocean surface roughened by 7-m/sec wind speed at all sun elevations below the mid-latitude noon condition.


Our previous studies have shown that UV-inactivated, non-replicating herpes simplex virus type 1 (UV-HSV-1) triggers early and transient synthesis of IFN-α/β in the mouse regional lymph node when delivered upstream (i.e. in the ear dermis). In this study, it is demonstrated, by use of a quantitative RT–PCR readout assay, that IFN-γ mRNA expression was rapidly and transiently upregulated in draining lymph nodes when UV-HSV-1 was delivered in the ear dermis of C57Bl/6 mice. An increased number of IFN-γ-producing cells was also detected in the lymph node by flow cytometric analysis. Two different subsets of cells, namely DX5+ NK cells and CD3ϵ+ T cells, accounted for this early IFN-γ synthesis. Prompt upregulation of IFN-α and IL-12p40 mRNA was also recorded. We took advantage of IFN-α/β-receptor knockout and wild-type 129 mice to study a potential role of IFN-α/β in the signalling pathway leading to IFN-γ transcription/translation. IFN-γ mRNA upregulation still occurred in IFN-α/β-receptor−/− mice, showing that IFN-α/β was dispensable. The use of IL-12-neutralizing antibodies, prior to UV-HSV-1 delivery, confirmed the major role played by IL-12 in the early/transient IFN-γ burst.


The poor water solubility and bioactivity of lipophilic phytochemicals can be potentially improved by delivery systems. In this study, a low-cost, low-energy, and organic solvent-free encapsulation technology was studied by utilizing the pH-dependent solubility properties of curcumin and self-assembly properties of sodium caseinate (NaCas). Curcumin was deprotonated and dissolved, while NaCas was dissociated at pH 12 and 21 °C for 30 min. The subsequent neutralization enabled the encapsulation of curcumin in self-assembled casein nanoparticles. The degradation of curcumin under encapsulation conditions was negligible based on visible light and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The dissociation of NaCas at pH 12 and reassociation after neutralization were confirmed using dynamic light scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation. The curcumin encapsulated in casein nanoparticles showed significantly improved anti-proliferation activity against human colorectal and pancreatic cancer cells. The studied encapsulation method is promising to utilize lipophilic compounds in food or pharmaceutical industries.


This article discusses the use of observation for reflective practice with older people, particularly the benefits and challenges of this learning tool. It outlines a study with 26 third-year Bachelor of Social Work students who undertook an elective course on reflective practice with older people. Using qualitative document analysis the authors found that while there were a range of challenges in conducting these observations, overall the students identified both personal and professional gains from their experiences. Particularly useful were the identification of ageist practices within the setting and the development of a degree of emotionality, criticality and reflexivity through their experiences.


The gas-solids cyclone separator is industrial equipment that has been widely used. Due to its industrial relevance, a large number of computational studies have been reported in the literature aimed at understanding and predicting the performance of cyclones in terms of pressure and velocity variation. One of the approaches is to simulate the gas-particle flow field in a cyclone by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The cyclone performance parameters are governed by many operational parameters (e.g., the gas flow rate and temperature) and geometrical parameters. This study focuses only on the effect of the geometrical parameters on the flow field pattern and performance of the tangential inlet cyclone separators using, CFD approach. The objective of this study is three-fold. First, to study the optimized stairmand's design by understanding the pressure and velocity variations. Second, to study the performance of a cyclone separator by varying its geometrical parameters. Third, to study the performance of a cyclone separator by varying its flow temperatures. Finally to study the performance of a cyclone separator with collector and compare to that without collector. Four geometrical factors have significant effects on the cyclone performance viz., the inlet width, the inlet height and the cyclone total height. There are strong interactions between the effect of inlet dimensions and the vortex finder diameter on the cyclone performance. In this study, inlet geometry, conetip diameter, cone height is taken for analysis. The modeling of the cyclonic flow by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has been reported. The effect of the cone tip-diameter, cone height and inlet geometry in the flow field and performance of cyclone separators was investigated because of the discrepancies and uncertainties in the literature about its influence. The flow field pattern has been simulated and analyzed with the aid of velocity components and static pressure contour plots. The CFD model was used to predict the pressure and velocity variations of cyclone geometries based on Stairmand's high efficiency design.


The quantum-mechanical orbitals in carbon nanotube quantum dots are doubly degenerate over a large number of states. We argue that this experimental observation indicates that electrons are reflected without mode mixing at the nanotube-metal contacts. Two electrons occupying a pair of degenerate orbitals (``shell'') are found to form a triplet state starting from zero magnetic field. Finally, we observe unexpected low-energy excitations at complete filling of a four-electron shell.


Service-oriented design (SOD) is a software development paradigm that utilizes services as fundamental elements for developing applications/solutions. Recently, service orientation is becoming a mainstream approach for building large scale software systems. However, current software models do not take services as fundamental elements and it is very difficult for people to model from services. We consider that contract equipped reactive component model is well suited for addressing various aspects of service oriented systems including service description, delegation, as well as composition. To demonstrate this idea, a case study: e-commerce application is presented in this paper. We start from analyzing the service that the customers need, then assign the service to the interface, which in turn, delegates the service to the component. A Java-like formal language rCOS is used to describe the models. In our model, interface is used to capture the syntax information and contract is applied to capture the semantics information of the service. Component is obtained by refining the contract to designs


Academic) Large carnivores play many vital biological, economic, and conservation roles, however, their biological traits (low population densities, cryptic behavior) make them difficult to monitor. Pumas have been particularly difficult to study because the lack of distinctive markings on their coats prevents individual identification, precluding mark-recapture and other similar analyses. Further, compared to temperate areas, research on the interspecific interactions of Central American felids is particularly lacking. I used singleand multi-season, single-species occupancy models and two-species co-occurrence models to analyze camera trapping and habitat data collected at eight study sites across Belize. Puma occupancy was positively influenced by jaguar trap success, understory density, canopy cover, and human trap success, and negatively influenced by stream density. Jaguar trap success was the best predictor of where pumas occurred, while prey species were not found to influence puma occupancy. Mean occupancy was 0.740 (0.013) and ranged from 0.587 (0.042) to 0.924 (0.030). Over time, puma occupancy rates were generally high (> 0.90) and stable. Puma occupancy was higher in logged areas, suggesting that current levels of natural resource extraction at those sites were not detrimental to the species. Co-occurrence modeling showed little evidence for interactions between the carnivores, suggesting that jaguars may be acting as an umbrella species and that conservation efforts directed at jaguars are likely to benefit the other carnivores, including pumas. Overall, these findings are positive for puma conservation, but human-induced land use change is expanding and further monitoring will give us insight into how pumas respond to human encroachment. The influence of habitat features and co-occurring species on puma (Puma concolor) occupancy across eight sites in Belize, Central America


Adaptive antenna array processing employing a constrained least mean square algorithm requires an unbiased estimate of the gradient of the output power with respect to the array weights. There are a number of schemes for obtaining an unbiased estimate of this gradient. As the covariance of the estimated gradient with each method is different, the transient and the steady state behaviour of the algorithm is different in each case. In this paper the transient and the steady state behaviour of the weight covariance matrix is analysed and the exact expressions for the misadjustment are derived when the required gradient is estimated using perturbation sequences. The necessary and the sufficient condition for the diagonalization of the weight covariance matrix is derived.


