The production of biopharmaceuticals represents the fastest growing segment in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, the majority of biopharmaceuticals are produced in recombinant microbe expression systems. However, microbes have certain limitations in the classes of proteins that can be economically produced, and in the post-translational processing that can be achieved. To solve this problem, insect and mammalian cell cultures have also been utilized for eukaryotic protein production (Lubiniecki and Lupker, 1994; Kost and Condreay, 1999). However, a significant problem with these systems, in particular cell cultures, is that production costs are prohibitively high for many proteins. Therefore, an increased demand for biopharmaceuticals will require improved and cost effective manufacturing practices as well as practical transportation and delivery methods for a global community. Over the past two decades, there has been substantial research on the expression of heterologous proteins in plants as a means to produce biopharmaceuticals that can meet current and future global needs. Several excellent review articles describe these recent advances (Streatfield 2007; Karg and Kallio 2009; Franconi et al., 2010). While numerous plant systems have been shown to support expression of heterologous proteins, we believe that soybean is perhaps the most practical of these systems. Soybean is often overlooked as an expression system in part due to a technically challenging, lengthy, and costly transformation process. However, there is enormous potential for the use of transgenic soybean as a factory for the economic production of pharmaceutical proteins. The soybean system has distinct advantages which offer a practical alternative to existing expression systems. First, while soybeans are traditionally thought of as high oil seeds, they are also high protein seeds. Soybeans contain nearly 40% protein by dry mass, and represent one of the richest natural sources of protein known. Given this high protein content, it is therefore possible to express in excess of a milligram of transgenic protein in a single soybean seed. There are few, if any, host systems (plant or non-plant) that can produce such levels of foreign protein based on weight. Second, soybean is a relatively easy and inexpensive plant to grow. Therefore, the production of biopharmaceuticals in soybeans is extremely cost-effective. For example, given the high protein content of seeds and a foreign protein expression level of 1%-4% of total soluble protein (TSP), large greenhouses could produce millions of doses of a vaccine for pennies per dose. Also contributing to the low cost of heterologous protein expression in soy are the well-known and established procedures for processing soybeans


ABSTRACT The Grandfather Mountain formation is a succession of arkosic conglomerate, sandstone, and siltstone interbedded with basalt and rhyolite. The unit is between 3,000 and 9,000 m thick and is exposed only within the Grandfather Mountain window in the Blue Ridge province of North Carolina. Radiometric age determinations, stratigraphic position, and a lack of fossils suggest a late Precambrian age of about 800 to 900 m.y., making the unit possibly contemporaneous with the Ocoee Series of the Great Smoky Mountains area, the Ashe Formation of North Carolina, and several late Precambrian stratified assemblages exposed along the axis and northwestern and southeastern flanks of the Blue Ridge anticlinorium in Virginia and adjacent states. The Grandfather Mountain formation was deposited in a variety of environments typically found together as the "alluvial-fan (or piedmont) association." This association consists mainly of alluvial-fan and braided-river deposits. The sediments filled a basin rimmed by mountainous areas composed of crystalline rocks (mainly granite and gneiss) which today make up the Cranberry Gneiss and other units of the Blue Ridge basement complex. Interior drainage predominantly from the northwest and southeast define a broadly centripetal current system. Overall the basin resembles both the Triassic basins of eastern North America (such as the Newark Basin) and present day Death Valley. If the Grandfather Mountain basin originated in a fashion similar to these, previous suggestions postulating epis des of late Precambrian continental rifting in the central and southern Appalachians are reinforced.


