The identification of genetic markers linked to genes of agronomic importance is a major aim of crop research and breeding programmes. Here, we identify markers for Yr15, a major disease resistance gene for wheat yellow rust, using a segregating F2 population. After phenotyping, we implemented RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of bulked pools to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with Yr15. Over 27 000 genes with SNPs were identified between the parents, and then classified based on the results from the sequenced bulks. We calculated the bulk frequency ratio (BFR) of SNPs between resistant and susceptible bulks, selecting those showing sixfold enrichment/depletion in the corresponding bulks (BFR > 6). Using additional filtering criteria, we reduced the number of genes with a putative SNP to 175. The 35 SNPs with the highest BFR values were converted into genome-specific KASP assays using an automated bioinformatics pipeline (PolyMarker) which circumvents the limitations associated with the polyploid wheat genome. Twenty-eight assays were polymorphic of which 22 (63%) mapped in the same linkage group as Yr15. Using these markers, we mapped Yr15 to a 0.77-cM interval. The three most closely linked SNPs were tested across varieties and breeding lines representing UK elite germplasm. Two flanking markers were diagnostic in over 99% of lines tested, thus providing a reliable haplotype for marker-assisted selection in these breeding programmes. Our results demonstrate that the proposed methodology can be applied in polyploid F2 populations to generate high-resolution genetic maps across target intervals.


BACKGROUND
Wnt signaling is important in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), however Wnt pathway inhibitors lack satisfactory potency when used in monotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the combinations of Wnt signaling inhibitors and the inhibitor of Akt kinase on the survival and glycolytic activity of tongue carcinoma cells.

METHODS
CAL27, SCC-25 and BICR22 tongue cancer cell lines were used. Cells were treated with Wnt signaling (PRI-724 and IWP-O1) and Akt kinase inhibitors. The effect of the chemicals on cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated by MTS and CellTox Green assays, respectively. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed cytometrically after propidium iodide staining. Annexin V binding to externalized phosphatidylserine and analysis of mitochondrial potential allowed the assessment of apoptosis. Glucose uptake and lactate release were evaluated luminometrically. Additionally, the viability of cells in spheroids was analyzed based on ATP content.

RESULTS
The Akt kinase inhibitor showed significant cytotoxicity towards primary cancer cells. Moreover, its proapoptotic effects were enhanced by Wnt pathway inhibitors. The activity of Akt inhibitor was even higher (by twofold) in 3D spheroids in comparison to cells grown in monolayer. The synergistic reduction in the growth of spheroids was observed between Akt inhibitor and IWP-O1. Reduced glucose consumption may play a part in the combinatorial effects of these chemicals.

CONCLUSION
The results point to the therapeutic potential of the combinatorial use of Wnt inhibitors together with Akt inhibitors in HNSCC.


In traditional multi-level security (MLS) models, object labels are fixed assessments of sensitivity. In practice there will inevitably be some uncertainty about the damage that might be caused if a document falls into the wrong hands. Furthermore, unless specific management action is taken to regrade the label on an object, it does not change. This does not reflect the operational reality of many modern systems where there is clearly a temporal element to the actual sensitivity of information. Tactical information may be highly sensitive right now but comparatively irrelevant tomorrow whilst strategic secrets may need to be maintained for many years, decades, or even longer. In this paper we propose to model both security labels and clearances as probability distributions. We provide practical templates to model both uncertainty and temporally characterized dependencies, and show how these features can be naturally integrated into a recently proposed access control framework based on quantified risk.


The highly imbalanced power spectral density of full-band speech signals poses a significant challenge to full-band speech enhancement, and the commonly used spectral features that mimic the behavior of the human auditory system are not an optimal choice for full-band speech enhancement. In this paper, a learnable spectral dimension compression mapping is proposed to effectively compress the spectral feature along frequency, preserving high resolution in low frequencies while compressing information in high frequencies in a more flexible manner. Experimental results verify that the proposed method can be easily combined with different full-band speech enhancement models and achieve better performance.


Exclusion cylinders were used to assess vegetation loss due to feeding activity of the Oregon ground squirrel, Spermophilus beldingi oregonus. Three hardware cloth cylinders were placed within a four-acre (1.62 hectare (ha)) squirrel colony for 44 days. Sample pairs included vegetation within a cylinder and a comparable area of vegetation near the cylinder-each clipped at ground level. Green and dry weights were taken of each sample to estimate hay production. The average dry weight difference between the excluded area and the grazed area was estimated to be 1790 lb/ acre (2005.9 kg/ha). Visual observations and a Lincoln Index estimated the squirrel colony population at 123 squirrels (adults and young) per acre (303.9 per ha). Visual observation and trapping resulted in no other animal significantly contributing to the assessed damage. This study indicated that exclusion cylinders are an effective means for assessing vegetation loss due to ground squirrel feeding activity.


Spodoptera litura Fab. is one of the most destructive pest of cotton. Damage caused in spite of various control methods, the discovery of new entomopathogenic bacterial species and isolates bearing insecticidal traits against novel targets is needed in the near future. In this study, isolation, characterization of Staphylococcus vitulinus and Bacillus subtilis was assessed for insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura. Bacterial isolation were performed from dead and alive larvae of Spodoptera litura, bacterial isolates were characterized based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The application of concentration were conducted with five different bacterial concentrations (8.5 x 10 cfu/ml, 12.2 x 10 cfu/ml, 16 x 10 cfu/ml, 20.2 x 10 cfu/ml and 24.4 x 10 cfu/ml) of the active cells and for insecticidal activity 1 ml of bacterial suspension were performed on the third instar larvae of S. litura with the leaves of Ricinus communis. The sub lethal and median lethal dose of Staphylococcus vitulinus was LD10 = 87.06 cfu/ml and LD50 = 215.5 cfu/ml at 96 hrs and for Bacillus subtilis was LD10 = 31.61 cfu/ml and LD50 = 113.9 cfu/ml at 96 hrs against third instar larvae. Result revealed that, the mortality increase with increase in concentration of bacterial populations. The highest mortality of Spodoptera litura is found by bacterial strain Staphylococcus vitulinus at 24.4 x 10 cfu/ml and for Bacillus subtilis at 20.2 x 10 cfu/ml. Stastical variance, 95% confidence limits and regression equations are presented.


Blockchain is often presented as a technological development; however, clearly it is not only that: the 'Blockchain buzz' exists in the context of current social and political developments. In this essay, we analyse blockchain technology and its social and political context from a perspective of Marxist economic theory. Since arguably the last great inflection point in society and technology was analysed by Marx in terms of labour and capital and since we seem to be experiencing a shift in the balance between these forces today, it makes sense to revisit the Marxist ideas and apply them to the current situation, to see how well they still apply and if necessary to update them for current events.


Aim: This study was designed to examine the in vitro antibacterial potential of methanolic and acetone leaf extracts of Acacia catechu willd, Azadirachta indica ,Aryctostaphylos Uva ursi against Lactobacillus acidophilus. Materials and Methods: The inhibitory effect of methanolic and acetone extract of three herbal extracts was tested against Lactobacillus acidophilus by using the broth dilution method. Results: The methanolic extract of Acacia catechu willd exhibited antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus with minimum bactericidal concentration of 1mg/ml, and appreciable activity with Azadirachta indica methanolic extract at a concentration of 10mg/ml. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of methanolic and acetone extract of the herbal extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, and tannins, which may contribute for the antibacterial action . Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Acacia catechu willd was found to be bactericidal in action when compared to the other herbal extracts tested . Clinical Significance: Acacia catechu willd methanolic leaf extract is proved to be an potent antibacterial herb against lactobacillus acidophilus and can be recommended to treat dental caries when compared to Azadirachta indica commonly known as neem which is commercially obtained in the market.


ABSTRACT Figures such as maps and time series are essential means to visualize spatiotemporal results in scientific papers. Being able to recompute them using the underlying source code and data is thus a core aspect in reproducible research. However, many scientists see the preparation of code and data for publication as an additional burden without immediate benefits. In this work, we investigate advantages and new capabilities of reproducible research papers. Our key contributions are (i) the extension of a geoscientist's workflow while examining papers including reproducible figures such as maps and (ii) the prototypical implementation of the workflow as a web application. The workflow is based on current practices of geoscientists and encapsulates benefits of reproducible figures. It is informed by ideas and needs identified by geoscientists in a survey, interviews, and a focus group. Based on their statements, we first extend the traditional workflow steps Discovery and Inspection by additional capabilities and propose two new steps: Manipulation of the content of a spatiotemporal figure and Substitution of the underlying code and data. The extended workflow and its implementation might facilitate in-depth examination and reusability of geoscientific results.


Abstract Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the activity and foliar absorption of foramsulfuron in giant foxtail and woolly cupgrass with various adjuvants. Adjuvant selection was important for giant foxtail control. Foramsulfuron provided 90% or greater giant foxtail control with the addition of methylated seed oil (MSO) or MSO plus 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN). When a crop oil concentrate (COC) or a nonionic surfactant (NIS) was added to foramsulfuron, giant foxtail control was only 20%. However, when 28% UAN was added to COC or NIS, control was increased to 90 and 85%, respectively. Foramsulfuron absorption and control were closely related in giant foxtail. Foliar absorption of 14C-foramsulfuron in giant foxtail ranged between 35 and 90% 24 h after treatment (HAT) depending on adjuvant selection. The rate of absorption was greatest when MSO plus 28% UAN was added to foramsulfuron and absorption was maximized 4 HAT. Foramsulfuron absorption in woolly cupgrass reached its maximum levels 2 HAT with all adjuvant combinations. Although the rate of foramsulfuron absorption was quicker in woolly cupgrass, absorption trends by adjuvants were similar to those in giant foxtail. Maximum absorption of 14C-foramsulfuron in woolly cupgrass was 84% with the addition of MSO plus 28% UAN. However, even with high levels of absorption, woolly cupgrass control with foramsulfuron was poor and may be related to rapid metabolism to nonphytotoxic compounds. Nomenclature: Foramsulfuron; giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. SETFA; woolly cupgrass, Eriochloa villosa L. ERBVI.