The issue of human error, inaccurate and time-consuming of manual attendance system gradually magnified the inefficiency and obsolescence of the system. An automatic attendance management system with face detection will increase the efficiency, accuracy, and security of a system in attendance taking task. Real-Time Face Detection Attendance Management System is concerned in finding human faces through real-time with the attendance taken and saved as reference for future. Face detection system is implemented by using Haar Cascades Classifiers for the object detection. Attendance system is managed with a database management system called MySQL using SQL programming language. Real-Time Face Detection Attendance Management System able to detect front face and manage the attendance in real-time. A text box will display for the attendee to enter their name for the purpose of attendance taken when face is detected. The attendance list and image collection in the database will auto increment and update in MySQL. The accuracy of Real-Time Face Detection Attendance Management System is shown with the comparison between different front face condition in different illumination condition. The result is tested with 4 sets of the attendee's face in different illumination and different front face condition. 94.44% accuracy of the face detection system is shown from the result taken by the system. The image acquisition for every attendee is collected and saved in the right folder. The attendance is taken with the attendee's name, date and time in attendance database and image is save into face database. Some technology such as anti-spoofing measures, mask detection and deep learning concept are recommended to be added into the system for future improvement.


OBJECTIVE--To determine the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy of coronary arteriography in the radiology department of a district general hospital using conventional fluoroscopy and videotape recording. DESIGN--Observational study of the feasibility and safety of coronary arteriography in a district general hospital and analysis of its diagnostic accuracy by prospective within patient comparison of the video recordings with cinearteriograms obtained in a catheter laboratory. SETTING--Radiology department of a district general hospital and the catheter laboratory of a cardiological referral centre. SUBJECTS--50 Patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase who underwent coronary arteriography in a district general hospital three (two to five) days after admission. 45 Of these patients had repeat coronary arteriography after four (three to seven) days in the catheter laboratory of a cardiological referral centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Incidence of complications associated with catheterisation and the sensitivity and specificity of video recordings in the district general hospital (judged by two experienced observers) for identifying the location and severity of coronary stenoses. RESULTS--Coronary arteriograms recorded on videotape in the district general hospital were obtained in 47 cases and apart from one episode of ventricular fibrilation (treated successfully by cardioversion) there were no complications of the procedure. 45 Patients were transferred for investigation in the catheter laboratory, providing 45 paired coronary arteriograms recorded on videotape and cine film. The specificity of the video recordings for identifying the location and severity of coronary stenoses was over 90%. Sensitivity, however, was lower and for one observer fell below 40% for lesions in the circumflex artery. A cardiothoracic surgeon judged that only nine of the 47 video recordings were adequate for assessing revascularisation requirements. CONCLUSIONS--Coronary arteriography in the radiology department of a district general hospital is safe and feasible. Nevertheless, the quality of image with conventional fluoroscopy and video film is inadequate and will need to be improved before coronary arteriography in this setting can be recommended.


In this article, we consider the problem of crawling a multiplex network to identify the community structure of a layer-of-interest. A multiplex network is one where there are multiple types of relationships between the nodes. In many multiplex networks, some layers might be easier to explore (in terms of time, money etc.). We propose MCS+, an algorithm that can use the information from the easier to explore layers to help in the exploration of a layer-of-interest that is expensive to explore. We consider the goal of exploration to be generating a sample that is representative of the communities in the complete layer-of-interest. This work has practical applications in areas such as exploration of dark (e.g., criminal) networks, online social networks, biological networks, and so on. For example, in a terrorist network, relationships such as phone records, e-mail records, and so on are easier to collect; in contrast, data on the face-to-face communications are much harder to collect, but also potentially more valuable. We perform extensive experimental evaluations on real-world networks, and we observe that MCS+ consistently outperforms the best baseline—the similarity of the sample that MCS+ generates to the real network is up to three times that of the best baseline in some networks. We also perform theoretical and experimental evaluations on the scalability of MCS+ to network properties, and find that it scales well with the budget, number of layers in the multiplex network, and the average degree in the original network.


Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, representing enormous healthcare-cost and morbidity burdens. Though cranberries have long been used to prevent recurrent UTI (r-UTI), extant evidence is inconsistent. Potentials reasons for inconsistency include using different cranberry preparations (juice versus tablet/capsule), heterogenous populations, and outcome definition. Importantly, juice hardly a feasible long-term therapeutic option and there are no meta-analyses specifically examining tablet/capsule form of cranberry. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to address these inconsistencies.

Methods: MEDLINE was systematically searched for, i) placebo-controlled clinical trials, ii) restricted to adults, iii) exclusively investigating cranberry extract in tablet/capsule form to prevent r-UTI, and iv) clearly reporting incidence of any of the three outcomes (detailed subsequently) in treatment and placebo groups. Three outcome measures, i.e culture-confirmed UTI, asymptomatic pyuria/bacteriuria, and symptomatic UTI were meta-analyzed separately.

Results: 15 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Ten trials reported culture-confirmed UTI, seven reported asymptomatic pyuria/bacteriuria, and 5 trials reported symptomatic but not culture-confirmed UTI as primary outcome, yielding twelve (n=2391 subjects), ten (n=2565 urine cultures), and seven (n=1325 subjects) independent cohorts, respectively. Meta-analysis revealed a 30% reduced risk of culture-confirmed UTI (pooled RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54, 0.91; I2=59%), 23% reduction in asymptomatic bacteriuria/pyuria (pooled RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69, 0.86, I2=75%), and 14% reduction in symptomatic UTI (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.98; I2=48%). Excluding low-risk patients and those with neurogenic bladder having indwelling/intermittent catheterization reduced heterogeneity among culture-confirmed UTI trials revealing baseline risk profile of patients is a significant factor contributing to heterogeneity in extant literature. Funnel plot analysis did not reveal significant publication bias.

Discussion: Cranberry extract in capsule/tablet form reduces risk of r-UTI in those with a history of r-UTI, but not in those without such history, or those using indwelling or intermittent catheterization. Major limitation of available data was significant heterogeneity, though without evidence of publication bias.


aged 3! years and had been admitted to hospital for bronchitis on a number of occasions. When he was in hospital with his bronchitis, he would always have very high temperatures. He was referred to a Sydney children's hospital for an investigation of these high temperatures and nothing was found. He was referred to me for allergy investigation for his wheezing. On routine allergy testing, I found that he showed a 3+ response to egg white. It transpired that, in the time he was in hospital, he was always given eggs to eat in the form of scrambled eggs. On the days that he did not have eggs in his diet, his temperature did not rise. I suggested that some provocative trials be undertaken with eggs. This was done, with resultant pyrexia after the ingestion of eggs. I have seen this patient over three or four years, and his egg allergy has gradually diminished. He is now able to eat half an egg without any problem. The other case was a lad of eight years of age, who always refused to eat eggs. The eating of eggs was forced upon him by his father, after which he immediately vomited. This was put down to stubbornness on the child's part. Further egg was given to the boy with a result of further vomiting. Some months later, he was referred to me for allergy assessment. I found him to show a 3+ response to egg white on routine testing. When I asked the mother about this, the previous history of vomiting after eating eggs was remembered. This child, too, was subsequently challenged with eggs with resultant vomiting afterwards. I bring these two cases forward as I feel that egg white shows a typical type I hypersensitivity and its effect may present in clinical medicine in different ways. It is one food that should be included in a routine allergy workup with skin tests. BMA House, P. M. MULVEY. 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000.


Control theory, an interdisciplinary concept dealing with the behavior of dynamical systems, is an important but often overlooked aspect of physics. This book is the first broad and complete treatment of the topic tailored for physicists, one that goes from the basics right through to the most recent advances. Simple examples develop a deep understanding and intuition for the systematic principles of control theory, beyond the recipes given in standard engineering-focused texts. Up-to-date coverage of control of networks and complex systems and a thorough discussion of the fundamental limits of control, including the limitations placed by causality, information theory, and thermodynamics, are included. In addition, this text explores important recent advances in stochastic thermodynamics on the thermodynamic costs of information processing and control. For all students of physics interested in control theory, this classroom-tested, comprehensive approach to the topic with online solutions and further materials delivers both fundamental principles and current developments.


