body determination did not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit for SRC screening in our cohort. Dr. Mayes has received honoraria from Medtelligence and Cytori Therapeutics (less than $10,000 each). She receives royalties from Oxford University Press for The Scleroderma Book, from BMJ for a monograph on SSc, and from Henry Stewart Talks for a talk on SSc and environmental factors and has served as a paid consultant to the investment analysts Clearview HealthCare, InterPublic Group, and SRA International.


Fingerprinting identification and cluster analysis were conducted among 9 introduced sugar beet (B. vulgaris) cultivars from Holland and 4 lines from China using Inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Six stable and high polymorphic primes were selected in this study. 48 bands were obtained using ISSR --PCR with the six primers, and polymorphic rate was 87.5% among the thirteen sugar beet cutivars and lines. All test varieties can be distinguished by ISSR fingerprinting with the six primes. Fingerprinting map and digit identification code were constructed by 8 polymorphic bands from primer UBC813 and L1, which can discriminate 13 cultivars (lines) completely. The result indicated that ISSR fingerprinting could identify different sugar beet varieties efficiently. The genetic similarity matrix among all 13 sugar beet varieties was obtained by similarity analysis using Dice algorithm with NTSYS-pc software. Similarity coefficients ranged from 0.46 to 0.89 with an average of 0.67. Cluster tree was formed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) method. Cluster analysis showed 13 varieties (lines) were divided four groups and two subgroups. UPGMA cluster analysis showed clear genetic relationships among the 13 sugar beet cultivars. The result indicated that the relationship of sugar beet materials was connected with geography factor and character of breeding and ISSR markers can be used to estimate genetic distance of plant.


We have determined the nucleotide sequence of a segment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mtDNA that contains the structural genes for a cysteine-tRNA and a histidine-tRNA. The genes are approximately 85 bp apart, they do not contain intervening sequences or sequences coding for the 3'-CCA terminus and they are surrounded by nearly pure AT segments. The tRNAs deduced are very AT-rich, 74 and 75 nucleotides long, respectively, and contain one or more unusual features not found in tRNAs from other sources.


The CPI program is an initiative of the Obra Social "la Caixa" offering social and educational support by a social familiar and inter-dimensional work in response to child poverty. This paper presents a qualitative research that seeks to know the impact of the CaixaProinfancia program (CPI) in Mallorca from the interest groups perspective. Mallorca present one of highest poverty level in Spain, it is the autonomous community with the highest percentage of international migration and suffers a historic deficit of public services provision, mainly social. This paper collect the perception of families participating in the program, professionals involved and that of those key agents of the territory involved in the program. The program has generated positive changes especially in minors and to a smaller extent in families. Families recognized to acquire parenting skills that improve the domestic relations, to have more personal time and to feel supported both by the work of professionals in the programme and by other families approach. We can perceive some improvements in school, behavior, social relations and autonomy and motivation for studies in minors. The network has also developed along with services evolution, which boosted clear impact improvement. Mainly due to a community context development that has given meaning to the various carried actions. Altogether, the perceived program results are satisfactory and the success in the implementation of the various actions of the CPI program in Mallorca, allows access to new development program stages giving special prominence to community work.


Combating terrorism continues to be a focus of the U.S. government, and homegrown terrorists are a major concern. In this report, the author examines hundreds of U.S. residents who have traveled or attempted to travel to foreign lands to join or otherwise support terrorist organizations. The findings provide insight into the dimensions and nature of the terrorist threat and the effectiveness of the U.S. response.


Remote sensing technologies are integral to monitoring the mountain cryosphere in a warming world. Satellite missions and field-based platforms have transformed understanding of the processes driving changes in mountain glacier dynamics, snow cover, lake evolution, and the associated emergence of hazards (e.g. avalanches, floods, landslides). Sensors and platforms are becoming more bespoke, with innovation being driven by the commercial sector, and image repositories are more frequently open access, leading to the democratisation of data analysis and interpretation. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are rapidly transforming our ability to handle this exponential increase in data. This review therefore provides a timely opportunity to synthesise current capabilities in remote sensing of the mountain cryosphere. Scientific and commercial applications were critically examined, recognising the technologies that have most advanced the discipline. Low-cost sensors can also be deployed in the field, using microprocessors and telecommunications equipment to connect mountain glaciers to stakeholders for real-time monitoring. The potential for novel automated pipelines that can process vast volumes of data is also discussed, from reimagining historical aerial imagery to produce elevation models, to automatically delineating glacier boundaries. Finally, the applications of these emerging techniques that will benefit scientific research avenues and real-world societal programmes are discussed.


The study aims to analyze whether two selected teaching materials intended for Swedish 1 published in 2014 and 2015 reflects the gender equality in Gy11. The study consists of a quantitative analysis and a discourse analysis that focus on how often and in what way women and men are depicted in the teaching material. The analyzed teaching materials are the textbooks Svenska 1 – helt enkelt and Fixa spraket 1. The result shows that both books are quantitatively equal since men and women get almost as much space in the text and the image. However, the genders are depicted in different ways and constitute the norm in separate areas. The textbooks can even be said to be heteronormative. The result also shows that both textbooks raise gender equality issues, which should be seen as positive because education, according Gy11, should be characterized by a gender equality perspective.


This Thesis pretends to satisfy the necessity of the aeronautic company Lufthansa Technik
AG, based in Hamburg (Germany), to develop the handling of a compact mobile maintenance
tool capable of preserving aircraft engines. In order to achieve it we will work both in the
development of a new preservation procedure and well as in the systems and tooling that will
be required. We expect that this developed procedure and technology will guarantee the
correct preservation of the engines according to the current regulations as well as a time and
money spare for the company.
After describing the main units of the company business we make a brief explanation about
the aircraft engine function with its most relevant parts and components. We aim to get the
reader familiarized to the kind of technology studied.
Following we deepen in the engine preservation, main subject of the project. It is explained
what is the process about, in which situations should be applied and reasons for its use:
avoid corrosion in particular systems and devices of the engine during long periods of
inactivity. It is analysed then which is the State of the Art regarding the current preservation
procedures of the company. Such analysis pretends to be the foundations where we will
develop the new alternative process.
From the study and knowledge about the operation of certain components it has been
determined and described the technical characteristics of several tooling that used together
allow a new way of preserving aircraft engines. The election of those tooling is backed up by
explanations that may vary depending on the operation of the different components of the
engine fuel system.
Finally it is described step by step how to proceed with the new procedure as well as it is
commented which are its main characteristics.
The obtained result, compared to what until today has been carried out, shows enormous
expectations regarding processing time and cost.


Introduction: Diabetes is a growing social and epidemiological problem. Frequent diabetes complications occurrence has an impact on a higher percentage prevalence of the cardiovascular, kidneys, nervous system and vision diseases.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of immunological markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: the anti-GAD, ANA, AMA, ASMA, APCA, and LKM compared to healthy subjects. Another objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between their presence and the degree of metabolic control in both groups.
Material and Methods: The study included 50 subjects aged 40-75 years with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20-30 kg/m2 with previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The control group consisted of 21 healthy individuals without a diagnosis of neither diabetes nor a prediabetic state. All the study participants had the examined antibodies determined along with the panel of biochemical tests and neurological examination for diabetic neuropathy and fundus examination.
Results: Anti-GAD antibodies were present in 16% of patients with type 2 diabetes. The presence of ANA antibodies was found in 22% subjects. There was no correlation between the presence of ANA antibodies and diabetic microvascular complications. ASMA and APCA antibodies occurred with equal frequency in studied groups (4% vs. 10%). There were no antibodies of AMA or anti-LKM in any of the patients.
Conclusion: The presence of studied autoantibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes is frequent but cannot be a marker used to isolate a group of patients at risk of developing diabetic micro vascular complications. The presence of anti-GAD in type 2 diabetes may be a LADA marker which specifically marks a group of patients with type 2 diabetes, in who there is a faster metabolic death of beta cells. Determination of antibodies AMA, ASMA, APCA and anti-LKM does not seem to be significant in the diagnosis of diabetes and its chronic complications.


: When one of the dominant harmonics (the fundamental frequency and its harmonic components) is close to the first formant frequency, the effect of the source-filter interaction can induce voice register transition, in which the vocal-fold vibration becomes unstable and the pitch jumps abruptly. We investigated the relationship between the dominant harmonics, the first formant frequency, and the pitch jump width in the modal-falsetto transition to examine the effect of source-filter interaction. We measured temporal patterns of the fundamental frequency and the first formant when subjects performed rising glissandi with /a/ and /i/ vowels. For the /a/ vowel, there were weak proximity relationships between the dominant harmonics and first formant during the transition, indicating that source-induced transition occurred. For the /i/ vowel, in contrast, the fundamental frequency was regularly close to the first formant in the transition, indicating that the acoustically induced transition was caused by the source-filter interaction. Additionally, it was found that the difference between these two mechanisms had little influence on the pitch jump width. Finally, we concluded that the source-filter interaction is a contributory factor of the modal-falsetto transition, in agreement with foregoing studies.