Young children are disproportionately exposed to maltreatment but are underrepresented in research on effective treatments. Universal Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT-U), developed from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, may be especially appropriate for maltreated children as they often experience caregiver disruptions which pose challenges to traditional parent-child treatment. Furthermore, research suggests that teachers can play an important role for children who lack positive caregiving experiences. The current study examined the effectiveness of TCIT-U versus treatment-as-usual (TAU) at a therapeutic preschool for youth exposed to maltreatment. Thirty-eight children (2–5 years old) and eight teachers from four classrooms participated in the study. Teacher behaviors were observed and coded at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Teachers reported on children's behavior and social-emotional skills at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. TCIT-U teachers demonstrated substantial increases in positive attending skills (PRIDE [Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description, and Enjoyment] skills) and decreases in negative talk and questions during intervention phases, and these skills were maintained at follow-up. In addition, children in the TCIT-U classrooms demonstrated a significantly greater increase in overall social-emotional skills by post-treatment than children in the TAU classrooms, and effect sizes were moderate for all child outcomes. Findings provide preliminary support for TCIT-U's effectiveness in a therapeutic setting for children exposed to maltreatment.


This article presents a solution that was used at Notre Dame University–Louaize (NDU) Library, Lebanon, to conduct efficient, accurate, and low-cost inventory and shelf reading. By exporting catalog records into an Excel spreadsheet and using nested formulas to compare records exported from the online library system against the books existing on the shelves, the inventory was successfully completed in a manageable time period. This simple solution, using a laptop and a handheld bar code reader, significantly reduced the number of staff and the amount of time required to perform the inventory. It also greatly reduced human error and inconsistencies faced in previously conducted inventories while helping to maintain staff concentration and enthusiasm for the project.


Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with persistent quadriceps dysfunction. Because quadriceps dysfunction impairs functional performance, minimizing quadriceps dysfunction by attenuating central activation deficits early after surgery may improve function later in life. Rehabilitation strategies incorporating neuromuscular electrical stimulation and early, aggressive quadriceps strengthening may prove beneficial. Furthermore, surgical approaches, such as minimally invasive TKA, may minimize postoperative quadriceps dysfunction.


While hypertext was originally conceived as an approach to the management of scientific and technical information, it has been embraced with great enthusiasm by several members of the literary community for the promises it offers towards new approaches to narrative. Experiments with hypertext based interactive narrative were originally based solely on verbal text but have more recently extended to include digital video artifacts. The most accomplished of these experiments, HyperCafe, provided new insights into the nature of narrative and how it may be presented; but it also offered an opportunity to reconsider other text types. The paper is an investigation of the application of an approach similar to HyperCafe to a descriptive text. We discuss how the approach serves the needs of description and illustrate the discussion with a concrete example. We then conclude by considering the extent to which our experiences with description may be applied to our continuing interest in narrative.


Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades are involved in transmitting signals that are generated at the cell surface into the cytosol and nucleus and consist of three sequentially acting enzymes: a MAP kinase, an upstream MAP/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), and a MEK kinase (MEKK). Protein-protein interactions within these cascades provide a mechanism to control the localization and function of the proteins. MEKK1 is implicated in activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) and ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathways. We showed previously that MEKK1 binds directly to JNK/SAPK. In this study we demonstrate that endogenous MEKK1 binds to endogenous ERK2, MEK1, and another MEKK level kinase, Raf-1, suggesting that it can assemble all three proteins of the ERK2 MAP kinase module.


There are a number of contexts in which interested parties wish to estimate the probability that an individual's injury was caused by radiation or a toxic chemical. It has been shown, however, that such calculations cannot be made based on epidemiologic data alone, without assumption of a biologic model for the disease process and without a specific definition of causation. To illustrate the relevant theorems, we present a number of examples in which different biologic models produce different values for the probability of causation for individuals from the same population-based epidemiologic data and dose-response curves. As a result of these ambiguities, it is important that anyone attempting to calculate probability of causation for individuals explicitly state the biologic model that has been assumed, as well as state the definition of causation being used. The analyst should test the robustness of the calculations by repeating them for a broad range of underlying biologic models.


The loess-paleosols sections (LPS) situated on flat interfluves integrally reflect the zonal characteristics of paleolandscapes and climate change of large-scale rank such as interglacial-glaciation, megainterstadial-stadial. However, they do not reflect small-scale climatic fluctuations and the local diversity of paleoecological conditions. Geochemical combinations of soils and sediments along the slopes of the paleo-relief, i.e., paleo-catenas, make it possible to supplement the missing links of the paleogeographic history and to detail the paleogeographic events.