This article examines how Judge Jack B. Weinstein, who served as a federal district judge in the Eastern District of New York for 53 years, approached the issue of consistency in sentencing after the Federal Sentencing Guidelines were rendered advisory in United States v. Booker. It was Judge Weinstein's practice to publish a statement of reasons for each sentence he imposed, and the article relies on these statements of reason – as well as articles and speeches published by the Judge – to demonstrate how he attempted to ensure that each defendant before him received an individualized sentencing determination, and that comparable cases and sentencing factors were treated consistently. It examines how Judge Weinstein developed a specific sentencing procedure, took into account the personal history and characteristics of each defendant, and considered the need for the sentence in order to avoid unwanted sentencing disparities. It is a condensed version of an article that was originally published in the Cardozo Law Review in 2019.


The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological effect of the low level laser therapy (LLLT) on sheep ribs xeno graft which used as bone replacement for the treatment of the femoral fractures in rabbits. 20  adults rabbits of  local breed were employed to removing about 1cm length of bone from the femoral bone surgically, and replaced the empty space with suitable size of sheep ribs xeno graft which fixed by intramedullary pinning .The animals were divided to ,control group  was of 10 rabbits lifted for normal healing processing ,with no laser irradiation post operation ( P.O.), while the treatment group of 10 rabbits exposed to single daily dosage of  continuous diode laser at four points of the lateral aspect of the femoral bone for 5 minutes at 72th interval for 14th days p.o. laser dosage (850 nm,148.4J/cm2).The experimental period 12 wks p.o. The clinical observation revealed that the treatment group normally use the affected limb within 14 th to 21 th days p.o. while it remain after 21th days p.o in the control group, At the end of 12th wks p.o. after removing the intramedullary pins, the femoral bones re-fractured in the control groups, while it remain in the treatment group stable well fixed and not fracture. The radiological finding showed, early periosteal reaction with new bone formation at the end of the 1st week p.o. in the treatment group which increase in volume and opacity in the 3 rd and 4 th weeks p.o. to form the bony bridge, while in the control group the periosteal reaction and the new bone formation appears at the end of 2nd weeks p.o., and the bony bridge formation occurs at the end of 6th weeks p.o. The histopathological finding after 6th wk's p.o. in the treatment groups mature and wide trabecular bone formation. The control group showed thin immature trabecular bone, with large cavities of none organized Connective tissues. At the  end of 12th wks p.o.in the treatment groups lamellar bone formation surround the xeno graft, with partial bony incorporation, new blood vessels and osteocytes invade the bony device .compare with the  control groups the trabecula bone not yet all mature, and many empty lucana and havesan canal . The conclusion is the irradiated sheep ribs xeno graft by LLLT, can be used to fill the femoral defect, promote healing, and well fixed and tolerate body weight, with no complication or body rejection. https://doi.org/10.24897/acn.64.68.148


As I flew last week over the Mekong River, then the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh and on over Gujarat, I could not help reflecting on the scale of catastrophes, from the 1931 estimate of two million deaths in one flood in China to the 15000 in the 1979 collapse of a dam in Gujarat. They have been listed by Fryer & Griffiths (1979). The ability to kill many people in man-made accidents is limited by the containment, whether in a car, train, aircraft or factory. Containment possibly makes society tolerate these risks while questioning the smaller risks, made all-pervasive by the concept of dose-commitment in radiological protection. When the same concept is used by Dr Inhaber to predict risk from SO2 and airborne fluorides, many part company with him, although accepting the general thesis that economic activity carries known risks and spending money brings death or injury. This Discussion Meeting has ranged widely and has shown up some gaps. It has especially focused attention on the differing perceptions of risk and the failure of quantitative risk assessment to make much impact on them. Lord Ashby suggested that insurers know how to assess risk from past experience and sell policies by judging the perception of that risk. On the whole, their do not offer better terms than10‒4/year in familar areas like house insurance. When it comes to betting, a 100 to 1 outsider attracts little money, and most of the figures discussed here mean nothing to the average man. They tend to agree with Damon Runyon's assessment that everything in life is 6 to 4 against.


Surgical resection of the mass lesion arising in the brainstem, especially gliomas in the medulla oblongata, may incur the compromise of respiratory function and airway protection postoperatively. Adequate prevention and proper management of these complications is still very challenging. This article evaluates the surgical experience in 70 patients with mass lesions within the medulla oblongata and in 4 patients with mass lesions in the pons. Respiratory function and lower cranial nerve deficits are reviewed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively in 70 patients with medulla oblongata mass lesions and in 4 patients with pons lesions. Tumor locations included the medulla oblongata (38 patients), pontomedullary region (14 patients), cervicomedullary region (18 patients), and the pons (4 patients). The pathologic results showed astrocytoma (21 patients), ependymoma (18 patients), cavernoma (18 patients), hemangioblastoma (14 patients), ganglioglioma (1 patient), tuberculoma (1 patient), and squamous cell carcinoma (1 patient). Sixty percent of patients presented with slight or mild lower cranial nerve deficit preoperatively. Most of them experienced transient exacerbation after surgery. Some patients (35.7%) required a feeding tube and tracheotomy within 48 hours to 72 hours. Swallowing studies showed 84% of patients can eliminate the feeding tube over 2 months to 6 months. Two patients still required the feeding tubes nine months and eleven months postoperatively and are still in follow-up. Other patients (14.3%) needed intermittent mechanical ventilation support for at least 2 weeks; 1 patient died of respiratory failure and pneumonia on the 64th day postoperatively. One patient required ventilator support for one hundred twenty-one days and still experienced intermittent hypoventilation after discontinuing the ventilator. Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was noted in 2.86% of medulla oblongata cases. Lower cranial nerve deficits are the most common clinical manifestations in patients with lesions of the medulla oblongata. Temporary worsening of these problems was noted in most cases after surgery. With cystic or well-circumscribed lesions arising in the medulla oblongata, there were no permanent respiratory problems postoperatively. Severe respiratory problems and swallowing difficulty occurred following surgery in patients with solid or diffuse astrocytoma in the medulla oblongata.


Positron annihilation spectroscopy has been used to study the sintering processes in pure and Bi-doped ZnO. The lifetime measurements in the as-pressed specimens reveal the presence of a long component, this being ascribed to pores. By following the evolution of the annihilation parameters as a function of the annealing temperatures between 673 and 1573 K it is suggested that a satisfactory sintering occurs above 1373 and 1173 K for pure and Bi-doped ZnO, respectively. From the lifetime measurements, the activation energy for the sintering processes in pure ZnO is found to be QR=(360+or-10) kJ mol-1, which is in agreement with previous values obtained from densification measurements.


Error rate prediction the LEO land mobile satellite channel is presented. Since it could hardly be expressed the error rate under the practical degradation factors in a closed form, the method to predict the error rate using the known moments of the degradation factors is employed. The numerical result in this analysis especially under the effects of the traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) nonlinearity, fading effect and intersymbol interference (ISI) is provided. Using the Rician fading channel model with the parameter K used to describe the elevation angle dependent fading factor, in the LEO environment, the result shows that the system performance is poor when the LEO satellite is located at a lower elevation angle (EL).


The automotive industry is facing new environmental requirements that call for more stringent rules to protect the environment and reduce material and resources usage. As such, the automotive industry is in more need to reduce fuel consumption and control emissions in order to meet the new environmental requirements. One of the methods that helps in acheiving lower fuel consumption targets is weight reduction. Making cars lighter sounds plausable, but is it acheivable without affecting vehicle Safety as well as other customer demands for more comfort and better vehicle performance (Criteria that are a must in today's stringent safety requirements and competitive environment.). The body-in-white (BIW) accounts for about 25% of the total vehicle weight, and thus it provides a great opportunity for weight reduction. However, the challenge is not only to reduce the vehicle's BIW weight, but also to maintain competitive vehicle functionality in Safety, NVH and Durability.
 The studied technologies include: Generic Body Architecture, Tailor Welded Blanks, Ultra High Strength Steel, Structural Foams, and Structural Adhesives. Each of these technologies was benchmarked in terms of weight savings, vs Safety, NVH, and Durability functionalities. The models that were used for the technology prove outs are based on generic modified Body Architecture CAE models. It was shown that the total weight savings acheived from architecture alone was 24 lb (out of 707 lb initial BIW weight, thus making the weight savings close to 3.4%). In addition, the combination of Tailor welded blanks and Ultra high strength steel has resulted in an 80 lb reduction in the BIW weight, which is close to 11.3%. Structural foams showed an effective increase in roof crush strength, and showed potential enhancement for frontal crash pulses as well as potential shortening of front ends. On the other hand, structural adhesives showed enormous NVH benefits in stiffness with as little as 1% energy absorption enhancement for crash. Thus producing the perfect method to compensate the reduced body stiffness due to sheet metal gage reduction and replacement with Ultra High strength steel. By such both safety and NVH functionalities are complemented without weight increase.