We read with interest the case report ''Malpositioned Pacemaker Lead Presenting as a Peculiar 12-Lead ECG'' by Amit et al in the last volume of the Journal. Right ventricular pacing with right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology in precordial leads V1–V2 remains a surrogate marker for inadvertent left ventricular (LV) pacing since the early days of permanent pacemakers. Amit et al indicated in their discussion that the latter could happen in biventricular pacing or in cases of LV perforation. In addition, the right ventricular (RV) lead could inadvertently be implanted in the left ventricle through a patent foramen ovale, atrial or ventricular septal defect, or unintentionally in the coronary sinus, like their example. Therefore, obtaining a fluoroscopic view in the left anterior oblique projection is deemed invaluable to discern the appropriate RV lead placement. Nevertheless, uncommon exceptions to this phenomenon could exist when a true apical RV pacing could still give rise to a paradoxical RBBB morphology. Friedberg proposed that RBBB morphology with a maximal QRS vector orientation to the left may still indicate safe RV pacing; however, a red flag should be raised whenever a right inferior orientation of the axis is seen. Coman and Trohman have elaborated more on the degree of frontal axis plane deviation. They reported 86% sensitivity and 99% specificity for uncomplicated RV apical pacing if the frontal axis plane is between 0 and 290u and precordial transition is at V3. On the other hand, a transition at V4 might indicate a middle cardiac vein pacing with 72% sensitivity and 100% specificity. When a frontal plane axis occurs between 290u and 2180u) the possibility of LV pacing is likely. Amit et al present a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) that demonstrates late V5 transition and a frontal plane axis between 290u and 2180u in the presence of RBBB morphology. The axis deviation in this case, however, met the discussed criteria above for unintentional LV pacing. Figure 1a,b shows examples of RBBB morphology in leads V1–V2 during true apical RV pacing with leftward frontal axis plane between 245 and 290u. Both cases demonstrated matching axis deviation degree consistent of safe apical RV pacing. However, in Figure 1c we present another example of RBBB morphology with a frontal axis plane between 290u and 2180u. Although the frontal axis plane indicates possible LV pacing in comparison to the presented example by Amit et al, imaging work-up proved the opposite. In this instance, the above-discussed criteria were not of considerable help to make a good discretion. In this case, leads placement up or below the parallel plane of the wavefront vector would enable to mask or unmask left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology during true apical RV pacing. Klein et al suggested this maneuver by displacing V1–V2 precordial chest leads down to the fifth or sixth intercostal space (ICS) to unmask LBBB morphology. While Figure 1c shows a case of rightward axis consistent with LV pacing, full inscription into LBBB morphology during fifth and sixth ICS recording of leads V1–V2 suggested true apical RV pacing instead. A confirmatory test for apical RV lead implantation has been obtained by a chest X-ray. As demonstrated in all three figures, LBBB morphology in leads V1–V2 was evident when were displaced down to fifth and sixth ICS. This maneuver outcome supports the idea that cardiac disorientation has a direct influence on the electrical inscription of the paced QRS. The authors report no conflicts of interest for the published content. Manuscript received July 3, 2013, final version accepted July 12, 2013. Address correspondence to: Dr Mohammed Almehairi, MD, Fellow of Cardiac, Electrophysiology and Pacing, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Kingston General Hospital K7L 2V7, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada. E-mail: email@example.com The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management, 4 (2013), 1303–1304


Digital musical instruments bring new possibilities for musical performance. They are also more complex for the audience to understand, due to the diversity of their components and the magical aspect of the musicians' actions when compared to acoustic instruments. This complexity results in a loss of liveness and possibly a poor experience for the audience. Our approach, called Rouages, is based on a mixed-reality display system and a 3D visualization application. Rouages reveals the mechanisms of digital musical instruments by amplifying musicians' gestures with virtual extensions of the sensors, by representing the sound compo- nents with 3D shapes and specific behaviors and by showing the impact of musicians' gestures on these components. In its current implementation, it focuses on MIDI controllers as input devices. We believe that Rouages opens up new perspectives for instrument makers and musicians to improve audience experience with their digital musical instruments.


Many universities do not have prerequisites for the introductory computer visual programming course. Therefore, faculty and students do not have any means of predicting the student's performance in this course. This research addresses this issue. Past research and accepted theory are presented to show the cognitive requirements for success in a first procedural programming course to be similar to those required for success in a mathematics course. Such research is lacking for visual programming. This research shows similar correlations between math courses and visual programming courses. Significant positive correlations were found between grades from Freshmen mathematics courses, ACT math scores, SAT math scores and grades from a Sophomore introductory visual programming course. This indicates that students who perform well in Freshman level Math courses, possess the cognitive characteristics required to perform equally well in Sophomore level visual programming classes. We can predict that students who perform well in math courses will perform equally well in a visual programming course.


[reaction: see text] We have developed an efficient method for the preparation of medium- and large-sized nitrogen heterocycles via copper-catalyzed intramolecular N-arylation of phosphoramidates and carbamates. Introduction of the phosphoryl group or tert-butoxycarbonyl at N-termini can improve intramolecular cyclization under copper catalysis, and the phosphoryl and tert-butoxycarbonyl can easily be removed under the mild conditions; thus, the convenient and efficient method is suitable for the preparation of medium- and large-sized nitrogen heterocycles.


Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (mAspAT) (E.C. 184.108.40.206), an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism, is identical to a fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm) isolated from plasma membranes of several cell types. Employing a monospecific polyclonal antibody to rat mAspAT, we have used immunogold electron microscopy to study the subcellular distribution of mAspAT in various mammalian tissues. Immunogold labeling of rat tissue sections embedded in LR Gold resin showed strong labeling of mitochondria in all tissues examined (viz. liver, pancreas, pituitary, spleen, heart, kidney, submandibular gland). In addition, strong and specific labeling was also observed at a number of non-mitochondrial sites including various locations in kidney, such as on cell surface in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts, in condensing vacuoles, along cell boundaries between adjoining cells, and in endothelial cells lining capillaries in the glomerulus. Surface labeling due to mAspAT was also seen in arteriolar endothelial cells and in lymphocytes. These findings support the previous identification of mAspAT as both a mitochondrial enzyme and a plasma membrane protein. It is suggested that in accordance with its established role in other cells and tissues, the surface-located mAspAT in kidney and endothelial cells is involved in the fatty acid transport process. The dual-localization of mAspAT, as well as a large number of other mitochondrial proteins (viz. Hsp60, Hsp10, Cytochrome c, TRAP-1 and P32 (gC1q-R)) in recent studies, within both mitochondria and at various specific extramitochondrial sites raises fundamental questions about the role of mitochondria in cell structure and function, and about the mechanisms that exist in normal cells for protein translocation from mitochondria to other compartments. These results have implications for the role of mitochondria in apoptosis and different diseases.


Due to the lack of operator knowledge and the deployment of new technology in future large offshore wind farms, significant uncertainty exists in the field of offshore wind farm operation and maintenance (O&M). In order to investigate this uncertainty as well as explore the feasibility of novel O&M strategies, simulation is required. This paper outlines a new modelling approach which allows identification of the key costs and operational parameters of O&M in order to quantify the sensitivity of overall O&M costs to variations of these parameters. In addition, several key areas requiring greater understanding are identified and two case studies demonstrating how the developed model can provide new insights into these areas are presented. This paper applies an auto-regressive (AR) climate modelling approach to concurrently simulate representative wind and wave time series coupled with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) based failure simulation. Both these simulation approaches are well established in the field of reliability modelling however, this work represents the first time that both wind and wave climate simulations have been coupled and applied to offshore wind O&M. The AR climate modelling approach allows a synthetic time series to be rapidly produced based on site data. The hourly short term correlations as well as medium term access windows of up to several days required for maintenance operations are captured while preserving the overall observed distribution. The seasonality observed in wind speed and wave heights is also incorporated. Failures are simulated based on failure rates available in the public domain and associated time to repair is based on the simulated weather climate. This time series based approach allows constraints on access vehicle capabilities, type and availability to be applied and the influence on wind farm availability and O&M costs examined. Lost earnings associated with downtime are also captured using the simulated wind speed time series. An initial study, examining the influence of reliability and time to repair of key components on overall availability and costs is presented for different sized turbines demonstrating how the benefits of reduced maintenance action is affected by turbine size. A further study, exploring the degree to which overall O&M costs are influenced by variation in vessel hire costs is also shown, demonstrating the capability of the modelling approach. Finally, various potential novel areas for investigation are identified for future work highlighting the benefit of the modelling approach.