Coronary ligated rats were administered intraperitoneal injections of 6.24, 12.52, and 25.00 mg . kg-1 ibuprofen and 5.00 and 10.00 mg . kg-1 verapamil 1 h before ligation, 1 h after ligation, and then every 8 h for 48 h. Ibuprofen at 50.00 mg . kg-1 was administered 1 h before ligation, 1 h after ligation and 5 h after ligation. Infarct size was determined either by weighing the stained excised infarcted area or by measuring the creatine kinase activity from the excised left ventricle. Ibuprofen and verapamil treatment resulted in less myocardial damage after 48 h than placebo treatment but the differences were generally not statistically significant. The reduction in infarct size was greater in the ibuprofen treated animals compared with verapamil treated rats. In addition, there was a lower mortality with ibuprofen treatment than for either verapamil or placebo. This rat model was useful as a screening tool for the initial evolution of therapeutic interventions to reduce myocardial infarct size. It required substantially less time than large animal models and can be used to examine a variety of treatment doses. These experiments also demonstrated the importance of randomisation to treatment and control groups because of the possibility of disproportionate mortality affecting infarct size.


This paper highlights investigation and the impacts of the changes in groundwater table caused by sea level rise due to climate change in Whaiwhetu Aquifer, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. The aquifer is located in coastal zone of almost completely urbanized area of Lower Hutt, north of Wellington City. In the past 100 years sea level raised on average 0.2 m in Wellington region and it is predicted that by the 2090 sea level will increase by 0.8 m and by 2115 almost 1m. Therefore an investigation has been carried out by developing a three-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical model. Numerical model was developed using comprehensive groundwater modelling package FEFLOW 6.1. Once the model was developed and calibrated, four scenarios were investigated. Scenario 1 assumed the increase of 0.5 m of the mean seawater level (MSL). Scenario 2, Scenario 3 and Scenario 4 assumed an increase of 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m MSL respectively. The changes were compared in nine observation bores and the results are presented


. We introduce ModE-Sim, a medium size ensemble of simulations with the atmospheric general circulation model ECHAM6 in its LR version (T63/approx. 1.8°horizontal with 47 vertical levels) that covers the period from 1420 to 2009. With 60 ensemble members between 1420 and 1850 and 36 ensemble members from 1850 to 2009 ModE-Sim consists of 31620 simulated years in total. The dataset forms the input for a data assimilation procedure that combines historical climate informations with 5 additional constraints from a climate model to produce a novel gridded 3-dimensional dataset of the modern era. Additionally, ModE-Sim on its own is also suitable for many other applications as its various subsets can be used as initial condition and boundary condition ensemble to study climate variability. The main intention of this paper is to give a comprehensive description of the experimental setup of ModE-Sim and to provide an evaluation of the two key variables 2m-temperature and precipitation. We demonstrate ModE-Sim's ability to represent their mean state, to produce a reasonable response to exter- 10 nal forcings and to sample internal variability. At the example of heat waves we show that the ensemble is even capable of capturing extreme events.


Patients with primary bone malignancies must be treated by specialized multidisciplinary teams composed of pathologists, surgeons, orthopedists, oncologists, radiologists and radiotherapists, all with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. If a malignancy is suspected, the biopsy must also be performed in such a center. Biopsy is part of the treatment and must be done by a senior surgeon, before starting specific treatment. Indeed, inappropriate biopsy can compromise the patient's functional prognosis and sometimes the vital outcome. The biopsy can be done percutaneously under radiological control with a True-cut needle or a trocart to obtain cores of pathological tissue. The pathologist must be well-versed in bone disorders. Open surgical biopsy is preferable for primary bone tumors, especially when a cartilaginous tumor is suspected. A short incision is used, situated on the same approach as that which will be used for surgical resection of the tumor, so that the biopsy scar is excised along with the tumor, in a single block. Surgical treatment of primary bone malignancies requires extensive resection, i.e. excision of the affected bone segment and any invaded soft tissues, as a single block, without breaching the tumor, and preserving a peripheral margin of healthy tissue. In most cases, reconstruction is necessary to preserve the function of the resected region. It is based on standard orthopedic techniques, namely osteosynthesis, bone grafts (autografts and allografts), prostheses of variable size, or a combination of prostheses and allografts (composite reconstruction). Amputation is only indicated if conservative resection is impossible. It has been shown that conservative resection, now possible in about 80% of cases, does not reduce the survival chances of patients with osteosarcoma. The indications for amputation include massive tumors invading vessels and nerves, resection of which would leave the limb non functional, as sell as tumor infection (often secondary to biopsy), inappropriate biopsy (infection of vessels or periarticular muscles, etc.), and local relapse. Amputation must respect the same oncologic principles as conservative resection.


Introduction: Since the nineties, the interest in substance abuse among individuals with borderline Intellectual Disability has grown. Some recent prospective studies suggests that substance abuse by these individuals has increased over the recent years, although the exact prevalence is currently unknown. Despite a lack of prevalence data, some information is known about potential factors that increase the risk of developing a substance abuse problem in this population. Especially social risk factors are a major influence. The Social Cognitive (Learning) Theory states that behavior is dynamic and follows from interactions between the person, behavior and the environment. The social environment and constructs, like self-efficacy, play a large role in this model. Among the general population, self-efficacy is often applied within substance related studies. Drinking refusal self-efficacy is a form of self-efficacy. The effect of alcohol consumption on drinking refusal self-efficacy, under persons with mild learning disabilities, is unknown. Within the general population, this correlation is moderately negative. Aims: This study aims to develop an instrument to measure drinking refusal self-efficacy among individuals with borderline Intellectual Disability and to test its reliability and validity. To find out what the discriminating power of this instrument is, differences between subpopulations, like sex, living environment and age, will be measured. The hypothesis is that men, young adults (up to 30 years) and people living independently with supervision, have a significantly lower drinking refusal self-efficacy than women, people older than 30 years and individuals residing in a care home. In addition, it will be studied whether the negative correlation between drinking refusal self-efficacy and alcohol consumption, that's found in the general population, can also be detected among those with a borderline Intellectual Disability. Method: In this study a Dutch drinking refusal self-efficacy instrument has been designed for persons with a borderline Intellectual Disability, based on the Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire-Revised, and tested on the internal consistency (Cronbach's α), construct validity (Principal Axis Factoring), the concurrent validity (Spearman's ρ [rho]) and the discriminating power between groups (Analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney test). To measure alcohol consumption, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test was used. In total, 101 individuals with a borderline Intellectual Disability participated in the study. Respondents came from one rehab clinic and five healthcare centers. The items of the drinking refusal self-efficacy questionnaire-revised were translated from English into Dutch. The instrument, conducted as a structured interview, was presented in a pretest to 10 borderline intellectual disabled persons. Following the pretest, no items were modified or deleted, and one new item was added. The adjustments to the instrument led to a new drinking refusal self-efficacy instrument for individuals with borderline Intellectual Disability, the Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire-Revised Intellectual Disability. Results: The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α = .93) and the three original subscales had a moderate to high correlation with each other and a high correlation with the entire instrument (r = .64 – .9). In addition, the concurrent validity was high (r = -.53), wherein the social pressure self-efficacy subscale was strongest related to the alcohol consumption (r = -.49), and the instrument shows distinctiveness between groups.
Conclusion: The Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire-Revised Intellectual Disability is reliable and has a high concurrent validity. To keep accepting the instrument as a reliable and valid instrument, the results will have to be replicated in future studies. This is particularly true for the discriminating power between various groups, such as the living environment.
Keywords: Reliability, Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire-Revised Intellectual Disability, DRSE, borderline Intellectual Disability, LVG, validity.


After axotomy, changes in the composition of fast axonally transported proteins ( FTP ) within the peripheral nervous system (PNS) axons have been reported. The most significant and reproducible changes involved polypeptides found within the molecular weight range of 31.0 to 14.5 kilodaltons ( Bisby , 1980). We wished to determine whether similar changes following axotomy occur in axons of the central nervous system (CNS). Intracranial axotomy of the left optic tract was performed stereotaxically in rats. Six days post axotomy 50 muCi 35[S]-methionine was injected into the vitreous body of both eyes. FTP were isolated within the optic nerves 2 h after isotope injection. The nerve segments were processed for SDS-PAGE, fluorography, and compared to similarly prepared fluorographs of normal and eight day post-axotomy sciatic nerve segments. The labelling of 5 major polypeptide bands (S1, MW congruent to 28,000; S2a , MW congruent to 25,000; S2b , MW congruent to 23,000; T1, MW congruent to 20,200; and T2, MW congruent to 17,000) was studied by laser densitometry. Band S2b showed a highly significant (p less than 0.001) increase in concentration, while bands S1 and T1 demonstrated highly significant decreases in concentration following axotomy of the sciatic nerve. In contrast, after axotomy of the retinal ganglion cell axons the only significant change was a decrease (p less than 0.05) in T1. We suggest that failure of CNS axons to respond similarly to PNS axons following axotomy may be related to the failure of CNS axons to regenerate.


Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically review published studies on the association between strength and strain of hamstring muscle in athletes with and without hamstring strain. Hamstring strain is highly prevalent in athletes. The probable recurrence of hamstring strain is annoying for athletes and athletic leagues, therefore, it is important to investigate its causes and search for solutions to prevent and treat this injury. Muscle strength as one of the causes of strain could be helpful in this field. Materials and methods: Electronic databases including Science Direct, Elsevier, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched. The search keywords included Athletes, Hamstring strain, Muscle incoordination, Electromyography, Isokinetic. Results: A total of 380 articles was found of which 160 were duplicate, 150 articles were excluded according to their titles and abstracts, and the rest were studied. Finally 14 articles that met our inclusion criteria were selected. Six of the 14 studies were carried out in healthy athletes and eight investigated hamstring strain in athletes with the injury. Conclusion: The results showed that hamstring muscle derangement was one of the most important factors causing hamstring strain. The evaluation of hamstring damage was found to be useful in anticipating future strain in athletes. This evaluation could be beneficial for rehabilitation prior to and after the strain.