The Upper Cretaceous Teapot sandstones of Well Draw field, Converse County, Wyoming, are turbidite fan deposits bounded stratigraphically by marine shales. They presently occur from 6,360 to 7,200 ft (1,920 to 2,195 m), dipping to the northwest. Cored samples selected from nonbioturbated A bedsets show that the sandstones are fine to very fine-grained feldspathic litharenites. Major authigenic minerals include carbonate cement, quartz overgrowths, and clay minerals. The clay minerals originated either as alteration rims on detrital silicates or as precipitates from pore fluids. Alteration rims typically consist of illite, smectite, mixed layer illite/smectite, and lesser chlorite. Feldspars are altered to kaolinite. Precipitated clays occur as (1) thin, unoriented, grain coating chlorite and kaolinite, (2) pore lining mixed layer illite/smectite and lesser chlorite oriented with (001) normal to the pore wall, and (3) unoriented, poorly crystalline, pore filling chlorite. The diagenetic sequence is (1) compaction and limited quartz overgrowth development, (2) complete calcite cementation and precipitation of grain-coating clays, (3) dissolution of carbonate cement, (4) precipitation of pore lining and later pore filling clays, and (5) development of second stage quartz overgrowths. Development of silicate alteration rims occurred throughout the diagenetic history. Dissolution of carbonate cement produced the majority of present-day porosity; however, this secondary porosity was reduced by precipitation of clay minerals. In the downdip sandstones, hydrodynamic flow and an increase in the abundance of detrital labile grains have caused an increased abundance of clay mineral precipitates, reducing the reservoir potential. The pore fluids which controlled sandstone diagenesis were likely provided by dewatering and diagenesis of enclosing shales. End_of_Article - Last_Page 465------------


ABSTRACT Background There is growing evidence that paternal pre-conception cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is associated with increased risk of behavioral disorders and cancer in offspring. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of paternal pre-conception CS exposure on sperm DNA methylation and offspring phenotype. Methodology/Principal To characterize the effects of CS exposure on the sperm epigenome and offspring neurodevelopment, we exposed male mice to CS and bred exposed and control males to unexposed females and subsequently evaluated sperm DNA methylation in sires and frontal cortex DNA methylation and gene expression in offspring. We further investigated the role of oxidative stress on sperm epigenetic changes using a mouse model (Nrf2-/-) with impaired antioxidant capacity. Lastly, we evaluated the capacity for sperm DNA methylation to recover following removal of CS for 1-5 spermatogenic cycles (28-171 days). Conclusions/Significance Smoking significantly impacts sperm DNA methylation as well as DNA methylation and gene expression in offspring. These changes were largely recapitulated in Nrf2-/- mice independent of smoke exposure. Recovery experiments indicated that about half of differentially methylated regions returned to normal within 28 days of removal from smoke exposure, however additional recovery following longer periods was not observed. We present strong evidence that cigarette smoke exposure induces paternally mediated, heritable epigenetic changes. Parallel studies performed in Nrf2-/- mice provide evidence for oxidative stress as the predominant underlying mechanism for smoke-induced epigenetic changes to sperm along with the associated effects in offspring. Lastly, recovery experiments indicate that while many epigenetic changes are corrected following removal from smoke exposure, aberrant methylation persists at a significant number of regions even after five spermatogenic cycles


The purpose of this study was to analyze the path of parental divorce on their children`s emotional and behavioral problems through child-rearing behaviors and children`s self-esteem. The participants were 162 children from divorced families and 194 from intact families. The Instruments used were CBQ (Children`s Behaviour Questionnaire) (Rutter, 1967), Child-rearing rating scale (Park, 1995) and SEI (Self Esteem Inventory) (Coopersmith, 1967). The data were analyzed by ANCOVA and path analysis. The results were as follows. First, there were significant differences in children`s emotional and behavioral problems and self-esteem, and caregivers` child-rearing behaviors between children from divorced and intact families. Second, parental divorce affected children`s emotional and behavioral problems directly, as well as indirectly through child-rearing behaviors and children`s self-esteem.


Summary. Using cytotoxicity and antibody‐binding tests, the i antigen was measured on the blood lymphocytes of normal subjects and of patients in whom a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was considered because of a slight lymphocytosis in the blood and bone marrow. Among 25 patients, 15 had a normal amount of i antigen; in 10 there was a marked reduction in i antigen, such as is found in typical CLL. Similar studies were done on lymphocytes from 15 patients with clinical and morphological findings usually associated with lymphosarcoma cell leukaemia (LSL). Nine had a normal amount of i antigen; in six there was a marked reduction of i antigen, suggesting a diagnosis of CLL. A study of the subsequent clinical course and final diagnosis in these patients suggests that the reduction in lymphocyte i antigen characteristic of typical CLL occurs in patients with early CLL who have only slight lymphocytosis, but not in patients with slight lymphocytosis from other causes. Similarly, a reduction in lymphocyte i antigen is found in patients with morphologically atypical CLL but not in patients with LSL.


We examine the processes involved in the development of interracial friendships. Using Reis and Shaver's intimacy model, we explore the extent to which disclosure and perceived partner responsiveness influence intimacy levels in developing interracial and intraracial friendships. White and ethnic minority participants completed diary measures of self and partner disclosure and partner responsiveness every two weeks for 10 weeks about an in-group and an out-group person whom they thought they would befriend over time. The results revealed that perceived partner responsiveness mediated the relationships between both self and partner disclosure and intimacy in interracial and intraracial relationships. The implications of these results for intergroup relations are discussed.


Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global issue. The relationships between temperature and incidence, transmission, or survival of many enveloped coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) have been previously widely investigated. However, there has been a lively debate in the literature over whether higher temperatures modulate coronaviruses' infectivity and spreading, which sets a fertile ground for research on a global scale. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between day-to-day temperature variability and daily COVID-19 incidence rate, as well as the time is taken to reach the total number of 200 confirmed COVID-19 cases within the worst-hit countries by the pandemic. Methods: A within and among countries analysis of the relationship between daily fluctuations in the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases and temperature for the period starting from 31st December 2019 to 29th March 2020, was conducted. The 46 worst-hit countries by the pandemic were included in the analysis.Results: What emerges from our results is that daily new COVID-19 cases were negatively correlated with daily temperature variation. Moreover, higher temperatures were positively correlated with a longer time to reach a standard number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within countries. Notably, countries with daily average temperatures below 20°C had a faster transmission rate than countries with higher daily average temperatures. Conclusions: Our study provides further insights into the hypothesis that there is an association between temperature and rate of COVID-19 spread within a country.


CVX-045 is produced by covalently attaching a thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) mimetic comprising a peptidic sequence and a linker to the Fab binding site of a proprietary scaffold antibody. CVX-045 possesses the potency of the TSP-1-derived peptide, along with the advantageous pharmacokinetics of an antibody. Antitumor activity of CVX-045 was evaluated in human xenograft models alone and in combination with standard chemotherapies and targeted molecules. In A549 and A431 xenograft models, CVX-045 demonstrated significant (P < .05) antiangiogenic activity, reducing tumor microvessel density and increasing the levels of necrosis within treated tumors. In an HT-29 xenograft model, CVX-045 in combination with 5-fluorouracil significantly (P < .01) decreased tumor growth rate compared with vehicle, CVX-045, or 5-fluorouracil alone. Cotreatment of CVX-045 plus CPT-11 delayed progression of tumor growth from day 28 to 60. In contrast CVX-045 alone treatment did not delay the progression of tumor growth, and CPT-11 alone delayed progression of tumor growth to day 39. Cotreatment of CVX-045 with sunitinib extended the time to reach tumor load from day 26 to 40. In summary, CVX-045 exhibits significant antiangiogenic activity in several tumor models and enhances antitumor activity in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies. These data suggest future avenues for effective combination therapy in treating solid tumors. CVX-045 has recently completed a phase 1 trial in solid tumors where it has been well tolerated.


Depression is a widespread mental health issue, affecting an estimated 3.8% of the global population. It is also one of the main contributors to disability worldwide. Recently it is becoming popular for individuals to use social media platforms (e.g., Reddit) to express their difficulties and health issues (e.g., depression) and seek support from other users in online communities. It opens great opportunities to automatically identify social media users with depression by parsing millions of posts for potential interventions. Deep learning methods have begun to dominate in the field of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) because of their ease of use, efficient processing, and state-of-the-art results on many NLP tasks. In this work, we propose a hybrid deep learning model which combines a pretrained sentence BERT (SBERT) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect individuals with depression with their Reddit posts. The sentence BERT is used to learn the meaningful representation of semantic information in each post. CNN enables the further transformation of those embeddings and the temporal identification of behavioral patterns of users. We trained and evaluated the model performance to identify Reddit users with depression by utilizing the Self-reported Mental Health Diagnoses (SMHD) data. The hybrid deep learning model achieved an accuracy of 0.86 and an F1 score of 0.86 and outperformed the state-of-the-art documented result (F1 score of 0.79) by other machine learning models in the literature. The results show the feasibility of the hybrid model to identify individuals with depression. Although the hybrid model is validated to detect depression with Reddit posts, it can be easily tuned and applied to other text classification tasks and different clinical applications.


Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems based on ultra-high repetition rate mode-locked laser diodes (MLLDs) and semiconductor photomixers show great potential in terms of a wide bandwidth, fast acquisition speed, compactness, and robustness. They come at a much lower total cost than systems using femtosecond fiber lasers. However, to date, there is no adequate mathematical description of THz-TDS using a MLLD. In this paper, we provide a simple formula based on a system-theoretical model that accurately describes the detected terahertz spectrum as a function of the optical amplitude and phase spectrum of the MLLD and the transfer function of the terahertz system. Furthermore, we give a simple yet exact relationship between the optical intensity autocorrelation and the detected terahertz spectrum. We theoretically analyze these results for typical optical spectra of MLLDs to quantify the effect of pulse chirp on the terahertz spectrum. Finally, we confirm the validity of the model with comprehensive experimental results using a single-section and a two-section MLLD in a conventional THz-TDS system.