Background The present study will focus on the rationale for the use of small tidal volume with 6 cmH2O positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) with the changes of arterial oxygen tension, plateau airway pressure, and static lung compliance during one lung ventilation for endoscopic thoracic surgery. Methods Forty-three patients were intubated with a double-lumen endobronchial tube. After positioning the patients in the lateral decubitus, one-lung ventilation was started with 100% oxygen, tidal volume 10 ml/kg without PEEP; arterial oxygen tension, plateau airway pressure, and static compliance were checked as baseline values (T0). Fifteen minutes later, same parameters were measured (T15). The tidal volume had changed to 6 ml/kg with 6 cmH2O PEEP. Fifteen minutes later, the same parameters were measured (T30). Results Oxygen tension had decreased at T15 (282.1 ± 83.4 mmHg) compared to T0 (477.2 ± 82.4 mmHg) (P < 0.0001), but was maintained at T30 (270.4 ± 81.9 mmHg). There was no difference in peak inspiratory pressure at T15 or T30 compared to T0, plateau airway pressure was increased at T15 and T30 (P < 0.05) and static lung compliance was decreased at T15 and T30 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions In carrying out one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery using an endoscope, the addition of a PEEP of 6 cmH2O in the dependent lung, while reducing the tidal volume of 6 ml/kg, both oxygen tension and lung compliance are maintained without increasing the plateau airway pressure. Protective lung ventilation is useful for one lung ventilation.


Sensor systems to measure pressure at the stump–socket interface of transfemoral amputees are receiving increasing attention as they allow monitoring to evaluate patient comfort and socket fit. However, transfemoral amputees have many unique characteristics, and it is unclear whether existing research on sensor systems take these sufficiently into account or if it is conducted in ways likely to lead to substantial breakthroughs. This investigation addresses these concerns through a scoping review to profile research regarding sensors in transfemoral sockets with the aim of advancing and improving prosthetic socket design, comfort and fit for transfemoral amputees. Publications found from searching four scientific databases were screened, and 17 papers were found relating to the aim of this review. After quality assessment, 12 articles were finally selected for analysis. Three main contributions are provided: a de facto methodology for experimental studies on the implications of intra-socket pressure sensor use for transfemoral amputees; the suggestion that associated sensor design breakthroughs would be more likely if pressure sensors were developed in close combination with other types of sensors and in closer cooperation with those in possession of an in-depth domain knowledge in prosthetics; and that this research would be facilitated by increased interdisciplinary cooperation and open research data generation.


Crop improvement depends on genetic variation within a population. This variation based on mutations in the ge- nome's DNA occurring during evolution. The genetic variation can be increased by random mutation of the DNA, by mutagenic chemicals or radiation physical treatment. Such artificial mutagenesis (EMS/radiation) have been widely used in conventional plant breeding for decades as deregulated food products. In contrast to random mutations, genome editing technologies allow specific changes in a DNA target gene. In genome editing exogenous nucleases break the DNA within the nucleotide sequence target site and an endogenous DNA repair mechanism ligates the DNA ends by nonhomologous end joining leading to nucleotide changes at the break site (gene knockout). In the last decade different nucleases (ZPN, TALEN and meganucleases) has been used with very limited success. Recently, a new biotechnology system called the CRISPR/Cas9 has been developed for genome editing. The technology based on deciphering of a bacterial immune system in which RNA transcribed from clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) of bacte- rial genomes associated with nucleases to cut bacteriophage DNA and prevent virus infection. In current practice the DNA genome of different organisms is targeted by the Cas9 nuclease from Streptococcus pyogenes , in association with a synthetic guide RNA, that induces sequence-specific genomic DNA double-strand breaks. This technological revolution is highly efficient, simple and allows DNA editing in all organisms tested to date. The technology has been demonstrated in dicotyledonous and moncotyledonous whole plants and protoplasts. Additionally, genome editing can occur without a transgene remaining in the plant, so that edited plants are equivalent to non-transgenic mutants. Thus, the CRISPR-Cas9 is a promising technology that can modify genes without rendering corresponding plants as classical Genetic Modified Organism (GMO), paving the way to its implementation in agricultural biotechnology. We have utilized this technology to develop novel crops with improved stress-resistance. These include climate-tolerant tomato and virus-resistant cucumber cultivars. We believe that this novel technology has the potential for expediting development of disease resistance in many crops without the need for extensive backcrossing and genetic manipulation with wild sources of resistance.


A 20-month-old boy was admitted to the paediatric ward after presenting to casualty with a large burn on the right pectoral area (figure). He was the product of a normal pregnancy and there was no history of note except a head injury sustained at 15 months. There was no history of allergy. He came from an unstable family background, the mother being unmarried and cohabiting with a man who was not his father. In the early hours of the morning of admission he had woken screaming, having previously been well. Six hours later a general practitioner had been called to see the child but had found no reason for his behaviour. During the subsequent 10 hours an area of erythema 14 x 8 cm, including a central area of blistering with bullae formation, developed on the right chest wall. He presented in the accident and emergency department and was admitted. Because no explanation was forthcoming possible non-accidental injury was diagnosed and a case conference called. Investigation by the police and social services concluded the lesion to be accidental in origin. Exhaustive inquiry established that shampoo containing cetrimide 12 °, had been spilled on to the child's chest, while he was unattended, on the eve of admission. A control experiment was performed, with the mother's consent, and a small quantity of cetrimide (12 % solution) was applied to the left chest. This produced a lesion identical with the first. Both lesions were treated with silver sulphadiazine ointment, 'N' for Burns, and non-adhesive dressings. He made good cosmetic recovery.


This paper introduces two R packages available on the Comprehensive R Archive network. The main application concerns the study of computer code output. Package DiceDesign is dedicated to numerical design of experiments, from the construction to the study of the design properties. Package DiceEval deals with the fit, the validation and the comparison of metamodels. After a brief presentation of the context, we focus on the architecture of these two packages. A two-dimensional test function will be a running example to illustrate the main functionalities of these packages and an industrial case study in five dimensions will also be detailed.


This work presents a simultaneous approach to the solution of the receding horizon, open-loop optimal model predictive control law for nonlinear systems using first-order Lagrangian methods. The nonlinear model considered is a general form of the initial value advective-diffusion parabolic partial differential equation. Others forms may be considered in a similar manner. The Lagrangian is formed from the discretized objective function, model and constraint equations. A finite volume approach is used to discretize the partial differential model equations. Inequality constraints on the model states and control inputs are handled with an active set method. The nonlinear equations resulting from the first order necessary conditions are then solved directly using a Newton-Krylov technique.