In support of this idea, we show the results of study of paleo-catenas of the Ryshkovo pedo-litho-complex formed in the Mikulino interglacial (MIS 5e) and presented in the Alexandrov quarry near the city of Kursk, the Central Russian Upland. The Ryshkovo paleocatenas are analyzed along the slopes of the northern and southern expositions in the paleo-balka’s upper course. The variability of the Ryshkovo paleosols fits into the framework of one genetic soil type. Its closest analogue is sod-podzolic soil of mixed forests (Luvic Retisols). The main differences between the soils developed in the paleo-catenas are related to the degree of detail of the evolutionary development record due to various combinations of soil forming and denudation-sedimentation processes. Paleo-catena 1 along the slope facing to south is distinguished by the simplicity of soil profiles. Paleo-catena 2 of the northern exposition slope is more diverse in the completeness of the structure of paleosol profiles. It is complicated by micro-catena along a buried coastal ravine. Based on the study of the Ryshkovo paleo-catenas, the following stages of soil development in the Mikulino interglacial (130-117 ka BP) are reconstructed: 1) the lower meadow soil (the first soil stage) is read throughout the paleo-catena 2, i.e., in the bottom and on the paleo-balka slope; 2) the formation of bottom and coastal ravines, their subsequent filling with material of a humus horizon, carried away from the slopes during the climatic cooling within the interglacial (the first morpholithogenic stage); 3) the formation of the of sod-podzolic soil profile (the second soil stage) is recorded in the fillings of the coastal ravine; 4) subsequent erosion and accumulation of humus material in the bottom of the balka and ravine (the second morpholithogenic stage); 5) sod-podzolic soil (the third soil stage) is detected throughout the catena; 6) stressful restructuring of the paleoecological situation before burial is recorded in traces of a strong fire and a post-fire storm erosion at the end of the interglacial period when the climate became cooler (the third morpholithogenic stage). Thus, in the catena along the northern exposition slope and especially in the bottoms of the ravine and the main channel of the balka, the detailed change in the stages of development of local landscapes is reflected: three soil-forming stages separated by two erosion stages, and the most intense final (third) erosion stage. A complex combination of soil and relief-forming processes is reflected in the physicochemical properties of the Ryshkovo pedo-litho-complex, especially in its upper humus-accumulative and eluvial parts. This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research; project N 19-29-05024 mk.


MineSet™ is a commercial data mining product from Silicon Graphics. It provides an interactive platform for data mining, integrating three powerful technologies: database and file access, analytical data mining engines, and data visualization. MineSet supports the knowledge discovery process from data access and preparation through iterative analysis and visualization to deployment. MineSet uses a client-server architecture for scalability and support of large data. The data access component provides a rich set of transformations that can be used to process stored data into forms appropriate for visualization and analytical mining. MineSet's two- and three-dimensional visualization capabilities allow direct data visualization for exploratory analysis. The analytical mining algorithms create models that can be viewed using visualization tools specialized for the learned models or deployed as part of a larger system. Third party vendors can interface to the MineSet tools for model deployment and for integration with other packages.


This study measures the film cooling effectiveness along the trailing edge of a turbine blade in a linear cascade. The film cooling effectiveness is measured and analyzed using the pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Two different trailing edge designs are investigated including the standard pressure side cutback and the new alternating discharge design (referred to as a wavy trailing edge design). The alternating discharge design is a new design with a wavy structure between the pressure and suction surfaces at the trailing edge. The new wavy structure allows the coolant to discharge from the trailing edge so that it alternates between the pressure and suction surfaces. Testing is carried out in a five-blade, linear, steady state cascade with inlet and exit Mach numbers of 0.20 and 0.30, respectively. The freestream turbulence intensity is measured to be 10.5% upstream of the blade leading edge. Coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratios (MFR) vary from 0.30% to 1.25% and coolant to mainstream density ratios (DR) of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 are examined. The total pressure loss coefficients are also acquired to compare the aerodynamic loss between the two trailing edge designs. The pressure loss coefficient is acquired by traversing a group of pitot static probes across the blade span in a plane downstream of the trailing edge, resulting in a pressure map at the exit plane. A positive MFR and DR effect is witnessed with almost no change in aerodynamic loss. The results provide the potential of the alternating discharge as a promising trailing edge design and provide gas turbine designers with an improved trailing edge cooling scheme having acceptable aerodynamic loss.