This paper describes an investigation into using a genetic algorithm to evolve the optimum set of inputs for a neural network. The network is to be used in a novel way for the prediction of nuclear reactor parameters under fault conditions. The development of transients is calculated in a recursive manner. The previous work and the next stage of research are described. The procedure and genetic algorithm options, including fitness, are discussed along with explanations. Finally an outline of the remaining work is introduced.


Delirium tremens is recognized as a potentially fatal and debilitating complication of alcohol withdrawal. Use of sedatives, particularly benzodiazepines, is the cornerstone of therapy for delirium tremens. But sometimes, very heavy doses of benzodiazepines are required to control delirious symptoms. We are reporting one such case of delirium tremens, which required very heavy doses of benzodiazepines and was ultimately controlled by using infusion of propofol. Thus propofol should always be considered as an option to treat patients with resistant delirium tremens.


In this paper, a vector-projection-based algorithm is developed to detect obstacles in narrow environments. This algorithm can be used for especially sensor-based coverage problems. The algorithm distinguishes the obstacles from the walls around the robot. Sonar vectors are projected on the edge which the robot moves to detect the obstacles. After detecting the obstacle, the size and location of the obstacle are calculated.


Animal traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of application in China, and its clinical application is very extensive. Due to the complex chemical composition in animal traditional Chinese medicine, the basis of chemical research is relatively weak, which leads to the unclear composition and toxic components of many animal Chinese medicines. The relationship between the medicinal and toxic components of animal Chinese medicine has not yet been elucidated. The non-clinical safety evaluation of animal traditional Chinese medicine mainly includes acute toxicity, long-term toxicity, safety pharmacology, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity experiments, and experimental studies such as carcinogenicity are needed when necessary. The current preclinical safety research on animal traditional Chinese medicine is mainly based on the study for toxic animal traditional Chinese medicines. Most animal Chinese medicines have not carried out systematic preclinical and clinical safety studies. The research method is mainly focused on acute toxicity test. It is necessary to carry out systematic preclinical safety studies on animal traditional Chinese medicines, to clarify the possible side effects and its characteristics, its toxic target organs, toxic doses and poisoning mechanisms induced by different animal traditional Chinese medicines. Finally, this paper suggests that in the preclinical safety study of animal traditional Chinese medicine, in-depth research and comparison should be carried out in combination with chemical substance foundation, origin, and collection season, and the safety of "non-toxic" animal traditional Chinese medicine should be carried out when necessary. In addition, it is necessary to rationally use the cutting-edge technologies and methods of toxicology research to fully clarify the preclinical safety information of animal Chinese medicines.


This article explores the new urban mobility paradigm in an after COVID-19 world. The pandemic has dramatically changed the conditions under which users access and use public transportation. Analysing mobility in cities across the world – New York, Mexico City – the study highlights the dense demand for public transportation solutions in those two different megalopolises. The experience of COVID-19 pandemics has shed the light on the necessity of rethinking the current offer and creating a new set of adaptive solutions which replace sanitary safety as a central element of assessment. To what extent are COVID-19 and the possibility of other spreading of viruses affecting how common modes of transportation are thought about and used? The article revises first the modes of transportations. Emphasizing the unique challenge of social distancing imposed by the pandemic, the study covers its consequences for users, cities authorities as well as operators. While it appears as a condition to contain the spread of the virus, it is also part of an economic equation for operators, who might struggle soon to cover growing operational costs, while running their networks with a smaller number of travellers. Finally, the study opens the discussion on the opportunity offered by the pandemic to redesign and rethink our mobility more adaptively and sustainably.


The year 2014 was remarkable for the European Union with regards to how city-regional 'small nations' (Keating, 2014) engaged in democratic experimentation on the right to decide their own future beyond their referential nation-states. Key examples include Scotland's and Catalonia's pursuits of independence from the United Kingdom and Spain, respectively. A similar situation occurred in the Basque Country as a consequence of the region increasingly overcoming the political violence that dominated the previous era. There, a democratic debate regarding devolution, constitutional change, independence, and new political relationship with nation-state Spain has arisen.Regardless the political outcomes, consequences, and meanings in the three aforementioned small nations, the differences among each case's political culture and history are noteworthy. Even more noteworthy are their different means for accommodating a new strategic city-regional governance pathway (Herrschel, 2014) through implicit social innovation processes. Social innovation processes (Moulaert, 2013) depict the way in which stakeholders in a given city-regional small nation — such as political parties, social movements, corporate powers, and media, among others — are led in one direction or another as a whole.To what extent is the starting point of the devolution for each city-regional small nation similar according to its governance, history, and policies? What are the potential political scenarios for each city-regional small nation as a result of the de/recentralisation attitude of its referential nation-states? What are the most relevant strategic social innovation processes occurring in each case?This paper aims to benchmark how the Basque Country, Catalonia and Scotland are strategically moving forward beyond their referential nation-states in a diverse way by formulating devolution and even independence in unique terms, as a consequence of the dynamics between stakeholders in each location. This paper is part of a broader research project entitled 'Benchmarking Future City-Regions.'


Background and Aim: Arthritis is an inflammation infects any joint of the body or tissues around that joint. As any disease, arthritis has an effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients. Although many researches showed how smoking can worse the condition of arthritis as a disease, there is not a specific study investigated the effect of smoking on HRQoL in adult patients of arthritis, which is the goal of this study.

Methods: This study used a publicly open data source from the 2017-Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in the United States. It is a health survey using the telephone in order to collect data from the United States residents. There were 450,013 participants in this survey. Different descriptive, inferential, and predictive analysis methods were used by the Statistical Analysis System (9.4 version ) to achieve the goal of this study.

Results: There were 450,013 participants in 2017-BRFSS, 147,288 of them were adult patients of arthritis. 63,466 of these participants in BRFSS-2017 were current smokers. 13,542 of these smokers were adults patients of arthritis. This study showed a statistically significant effect of the association between arthritis and smoking on activity limitations, physical health problems, and mental health problems.

Conclusions: Smoking has a great effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adult patients of arthritis. Smoking increased each of the activity limitations in adult patients of arthritis by 164%, physical health problems by 34.75%, mental health problems by 20.58% in adult patients of arthritis.


In the years between now and 2022, the foundation for automated driving will be developed. Automated driving will not be introduced in the market at once and not with the same electrical and electronics (E/E) architecture; it will be introduced piece by piece and in different forms of E/E architectures. The main reasons for automated driving will always be the same: comfortable, efficient and safe driving.


Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can cause important structural damages which can lead to disability. TNF antagonists have shown their clinical efficacy in PsA, but only a few data are available regarding their structural effect. Objectives To determine whether TNF antagonists have an effect on radiographic progression in patients with PsA by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis based on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) versus placebo. To check if the combination with methotrexate (MTX) is superior to monotherapy. Methods A systematic review of literature was performed until March 2011. Bibliographic references were selected from Embase and Medline databases, and from the two last EULAR and the ACR annual meetings. Radiographs progression were scored by Sharp method modified for PsA (mTSS). Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with no radiographic progression at week 24 (defined by a mTSS variation score ≤0.5). Secondary end point included the proportion of non progressors at week 48 and mean variation of mTSS at week 24. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to provide a common odds-ratio (OR) estimate and 95% confidence interval (CI) in TNF antagonists (+/– DMARDs) versus placebo (+/– DMARDs) treated patients for infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab RCTs. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed on the Q test (χ2), using a significance level of 0.05. OR and 95% CI were shown on forest plots. Results Search found out 206 articles and 3 abstracts. Retrieved data allowed meta-analysis on 4 articles and 1 abstract for the proportion of non progressors at week 24. 1110 patients were included, 484/584 (82,9%) were considered as non-progressors at week 24 in the TNF antagonists group versus 362/526 (68,8%) in the placebo group (OR=2.68 [1.99; 3.60] p<0.0001) without heterogeneity (I2=3%;p=0.39) (figure 1). Based on 3 studies, same results were found at week 48 in favor of TNF antagonists group (OR=2.42 [1.57;3.71] I2=0%;p=0.91). Among 533 patients receiving TNF antagonists versus 454 receiving placebo in 3 studies (4 comparisons), the mean change of the mTSS at week 24 was lower in the TNF antagonist group versus placebo (Mean difference= -0,69 [-1.12; -0.27], with heterogeneity (I2=76%;p=0.006). Only two RCTs provided datas on the combination with MTX: the mean or median change of the mTSS was similar in adalimumab or infliximab subgroups, irrespective of the MTX use. Conclusions This meta-analysis of RCTs showed that all TNF antagonists lead to a better control of structural damages of the PsA than a placebo after 24 and 48 weeks of treatment. The respective role of DMARDS was not determined due to a lack of data. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a common feature in all maize growing ecologies of West and Central Africa. It is therefore imperative to produce maize varieties that are able to survive in N deficient environments. To determine their potential in improving the population for N deficient environments, S1 progenies from a stem borer resistant maize population- BR9928DMRSRLNC1 were evaluated under low soil N (30kgN/ha) condition at Mokwa and Zaria, Nigeria in 2013. Furthermore, the original and improved cycle of the population were later evaluated at the same test locations under two additional N fertilizer levels (0kg and 90kgN/ha), to estimate gains from selection. Several traits were evaluated. For most of the traits studied, genetic variability was moderate to low and ears per plant, ear aspect and plant height were significantly correlated with yield. Step-wise multiple regression, identified ears per plant and ear aspect as having high direct effects on grain yield. Expected gains per cycle were lower than observed for most traits except grain yield and plant height. Comparison between the original and improved cycle revealed that in general, selection reduced days to flowering and ear aspect ratings across all N levels. In addition, grain yield increments were observed in all N environments with the most significant change of 15% occurring at 90kgN/ha. Using a weighted index with larger weights assigned to grain yield, ear aspect and ears per plant should increase gain in further selection programs.Keywords: Nitrogen deficiency; maize; genetic variability; genetic gain; S1 progeny selection