A novel unsymmetrical bistable mechanism with a parallel beam and three magnets arranged in the three-dimensional space is proposed, and the combined effect of the magnetic force and the mechanical force on the bistability of such a structure is analyzed based on the magnetic-charge model and the material mechanics theory. By employing the nonlinear combined force during the snap-through procedure to enhance the contact force, a novel fast response threshold acceleration switch with low contact resistance is designed and fabricated, which consists mainly of an inertial mass supported by two parallel elastic beams, one metal contact point, and three permanent magnets with one imbedded in the inertial mass and the other two fixed in the case along the vertical direction. The dynamic design model subjected to different shock pulses is proposed to optimize the design process, and the effect of the pulse shapes on the switch's sensing threshold and response time is investigated, and the simulation results show that the acceleration switch is closed in less than 9.0 ms after being triggered by the rectangular shock pulse of amplitude of 50.0 g, and also, the contact force is greater than 0.5 N, which can reduce the contact resistance to an acceptable value and guarantee the contact reliability. According to the working principle of the acceleration switch, a series of test benches are established to test the static and dynamic performance of the switch. The contact resistance is less than 1.9 ¿ with a minimum resistance only 0.5 ¿. The average threshold acceleration of the switch sample is 51.4 g with only 2.8% deviation from the design value of 50.0 g. Both the dynamic simulation results and experiments validate the feasibility of introducing permanent magnetic actuated bistable structures in designing the threshold acceleration switch.


Quantum annealing is a specialized type of quantum computation that aims to use quantum fluctuations in order to obtain global minimum solutions of combinatorial optimization problems. Programmable D-Wave quantum annealers are available as cloud computing resources, which allow users low-level access to quantum annealing control features. In this article, we are interested in improving the quality of the solutions returned by a quantum annealer by encoding an initial state into the annealing process. We explore two D-Wave features that allow one to encode such an initial state: the reverse annealing (RA) and the h-gain (HG) features. RA aims to refine a known solution following an anneal path starting with a classical state representing a good solution, going backward to a point where a transverse field is present, and then finishing the annealing process with a forward anneal. The HG feature allows one to put a time-dependent weighting scheme on linear ($h$) biases of the Hamiltonian, and we demonstrate that this feature likewise can be used to bias the annealing to start from an initial state. We also consider a hybrid method consisting of a backward phase resembling RA and a forward phase using the HG initial state encoding. Importantly, we investigate the idea of iteratively applying RA and HG to a problem, with the goal of monotonically improving on an initial state that is not optimal. The HG encoding technique is evaluated on a variety of input problems including the edge-weighted maximum cut problem and the vertex-weighted maximum clique problem, demonstrating that the HG technique is a viable alternative to RA for some problems. We also investigate how the iterative procedures perform for both RA and HG initial state encodings on random whole-chip spin glasses with the native hardware connectivity of the D-Wave Chimera and Pegasus chips.


Variance-stabilizing transformation (VST) for the sample coefficient of variation is often used as a normalizing transformation and may be used for inference on the population coefficient of variation. However, for small samples, the VST may not be symmetric and hence there is a scope of improvement in its performance by seeking a symmetrizing transformation. This article investigates such a transformation that has been obtained by solving a differential equation. The solution may be complex; hence, a numerical strategy is employed in order to make the approximation practically useful. This transformation has been compared with explicitly available VST. The approach has been illustrated on real data from an agricultural experiment concentrating on inference on single samples; however, the method may be generally applicable to multiple samples when testing the homogeneity of coefficients of variation for many populations by following usual normal-theory-based methods applied on transformed statistics.


North Sea herring (Clupea harengus) are managed as a single stock, but maintaining a diversity of spawning components is considered important. However, the total catch from each of these components cannot be estimated easily because the components mix during the summer feeding season. The spawning origin of herring is determined from patterns in the microstructure of the otolith core, from samples taken in the central and northern North Sea during summer of 2004–2007. The annual catch composition of Dutch vessels is determined within a statistical framework that takes account of the spatial patterns in mixing of spawning components and the classification success of the method. Mixing of components varied between years, with steep latitudinal gradients in compositions in some years, resulting in pronounced between-year differences in estimated catch compositions. Differences in lengths-at-age between spawning components, in particular of the 2000 year class, may have caused the observed between-year changes in mixing of components. Our results indicate that estimates of compositions change when assumptions of perfect spatial mixing and perfect classification are relaxed, and can be uncertain in particular as a result of misclassifications, and that it may not be appropriate to assume that ratios between components are constant through time


Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus's growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. It is of interest to investigate whether and how specific pregnancy conditions, which alter fatty acid metabolism (excessive pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG)), affect lipid supply to the foetus. For this purpose, we evaluated the erythrocyte FAs of mothers and offspring (cord-blood) at birth, in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. A total of 435 mothers and their offspring (237 males, 51%) were included in the study. Distribution of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), and their metabolites, arachidonic acid, dihomogamma linoleic (DGLA) and ecosapentanoic acid, was significantly different in maternal and foetal erythrocytes. Pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with maternal percentage of MUFAs (Coeff: −0.112; p = 0.021), LA (Coeff: −0.033; p = 0.044) and DHA (Coeff. = 0.055; p = 0.0016); inadequate GWG with DPA (Coeff: 0.637; p = 0.001); excessive GWG with docosaexahenoic acid (DHA) (Coeff. = −0.714; p = 0.004). Moreover, pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with foetus percentage of PUFAs (Coeff: −0.172; p = 0.009), omega 6 (Coeff: −0.098; p = 0.015) and DHA (Coeff: −0.0285; p = 0.036), even after adjusting for maternal lipids. Our findings show that maternal GWG affects maternal but not foetal lipid profile, differently from pre-pregnancy BMI, which influences both.


The Sonju Lake intrusion, part of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift-related Beaver Bay Complex, is a 1,200-m-thick, strongly differentiated, layered sequence of mafic cumulates located in northeastern Minnesota. Basal melatroctolite and dunite layers are overlain by troctolite, gabbro, Fe-Ti oxide-rich gabbro, apatite diorite, and monzodiorite. Stratigraphic intervals rich in Pt + Pd, Cu, and S occur over ~500 m in the Fe-Ti oxide-rich gabbro and apatite diorite units. Peak concentrations show offsets that are similar to those found in other tholeiitic layered intrusions. Concentrations of Pd in excess of 100 ppb are confined to the lowermost 25 m of the interval. Copper shows a sharp increase to 630 ppm above the Pd-rich interval. Sulfur contents are low (<375 ppm) in the Cu-rich interval, but they increase to values as high as 3,150 ppm above in the apatite diorite.

Disseminated sulfides in the intrusion have δ 34S values that range from –2.2 to 3 per mil Vienna-Canyon Diablo Troilite (V-CDT) and suggest that contamination by country rock sulfur was not an important process in the formation of the metal-rich interval. δ 18O values of plagioclase from the intrusion range from 5.6 to 12.0 per mil (V-SMOW) and indicate that a relatively low-18O fluid ( δ 18O ~3–5 ‰) interacted with the rocks of the intrusion at temperatures less than ~275°C. Clinopyroxene and Fe-Ti oxides (ilmenite with minor amounts of titanomagnetite) show much more restricted ranges in δ 18O values (4.6–5.7 and 5.5–6.7 per mil, respectively) and attest to the kinetic control of the oxygen isotope exchange process. The externally derived fluid that interacted with rocks now enriched in platinum group elements (PGE) + Cu- and Fe-sulfide minerals locally liberated sulfur and replaced chalcopyrite and pyrite with goethite. In the Cu-rich zone, goethite that replaces chalcopyrite may contain up to 8.5 weight percent Cu. It is evident that hydrothermal alteration resulted in a decoupling of copper and sulfur, with sulfur being transferred out of the Cu-rich interval.

Interaction between rocks in the PGE-Cu-S interval of the Sonju Lake intrusion and an externally derived fluid at low temperatures modified what appears to have been a primary stratigraphic metal-sulfur zonation. The effects of hydrothermal alteration on PGE and base-metal sulfide mobility and redistribution must be understood before models of primary zonation processes can be meaningfully applied.