Introduction: Psychomotor development (PMD) reflects the cerebral maturation through sensory, motor and psychological acquisitions of an individual. Its evaluation allows an early diagnosis of delays in order to take care of them. The objective of this study was to determine the profile and explanatory factors of PMD of infants in N'Djamena. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the "Notre Dame des Apôtres" Hospital in N'Djamena. It involved 428 infants aged 1 to 24 months received in preventive consultation between October 2017 and June 2018. The Denver II scale was used for the assessment of PMD. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21.0 software. Results: the sex ratio was 1.06. The most represented age group was under 3 months (35.5%). The items of gross motor skills were 95% completed, fine motor skills 93.8%, language 84.6% and sociability 68.8% at the 90th percentile. Development was advanced in 56.8% normal in 32.1% and delayed in 2.1%. Statistically significant differences in PMD were observed according to age group (p= 0.000), vaccination status (p= 0.002), feeding mode (p= 0.000), maternal exchange (p= 0.000) and pregnancy follow-up (p= 0.03). Conclusion: The psychomotor development of N'Djamenese infants is similar to that of other African children, although some variations are noted. It is influenced by certain factors related to the infant and the mother.


The present study was undertaken to explore more excellent sweet-waxy maize germplasm resources and provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of sweet-waxy maize inbred lines. Eight sweetwaxy maize inbred lines VB. RN1621, RN1423, RN1432, RN1636, RN1441, RN1443, RN1457 and RN1669 were selected as female parents (P1) and three sweet-waxy maize inbred lines e. g. LN505, LN506 and LN515 were taken as male parents (P2). Using incomplete diallel cross NCII design, 24 combinations were configured to analyze the combining ability of eight agronomic characters such as plant height, ear height, ear grain weight, ear length, number of grains per row, hundred-grain weight, peel residue rate and amylopectin content. It was obaerved that the order of general combining ability was RN1669, RN1636 and LN506. The combination with the highest effective value of special combining ability was RN1641 × LN506, RN1621 × LN506 followed by RN1657 × LN506 which ranked third. Plant height, panicle grain weight and bark residue rate should be selected in the early generation. The ear height, ear length, 100-grain weight and amylopectin content may be selected in the late generation, which can be used for sweet-waxy maize breeding.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 849-854, 2022 (December) Special


Target tracking is one of the very important applications of WSNs (wireless sensor networks). Traditionally, Kalman filter and its derivatives are some of the most popular algorithms in solving the signal tracking problem. In a WSNs tracking application, the target motion/state update dynamics might be linear or nonlinear depending on the specific scenario. The observation model might vary across the sampling interval. This paper compares the effectiveness, limitations and other related implementation issues in applying Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter to tackle target tracking problem in WSNs.


Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated disorder that affects the liver parenchyma. Diagnosis usually occurs at the later stages of the disease, complicating efforts towards understanding the causes of disease development. While animal models are useful for studying the etiology of autoimmune disorders, most of the existing animal models of AIH do not recapitulate the chronic course of the human condition. In addition, approaches to mimic AIH-associated liver inflammation have instead led to liver tolerance, consistent with the high tolerogenic capacity of the liver. Recently, we described a new mouse model that exhibited spontaneous and chronic liver inflammation that recapitulated the known histopathological and immunological parameters of AIH. The approach involved liver-extrinsic genetic engineering that interfered with the induction of T-cell tolerance in the thymus, the very process thought to inhibit AIH induction by liver-specific expression of exogenous antigens. The mutation led to depletion of specialized thymic epithelial cells that present self-antigens and eliminate autoreactive T-cells before they exit the thymus. Based on our findings, which are summarized below, we believe that this mouse model represents a relevant experimental tool towards elucidating the cellular and molecular aspects of AIH development and developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating this disease.