Nonenzymatic glycation of collagen has long been associated with the progressive secondary complications of diabetes. How exactly such random glycations result in impaired tissues is still poorly understood. Because of the slow turnover rate of most fibrillar collagens, they are more susceptible to accumulate time-dependent glycations and subsequent advanced glycation end-products. The latter are believed to include cross-links that stiffen host tissues. However, diabetic animal models have also displayed weakened tendons with reduced stiffness. Strikingly, not a single experimentally identified specific molecular site of glycation in a collagen has been reported. Here, using targeted MS, we have identified partial fructosyl-hydroxylysine glycations at each of the helical domain cross-linking sites of type I collagen that are elevated in tissues from a diabetic mouse model. Glycation was not found at any other collagen lysine residues. Type I collagen in mouse tendons is cross-linked intermolecularly by acid-labile aldimine bonds formed by the addition of telopeptide lysine aldehydes to hydroxylysine residues at positions α1(I)Lys87, α1(I)Lys930, α2(I)Lys87, and α2(I)Lys933 of the triple helix. Our data reveal that site-specific glycations of these specific lysines may significantly impair normal lysyl oxidase–controlled cross-linking in diabetic tendons. We propose that such N-linked glycations can hinder the normal cross-linking process, thus altering the content and/or placement of mature cross-links with the potential to modify tissue material properties.


Purpose: To investigate the relationships between contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and new compression fractures occurring after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in order to determine the necessity of contrast-enhanced MRI. Material and Methods: The material comprised 13 consecutive patients (27 vertebrae) with compression fractures who underwent vertebroplasty. Twenty-nine adjacent vertebrae were monitored for new compression fractures. We performed contrast-enhanced MRI within the 5 days following PVP. Results: The 29 adjacent vertebrae displayed 10 enhanced lesions and 19 vertebral bodies without enhancement–unenhanced lesions on MRI within the 5 days after PVP. In 4 out of 10 vertebrae, enhanced lesions were seen within the 5 days after PVP, but no abnormalities were seen on preoperative MRI. In these 4 vertebrae, new compression fractures were seen within the 1 month following PVP. In the other 6 vertebrae, enhanced lesions were seen within the 5 days after PVP, and these signal changes were detected by preoperative MRI in the same area. In 3 of these 6 vertebrae, new compression fractures occurred at 4, 8, and 9 months after PVP, respectively. However, all of the enhanced lesions were detectable on unenhanced MRI, which was conducted at the same time as enhanced MRI. Conclusion: New compression fractures after PVP may be predicted with early postoperative MRI. Contrast-enhanced MRI does not improve detection of the new lesions.


The fact that Ethiopia was never colonized for a long period of time puts her in a different position from the rest of Africa relative to the industrialized countries. The constitutional independence implied that foreign economic influence and subsequent economic dependence on Europe were delayed and they have not, therefore, yet reached the level found in most other African countries.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of intrabony periodontal defects following treatment with a novel nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) paste to open flap debridement.

METHODS
Twenty-eight subjects, each displaying one intrabony defect with probing depth (PD) > or =6 mm and radiographic evidence of an intraosseous component > or =3 mm participated in the present study. Subjects were allocated randomly to treatment with NHA paste (test group) or open flap debridement (control group). At baseline and at 6 months after surgery, the following clinical parameters were recorded by a masked examiner: plaque index, gingival index, PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession.

RESULTS
A significant improvement in PD and CAL was observed at 6 months after surgery compared to baseline in both treatment groups (P <0.001). At 6 months following therapy, the test group showed a reduction in mean PD from 7.4 +/- 1.3 mm to 3.4 +/- 1.2 mm and a change in mean CAL from 8.0 +/- 1.3 mm to 4.4 +/- 1.7 mm, whereas in the control group the mean PD decreased from 7.4 +/- 0.8 mm to 4.9 +/- 0.9 mm, and mean CAL decreased from 8.1 +/- 1.2 mm to 6.4 +/- 1.3 mm. The intergroup comparison demonstrated significantly more PD reductions (P = 0.012) and CAL gains (P = 0.005) in the test group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION
Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with NHA paste significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to open flap debridement.


PURPOSE
Although previous studies have revealed the mechanisms of changes in diffusivity (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) in acute brain infarction, changes in diffusion anisotropy (fractional anisotropy [FA]) in white matter have not been examined. We hypothesized that membrane permeability as well as axonal swelling play important roles, and we therefore constructed a simulation model using random walk simulation to replicate the diffusion of water molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We implemented a numerical diffusion simulation model of normal and infarcted human brains using C++ language. We constructed this 2-pool model using simple tubes aligned in a single direction. Random walk simulation diffused water. Axon diameters and membrane permeability were then altered in step-wise fashion. To estimate the effects of axonal swelling, axon diameters were changed from 6 to 10 microm. Membrane permeability was altered from 0% to 40%. Finally, both elements were combined to explain increasing FA in the hyperacute stage of white matter infarction.

RESULTS
The simulation demonstrated that simple water shift into the intracellular space reduces ADC and increases FA, but not to the extent expected from actual human cases (ADC approximately 50%; FA approximately +20%). Similarly, membrane permeability alone was insufficient to explain this phenomenon. However, a combination of both factors successfully replicated changes in diffusivity indices.

CONCLUSION
Both axonal swelling and reduced membrane permeability appear important in explaining changes in ADC and FA based on eigenvalues in hyperacute-stage white matter infarction.


General frameworks of mind map across tasks and domains. By what means can a general architecture know when it has adapted to a specific task and/or environment? Our current work on this theme presents an affect and affordance based core for mind. This draws on evidence from neuroscience, philosophy and psychology. However we differentiate between the mechanisms and processes thought to be allied to cognition and intelligent behavior in biological architectures and the foundational requirements necessary for similarly intelligent behavior or cognitivelike processes to exist in synthetic architectures. Work on emotion is a morass of definitions and competing theories. We suggest that we should not further this confused framework with further models of emotion for artificial systems. Rather we should look to foundational requirements for intelligent systems, and ask do we require emotions in machines or an alternative equivalent of use in control and self-regulation?


This paper is intended to prepare new antimicrobial complexes with proven efficiency. The Schiff base, through the condensation process of salicylaldehyde and p-toludine, and its Cu and Zn complexes were successfully synthesized. The Schiff base and its complexes were characterized using molar conductivity, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. Accordingly, these characterizations not only confirmed that the synthesized Schiff base acted as N,O bidentate ligand (through azomethine nitrogen and phenoxide oxygen) and chelated with Cu(II) and Zn(II) in the metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:2 but also revealed the characteristic electronic-transition of π→π*/n→π* of the ligand, and ligand-metal charge transfer and d-d of the metal complexes. Moreover, both Cu and Zn complexes recorded weak molar conductance of 54.12 and 51.41 S cm2 mol-1, respectively. Further, their antibacterial activities were evaluated by disc diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli (gram-negative), and Bacillus cereus (gram-negative) bacteria. For all microbial, the metal complexes recorded higher activities than the parent ligand; such increased activity of the complexes may be due to the chelation of the metal ion in the complexes, which enhances the lipophylic character favoring its permeation through the lipid layer of the cell membrane. Such metal complexes can therefore be explored in the future as an option for decreasing the pathogenic potential of infecting bacteria.


We recently reported that stable expression of endostatin and angiostatin arrested the progression of well differentiated prostate carcinoma to poorly-differentiated state and distant metastasis in TRAMP mice when given prior to the onset of metastasis switch. Analysis of the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in the prostate tissue of endostatin treated mice indicated a significant downregulation of genes involved in cell motility, proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis when therapy was initiated at early stage-disease. In vitro experiments demonstrated that recombinant endostatin treatment significantly downregulated the expression of growth factors, receptor tyrosine kinases and proteases in androgen sensitive cells. A similar pattern was confirmed in prostate tissues obtained from in vivo studies. Targeted downregulation of androgen receptor (AR) prior to endostatin treatment indicated that the effect of endostatin through AR downregulation is by a non-genotypic mechanism on MAPK/ERK pathway, and independently of Src kinase. Further analysis indicated the kinetics of endostatin internalization for androgen sensitive prostate cancer cells to be much higher than in androgen independent cells. Co-immunoprecipitation studies in human prostate cancer cells, and yeast two-hybrid studies with endostatin and AR demonstrated a direct binding of endostatin protein with AR. Based on the results so far, we predict that direct interaction of endostatin with AR possibly eliminates ligand binding during early stages of prostate cancer arresting and delaying the progression of the disease. However, once metastatic switch occurs, when the cells grow in androgen independent manner, a limitation in endostatin internalization or binding of non-androgen ligands at other domains in AR impairs the tumoristatic ability of endostatin. Ongoing studies are aimed in identifying interaction domains of endostatin with AR by NMR as well as testing the combination of endostatin therapy with therapies targeting AR signaling. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1246.