The extracellular form of the K5 polysaccharide was produced, purified and characterized from a strain of Escherichia coli, the maximum fermentation yield (320 mg/L) was obtained after 15 h. The polysaccharide, recovered by precipitation with cold ethanol (80%), was purified through a pro cess employing an enzymic deproteination step using fungal protease. Charac terization by TLC and GC chromatography revealed that the K5 was mainly composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine. The 13C-NMR spectrum showed the product's structure to be the same as that of the K5 capsular polysaccharide described in the literature.


While electron correlations were previously recognized to result in direct current (DC) transportation properties beyond-conventional (e.g., metal-to-insulator transitions, bad metal, thermistors), their respective influences on the alternating current (AC) transport are largely overlooked. Herein, active regulation of the electronic functionalities of d-band correlated rare-earth nickelate (ReNiO3) thin films, by simply utilizing their electronic responses to AC-frequencies (fAC) is demonstrated. Assisted by temperature dependent near edge X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, positive temperature dependences in the Coulomb viscosity of ReNiO3 were discovered, which moderate their AC impedance (R′ + iR′′). Distinguished crosslinking among R′–fAC measured in nearby temperatures is observed that differs to conventional oxides. This enables active adjustability in correlated transports of ReNiO3, among NTCR-, TDelta- and PTCR-thermistors, via fAC from the electronic perspective without varying materials or device structures. Furthermore the TDelta–fAC relationship can be widely adjusted via the Re composition and interfacial strains. The AC-frequency sensitivity discovered in ReNiO3 leads the way to a new freedom in regulating and switching the device working states beyond the present semiconductor technologies. It opens up a new model for enriching novel electronic applications in automatic transmission, artificial intelligence in sensing temperatures or thermal perturbations.


A detailed comparative analysis of the diamond semiconductor based DDR IMPATT devices in W-band has been carried out (normal and photo illuminated) through a simulation scheme. The simulation results reveal that an optimized unilluminated diamond IMPATT diode of efficiency 18.45% can be realized, whereas 4H-SiC IMPATT can have efficiency of 11.97%. Under optical illumination, the admittance and negative resistance values of the IMPATT diode degrade due to additional photo generated carriers. The negative conductance (-G) and total negative resistance (-Z R ) of the diamond based DDR IMPATT diode decrease by 7.03% and 8.5%, respectively when the diode is exposed to photo illumination whereas, for SiC based diode the decrements are 6.06% and 6.09%, respectively. Moreover under optical illumination, the quality factor ( Q p ) of diamond IMPATT increases by 22.5% and it is only 6.5% for SiC based devices. Therefore, from the simulation work it is well established that, though the photosensitivity of 4H-SiC based IMPATT is better than its diamond counterpart the overall small signal performance of the illuminated diamond IMPATT degrades far more than SiC based devices due to very high reported carrier ionization rates in diamond. The simulation results also reveal the superiority of diamond based IMPATT device in terms of heat sink design in comparison to 4H-SiC based devices.


In this study, 52 samples were collected from natural water taken from selected areas from (Rivers, groundwater wells) in Basrah Governorate-Southern Iraq for the period from February - April 2020, to determine the concentrations of the radon gas (222Rn) emitted from the selected and newborn samples of the radioactive element Radium 226Ra located in the series of uranium 238U and calculate the annual effective dose. Solid state Nuclear Track Detectors SSNTDs have been used, a long-term passive measurement method for the emission of (α particles) with the CR-39 detectors, LR-115typeII and a method for measuring the activity with a fast electronic device called RAD7. The results of the study showed that the lowest concentration of radon gas in samples of River water was 196 ±12 Bq.m-3 was in the sample No. W13 water of Garma River, and that the largest concentration was 16217 ±97 Bq.m-3 sample No. W9 from Al Khoura River. As for the radon gas concentration in groundwater wells, its highest concentration reached 22415 ±143 Bq.m-3 in sample No. W36 from Aldawajin well-2, and the lowest concentration was 682 ±46 Bq.m-3 in sample No. W24 in a well at Al-Barjisiah and the general average of radon gas concentration in all the study samples was 7320 Bq.m-3, the annual effective dose of water was estimated and it was found that the highest value was 1.136 mSv.y-1 in sample No. W36 and this value falls outside the internationally approved limit By the World Health Organization WHO, 0.1 mSv.y-1 In general. It was found that radon concentrations in water samples of Rivers and groundwater wells selected from Basrah Governorate-Southern Iraq falls within the limits of the permissible value of 11000 Bq.m-3 for surface water and 20000Bq.m-3 for groundwater wells, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency EPA, with the exception of some samples of Rivers and underground wells, which have recorded values higher than that value, and they may pose a risk on the health of farmers in those areas.


The effects of relative humidity (RH) on the quality of pomegranate fruit ('Wonderful') stored in ambient temperature (20°C) under low RH (65±6.79%) and high RH (95±1.23%) conditions were studied. Significantly high weight loss, up to 29.13±1.49% at day 30, was observed in fruit stored at low RH compared to 5.78±0.44% at a high RH. Fruit stored under low RH was also severely shrivelled and reduced in size. The high RH environment better maintained the fruit colour, texture and chemical quality attributes. A regression model was developed to estimate the time history of weight loss of pomegranate stored under 65 and 95% RH ambient storage conditions. The equations had a high goodness-of-fit with R-squared values of 0.99 and 0.94 for low and high RH, respectively. For a 30-day storage period, the weight loss was estimated to a worth $0.58 kg-1 and $0.11 kg-1 under low and high RH conditions, respectively. These findings show that pomegranate fruit should preferably be stored at RH conditions ≥95% to maintain appearance, sensory quality and reduce weight loss.


ABSTRACT Business industry Multi Level Marketing (MLM) is a lucrative market society especially with the promised bonuses obtained upon the sale of its products. However, there are also business masquerading as MLM, low quality products but a bonus for members is very large, so as to make the public flocked to follow the program masquerading as MLM business. The issues raised in this study is whether there is legal provision that can ensnare actors masquerading as MLM business practice is, how do I determine the guise of MLM business practices or is actually MLM company that actually benefit from the sale of its products, and how the criminal responsibility of the perpetrators who commit impersonate MLM business practices whether liability or responsibility inpersoon legal entity (legal entity).


Maintenance wastes, if not managed properly, represent significant environmental issues for mining operations. Petroleum hydrocarbon liquid wastes were studied at an Australian site and a review of the literature and technology vendors was carried out to identify oil/water separation technologies. Treatment technologies and practices for managing oily wastewater, used across the broader mining industry in the Asia-Pacific region, were also identified. Key findings from the study were: (1) primary treatment is required to remove grease oil contamination and to protect secondary oily wastewater treatment systems from being overloaded; (2) selection of an effective secondary treatment system is dependent on influent oil droplet size and concentration, suspended solids concentration, flow rates (and their variability), environmental conditions, maintenance schedules and effectiveness, treatment targets and costs; and (3) oily wastewater treatment systems, based on mechanical separation, are favoured over those that are chemically based, as they simplify operational requirements. Source reduction, through housekeeping, equipment and reagent modifications, and segregation and/or consolidation of hydrocarbon waste streams, minimizes treatment costs, safety and environmental impact.


The author presents a new family of stationary and axisymmetric perfect-fluid solutions. The metrics are defined by the solutions to a system of two coupled ordinary differential equations of second order on three unknown functions. Therefore, they depend on an arbitrary function of one coordinate. The fluid has, in general, differential rotation. The equation of state is rho = rho +const. Some properties of the solutions are described and an explicit example given in terms of elementary functions is presented.


A revised type of tissue-air ratio (TAR) and a revised type of Awall correction factor are introduced. They enable one to use a build-up cap made of high-density materials like aluminium, copper and lead. A method is reported which calculates 60Co revised SMRS using 60Co revised TAR data measured using an ionization chamber with a known Awall correction factor. The revised SMRS are calculated on the basis of the Khan concept. The revised SMR can express the ratio of the scatter dose at a given point in a phantom to the primary dose at the same point, at the depth where the primary dose (or zero-area tissue-maximum ratio (TMR)) is maximum. A table of revised SMRS up to a square field area of 20*20 cm2 is given. A functional equation of the 60Co gamma -ray zero-TMR is also given. Both revised SMRS and zero-area TMRS are expressed in relation to the incident water collision kerma.


As a metal machining process, end milling is the most widely used processes in industry. One of the most important indicators of success in finishing operation is the estetic quality of the surface that is directly connected to the maximal height of uneven surfaces, namely rougness. In process of milling the quality of the machined surface depends of many factors, for example, tool geometry, cutter parallel axis offset and cutter axis tilt, tool deflection due to cutting forces, tool and work piece vibrations etc. This paper presents the development of mathematical model for the determination of the quality of the machined surface topography. The model starts from an ideal trochoid point trajectory on the cutting edge tooth end mill, and then inserts the deviations due to cutter parallel axis offset and cutter axis tilt and gives instructions for the input of other factors that influence on the machined surface quality. Also it compares the values of maximal roughness height with different mill axis positions, and on different mill cross section heights, as well as the differences at up and down milling.


Crossmedia games employ a wide variety of gaming interfaces based on stationary and mobile devices to facilitate different game experiences within a single game. This article presents the crossmedia game Epidemic Menace, introduces the game concept, and describes experiences from two Epidemic Menace game events. We also explain the technical realization of Epidemic Menace, the evaluation methodologies we used, and some evaluation results.


Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for red, pink, purple or blue coloration in the flesh and/or skin of apple fruit. Since consumers prefer anthocyanin rich fruits due to their health benefits, anthocyanin content is an important trait for marketability of apples. Synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins are controlled by environmental and genetic factors such as transcription factors (TFs). Two-repeat (R2R3) MYB TFs are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. In this study, the expression of the MdMYBA and MdMYB3 genes encoding R2R3 type MYB TFs were analyzed in apple cultivars with fruit skin color from green to dark red at different growth stages. Fruit samples were collected from "Scarlet Spur", "Galaxy Gala", Golden Delicious" "Granny Smith" apple cultivars with dark red, light red, yellow and green fruits, respectively, at four different time periods after full-bloom. Total RNA was isolated from the peel of the collected fruits and the expression of the MdMYBA and MdMYB3 genes was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The expression of the MdMYBA gene started to increase at 92 DAFB and thereafter in red-skin apples; however, no expression was observed at any time points in yellow or green-skin apple cultivars. On the other hand, the MdMYB3 gene was expressed in red-skin and yellow-skin apple cultivars starting at 55 DAFB, but no expression was observed in green apple cultivar at any time of fruit maturation. The expression levels of the MdMYBA and MdMYB3 genes varied in apple fruits with different skin coloration indicating that they play a role regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple cultivars during fruit maturation.


In a seminal report on laser-induced nucleation in aqueous supersaturated solutions (Phys. Rev. Lett., 1996, 77, 3475) it was noted that needle-shaped crystals of urea were aligned with the direction of the electric field of the linearly polarized laser pulse. The results gave rise to a new mechanism for control of crystal nucleation involving alignment of solute molecules (optical Kerr effect) now commonly known as non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation (NPLIN). Recent theoretical and experimental work has cast doubts on the optical Kerr effect mechanism. In the present letter we present results from digital imaging of urea-crystal growth immediately following laser-induced nucleation. Analysis of the data shows no statistically significant correlation between crystal angle and direction of linear polarization. The results overturn a long-held result that has shaped theoretical and experimental studies of NPLIN.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Flecainide is a use-dependent blocker of cardiac Na channels. Mechanistic analysis of this block showed that the cationic form of flecainide enters the cytosolic vestibule of the open Na channel. Flecainide is also effective in the treatment of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia but, in this condition, its mechanism of action is contentious. We investigated how flecainide derivatives influence Ca-release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through the ryanodine receptor channel (RyR2) and whether this correlates with their effectiveness as blockers of Na and/or RyR2 channels.


The national leadership of the Young Socialists' Movement has undergone significant "feminisation " since the early 2000s which departs from the traditional analyses of the feminisation processes in other activities. The preponderance of men characteristic of party organisations quickly reasserted its rights, however. The article analyses the conditions of the possibility of this feminisation, and then the reasons for its regression, and the effects of the political configuration specific to this youth organisation on the process of legitimating political skills.


Power Capping techniques are used to restrict power consumption of computer systems to a thermally safe limit. Current many-core systems employ dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), power gating (PG) and scheduling methods as actuators for power capping. These knobs arc oriented towards power actuation, while the need for performance and energy savings are increasing in the dark silicon era. To address this, we propose approximation (APPX) as another knob for close-looped power management, lending performance and energy efficiency to existing power capping techniques. We use approximation in a pro-active way for long-term performance-energy objectives, complementing the short-term reactive power objectives. We implement an approximation-enabled power management framework, APPEND, that dynamically chooses an application with appropriate level of approximation from a set of variable accuracy implementations. Subject to the system dynamics, our power manager chooses an effective combination of knobs - APPX, DVFS and PG, in a hierarchical way to ensure power capping with performance and energy gains. Our proposed approach yields 1.5× higher throughput, improved latency upto 5×, better performance per energy and dark silicon mitigation compared to state-of-the-art power management techniques over a set of applications ranging from high to no error resilience.


Most urban planning monitoring activities were designed to monitor implementation of aggregated sectors from different initiatives into practical and measurable indicators. Today, cities utilize spatial information in monitoring and evaluating urban planning implementation for not only national or local goals but also for the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Modern cities adopt Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) initiative for their urban planning monitoring. Cities provide spatial information and online tools for citizens to participate. However, the selection of spatial information services for participants is made from producers' perception and often disregards requirements from the regulation, functionalities, and broader user's perception. By providing appropriate spatial information, the quality of participatory urban monitoring can be improved. This study presents a method for selecting appropriate spatial information for urban planning monitoring. It considers regulation, urban planning, and spatial science theories, as well as citizens' requirements, to support participatory urban planning monitoring as a way to ensure the success of providing near real-time urban information to planners and decision-makers.


An electron spin resonance technique using the spin label tempone and the broadening agent potassium chromium oxalate was used to measure the water volume of human sperm. The toxicity of tempone (5 mmol/L) and potassium chromium oxalate (50 mmol/L) to sperm was measured over a time span of 120 minutes using computer-assisted semen analysis. Tempone had no effect on any computer-assisted semen analysis parameters, including motility. Potassium chromium oxalate reduced sperm motility by an average of 24% during the first 30 minutes of exposure. After selection by swim-up and correction for the presence of dead cells and cytoplasmic droplets, a water volume of 20.0 +/- 2.9 microns3 was obtained. This yields a total volume of 33.9 microns3 if a water compartment of 59% by volume is assumed. These results are consistent with other shape-independent techniques for measuring volume, but larger than the generally accepted optical and electronic particle counter sizes.


This is a paperback reprint of an OUP/USA hardcover published in September 1989. To date the predominant rationale for freedom of speech has been the "marketplace of ideas" theory, which holds that the truth will be discovered only through debate free from government interference. In Human Liberty and Freedom of Speech, Baker critiques the assumptions underlying the various versions of this theory and develops a liberty theory which, he argues, has deep roots in Supreme Court decisions and our political history. Baker contends that a liberty theory is more philosophically sound, more interpretatively persuasive and more protective of speech than the judically and intellectual dominant market place of ideas theory.


Individuals around the globe engage in sustainable consumption in their everyday life, e.g., when it comes to individual transportation. Although tourism behavior contributes to global carbon emissions to a considerable extent, consumers' awareness of sustainability in the tourism industry is still underresearched. Placing eco-labels next to tourist offers on websites might direct consumer's perception towards more sustainable offers. By employing eye-tracking techniques and surveys, this research aimed at linking information about sustainable tourist offers, perception of eco-labels and subsequent perception and preferences of tourism services. In Study 1, eight existing hotel offers with sustainability certification (four different labels) were selected and their websites presented to 48 participants (four websites each), whose eye movements were tracked. After looking at each website, they rated the overall appearance of the website. Based on the results, in the second study, participants' (n = 642) awareness of labels, their values and attitudes regarding sustainable behavior were found to influence their preference for certified tour operators. In addition, individuals' ideas of their perfect holidays were captured to allow a better understanding of their motivation. This research proposes implementing appropriate sustainable labeling in the tourism industry to increase awareness about sustainability among travelers and subsequently increase sustainable travel behavior.


ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim was to assess anterior pituitary hormone levels during the acute phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and analyze the possible association with the clinical condition and outcome. Material and methods: Forty patients with aSAH whose aneurysm was secured by endovascular coiling were enrolled. Basal secretions of cortisol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured up to 14 days after the incident. Results: The main finding was that hypocortisolism was rare whereas testosterone deficiency was common in male patients. Furthermore, various other hormone deviations were frequent and there was wide interindividual variability. We found no association between delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), outcome of the patients or aneurysm location, and hormone abnormalities, while both Hunt & Hess and Fisher grade were associated with low PRL levels. Hunt & Hess 5 was associated with low PRL concentration when compared to grades 1 (OR = 4.81, 95% CI 1.15–20.14, p = 0.03), 3 (OR 7.73, 95% CI 1.33–45.01, p = 0.02), and 4 (OR = 6.86 95% CI 1.28–26.83, p = 0.02). Fisher grade 4 was associated with low PRL concentration when compared to grades 3 (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.06–10.73, p = 0.03) and 2 (OR 9.71, 95% CI 1.22–77.10, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Deviations from normal and huge interindividual differences are common in hormone levels during the acute phase of aSAH. Routine assessment of anterior pituitary function in the acute phase of aSAH is not warranted. During the follow-up in the outpatient clinic, hormone concentrations were not measured, which would have brought a more long-term perspective into our findings.


The quantities $\epsilon_K^\prime$ and $\epsilon_K$ measure the amount of direct and indirect CP violation in $K\to \pi\pi$ decays, respectively. Using the recent lattice results from the RBC and UKQCD Collaborations and a new compact implementation of the $\Delta S=1$ renormalization group evolution we predict $ \mbox{Re}\, \frac{\epsilon_{K}'}{\epsilon_{K}} = \left(1.06 \pm 5.07 \right) \times 10^{-4}$ in the Standard Model. This value is $2.8\,\sigma$ below the experimental value of $ \mbox{Re}\, \frac{\epsilon_{K}'}{\epsilon_{K}} = \left(16.6 \pm 2.3 \right) \times 10^{-4}.$ In generic models of new physics the well-understood $\epsilon_K$ precludes large contributions to $\epsilon_K^\prime$, if the new contributions enter at loop level. However, one can resolve the tension in $\epsilon_{K}'/\epsilon_{K}$ within the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. To this end two features of supersymmetry are crucial: First, one can have large isospin-breaking contributions (involving the strong instead of the weak interaction) which enhance $\epsilon_K^\prime$. Second, the Majorana nature of gluinos permits a suppression of the MSSM contribution to $\epsilon_K$, because two box diagrams interfere destructively.