ABSTRACT Fifty-eight samples of lake sediments from seventeen profiles distributed among twelve playa lakes located in northeastern California, southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada were analyzed. The samples were treated with distilled water to find the amount of watersoluble salts; with cold hydrochloric acid (1-1) to determine the amount of acid-soluble matter; and were subjected to elutriation to determine the amounts of sand-silt and silt-clay materials. The water-soluble salts are always of low content (as much as 10 per cent, but rarely over 5 per cent); the acid-soluble matter is variable in amount (20-74 per cent), rarely dropping below 20 per cent; and the sand-silt and silt-clay fractions show great variation from almost pure sands to clays with scarcely any sand in them. Some of the clays are laminated, but the laminations do not appear to represent varves. Crust materials commonly observed on dry lake beds were not found in the sediments.


In this paper, we analyse the relationship between slavery and the construction of political citizenship during the revolution of Rio de la Plata (1810-1820), based on the symbolic figure of the freedman (liberto). Therefore, we test the following hypothesis: revolutionary citizenship created a form of freedom as dependence. This contradiction in terms prompts us to understand republican freedom as a plural concept in the revolutions of the New World. Far from the dual freedman/slave concept, we explore several kinds of freedom and slavery during the first decade of the revolutionary period. The freedman (i.e. a former slave that had been freed or the free-born son of a slave) acquired a different kind of freedom, reflected in his inability to exercise the common kind of freedom due to his dependence on a patron (either an individual or the State). We combine a diachronic approach of the freedman in ancient Rome and under the Spanish monarchy with a synchronic study of this figure under the revolution of Rio de la Plata, seen through the analysis of measures for the controlled liberation of slaves; policies aimed at limiting citizenship for African descendents; freedmen serving in the army; and slaves turning to the courts to obtain freedom. Our aim is to explain the apparent contradiction between the omnipresent discourse on freedom as non-domination and continued slavery in Rio de la Plata until 1860.


Summary
Oligonucleotide primers were developed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of selected Phytophthora species which are known to cause root-rot diseases in European forest trees. The primer pair CITR1/CITR2, complementing both internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal RNA genes, gave a 711 bp amplicon with Phytophthora citricola. The Phytophthora cambivora specific primer pair CAMB3/CAMB4, producing a 1105bp amplicon, as well as the Phytophthora quercina specific primer pair QUERC1/QUERC2, producing a 842 bp amplicon, were derived from randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-fragments presented in this paper. All three primer pairs revealed no undesirable cross-reaction with a diverse test collection of isolates including other Phytophthora species, Pythium, Xerocomus, Hebeloma, Russula, and Armillaria. Under the PCR conditions described the detection of a well discernable amplicon was possible down to 100 pg (P. cambivora), 4pg (P. quercina), and 2pg (P. citricola) target DNA. This diagnostic PCR system was able to detect P. citricola, P. quercina, and P. cambivora in seedlings of pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) which were artificially infected under controlled conditions.


The effects of dietary protein on glomerular and hormonal function were studied in twelve adults with a variety of glomerular diseases. They were randomly assigned, using a crossover design, to two 11-day periods, one on a high-protein diet (2 g.kg-1.day-1) and the other on a low-protein diet (0.55 g.kg-1.day-1). Improvement in glomerular permselectivity on the low-protein diet was manifested by a decreased 24-h urinary excretion of total protein, albumin, and IgG by 33, 40, and 25%, respectively (all P less than 0.02); a fall in the fractional clearance of albumin (10.1 +/- 6.3 X 10(-3) to 5.8 +/- 3.3 X 10(-3)), and IgG (6.9 +/- 5.1 X 10(-3) to 3.5 +/- 2.3 X 10(-3)) (both P less than 0.02); and a decreased fractional clearance of neutral dextrans of molecular radii 48-56 A (P less than 0.05), when measured on the final day of each dietary period. The high-protein diet was accompanied by a higher plasma renin activity (6.9 +/- 1.6 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.8 ng angiotensin I.ml-1.h-1) (P less than 0.02), and increased excretion of prostaglandin E and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha. We conclude that a low-protein diet rapidly improves the size-selective defect in glomerular permselectivity.


In enzyme catalysis, the convention is that the enzyme supplies all the functional groups that are needed to convert a substrate into a product. This convention, however, is now recognized to have some exceptions. In a growing number of cases it is evident that the substrate also provides one or more functional groups that actively participate in the catalytic process. These cases are grouped together under the title "substrate-assisted catalysis" (SAC). Examples of SAC have been described both for native and for engineered enzymes that were rendered inactive by mutations. Such mutations eliminate amino acid sidechains that participate in the catalytic process and thereby cause partial or total loss of enzymatic activity. For several of these mutant enzymes, a modified substrate bearing functional groups similar to those that had been eliminated by the mutation was found to rescue enzyme activity. A notable example is the mutual specificity found between mutant serine proteases and their modified substrates. This creates a highly specific site for proteolytic cleavage, a desirable property in the processing of recombinant fusion products. An attractive target for SAC is the G-protein family. It was applied to two of its members—Gsα and p21-Ras. In both cases it was possible to restore the GTPase activity of the mutants back to the level of the wild-type proteins. Beyond restoring activity by SAC, further modifications of the substrate were intro- duced to support or refute particular roles of the functional groups in the GTPase reaction. This approach was also applied as a molecular tool to discriminate between specific enzymatic mechanisms and as a guideline to incorporate particular functional groups into the substrate. Taken together, these studies pave the way to novel therapeutic and biotechnological approaches aimed at restoring the activity of mutant inactive enzymes. Drug Dev. Res. 50:250-257, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.


This paper will begin with a short review of the Alcubierre warp drive metric and describes how the phenomenon might work based on the original paper. The canonical form of the metric was developed and published in [6] which provided key insight into the field potential and boost for the field which remedied a critical paradox in the original Alcubierre concept of operations. A modified concept of operations based on the canonical form of the metric that remedies the paradox is presented and discussed. The idea of a warp drive in higher dimensional space-time (manifold) will then be briefly considered by comparing the null-like geodesics of the Alcubierre metric to the Chung-Freese metric to illustrate the mathematical role of hyperspace coordinates. The net effect of using a warp drive technology coupled with conventional propulsion systems on an exploration mission will be discussed using the nomenclature of early mission planning. Finally, an overview of the warp field interferometer test bed being implemented in the Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory: Eagleworks (APPL:E) at the Johnson Space Center will be detailed. While warp field mechanics has not had a Chicago Pile moment, the tools necessary to detect a modest instance of the phenomenon are near at hand.


This research aims to observe the impact of bullwhip effect on supply chain performance, the research is focused on how the bullwhip effect distorts the information sharing and to what extent that distortion effects the supply chain performance of a firm. This research also explains that the quality and quantity of information sharing deeply effects the supply chain performance. It tries to establish the fact that if the information is accurate and is shared timely, this can lead to increased performance, it also emphasizes on the importance of the supply chain integration and partner's relationship in mitigating the bullwhip effect.
This research study will serve as an important contribution to the filed of supply chain management, as such type of research has not been conducted earlier by keeping the Pakistani firms as the unit of analysis. The study reveals that through proper, timely and accurate exchange of information between an enterprise and its supplier the firm can lessen uncertainty, order fulfillment rate is improved, costs is reduced and can ultimately increase the performance.
The study reveals that bullwhip effect strongly effects the information and its flow, but if the information is managed properly and its quality is increased then it results in strong partner relations which leads to supply chain integration. It has been found that the supply chain integration strongly effects the supply chain performance of a firm, better the supply chain integration the better would be the performance of the overall supply chain


A wireless communication system, comprises: a wireless base station apparatus that sends base station information including information on a service that can be provided by a neighbor wireless base station apparatus to a communication area of the wireless base station apparats; and a wireless communication apparatus that receives t base station information, determines whether or not the service that is currently in use is available in a handoff destination wireless base station apparatus by looking up the base station information, and performs a handoff to the handoff destination on wireless base station apparatus when the service that is currently in use is available in the handoff destination wireless base station apparatus.