Objective To study gene variation of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope region isolated from different genotypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2c, 3a). Methods Genes of the envelope region (1300-1870nt) of different genotypes of HCV were cloned, sequenced and analyzed. Results The sequences of different HCV genome was not identical. The homology of the nucleotide sequences of different HCV clones isolated from the same sample was more than 99.2%, with the amino acid more than 99.9%. The homology of the nucleotides and amino acid sequences of the same subtype was more than 80%, whereas 63.9%-75.0% and 64.9%-72.8% for the homology of the nucleotides and amino acid sequences of the same type. The homology of the nucleotides sequences of different HCV types was 59.4%-67.0%, and 56.5%-66.3% for amino acid. Some amino acids among the sequences of different genotypes were relatively conservative. The hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the HVR region among different genotypes were less variable than that of its downstream gene. Conclusion Gene variation of HCV envelope region may have some regular patterns.


The dermatologic manifestations of the diseases of the lymphoblastoma-leukemia group are often typical, despite the fact that it may be impossible to establish the diagnoses by other clinical and hematologic investigations. For this reason the cutaneous lesions occurring in these diseases are worthy of serious and extensive investigation. Involvement of the epidermis, corium or subcutaneous tissue may be the initial manifestation noted by the patient. Although in numerous excellent articles this subject has already been discussed, most dermatologists have devoted the major portion of their studies to a consideration of the histopathology, etiology and interrelationships of these diseases. The clinical picture of most of these diseases has been carefully described, but there is a scarcity of reports of large series of cases investigated from the standpoint of the cutaneous manifestations. Most authors have tended to group mycosis fungoides, lymphosarcoma, lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's disease) and lymphatic leukemia under the generic term lymphoblastoma.


Understanding how acute and chronic fatigue have an adverse impact on the health of workers

Fatigue is a common complaint in the working population. Approximately 20% of the working population report symptoms that fall under the concept of fatigue.1 Other surveys have reported prevalence rates of fatigue varying from 7% to 45%, depending on the instruments used and the applied cut off points.2

At first sight, the presence of fatigue in a working population does not give much reason for concern from an occupational health perspective. After work has been done, some fatigue may be expected and this fatigue is compensated for by social and financial rewards. Occupational health interest in fatigue arises from the adverse consequences that are attributed to fatigue in the more serious acute or chronic forms, and when there is insufficient opportunity to for workers to recover. Bad performance, impaired quality of services and products, and dropout of personnel may be adverse consequences. For employees, feelings of professional incompetence, accidents, and fatigue's disruptive effects on private social life are serious outcomes. An increased risk of depression, as well as infectious and cardiovascular diseases have been suggested. Effects may be so serious that workers can experience disability leading to long term or even indefinite absenteeism from work. Stress related disorders are labelled under quite a number of interrelated terms and definitions such as adjustment disorders, neurasthenia, nervous breakdown, surmenage, and burnout. Prolonged fatigue is one of the core symptoms, and stress related disorders are responsible for approximately 30% of permanent disability benefits in the Netherlands. In other countries, such as the UK, mental ill health is a growing concern as it is causing increased absenteeism and long term sickness.3

The …


Starting in 1972, persistent large-amplitude magnetic signals were observed in recordings of ultra-low-frequency (ULF, frequencies less than 5 Hz) geomagnetic field fluctuations made on the Stanford campus. The energy of these ULF signals is concentrated predominantly at frequencies below about 0.3 Hz and their amplitude, which has increased greatly since 1972, is at least ten times greater than the normal natural background level of geomagnetic activity, i.e., it is comparable to the level observed during great geomagnetic storms. ULF magnetic field measurements at additional locations away from the Stanford campus have enabled us to identify the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system as the source of these large-amplitude magnetic fields, which appear to be produced throughout the entire Bay area and vicinity (area ≈100 km2). Primary power for the BART trains is provided by a 1000 V dc third rail (total length ≈270 km) and a single loaded 10-car train can draw as much as 7 Mw during acceleration. Large fluctuating currents (5 to 10 kA) therefore flow in the third rail and associated conductors, with the result that the entire BART system constitutes a large ULF "antenna." Similar systems planned or already in operation in other parts of the US (e.g., the Washington, DC, Metro) will probably also produce similar large-amplitude ULF electromagnetic fields.


Various saliency detection algorithms from color images have been proposed to mimic eye fixation or attentive object detection response of human observers for the same scenes. However, developments on hyperspectral imaging systems enable us to obtain redundant spectral information of the observed scenes from the reflected light source from objects. A few studies using low-level features on hyper-spectral images demonstrated that salient object detection can be achieved. In this work, we proposed a salient object detection model on hyperspectral images by applying manifold ranking (MR) on self-supervised Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) features (high-level features) from unsupervised image segmentation task. Self-supervision of CNN continues until clustering loss or saliency maps converges to a defined error between each iteration. Finally, saliency estimations is done as the saliency map at last iteration when the self-supervision procedure terminates with convergence. Experimental evaluations demonstrated that proposed saliency detection algorithm on hyperspectral images is outperforming state-of-the-arts hyperspectral saliency models including the original MR based saliency model.


The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a strategic self-talk intervention on basketball free throw performance under conditions of physical exertion. Forty-one male basketball players (Mage = 23.19 years) participated in the study. Following a baseline assessment, a 3-week intervention was implemented. During this period participants of the two groups practiced the same number of free throws in their training sessions; participants of the experimental group practiced using self-talk and developed personal free throw self-talk plans. In the final assessment, the participants repeated the free throw test following a typical shuttle run task causing increased physical exertion. The results showed that in the final assessment the self-talk group performed significantly better than the control group. Overall, the findings indicate that self-talk can be an effective strategy for basketball players when performing free throw under conditions of physical exertion, which is a typical situation in basketball games.


Background Lymph node metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is essential in treatment strategy formulation. This study aimed to build a nomogram that predicts lymph node metastasis in patients with TNBC. Materials and Methods A total of 28,966 TNBC patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2017 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were enrolled, and randomized 1:1 into the training and validation sets, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the predictive factors, which composed the nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed the efficacy of the nomogram. Result Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that age, race, tumor size, tumor primary site, and pathological grade were independent predictive factors of lymph node status. Integrating these independent predictive factors, a nomogram was successfully developed for predicting lymph node status, and further validated in the validation set. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the nomogram in the training and validation sets were 0.684 and 0.689 respectively, showing a satisfactory performance. Conclusion We constructed a nomogram to predict the lymph node status in TNBC patients. After further validation in additional large cohorts, the nomogram developed here would do better in predicting, providing more information for staging and treatment, and enabling tailored treatment in TNBC patients.


Background and objective: Previous work in our department, prior to the advent of digital subtraction angiography, showed that anaesthetist-administered sedation for cerebral angiography using propofol infusion-bolus fentanyl resulted in significantly more patients with early recall than a bolus fentanyl and midazolam technique. Our present study reassessed, 10 yr after our original study, the effectiveness of sedation for neuroradiological digital subtraction cerebral angiography, using three techniques currently in use in the department. Methods: A total of 88 adult patients were sedated for neuroradiological angiograms by one of three anaesthetist-administered regimens: propofol-alfentanil infusion; boluses of fentanyl with a propofol infusion and boluses of fentanyl and midazolam. The latter two regimens had been used in our previous sedation study. Patients were assessed for time to orientation at the completion of the procedure, and followed up the next day to determine their last memory before sedation, first memory after the angiogram and any recall of the procedure itself. Results: All three techniques were found to give satisfactory sedation and showed minimal difference in the time to orientation at the end of the procedure (3.7, 4.3 and 5.1 min), any awareness of the procedure itself (20% of patients overall) and numbers of patients having early recall; that is, recall of still being in the radiology department before return to the ward (22/29, 16/29 and 20/30). Conclusions: Our results show that since the introduction of digital subtraction angiography we may have a different end-point of sedation compared to our original study, as well as a shorter angiogram time. Satisfactory anaesthetist-administered sedation can be provided for cerebral angiography by either infusion or incremental techniques. We feel that the success and safety of a sedation technique depends considerably on the skill and experience of the administrator such that these sedation techniques are only suitable for safe use by an anaesthetist.


A new design method of a general second order transfer function realization using an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) and simple RC one ports is presented. The computer simulation is used for the comparison of the single bipolar OTA's realizations with the ideal case and multi OTA realizations. The method can be used for monolithic or hybrid technology.


Recent developments in molecular biology technology have greatly facilitated the methods for detection of mutations responsible for genetic disorders in both humans and animals. In this article we review some of these new methods and present a diagnostic algorithm that facilitates the routine and rapid diagnosis of any genetic disorder for which the defective gene has been isolated.


Water pollution is caused in rural areas, especially by uncontrolled waste deposits located in river bed and in urban areas is discharged, irregular, untreated sewage. The Cuejdiu River is a tributary of the Bitriţa River in the left side, with a total length of 24 km. Evaluation of water quality of the Cuejdiu River was achieved by processing the results obtained from tests analyzed for 30 samples, taken on March 17, 2012, between the mouth of the River Bestriţa and up to the exit of the village Cuiejdi. Analysis of water samples were performed in the laboratory of the Department of Geography, at the Faculty of Geography and Geology and were taken into account several parameters such as conductivity, pH, total acidity, nitrates, chlorine. The values obtained were cartographically represented to highlight differences between the sector that cross of the rural area and the sector located on urban area. Water Management System Neamţ realizes assessments of ecological and chemical status of the river Cuejdiu only in urban areas, classifying water quality in relation to general indicators. Thus, data obtained over a period of 10 years, from 2000 to 2010, and performing through charts, helped us to observe the time evolution of water quality in the area. The impact of human activities is evident in both urban and rural areas. In urban area the connections made by citizens, particularly those who live on the ground blocks, to the rainwater system, instead of sewerage systems, lead to the degradation of water quality. As regards the rural area, the situation is just as difficult, meaning that the waste discharged into the riverbed changes the chemical composition of water.