I would like to see the age limits completely scrapped, and maturity brought in. As you grow up, your age has a stereotype. I'm trying to escape from that stereotype." - Robin, aged 13 - quoted in "Children's Consent to Surgery"1if competent to understand the consequences should a child be able to consent and, more importantly, refuse to consent to medical treatment? Some recent rulings in the English law courts have apparently disenfranchised children, and the debate has resurfaced on their rights to self determination. The issue has a tremendous impact on paediatric practice, and all those who care for children should have a clear understanding of the legal and ethical consensus.

From the late 1960s to the early 1990s changes in the law on consent progressively increased the rights of those under 18 to self determination - always dependent on their capacity to understand the implications of their decisions. The case of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority established that children under 16 years could give legally effective consent to medical treatment, independent of their parents' wishes, provided they had sufficient understanding and intelligence.2

The position was reversed in 1992 in the case Re …


The first Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) was launched aboard the NOAA-15 satellite on 13 May 1998. The AMSU is well suited for the observation of tropical cyclones because its measurements are not significantly affected by the ice clouds that cover tropical storms. In this paper, the following are presented: 1) upper-tropospheric thermal anomalies in tropical cyclones retrieved from AMSU data, 2) the correlation of maximum temperature anomalies with maximum wind speed and central pressure, 3) winds calculated from the temperature anomaly field, 4) comparison of AMSU data with GOES and AVHRR imagery, and 5) tropical cyclone rainfall potential. The AMSU data appear to offer substantial opportunities for improvement in tropical cyclone analysis and forecasting.


In Crimes Unspoken: The Rape of German Women at the End of the Second World War, Miriam Gebhardt presents readers with a detailed and carefully researched account of the extent of sexual violence perpetrated by Allied forces against German women. Recent discussion has focused primarily on assaults committed by Soviet troops, but the author argues that this does not represent the whole picture. Katherine Williams recommends this text to readers interested in twentieth-century history, gender and memory.


Purpose To determine central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to evaluate association between both thickness and age, gender and axial length.

Methods Spectral domain OCT images (Bioptigen, Bioptigen, inc., Durham, NC) were obtained in 151 eyes of 151 healthy volunteers without retinal diseases. The IOL master (Carl Zeiss Meditech) was used to measure the eye length to compensate axial scale factor of the SD-OCT images. The choroidal thickness at the fovea and central retinal thickness was measured. Statistical analysis using paired t-test and Pearson correlation were performed to evaluate the correlation between both thickness and age, axial length, and gender.

Results The mean and median age of the 151 subjects were 33.3 and 29 years old, respectively (range, 7 to 80 years). There were 57 males and 94 females. The mean and median axial lengths of the eye were 24.54±0.98 mm and 24.37 mm respectively. The mean central retinal thickness were 213.89±14.64μm. Increasing age and axial length were not correlated with central retinal thickness. The mean choroidal thickness in these normal eyes was 214.43±13.63μm. Increasing age (Pearsun correlation - 0.193, R2=-0.0372, p=0.018) and increasing axial length (Pearsun correlation - 0.189, R2=-0.0359, p=0.020) were correlated with decreasing choroidal thickness. Central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness have no relationship between them in our study (Pearsun correlation - 0.139, R2=0.0192, p=0.090 ).

Conclusion Only the choroidal thickness at the fovea in normal eyes showed an inverse correlation with age and axial length. And there is no significant relationship between central retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.


A fully integrated 1.175-2-GHz differentially tuned frequency synthesizer aimed for digital video broadcasting-terrestrial tuners is implemented in a 0.18-mum CMOS process. To maintain phase-noise optimization and loop stability over the entire output frequency range, techniques of constant loop bandwidth are proposed. The voltage-controlled oscillator gain K VCO and band step f res are both maintained by simultaneously adjusting the sizes of switched capacitors and varactors. Charge pump current I CP is programmed to compensate the variation of the division ratio N . The measured results show an in-band phase noise of -97.6 dBc/Hz at a 10-kHz offset and an integrated phase error of 0.63 deg from 100 Hz to 10 MHz. The measured variations of K VCO and f res are less than 12.5% and 4.5%, respectively. The variations of the measured phase noise at 10-kHz and 1-MHz frequency offsets are less than 1 dB. The measured 3-dB closed-loop bandwidth is 110 kHz and the variation is less than 9%. The chip draws 10-mA current from a 1.8-V supply while occupying a 2.2-mm2 die area.


Large genome-wide association studies in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other major lung diseases have provided insight into the genetic determinants of disease (1, 2). However, the relatively small risk attributable to genetic variation observed in those studies has prompted investigators to renew their focus on the role of environmental exposures in the development of lung disease. Indeed, understanding how environmental exposures alter gene expression was identified as a major goal in a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop report focused on understanding the link between genes and their function (3). The purpose of this update is to highlight the advances in environmental and occupational medicine published in the Journal over the past year in the broader context of the exciting ongoing work in this area.


Pharmacogenomic systems (PG) are very high dimensional, nonlinear, and stiff systems. Mathematical modeling of these systems, as systems of nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations (ODE), is considered important for understanding them; unfortunately, it is also a very difficult task. At least as important is to adequately control them through inputs, which are drugs' dosage regimens. In this paper, we investigate new approaches based on compuational intelligences tools - genetic programming (GP), and neural networks (NN) - for these difficult tasks. We use GP to automatically write the model structure in a computer programming language (C++) and to optimize the model's constants. In some circumstances, the proposed methods not only give an accurate mathematical model of the PG system, but they also give insights into the subjacent molecular mechanisms. We also show that NN feedback linearization (FBL) can adequately control these systems, with or without a mathematical model. The drug dosage regimen will determine the output of the system to track very well a therapeutic objective. To our knowledge, this is the first time when a very large class of complex pharmacological problems are formulated and solved in terms of GP modeling and NN modeling and control.


ABSTRACT In June 2002, the Department of Energy (DOE) began establishing the 60 ha Howell Prairie at the DOE Weldon Spring Site (WSS). In one area, the clay base is different from the other soil (subarea 2C). Vegetation sampling was conducted on four permanent plots across the prairie beginning in 2008, and shows that three of the four plots have strong establishment of native prairie species including prairie grasses. The fourth plot (subarea 2C), where the soil is different, shows significantly less native grass cover and stunted vegetation compared to the other three plots. One hundred twenty-five soil samples were taken in 6 different months and in 6 different years across the entire prairie restoration. Across the prairie, potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) were not limiting. The pH, organic matter content (OM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) did not show trends related to the vegetation issues in subarea 2C. Ordination of the ratio of magnesium (Mg):K shows that Mg is very high in subarea 2C, which has been demonstrated to suppress the growth of prairie grasses. Subarea 2C contains interstratified kaolinite-smectite clay which contributes Mg to soil. It is hypothesized that an inexpensive, nondestructive treatment (addition of K) could be applied to remediate this area.


The compound 1-hydrazinophthalazine appears to be be an antihypertensive drug of only moderate potency. Based on experience with 50 cases of arterial hypertension, it was found most effective in patients with unsuccessful sympathectomy, malignant hypertension, and neurogenic hypertension. It was relatively ineffective in renal hypertension and in a group of miscellaneous conditions. Chronic administration by mouth in outpatients was feasible.


Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies in the world, with more than 213,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US and a five year survival rate of 15%. Activating mutations in a number of key signaling genes including KRAS, EGFR, and HER2 have been identified. Mutations in EGFR are highly correlated with sensitivity to small molecule EGFR inhibitors, although resistance tends to develop within a short period of time after initiation of treatment. Targeted inhibition of KRAS has not been successful so far, which in turn fueled efforts to identify tractable alternative therapeutic points of intervention. Because all solid tumors are thought to require neo‐vascularization, pharmacologic angiogenesis inhibition may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy for these challenging tumor settings. One attractive anti‐angiogenesis agent is the ATP competitive small molecule VEGFR inhibitor tivozanib (AV‐951). tivozanib exhibits picomolar inhibitory activity against all three VEGF receptors, a multi‐day T1/2 in humans, and demonstrates robust clinical activity demonstrated in renal cell carcinoma, the signal tumor type for VEGF pathway inhibition. In an effort to recapitulate the stochastic nature of human cancer in genetically engineered mouse models and to maximize their use in preclinical settings, we developed a mouse tumor model strategy involving stepwise genetic manipulation of embryonic stem (ES) cells and chimera formation to enable direct tumor induction in tissues containing both normal and engineered cells. An allelic series of lung cancer models containing EGFR, KRAS, or HER2 oncogenes demonstrated that resultant adenocarcinomas arising within normal lung tissue exhibited features of advanced malignancies. In this study, we tested the response of KRAS and EGFR driven lung tumors to the VEGFR inhibitor tivozanib in tumor bearing chimeric mice identified by bioluminescent imaging. We demonstrated that tivozanib treatment conferred significant survival benefit to the tumor bearing mice. Consistent with previous reports that tumors become more dependent on neo‐angiogenesis for survival and proliferation, we observed sensitivity to tivozanib in advanced adenocarcinomas but not hyperplasia or small adenomas. In addition, we found that upon discontinuation of tivozanib treatment, tumors quickly grew back and became less sensitive to further tivozanib treatment. These results indicate that lung cancer patients could potential benefit from anti‐angiogenesis therapy, but sustained inhibition of all VEGF receptors may be important to prevent development of resistance. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A22.


Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on patients 24 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methodology: Fifty-four patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated on the 24 th month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry and short form of health-related quality of life scale (SF-36) were used. Chest computed tomography (chest-CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. Results: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % values of 19 patients (35.18%) and forced vital capacity (FVC) % value s of 23 patients (42.54%) were found lower than expected on the 24 th month. Physical function, energy-vitality, social functionality and general health parameters were found lower than normal on the SF-36 scale. 27 (50.00%) patients had a chest -CT abnormality. There was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values and group 3: medium-lower lobe dominant, reticulation + traction, 10 - 50% surface area. Chest-CT of 6 patients was fully recovered. No correlation was found between chest-CT findings on the 24 th month and BMI, length of hospitalization, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and D-dimer values at the time of hospitalization. Conclusions: Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients on the 24 th month. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long-term problems that may arise.


BACKGROUND
The dual goals of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and C-reactive protein (CRP) reduction are important for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the relevant factors of subclinical inflammation in patients with optimal LDL-C were not clearly demonstrated. This study sought to test the hypothesis that the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with subclinical inflammation in patients achieving optimal LDL-C.

METHODS AND RESULTS
A total of 227 Japanese subjects with a prior history of ischemic heart disease and optimal LDL-C (LDL-C <100 mg/dl) were enrolled. When compared with patients with low CRP (<0.1 mg/dl), those with a high CRP (> or =0.1 mg/dl) had a significantly higher prevalence of visceral obesity, elevated triglyceride, lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, and a higher prevalence of MetS. A linear relationship between an increase in number of MetS components and CRP was observed (trend, p<0.001). In multivariate logistic analysis, visceral obesity (odds ratio 6.54; 95% confidence interval 2.99-14.3), low HDL-C (2.78; 1.09-7.12) and impaired fasting glucose (6.72; 3.30-13.7), and MetS (10.4; 5.18-20.7) were associated with higher CRP.

CONCLUSIONS
MetS is well associated with higher CRP concentrations in patients who achieved optimal LDL-C levels.


THE BATTLE OF CHESTER, dated by some to 613 (though others prefer 615), and the Northumbrian massacre of monks from Bangor Is-coed that preceded it, were forgotten neither by victors nor vanquished. The result has been accounts of the conflict by English and Welsh almost from the day it was fought. Amongst the Welsh this includes Geoffrey of Monmouth (d. 1155), Charles Edwards (1628–91?), and Theophilus Evans (1693–1767), with the second claiming that native princes fought back, killing more than a thousand of their foes and thereby avenging 'the blood of the monks' (gwaed y mynych), and the third asserting that those monks differed from later ones, being devout men who served God 'in spirit and truth' (mywn Yspryd a gwirionedd). 1 Inventions enveloping the day are relayed by a nineteenth-century topographer, who repeated St Augustine's warning that the Britons 'would speedily find death by the swords of those to whom they had refused to preach the word of life', and how this came true, for the English slaughtered over a thousand monks of Bangor and then 'entirely destroyed the monastery, and committed its valuable library to the flames'. 2 However, this paper deals not with old legend but modern discussion, especially of a mysterious King 'Cetula' who fell in the battle. Plummer quoted an Irish annal on the Northumbrian triumph: cecidit Solon mac Conain Rex Bretannorum et Cetula rex cecidit. Plummer identified the first as Selyf ap Cynan, King of Powys, yet confessed, 'Who Cetula was I am unable to say'. 3 Sir John Lloyd described the conflict with sober eloquence, observing that even Bede admitted the heavy Northumbrian losses. Lloyd added that Selyf ap Cynan, as ruler of Powys, was a 'natural defender of the valley of the Dee', but that Gwynedd took no part in the fighting. He said nothing on 'Cetula'. 4 Hugh Williams did not mention the battle, yet did reject the notion (first expressed by Henry VIII's antiquary John Leland) that the fifthcentury heretic Pelagius came from Bangor Is-coed. 5 A.H. Williams followed Lloyd in observing how Cadfan of Gwynedd (whose tombstone at Llangadwaladr in Anglesey shows dynastic


PURPOSE
To determine the extent of which acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) use is included in patients' pharmacy records.

METHODS
During an in-home interview, people aged ≥ 65 years were asked to report all of the medications they had used at least once, including over-the-counter drugs, during the preceding month. Researchers recorded information on the drug name, reason for its use, and whether a physician prescribed it. From the pharmacy records, the drug names, prescription fill dates, quantities supplied, and the numbers of days' supply were recorded. The level of agreement for ASA use across data sources was assessed using proportions of agreement and kappa coefficients.

RESULTS
Of 193 individuals interviewed, 86 reported the use of ASA, including 76 ASA users (88.4%) who said it was prescribed by a physician. Pharmacy medication records indicated that there were 74 users of ASA. The proportion of agreement for ASA use was 93.8%, and kappa coefficient was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.94). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the pharmacy data were all high.

CONCLUSIONS
A large proportion of ASA use is documented in pharmacy records in Quebec. Thus, the information regarding ASA use in pharmacy records is reliable. This result may not be reproducible in other settings where pharmaceutical reimbursement rules are different.


Abstract We study the impact of a hard selective sweep on the genealogy of partially linked neutral loci in the vicinity of the positively selected allele. We consider a sexual population of stochastically varying size and, focusing on two neighboring loci, derive an approximate formula for the neutral genealogy of a sample of individuals taken at the end of the sweep. Individuals are characterized by ecological parameters depending on their genetic type, and governing their growth rate and interactions with other individuals (competition). As a consequence, the `fitness' of an individual depends on the population state and is not an intrinsic characteristic of individuals. We provide a deep insight into the dynamics of the mutant and wild-type populations during the different stages of a selective sweep.


Practice theory has been increasingly employed to deepen understanding of how everyday life is conducted, including the question of how our daily activities might evolve in more sustainable directions (Shove and Spurling 2013; Strengers and Maller 2015). This thesis uses practice theory – specifically a modified version of the Three-Element (3E) Model of social practice as developed by Shove, Pantzar and Watson (2012) – to bring a new understanding of student activities on the campus of a Japanese university, and suggest how insights might contribute to the wider debate on sustainability. This is the first piece of research to use the practice theory approach to look at the daily lives of Japanese university students. Longitudinal data were gathered using various qualitative methods including intensive interviews with Japanese students, a field diary at several locations on the campus, and through the shadowing of students around the campus. The data were then analysed from a practice theory perspective using an expanded form of the 3E Model that incorporates consideration of Japanese socialisation processes (Nakane, 1970; Kumagai, 1996; Sugimoto, 2014), and various radical notions of spatiality and temporality (Massey, 2005; Southerton, 2013). This shows how collective social practices on a campus in Japan are produced, and how the establishment of a greater level of sustainability among the cohort of Japanese students might be informed. The thesis finds that practice theory offers an effective route for a greater understanding of the actions of Japanese university students especially if it incorporates expanded concepts of spatiality and collective cultural experiences.


Learning media is needed to help facilitate the process of learning mathematics. The learning media prepared by educators make students more active. In this study the aim was to develop Swishmax-4 learning media in educational subject matter and basic mathematical concepts. The type of research used by researchers is development using the ADDIE model. The results showed that the learning media was in the form of Swishmax-4-assisted interactive questions which referred to the modified research and development design of the ADDIE development model. The results of the expert validation of the developed learning media obtained the category "valid" or suitable for use. In addition, student responses to the learning media that were developed were good. The results of the effectiveness seen from the learning outcomes are included in the effective category, while the results of the practicality test seen from the questionnaire show that the media is practical to use.


Emergencies nearly always present first to the junior doctor, either as a result of direct observation on the ward, or a phone call from nursing staff when on call. The key to their management is timely recognition and intervention. This book gives the junior doctor and senior medical student the confidence to do this. The text covers emergencies from both a problem-based and disease-based approach, with the book being divided into two sections presentations and diseases.


ABSTRACTThe Korean naval weapon systems, combat experiments establish the concept of Battle operations, and create the future of the new weapons system. Doctrine development and training as well as ranging from experiments for evaluate the performance of mission operations for combat experiments are used. The battle lab is effectively support tool for the Korean Naval battle experiments. The battle lab is through a dedicated testing facility and to build efficient and effective simulation-based acquisition supporting environment. In this paper, the ship / submarines C2 operations virtual simulator was developed to support the concept of Battle operations of naval combat experiments in training and tactical development. The ship C2 operations virtual simulator makes the anti-ship and anti-aircraft the engagement scenario for performed experiments using the SADM. The submarines C2 operations virtual simulator makes the anti-submarine engagement scenario for performed experiments using EAS. EAS System was created before reuse. EAS system by modifying the additional interfaces HLA-RTI has been reused. Reflected in the tactics and training after analysis of the results through the battle experiment. Also increase training fidelity through operator involvement. The anti-ship and anti-aircraft system architecture (SADM) and anti-submarine system architecture (EAS) requires unique design of system framework since two separate architectures should be integrated into a system. An C2 virtual linked architecture was used to integrate different system architecture. A C2 virtual linked software framework, designed that have integrated protocol for battle experimental linkage and battlefield visualization environment.


Federated learning enables data sharing in healthcare contexts where it might otherwise be difficult due to data-use-ordinances or security and communication constraints. Distributed and shared data models allow models to become generalizable and learn from heterogeneous clients. While addressing data security, privacy, and vulnerability considerations, data itself is not shared across nodes in a given learning network. On the other hand, FL models often struggle with variable client data distributions and operate on an assumption of independent and identically distributed data. As the field has grown, the notion of fairness-aware federated learning mechanisms has also been introduced and is of distinct significance to the healthcare domain where many sensitive groups and protected classes exist. In this paper, we create a benchmark methodology for FAFL mechanisms under various heterogeneous conditions on datasets in the healthcare domain typically outside the scope of current federated learning benchmarks, such as medical imaging and waveform data formats. Our results indicate considerable variation in how various FAFL schemes respond to high levels of data heterogeneity. Additionally, doing so under privacy-preserving conditions can create significant increases in network communication cost and latency compared to the typical federated learning scheme.