Ph.D. thesis includes experimental and numerical methods in order to predict the behavior of graphite slide bearings in the real exploitation conditions. Applying some experimental researches, identification of partial impact of certain design parameters of the sliding bearings with graphite was carried out, as well as their mutual correlations. By means of certain experimental methods the real loading exploitation parameters were determined and the validation of development methodology was carried out.
Numerical methods were used to simulate the behavior of the exploitation sliding bearings with graphite. Thermo-mechanical analysis was performed, using ANSYS FEA software. The numerical results obtained by software simulation were compared with the results obtained by conducted experiments. Scientific contribution of the dissertation is reflected in the following: in defined methodologies of development of sliding bearings with graphite, identification of the dominant design parameters of the sliding bearings with graphite in terms of tribological properties, in thermo-mechanical analysis of a complex assembly reservoir sleeve - bronze / graphite, in experimental investigation of tribological properties of graphite sliding bearings and in experimental validation of the development methodology of sliding bearings with graphite.


The manner in which membrane-fouling experiments are conducted and how fouling performance data are represented have a strong impact on both how the data are interpreted and on the conclusions that may be drawn. We provide a couple of examples to prove that it is possible to obtain misleading conclusions from commonly used representations of fouling data. Although the illustrative example revolves around dead-end ultrafiltration, the underlying principles are applicable to a wider range of membrane processes. When choosing the experimental conditions and how to represent fouling data, there are three main factors that should be considered: (I) the foulant mass is principally related to the filtered volume; (II) the filtration flux can exacerbate fouling effects (e.g., concentration polarization and cake compression); and (III) the practice of normalization, as in dividing by an initial value, disregards the difference in driving force and divides the fouling effect by different numbers. Thus, a bias may occur that favors the experimental condition with the lower filtration flux and the less-permeable membrane. It is recommended to: (I) avoid relative fouling performance indicators, such as relative flux decline (J/J0); (II) use resistance vs. specific volume; and (III) use flux-controlled experiments for fouling performance evaluation.


This paper is carried out on the computer simulation of breast cancer treated using a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The mathematical models consist of the pressure acoustics equation, bioheat equation, heat transfer in a blood vessel, momentum equations in a blood vessel, and mechanical deformation equation. In the numerical simulation, these mathematical models are solved by using an axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) with time-dependent, thermal and acoustic properties to describe the temperature distribution and the total displacement in tissue. The comparison of the simulated results in the model with two sizes of the cancer tumor and two frequencies of ultrasound are also considered in order to approach realistic tissue modeling. The results show that the breast cancer model with deformation, which is the more accurate way to simulate the physical characteristics of therapeutic breast cancer compared to the literature results, hence leads to more useful in the medical approach and this study was conducted to prevent errors caused by inaccurate focal points.


Background Oncologic resection of the scalp confers several obstacles to the reconstructive surgeon dependent upon patient-specific and wound-specific factors. We aim to describe our experiences with various reconstructive methods, and delineate risk factors for coverage failure and complications in the setting of scalp reconstruction. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted, examining patients who underwent resection of fungating scalp tumors with subsequent soft-tissue reconstruction from 2003 to 2019. Patient demographics, wound and oncologic characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 189 patients were appropriate for inclusion, undergoing a range of reconstructive methods from skin grafting to free flaps. Thirty-three patients (17.5%) underwent preoperative radiation. In all, 48 patients (25.4%) suffered wound site complications, 25 (13.2%) underwent reoperation, and 47 (24.9%) suffered from mortality. Preoperative radiation therapy was an independent risk factor for wound complications (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–7.3; p = 0.028) and reoperations (OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.5–13.2; p = 0.007). Similarly, the presence of an underlying titanium mesh was an independent predictor of wound complications (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.1–5.6; p= 0.029) and reoperations (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.2–9.7; p= 0.020). Both immunosuppressed status (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.2–7.1; p= 0.021) and preoperative radiation therapy (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.2–9.7; p= 0.022) were risk factors for mortality. Conclusion Both preoperative radiation and the presence of underlying titanium mesh are independent risk factors for wound site complications and increased reoperation rates following oncologic resection and reconstruction of the scalp. Additionally, preoperative radiation, along with an immunosuppressed state, may predict patient mortality following scalp resection and reconstruction.


Abstract Type II toxin–antitoxins systems are widespread in prokaryotic genomes. Typically, they comprise two proteins, a toxin, and an antitoxin, encoded by adjacent genes and forming a complex in which the enzymatic activity of the toxin is inhibited. Under stress conditions, the antitoxin is degraded liberating the active toxin. Though thousands of various toxin–antitoxins pairs have been predicted bioinformatically, only a handful has been thoroughly characterized. Here, we describe the AtaT2 toxin from a toxin–antitoxin system from Escherichia coli O157:H7. We show that AtaT2 is the first GNAT (Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase) toxin that specifically targets charged glycyl tRNA. In vivo, the AtaT2 activity induces ribosome stalling at all four glycyl codons but does not evoke a stringent response. In vitro, AtaT2 acetylates the aminoacyl moiety of isoaccepting glycyl tRNAs, thus precluding their participation in translation. Our study broadens the known target specificity of GNAT toxins beyond the earlier described isoleucine and formyl methionine tRNAs, and suggest that various GNAT toxins may have evolved to specificaly target other if not all individual aminoacyl tRNAs.


This paper explores how the Stability and Growth Pact may cope with the future costs of population ageing in the European Union. Clearly, population ageing has forced countries to reform their pension systems, and will continue to do so, both by reducing the generosity of pension arrangements and by switching to funding rather than relying on pure pay-as-you go pension provision. We study how such reforms affect the room for adhering to the Pact, but also how the Pact may induce or hamper the incentives for reform. In our analysis we will draw on recent literature on the Pact and on the pensions and the ageing problem. We will also calibrate a simple model for addressing intergenerational equity.


It is often suggested that species differences in neophobia are related to differences in feeding or habitat specialisation. Generalist species, which have more to gain from exploring novel resources, tend to be less neophobic than specialists. However, some successful generalists including ravens, brown rats and coyotes also demonstrate high levels of neophobia. I explored this paradox using common magpies, a widespread generalist opportunist that displays behaviour indicative of high neophobia. Using a combination of field and short-term captive studies, I investigated whether novelty reactions were a fixed trait or varied according to object features and context as well as for different categories of novelty (i.e. objects, food, location). I found that novelty reactions in magpies were not influenced by object features such as colour, shape or size but varied greatly depending on environmental context and novelty category. Birds did not show avoidance of novel objects presented in novel environments but were extremely wary of similar novel objects presented in familiar environments, suggesting that violation of expectations may be more important than absolute novelty. Magpies could overcome the neophobia through repeated exploration of the objects over longer periods of time, but it affected their foraging behaviour. To avoid interactions with novel objects, wildliving magpies successfully employed an innovative technique that involves observing and pilfering from caching squirrels. Less aversion was shown towards novel food than to novel objects, while familiar objects and food encountered in novel locations were generally accepted. In total, this thesis suggests that neophobia is a complex and dynamic phenomenon in generalist foragers which may set protective limitations on the level of exploration. It can be overcome through learning and the development of alternative behavioural tactics such as kleptoparasitism.


Abstract Within this report we summarize the technical and experimental effort made on high power neutral beam injector system (NBI) and diagnostics neutral beam injector (DINA-5M) which was installed at Gas Dynamic Trap device (GDT) last year. Basic components of NBI-systems and DINA are reviewed. Recent experimental results support the concept of the neutron source based on the gas dynamic trap.