In the present scenario, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the incurable neuro-degenerative disorders, which accounts for nearly 60% to 70% of dementia cases. Currently, several machine-learning approaches and neuroimaging modalities are utilized for diagnosing AD. Among the available neuroimaging modalities, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is extensively utilized for studying brain activities related to AD. However, analyzing complex brain structures in fMRI is a time-consuming and complex task; so, a novel automated model was proposed in this manuscript for early diagnosis of AD using fMRI images. Initially, the fMRI images are acquired from an online dataset: Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Further, the quality of the acquired fMRI images was improved by implementing a normalization technique. Then, the Segmentation by Aggregating Superpixels (SAS) method was implemented for segmenting the brain regions (AD, Normal Controls (NC), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Early Mild Cognitive Impairment (EMCI), Late Mild Cognitive Impairment (LMCI), and Significant Memory Concern (SMC)) from the denoised fMRI images. From the segmented brain regions, feature vectors were extracted by employing Gabor and Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) techniques. The obtained feature vectors were dimensionally reduced by implementing Honey Badger Optimization Algorithm (HBOA) and fed to the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model for classifying the fMRI images as AD, NC, MCI, EMCI, LMCI, and SMC. The extensive investigation indicated that the presented model attained 99.44% of classification accuracy, 88.90% of Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), 90.82% of Jaccard Coefficient (JC), and 88.43% of Hausdorff Distance (HD). The attained results are better compared with the conventional segmentation and classification models.


Friction stir welding (FSW) is proved as a promising welding technology for joining dissimilar aluminium alloys. Aluminium alloys are used extensively within the aerospace industry for applications such as fuselage and wing skin panels due to their high strength to weight ratio. Therefore, an effort is made to optimize the process parameters of FSW using Al 6061 and Al 7075 alloys by the Minitab 16 program in order to enhance tensile properties such as elongation (E), yield stress (YS), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Grey relational analysis (GRA) based on the Taguchi method is applied using two factors tool rotational speeds (TRS) and welding speed (WS) with four levels. Results show that the variables, namely the tool rotation speed and welding speed have a significant effect on yield stress, ultimate tensile strength and elongation. Results also show that the Taguchi based grey relational approach improved properties of output response of welded Al 6061 and Al 7075 aluminum alloys.


The recommendations for examination, diagnosis and management of patients with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain by the general dental practitioner published by the EACD do not provide a step by step guidance for the GDP; a training programme would be needed for that. They provide a general framework under which these conditions should be diagnosed and treated. The evidence base for the advice given is presented. In particular, they advise against some unproven and invasive treatments.


Anemia related to iron deficiency during pregnancy occurs in 19% of women worldwide and in 20% of women in subSaharan Africa.1 Findings from observational studies reveal a linear, inverse relationship between maternal anemia and risk of maternal mortality across the entire distribution of hemoglobin concentrations, although confounding may be an issue.2,3 Severe anemia in pregnancy may result in maternal death due to cardiac failure. The current World Health Organization (WHO) guideline is to provide 30 to 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 μg of folic acid daily throughout pregnancy. This recommendation is mainly based on the proven effects of supplementation in reducing maternal anemia, iron deficiency, and low birth weight.4 In addition, approximately 35 million pregnant women, nearly all of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa, are at risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection annually.5 Across Africa, the prevalence of infection among children aged 2 to 10 years has declined from 26% in 2000 to 14% in 2013.5 Still, in 2013, an estimated 437 000 malaria deaths occurred in children younger than 5 years, representing 83% of all deaths due to malaria in Africa.5 A meta-analysis of 12 high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has shown iron-folic acid supplementation to be associated with a mean increase in birth weight of 69 g (95% CI, 38-100) and a reduction in low birth weight of 18% (relative risk, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.94). This metaanalysis also found an association between maternal iron supplementation and a 50% relative reduction in the risk of anemia, providing evidence that half of all maternal anemia may be related to iron deficiency, although there is regional variation.3 In many sub-Saharan African countries, malaria is an important cause of anemia. Anemia related to iron deficiency among children in subSaharan Africa has the same 20% prevalence as among pregnant women.6 However, iron supplementation for children in a malaria endemic setting has been reported to be significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including death and hospitalization.7 This risk led the WHO to recommend that malaria control and prevention be ensured in endemic areas when providing iron supplementation for children who are iron-deficient (based on screening tests) or have clinical symptoms of severe anemia.8 The recommendation also indicated that folic acid should not be provided because some evidence,9 albeit conflicting,7 suggests that folic acid may reduce the efficacy of antifolate malarial drugs. Currently the WHO does not have guidelines for iron supplementation in children aged 6 to 24 months. Additional concern involves whether these cautions should be extended to the use of antenatal iron supplements, folic acid supplements, or both in areas where pregnant women may be at risk for malaria infection. However, according to international guidelines for these endemic malaria settings, pregnant women should receive intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria.10 The safety of iron-folic acid use during pregnancy in malaria endemic areas has not been carefully evaluated despite current guidelines recommending iron-folic acid supplementation. In a recent trial in Tanzania among iron-replete nonanemic pregnant women (n = 1500), iron supplementation compared with placebo (in the presence of malaria screening, prophylaxis, and treatment) did not increase the risk of placental malaria; iron supplementation did increase hemoglobin and iron levels at delivery, but it did not affect birth weight.11 In this issue of JAMA, Mwangi and colleagues12 demonstrate, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, that iron (60 mg) supplementation during pregnancy in a malaria endemic area of Kenya did not increase the prevalence of P falciparum malaria infection at delivery or the occurrence of adverse events. The trial was conducted among 470 rural Kenyan women aged 15 to 45 years with singleton pregnancies who were enrolled in the early part of the second trimester and either were nonanemic or had mild anemia; iron deficiency was highly prevalent in this population at about 50%. P falciparum prevalence was 50.9% in the iron group vs 52.1% in the placebo group (crude risk difference, −1.2%; 95% CI, −11.8% to 9.5%; P = .83). The study size was relatively small, and thus the risk of severe adverse effects that occur at low frequency could not be ruled out. The power of the study was sufficient to detect only large differences (ie, increased infection rate of 35% or more). Loss to follow-up and missing data resulted in further attenuating the sample size. A major limitation of this trial was that incident malaria during pregnancy was not monitored and placental samples were missing in a high number of participants (27%), which did not allow for adequate assessment of infection. Nevertheless, the findings of the study provide support for iron use during pregnancy in settings with endemic malaria. Supplementation in this trial did not include folic acid, which is included in the WHO recommendation.4 Not combining the 2 nutrients in the study yielded clearer evidence regarding iron but did Related article page 1009 Opinion


The phase analysis of the radionuclide angiographic images in normal subjects, RBBB, LBBB, WPW syndrome of 21, 23, 10, 17 cases respectively was reported. The results of the abnormal conduction groups showed that the parameters of the mean phase angle were delayed as compared with that in the normal group. The mean phase angles were 52.6 +/- 13.4 degrees in the normal group and 85.7 +/- 24.8 degrees, 84.5 +/- 17.4 degrees, 70.0 +/- 40.5 degrees, 78.3 +/- 35.6 degrees in the RBBB, LBBB, WPW-A and WPW-B groups respectively. There was a significant difference between the normal and abnormal conduction groups except for the WPW-A group. Furthermore, the sequential activation of cardiac wall showing the abnormal cardiac conduction could be seen by this method. It seems that phase analysis may be taken as a good noninvasive and adjunctive method for the evaluation of patients with WPW syndrome.


Preface I. Introduction: NEP Russia as a Transitional Society William G. Rosenberg II. The Problem of Class Identity in NEP Society Sheila Fitzpatrick III. Class and Consciousness in a Socialist Society: Workers in the Printing Trades during NEP Diane P. Koenker IV. Labor Conflict in Moscow, 1921-1925 John B. Hatch V. WorkersO Artels and Soviet Production Relations Hiroaki Kuromiya VI. Private Trade and Traders during NEP R.E. Johnson VII. Family Life in Moscow during NEP VIII. Working-Class Women and the Withering Away of the Family: Popular Responses to Family Policy Wendy Z. Goldman IX. Razmychka? Urban Unemployment and Peasant In-migration as Sources of Social Conflict Douglas R. Weiner X. Soldiers in the Proletarian Dictatorship: From Defending the Revolution to Building Socialism Mark von Hagen XI. Policing the NEP Countryside Neil Weissman XII. Insoluble Conflicts: Villiage Life Between Revolution and Collectivization Helmut Altrichter XIII. The Quiet Revolution in Soviet Intellectual Life Katrina Clark XIV. The Press and Its Message: Images of America in the 1920s and 1930s Jeffrey Brooks XV. Popular Literature of the 1920s: Russian Peasants as Readers Regine Robin XVI. Popular Song in the NEP Era Robert A. Rothstein XVII. Bolshevik Ritual Building in the 1920s Richard Stites XVIII. Conclusion: Understanding NEP Society and Culture in the Light of New Research William G. Rosenberg Selected Bibliography Lori A. Citti Contributors Index


The luminescence properties of RAl3(BO3)4 (RAB, with R = Pr, Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm, Yb) huntite crystals grown from K2Mo3O10 flux were systematically characterized in order to investigate their excitation dynamics, with particular reference to the concentration quenching that in these systems is incomplete. To this purpose, selected excitation, emission, and decay profile measurements on diluted R:YAB crystals were carried out and compared with those of the concentrated compounds. The effects of the energy transfer processes and of the lattice defects, as well as the ion-lattice interactions, have been taken into consideration in order to account for the experimental results.