Organic solar cells have many advantages such as their ease of manufacturing, flexibility, and low cost compared to perovskite and silicon solar cells. However, increasing their power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still challenging. In this paper, response surface methodology of design of experiments (DOE) is used to optimize the PCE of a tandem organic solar cell. The cell is based on boron sub-phthalocyanine to reduce the series resistance between the layers. The optimization process is performed by formulating an empirical polynomial regression model relating the PCE to the active layers' thicknesses. Design Expert software is used for model adequacy checking, response surface plotting and response optimization. The optimized thicknesses resulted in increasing the PCE by 47.7% compared to the conversion rate of the monolayered solar cell of the same materials.


As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the 12th meeting of the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies was held in a digital format on 26th March 2021. Even experienced for the first time in a virtual set-up, it kept its strength in continuation of the opportunity for more than 200 physicians from all continents and 20 countries to meet the experts in the field. Contemporary research in the area of antiphospholipid syndrome was presented, and proposals for the new research projects, as a distinguishing feature of the meeting, made a major contribution. Despite challenging times, this meeting enabled the highest number of registered participants to have interactive communication with presenters. This report summarizes major studies and new research projects presented during the online forum meeting.


The effectiveness of layers of elastomeric materials bonded to the undersurface of rigid plates in cushioning their impact on calm water was investigated under two-dimensional conditions. It was shown that an elastomeric layer of optimal modulus of elasticity would significantly reduce the slamming forces on flat bottoms falling vertically on a water surface. An elastomeric layer tended to increase the slamming force on wedge-shaped bottoms, but the magnitudes of maximum impact forces on wedge-shaped bottoms either with or without an elastomeric layer were considerably smaller than those values for the flat bottom under identical drop conditions and diminished sharply with increasing deadrise angle.


BACKGROUND
Obesity exacerbates the age-related decline in physical function and causes frailty in older persons. However, appropriate treatment for obese older persons is unknown. We evaluated the effects of weight loss and exercise therapy on physical function and body composition in obese older persons.

METHODS
We screened 40 obese older volunteers and eventually randomized 27 frail obese older volunteers to treatment or control groups. Treatment consisted of 6 months of weekly behavioral therapy for weight loss in conjunction with exercise training 3 times per week. Physical function was evaluated with measurements of frailty (Physical Performance Test, peak oxygen consumption, and Functional Status Questionnaire); strength, gait, and balance tests; body composition with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; and quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Survey 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Results are reported as mean +/- SD.

RESULTS
Two subjects in the treatment group did not comply with the intervention, and 1 subject in the control group withdrew. Analyses included all 27 subjects originally randomized to the treatment and control groups. The treatment group lost 8.4% +/- 5.6% of body weight, whereas weight did not change in the control group (+0.5% +/- 2.8%; P<.001). Compared with the control group, fat mass decreased (-6.6 +/- 3.4 vs +1.7 +/- 4.1 kg; P<.001), without a change in fat-free mass (-1.2 +/- 2.1 vs -1.0 +/- 3.5 kg; P = .75) in the treatment group. The Physical Performance Test score (2.6 +/- 2.5 vs 0.1 +/- 1.0; P = .001), peak oxygen consumption (1.7 +/- 1.6 vs 0.3 +/- 1.1 mL/min per kilogram; P = .02), and Functional Status Questionnaire score (2.9 +/- 3.7 vs -0.2 +/- 3.9; P = .02) improved in treated subjects compared with control subjects. Treatment also improved strength, walking speed, obstacle course, 1-leg limb stance time, and health survey physical subscale scores (all P<.05).

CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that weight loss and exercise can ameliorate frailty in obese older adults. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00146133.


Data Analysis and Machine Learning algorithms play very vital role in various fields and application including forecasting and investment in stock markets. Forecasting stock market patterns is very useful because correctly forecasting stock prices may contribute to moneymaking returns by making the right decisions. Several analysts and researchers have always been mindful of stock market predictions. In the current domain of framework, various techniques are developed to predict stock market trends. But, due to non-stationary, blasting, and volatile results, stock market forecasting is a major challenge, and thus making it quite difficult to take decisions regarding investment for spinning the big money, and hence stock price analysis and prediction is a promising and exciting challenge. Academic researchers have upgraded many predictive models to predict stock prices. Nonetheless, there are several negative aspects in the previous methods after analyzing the past research, namely, strict quantitative assumptions are essential, human interactions are essential in the forecasting process and an acceptable scope is difficult to be identified. Due to the problems identified, proposing a hybrid and integrated method to predict the stock market prices seems to be promising at present as this approach can blend many different approaches to improve the overall performance of the model. After studying many research papers over the last decade, it may seem that hybrid method framework looks more promising to provide more desirable results as compared to the individual methods.


Neonatal sialadenitis of the submandibular gland is a very rare clinical entity. Information about the etiopathogenesis and management of the disease is very limited. Prematurity, prolonged gavage feeding and dehydration are the frequent causes. This report presents a rare case of isolated suppurative submandibular sialadenitis in a full-term newborn without any risk factors. Possible etiology, diagnosis and management of this uncommon disease are discussed.


This paper reports the fabrication and electrical characterization of PiN diodes on an on-axis grown epitaxial layer. TCAD simulations have been performed in order to design their architecture. Some of these diodes have a breakdown voltage around 600 V. A comparison is made with similar diodes fabricated on off-cut grown layers. Computer simulations are used to explain lower breakdown voltage than those expected.


Large phase differences between TE and TM waves were investigated in plasmonic nanowire arrays. The phase of the TE wave shifts ahead because of its low propagation constant. On the other hand, the phase of the TM wave is retarded due to the propagation of surface plasmons. The opposite phase shift forms the giant birefringence. Its magnitude was dependent on the nanowire width. For 500nm-period gold nanowires, the birefringence magnitude was ~1 for 200nm-wide nanowires and up to ~2.7 for 400nm ones. The spectroscopic results indicate that waveplates made of gold nanowire arrays have large bandwidths.


On 9 July 2009, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Sized Entities ("IFRS for SMEs") which aims to provide a financial reporting framework for SMEs falling within its scope. It is a matter for authorities in each jurisdiction to decide which entities are permitted or required to apply IFRS for SMEs. Because of the connection between accounting and taxation certain european countries had a reluctant position related to the application of IFRS for SMEs. Opponents focused on the incompatibility between IFRS for SMEs framework and the principles commonly accepted for tax purposes. As the individual financial statements drown up in compliance with IFRS for SMEs will serve for profit distribution under the 2nd European Directive the question arises weather the profits determined under these accounting rules can be considered as realized for distribution purposes. In order to mitigate the mismatch between accounting and distributable profits, Member States will need to reconsider the circumstances in which gains and losses arising from re-measurement at fair value through profit and loss should be considered as realized. In this scenario, two important questions arise: What are the potential tax effects of the application of IFRS for SMEs? Is the profit determined under IFRS for SMEs available for distribution or some adjustments are necessary? The paper addresses these issues in the context of the Romanian accounting and taxation systems. Romania represents a relevant case study, as it is one of the European countries with a close linkage between financial and tax, where the fiscal profit is dependent on the accounting profit (currently determined under domestic regulations). The methodology consists in a comparative analysis of the recognition and measurement rules between national accounting regulations and IFRS for SMEs in order to identify the differences with possible consequences on taxable and distributable profit. The comparative analysis identified tensions between accounting and taxation that should be solved and new accounting policies with impact on taxable and distributable profit. Under these circumstances regulators should analyse if new policies proposed by IFRS for SMEs are acceptable considering the purpose of specific regulations and modify the legal framework.


Abstract The antimonides Ce2Ir3Sb4, La2Ir3Sb4, and Ce2Rh3Sb4 were synthesized by solid state reaction from the elements. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Ce2Ir3Sb4 crystallises in a new structure type in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with a = 16.1510(8) Å, b = 4.5600(3) Å, c = 10.9463(5) Å. La2Ir3Sb4 and Ce2Rh3Sb4 crystallise in the Ce2Ir3Sb4 structure type as well with a = 16.2659(10) Å, b = 4.5896(3) Å, c = 10.9996(7) Å) and a = 16.2293(8) Å, b = 4.5604(2) Å, c = 10.9804(5) Å, respectively. The four- and five-bonded transition metal atoms and three- and four-bounded Sb atoms form a 3D-network with the rare-earth metal embedded in its cavities, resembling the topology of Ca in the CaBe2Ge2 or Th in ThCr2Si2 type. Magnetic susceptibility and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy data indicate a stable trivalent state for Ce in the Ce2Ir3Sb4 compound.


A 56-year-old female patient on verapamil for hypertension experienced two episodes of jaundice, pruritus and upper abdominal pain with transaminase elevated up to six-fold and alkaline phosphatase up to four-fold when inadvertently re-challenged with the drug. Liver biopsy showed marked cholestasis. Verapamil can occasionally cause mixed cytotoxic-cholestatic liver injury.


Hafnia alvei is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which is rarely associated with infection in pediatric patients and exceptionally in the neonatal period. Infections caused by this organism are usually opportunistic. H. alvei bacteremias are mostly associated with abdominal disease or immunosuppression. We report four cases of nosocomial sepsis in preterm infants with positive blood cultures to H. alvei that were treated in our institution within a short period of time.