Proofreading during DNA replication and post-replication mismatch repair are two major defenses against mutations. Foster et al. and Niccum et al. used mutation accumulation and whole genome sequencing to assemble a database of thousands... Mismatch repair (MMR) is a major contributor to replication fidelity, but its impact varies with sequence context and the nature of the mismatch. Mutation accumulation experiments followed by whole-genome sequencing of MMR-defective Escherichia coli strains yielded ≈30,000 base-pair substitutions (BPSs), revealing mutational patterns across the entire chromosome. The BPS spectrum was dominated by A:T to G:C transitions, which occurred predominantly at the center base of 5′NAC3′+5′GTN3′ triplets. Surprisingly, growth on minimal medium or at low temperature attenuated these mutations. Mononucleotide runs were also hotspots for BPSs, and the rate at which these occurred increased with run length. Comparison with ≈2000 BPSs accumulated in MMR-proficient strains revealed that both kinds of hotspots appeared in the wild-type spectrum and so are likely to be sites of frequent replication errors. In MMR-defective strains transitions were strand biased, occurring twice as often when A and C rather than T and G were on the lagging-strand template. Loss of nucleotide diphosphate kinase increases the cellular concentration of dCTP, which resulted in increased rates of mutations due to misinsertion of C opposite A and T. In an mmr ndk double mutant strain, these mutations were more frequent when the template A and T were on the leading strand, suggesting that lagging-strand synthesis was more error-prone, or less well corrected by proofreading, than was leading strand synthesis.


Background The ability of medical teams to develop and maintain team situation awareness (team SA) is crucial for patient safety. Limited research has investigated team SA within clinical environments. This study reports the development of a method for investigating team SA during the intensive care unit (ICU) round and describes the results. Methods In one ICU, a sample of doctors and nurses (n=44, who combined to form 37 different teams) were observed during 34 morning ward rounds. Following the clinical review of each patient (n=105), team members individually recorded their anticipations for expected patient developments over 48 h. Patient-outcome data were collected to determine the accuracy of anticipations. Anticipations were compared among ICU team members, and the degree of consensus was used as a proxy measure of team SA. Self-report and observational data measured team-member involvement and communication during patient reviews. Results For over half of 105 patients, ICU team members formed conflicting anticipations as to whether patients would deteriorate within 48 h. Senior doctors were most accurate in their predictions. Exploratory analysis found that team processes did not predict team SA. However, the involvement of junior and senior trainee doctors in the patient decision-making process predicted the extent to which those team members formed team SA with senior doctors. Conclusions A new method for measuring team SA during the ICU round was successfully employed. A number of areas for future research were identified, including refinement of the situation awareness and teamwork measures.


Totara-matai forests are an under-represented forest type in Westland, relative to their original extent, and require protection and enhancement where possible. This study examined the regeneration of totara on gorse- covered river terraces of the Whataroa and Waiho Rivers, on a site grazed by cattle at Whataroa, and ungrazed sites at both locations. Totara is regenerating prolifically at all sites. Tall-seedling densities were significantly higher at the grazed Whataroa site than at the ungrazed Whataroa site. Conversely densities of small seedlings were significantly higher at the ungrazed Waiho site, with the majority of seedlings occurring on raised surfaces created by rafted logs or occasional silt patches, than at either of the Whataroa sites where seedlings established on the ground. Sapling and tree densities were similar at both Whataroa sites, but significantly greater than at the Waiho site. There was a significant relationship between the density of saplings and trees with terrace age at the Whataroa sites. Gorse cover and seedling density were significantly related at both ungrazed sites, but not at the grazed site. Grazing and gorse cover both appear to have roles in totara regeneration on river terraces. The implications of current management for future forest development are discussed, and it is considered that these areas warrant designation as areas of significant indigenous vegetation because of their conservation potential.


Good quality contact between children and young people in OOHC and their birth families can promote positive outcomes. This Evidence to Action Note outlines key findings related to birth family contact for children and young people in the Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS). Links to current best practice and resources are also included. POCLS Wave 1 data was collected during their first years in care. The study found that the majority of children and young people in the study were in contact with a member of their birth family. Most contact with birth parents occurred less than once a month. Children in foster care tended to have less frequent contact with their birth family than children in relative/kinship care, and their caregivers were less likely to report that children had a good relationship with their birth family. About POCLS POCLS is the first large scale prospective longitudinal study on OOHC in Australia. The study examines the safety and developmental wellbeing of a group of children in NSW who entered OOHC for the first time between May 2010 and October 2011 and received final care and protection orders by April 2013. It is led and funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) with independent expert researchers providing advice on study design, and undertaking the interviews and analyses. Wave 1 was conducted in the child/young person's first years in OOHC. A total of 1,285 children and young people aged 9 months to 17 years, and their caregivers, participated in the Wave 1 interviews between May 2011 and August 2013.


Music classification is a complex problem which has gained high relevance for organizing large music collections. Different parameters concerning feature extraction, selection, processing and classification have a strong impact on the categorization quality. Since it is very difficult to design a deterministic approach which provides the efficient parameter tuning, we haven chosen a heuristic approach. In our work we apply and compare different evolution strategies for the optimization of feature selection and consolidation using three pre-defined personal user categories. Concepts of local search operators with domain-specific knowledge and self-adaptation are examined. Several suggestions based on an empirical study are discussed and ideas for future work are given.


To the Editor: A number of papers have been presented that promote the use of the narcotic agonist/antagonist nalbuphine as an adjunct to general anesthesia. Recently, the cardiac anesthesia group at the University of Massachusetts presented their experience with the large doses of nalbuphine, i.e., 2 to 3 mg/kg, as an induction dose for coronary artery bypass grafting (1). Excellent hemodynamic stability was obtained during administration of the drug. This study, however, was terminated after the fourth patient as all four had evidence of minimal analgesia, as demonstrated by an increase in blood pressure and the development of tachycardia following endotracheal intubation and during passage of a nasogastric tube before the incision. In a symposium sponsored by Endo Laboratories in Hamburg, Cermany, Dr. DiFasio presented data showing a ceiling effect of nalbuphine which would allow the reduction of cyclopropane MAC by approximately 25% to 30% (2 ) . It was our impression that the level of analgesia was reversed as subsequent doses of nalbuphine were administered. There may be some support for this in the literature; a study by Romagnoli and Keats (3) showed a decrease in the respiratory depression produced by nalbuphine at a dose of 60 mg. The kinetics of the agonist/antagonist properties of nalbuphine may differ with the rate of administration of the drug, and until additional studies are carried out in the laboratory, we urge caution in the use of large doses of nalbuphine as a supplement during nitrous oxide-oxygen-relaxant anesthesia.


Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is regulated, in part, by lipoprotein composition. We previously demonstrated that CETP activity follows saturation kinetics as cholesteryl ester (CE) levels in the phospholipid surface of donor particles are increased. We propose here that the plateau of CETP activity occurs because the surface concentration of CE in the acceptor becomes rate limiting. This hypothesis was tested in CETP assays between synthetic liposomes whose CE content was varied independently. As donor CE increased, CETP activity followed saturable kinetics, but the slope of the first-order portion of the curve and the maximum achievable CE transfer rate were linearly related to the acceptor's surface CE concentration. These findings, plus studies with free cholesterol-modified LDL, strongly suggest that CE-rich donor liposomes can measure the CETP-accessible CE in acceptor lipoproteins. CETP activity from CE-rich liposomes to multiple control LDLs ranged 1.8-fold despite equivalent CETP binding capacity, suggesting that LDLs vary widely in their capacity to present CE to CETP. Thus, CETP activity depends on the surface availability of substrate lipids in the donor and acceptor. Donor liposomes with high CE content can be used to assess how subtle changes in composition alter the substrate potential of plasma lipoproteins.