The increasing concern for a sustainable development and the significance it should have on future waterfront, places urban design with its key concern for contextual integration – in a uniquely important position. One of the main factors in contextual integration is the morphological evolution of the place. This paper focuses upon the case study analysing the morphology of Kuala Lumpur waterfront by adopting the method developed by Conzen (1960). Three significant periods of the waterfront development were examined and through this, nineteen waterfront treatments were identified which are suggested vital to be ackowledged for future decision making on the Kuala Lumpur waterfront.


A taxonomic study of the genus Chaetomium in Japan is prepared under the modern criteria. Twenty-four species are described and illustrated, of which fifteen species are isolated from natural sources in the area. The new species, C. gracile, is described. Eleven species are reported for the first time in Japan. These are C. indicum Corda, C. aureum Chivers, C. trilaterale Chivers, C. fusiforme Chivers, C. torulosum Bain., C. murorum Corda, C. atrobrunneum Ames, C. olivaceum Cooke et Ell., C. bostrycodes Zopf, C. cochliodes Palliser, and C. spirale Zopf. A key to the species is included.


Relative locations of 323 large aftershocks (M 3.0 or greater) in the period from 5 October 1985 to 25 March 1988 show that the Ms 6.6 event on 5 October 1985 initiated at 62.208°N, 124.217°W, about 2.5 km northeast of the Ms 6.9 main shock on 23 December 1985. The overall aftershock distribution suggests the October rupture was primarily a west-dipping, low-angle thrust. In subsequent aftershock activity, the main rupture plane was marked by a distinct quiescent area of about 200 km2 that persisted until the 23 December event. Most of the stress drop and slip occurred in this area. Following the 23 December rupture, a similar sized quiescent zone was also observed; however, it was only evident during the first 24 hr of the aftershock sequence, and the area was about 50 per cent too small to yield the overall stress drop. The additional area appeared to come from secondary rupture zones that developed coincident with the main shock rupture. Precise locations of 182 small (M 3.0 or less) aftershocks recorded during a third field survey from 12 to 21 September 1986 indicated at least one and probably three high-angle faults. Composite mechanism solutions showed thrust faulting except in a region directly south of the main shock rupture areas where there is a bend in one of the secondary fault zones and a concentration of aftershock activity. Mechanism solutions calculated for five of the largest aftershocks in the same region also indicated a similar variability. Development of secondary fault zones explained the increased complexity of the December event and may also provide an explanation for the vertical peak acceleration exceeding 2 g that was recorded about 10 sec after the December rupture initiated.


Nanotechnology and heat storage applications are among the most popular fields of the researchers in recent years. In this study, three different CPV/T systems were analysed experimentally under the same conditions for four days. While no modifications on the CPV were made in the first system, the rear of the panel used in the second system was covered with a phase changing material (PCM). In the third system, together with PCM, nano-sized aluminium oxide (Al2O3) particle in a weight percentage of 5% was added into the system (namely, nano-enhanced PCM). The experimental analysis revealed that 8% more power output and module efficiency were obtained from the system with the PCM and the nano-enhanced PCM compared to the normal system. These systems which were also designed with a heat storage have an average of 42 W thermal energy gain. As the exergy analysis results show, the exergy destruction of the system with the nano-enhanced PCM was found to be lower than that of the PCM system, while exergy efficiency was found to be 14% higher in the former system.


【This study focused on the validity of Imago couple therapy's contents and the effects of application of the Imago couple therapy model. The participated subjects were 38 graduate students and their spouses. The major findings of this study were as follows. First, the types of couple relations that formed and sustained marital relations after growth could be predicted by the early childhood relationships between the subjects when they were children and their parents. Second, the marital conflicts and frustrations could be healed by the 'parent-child dialogue' and 'guided imagery'. Third, Imago couple therapy was effective for couple counseling to improve the areas of marital relationships, especially marital intimacy, marital communication, communication skills for marital conflicts, mutual respect, gender role, sexual satisfaction, time together, and decision-making. Fourth, Couple's Dialogue was a powerful tool for couple and parent-child relationships as well as general counseling practices.】


Application of deep sea water (DSW) on preparation of green tea was evaluated. Green tea leaves were soaked in desalinated deep sea water (DSW) at 75°C for 10 min, and were evaluated for antioxidant activity and catechin content. DSW green tea showed higher antioxidant activity than green tea prepared with distilled water (DW). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and reducing power of DW and DSW green teas were 57.88 and 83.98%, and their optical densities were 0.99 and 1.14, respectively. Nitrite scavenging activity was also higher in DSW green tea than in DW green tea. Overall amounts of catechins and caffeine were also greater in DSW green tea. For example, epigallocatechin gallate content in DW and DSW green teas were 13.20 and 17.97 mg/g, respectively. However, there was no significant colour difference between the two tea preparations. These results indicated that the chemical properties of green tea are significantly affected by DSW and that DSW results in high quality green tea.

 Key words: Green tea, deep sea water, antioxidant activity, catechins.


The main propose of this study was to investigate the effect of single dose administration of different levels of wattle tannin drenches on gastrointestinal nematodes faecal egg counts in Moghani sheep. Approximately 250 free grazing Moghani ewes were monitored for finding gastrointestinal nematode infected animals usigng Mc master technique and among them, 20 infected ewes (averaging 7-12 months by mean live body weight (LBW): 33±2 kg) were selected randomly and divided into 4 treatment groups. One of the groups was control group and received only tap water as placebo and the rest three groups were drenched single dose of 1, 1.5 and 2 gr WT/kg LBW respectively. Subsequently, faecal samples were taken 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after drenching from each group and FECs were examined and recorded. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design for repeated measurements using SAS (9.1). Results shown Treatment with 1.5 gr WT/kg body weight could cause significant reduction in FEC, from 24 hours after drenching so that its effect remained constant up to end of the study, whereas administration of 2 gr WT/kg body weight demonstrated its efficacy from 12 hours after drenching and reached to the maximum efficacy after 24 hours and then FEC levels remained constant up to the end (P 0.05).


Abstract As part of an extensive southern survey of interstellar NH3 with the Parkes 64-m radio telescope (with a beamwidth of 81 arcsec), the (1, 1), (2, 2), and (3, 3) transitions have been observed towards the galactic centre molecular cloud G1.6-0.025. The cloud has an overall size of 10 arcmin, and contains several concentrations with differing velocities. It has several features also observed in other galactic centre clouds, e.g. high optical depths and kinetic temperatures above 50 K.


At ambient conditions, the low vapor pressure of ethylene glycol monohexyl ether (EGHE) allows for a maximum vapor concentration of approximately 85 ppm. In an acute inhalation study on Wistar albino rats, a 4-hr exposure to 83 ppm EGHE produced no clinical signs, body weight effects, mortality, or macroscopic lesions in thoracic or abdominal organs. Fischer 344 rats exposed for 9 days (6 hr/day) over an 11-day period, to 0 (control), 19, 41, or 84 ppm EGHE had decreased body weight gains and increased liver to body weight values at 84 ppm EGHE. No alterations of the hematology parameters or the morphology of the testes or liver were observed. In a subsequent study, rats were exposed to mean EGHE concentrations of 0 (control), 20, 41, or 71 ppm for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks. Urogenital wetness was observed in all EGHE-exposed groups of females and in males of the 71-ppm group. Decreased body weight gains were observed in both sexes of the 71-ppm group, and a slight decrease was also observed in females of the 41-ppm group. Increased absolute and/or relative liver weights were observed in both sexes of the 71-ppm group and to a lesser extent in the 41-ppm group. Possibly related to these findings in the liver were decreases in serum transaminases (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase) and sorbitol dehydrogenase, with an increase in alkaline phosphatase observed in the 71-ppm group of female rats. However, there were no gross or histopathologic lesions found to indicate impairment of the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


In this article, Laplace transform and new homotopy perturbation methods are adopted to study the problem of forced convection over a horizontal flat plate analytically. The problem is a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which arises in boundary layer flow. The solutions approximated by the proposed method are shown to be precise as compared to the corresponding results obtained by numerical method. A high accuracy of new method is evident.


This article examines how and to what extent unions affect companies' innovation in Chile. It contributes to the existing literature in the following two aspects: First, because it widens the scope of analysis focusing in a developing country that is characterized by some specificities regarding the innovation as well the union landscape. Second, because this paper takes into account the effect of unions in the different types of innovation proposed in the Oslo Manual by OECD.  Results show that unions do not affect product and process innovation while influence to organizational innovation and marketing in a non-linear way.


A man, 64 years of age, retired and resident on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, without family or personal history of cutaneous tumours, requested primary medical evaluation for a lesion that had been present for a year. The lesion was located on his left ear, and had been growing progressively, without irritation, pain or other significant symptoms. No loss of weight or appetite was present.


A series of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymers of different molecular weights were synthesized using the Emulsifier-Free Emulsion polymerisation method. Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements the film surface is found to be heterogeneous surface with a RMS surface roughness value of approximately 2.5 nm. The refractive index of the PMMA films was estimated between 1.527 and 1.565 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Furthermore, film thickness is found to depend on the PMMA molecular weight. Thin films of PMMA are found to exhibit a fast and reversible response on exposure to benzene vapor; this would probably suggest that PMMA in thin film form could have a significant role in the development of room temperature vapor sensing devices.