Abstract This introduction to the special issue of the Journal of Management & Organization on social responsibility, philanthropy and entrepreneurship in the sport industry frames the key issues sport businesses, corporate partners, and related nonprofit organizations grapple with to ensure that both the organizations and the social causes which are being addressed benefit in some way. The importance of social responsibility is first examined in the context of corporations and sports. The increasing importance of social issues to sport-related industries and the role of strategic philanthropy is discussed. Next, the connection between social responsibility and philanthropic endeavors is addressed in terms of social entrepreneurship. Finally, the article concludes by highlighting the increased significance of sport in society and how the articles in this special issue contribute to a better understanding of the role of social responsibility, philanthropy and entrepreneurship in sport.


The view of evil human nature is important in Chinese and western cultures. The thesis chooses evil human in St. Augustine's thoughts and Hsun Tzu's thoughts to compare and analyze evil in these two. St. Augustine, who is called "the Saint of God", views the definition of evil, the resource of it, and salvations of it from the aspect of religious beliefs. He considers that evil is the privation of goodness and is not created by God. Because God is omnipotent and all-good, it is impossible for God to create evil. Evil results from the free will of human beings themselves. If people want to attain their salvations, they should use their free will to choose good will and follow the goodness given by God. Hsun Tzu, one of Confucian scholars, puts forward evil human nature which is totally different from good human nature in Confucianism. He views the definition of evil, the source of it, and ways to change evil into good from the angle of social reality in Warring States Period. In Hsun Tzu's views, evil results from the uninhibited extension of sound physical needs and desires for living. Hsun Tzu believes that human nature is evil and goodness comes from nurture, therefore, converting evil into good is to change human nature through nurturing. By further comparison and analysis, the thesis further looks into these two perspectives from their differences and similarities. It states their differences from five aspects: backgrounds, ways to change evil to good, categories, historical status, and positions of human beings. Apart from those, the thesis also refers to their similarities to complement the comparative analysis. From comparison and analysis, we can draw two conclusions: first, evil human nature from Hsun Tzu is simple in connotation and relatively objective compared with the view of St. Augustine; second, St. Augustine thinks that human beings are equal in front of evil, which has positive significance compared with the ideas posed by Hsun Tzu who insists on the distinction between saint and ordinary people, between monarchs and their subjects.


This survey highlights and discusses remote OTA software updates in the automotive sector, mainly from the security perspective. In particular, the major objective of this survey is to provide a comprehensive and structured outline of various research directions and approaches in OTA update technologies in vehicles. At first, we discuss the connected car technology and then integrate the relationship of remote OTA update features with the connected car. We also present the benefits of remote OTA updates for cars along with relevant statistics. Then, we emphasize on the security challenges and requirements of remote OTA updates along with use cases and standard road safety regulations followed in different countries. We also provide for a classification of the existing works in literature that deal with implementing different secured techniques for remote OTA updates in vehicles. We further provide an analytical discussion on the present scenario of remote OTA updates with respect to care manufacturers. Finally, we identify possible future research directions of remote OTA updates for automobiles, particularly in the area of security.


In this paper, an Internal Model Control (IMC) scheme is incorporated in production inventory control systems in a complete supply chain. This control scheme presents a good target inventory tracking under the perfect knowledge of the system. Furthermore, the inventory tracking and load disturbance rejection control problems can be tackled separately. However, the closed-loop performance of the IMC scheme may be degraded due to a mismatch bewteen the modelled and actual delay or to the fact that delays may be time-varying. Thus, the IMC control scheme is enhanced in this work with a novel method for the online identification of lead times based on a multimodel scheme. In this way, all benefits of the IMC scheme can be exploited. A detailed discussion of the proposed production inventory system is provided including a stability and performance analysis as well as the identification capabilities of the algorithm. Several simulation examples illustrate the efficiency of the approach.


Soil is a highly heterogenous system where a number of physical, chemical and biological processes are taking place. The study of these processes requires analytical techniques. The electromagnetic radiations in the form spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, magnetic resonance etc. have been used in the field of soil analysis since decades. The study of soil nutrients, mineralogy, organic matter and complex compounds in soils use these techniques and are successful tools till date. But these come with a limitation of lesser spatial and spectral resolution, time consuming sample preparation and destructive methods of study which are mostly ex-situ. In contrast to the conventional spectroscopic techniques, the synchrotron facility is of high precision and enables non-destructive study of the samples to a nano scale. The technique uses the high intensity synchrotron radiation which is produced in a special facility, where the electrons are ejected using very high voltage and accelerated in changing magnetic field, at a speed of light resulting in a very bright radiation that enables a very précised study of the subject. For example, in studying the dynamics of P and N in soils, SR aided XAS are used to study the K-edge spectra of these nutrients, without any matrix interference, which used to be a problem in conventional SEM, IR or NMR spectroscopy. These radiations provide high energy in GeV, which imparts high sensitivity and nanoscale detection. Basically, the SR facility improves the precision of the existing spectroscopic techniques. This chapter discusses how the Synchrotron radiations aid to improve precision in various field of soil analysis such as, carbon chemistry, nutrient dynamics, heavy metal and contaminant speciation and rhizosphere study. However, the technique also come with major limitations of requirement of very high skill for preparation of samples, inadequate availability of references for studies related to absorption spectrum and control of radiation damage. Applications and limitations of the technique thoroughly reviewed in this chapter with an aim to provide a brief idea of this new dimension of soil analysis.


Norfloxacin is a new antibiotic which caused embryo-fetal toxicity in association with maternotoxicity when given orally to rabbits at 100 mg/kg/day. The intestinal flora of rabbits is unusually sensitive to many antibiotics and it was suspected that the maternotoxicity and embryo-fetal toxicity caused by oral norfloxacin were secondary to an effect on the intestinal flora. To test this idea, a teratologic study was conducted in which rabbits were dosed on Days 6 to 18 of gestation with norfloxacin given orally at 100 mg/kg/day or subcutaneously at 20 mg/kg/day. The oral treatment caused decreased food consumption (to less than 15 g/day in some animals), body weight loss, an increased resorption rate, and decreased fetal weight. Among the females in the orally dosed group, there was a significant correlation (p less than or equal to 0.005) between the effects on maternal body weight and the resorption rate. The subcutaneous treatment caused little intestinal exposure (biliary excretion = only 2-4% of dose) and no maternotoxicity or embryo-fetal toxicity, even though blood levels of drug were at least as high as those in the oral group. Since the maternotoxicity and embryo-fetal toxicity were specific to the oral route and not correlated with the level of systemic exposure, the maternotoxicity may have been secondary to an effect on the intestinal flora and the embryo-fetal toxicity may have been secondary to the maternotoxicity. The decreased food consumption observed in the oral group may have contributed to the embryo-fetal toxicity since, in a separate study, it was found that lowering the amount of food provided to rabbits on Days 6 to 18 of gestation from 150 g/day to 50 or 15 g/day also caused adverse maternal and fetal effects including, at 15 g/day, fetal malformations.


Development of complex temporo-spatial biological computational models can be a time consuming and arduous task. These models may contain hundreds of differential equations as well as realistic geometries that may require considerable investment in time to ensure that all model components are correctly implemented and error free. To tackle this problem, the Modeling Markup Languages (MML) and software framework is a modular XML/HDF5-based specification and toolkits that aims to simplify this process. The main goal of this framework is to encourage reusability, sharing and storage. To achieve this, the MML framework utilizes the CellML specification and repository, which comprises an extensive range of curated models available for use. The MML framework is an open-source project available at http://mml.gsbme.unsw.edu.au.


The paper presents a study of different stability enhancement techniques with emphasis on the damping effectiveness of proposed static phase shifters. A linearized state-space model is derived to simulate the phase shifting action in AC system dynamics. The paper also presents a robust controller design procedure that transforms static phase shifters into a powerful stability enhancement tool similar in action to switched load, series compensation, and HVDC transmission damping capabilities.


Kidney recipients (n = 51) at risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, and requiring anti-lymphocyte globulin therapy because of biopsy-proven rejection, received high-dose ganciclovir, three times a week, for a total of nine doses. CMV disease was observed in seven (14%) patients within 6 months. Six of these patients were in a group of 45 CMV-seropositive recipients, and one was in a high-risk group of CMV-seronegative recipients. High-dose intravenous ganciclovir, three times a week, seems to be an efficient, safe and easy way to prevent CMV disease in patients treated with anti-lymphocyte globulins for acute rejection.


Budget optimization is one of the primary decision-making issues faced by advertisers in search auctions. A quality budget optimization strategy can significantly improve the effectiveness of search advertising campaigns, thus helping advertisers to succeed in the fierce competition of online marketing. This paper investigates budget optimization problems in search advertisements and proposes a novel hierarchical budget optimization framework (BOF), with consideration of the entire life cycle of advertising campaigns. Then, we formulated our BOF framework, made some mathematical analysis on some desirable properties, and presented an effective solution algorithm. Moreover, we established a simple but illustrative instantiation of our BOF framework which can help advertisers to allocate and adjust the budget of search advertising campaigns. Our BOF framework provides an open testbed environment for various strategies of budget allocation and adjustment across search advertising markets. With field reports and logs from real-world search advertising campaigns, we designed some experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of our BOF framework and instantiated strategies. Experimental results are quite promising, where our BOF framework and instantiated strategies perform better than two baseline budget strategies commonly used in practical advertising campaigns.