Invasive species are expected to cluster on the "high-return" end of the leaf economic spectrum, displaying leaf traits consistent with higher carbon assimilation relative to native species. Intra-leaf nitrogen (N) allocation should support these physiological differences; however, N biochemistry has not been examined in more than a few invasive species. We measured 34 leaf traits including seven leaf N pools for five native and five invasive species from Hawaii under low irradiance to mimic the forest understory environment. We found several trait differences between native and invasive species. In particular, invasive species showed preferential N allocation to metabolism (amino acids) rather than photosynthetic light reactions (membrane-bound protein) by comparison with native species. The soluble protein concentration did not vary between groups. Under these low irradiance conditions, native species had higher light-saturated photosynthetic rates, possibly as a consequence of a greater investment in membrane-bound protein. Invasive species may succeed by employing a wide range of N allocation mechanisms, including higher amino acid production for fast growth under high irradiance or storage of N in leaves as soluble protein or amino acids.


The DNA repair protein O 6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is known to play a role in sensitivity to temozolomide. Promoter hypermethylation of MGMT is commonly used to predict low expression levels of MGMT in gliomas, despite observed discordance between promoter methylation and protein levels. Here, we investigated the functional role of gene body cytosine modification in regulating levels of MGMT gene expression and sensitivity to temozolomide. In 91 human glioblastoma samples, we observed significant variation in MGMT expression levels in patients with an unmethylated promoter, with higher levels of gene body cytosine modification correlating with higher gene expression levels. Furthermore, inducing hypomethylation across the MGMT gene body with decitabine corresponded with decreased levels of MGMT gene expression in lymphoblastoid and glioblastoma cell lines, indicating an important functional role for gene body cytosine modifications in maintaining gene expression. We reasoned that the decrease in MGMT expression induced by decitabine may render resistant glioblastoma cell lines more sensitive to temozolomide. Consistent with this reasoning, we found that the MGMT-expressing glioblastoma cell lines exhibiting an unmethylated MGMT promoter that were pretreated with decitabine became significantly more sensitive to temozolomide. Overall, our results suggest a functional role for gene body cytosine modification in regulating gene expression of MGMT and indicate that pretreating patients whose tumors have an unmethylated MGMT promoter with decitabine before temozolomide treatment may increase their response to therapy.


This article explores the mystical experience of Sainte Therese of Avila, mainly the voice of silence as a metaphor for spiritual transformation, more known specifically as the dark night of the soul. Developing a simple and efficient literary language, the Saint has built the founding principles of a mystical discourse marked by its social and religious conditions, which have motivated the emergence of spiritual writing characterized by immediacy and efficiency, mostly in her own poetry. Our analysis is focused on the emergence of a specific language, both poetic and didactic, which places the mystical experience of Sainte Therese in the heart of the scriptural and spiritual enterprise of the Devotio Moderna.


The electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) has been detected in two large soluble-protein complexes partially purified from sonicated porcine liver mitochondria. Size-exclusion chromatography and sucrose-density ultracentrifugation suggested molecular masses in the region of 390 to 420 kDa for the two complexes. Activities of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, sarcosine dehydrogenase and ETF:ubiquinone oxidoreductase were also detected. No evidence of oxidative-phosphorylation properties was obtained. Treatment with antimycin A inhibited the activity of both complexes. Pyridine haemochromogens, prepared from the partially purified species, show the presence of cytochrome proteins. The possible composition of these complexes and their relationship to the electron transport chain are discussed.


Abstract In this paper we describe a variant of A* search designed to run on the massively parallel, SIMD Connection Machine (CM-2). The algorithm is designed to run in a limited memory by the use of a retraction technique which allows nodes with poor heuristic values to be removed from the open list until such time as they may need reexpansion, more promising paths having failed. Our algorithm, called PRA* (for Parallel Retraction A*), is designed to maximize use of the Connection Machine′s memory and processors. In addition, the algorithm is guaranteed to return an optimal path when an admissible heuristic is used. Results comparing PRA* to Korf′s IDA* for the fifteen puzzle show significantly fewer node expansions for PRA*. In addition, empirical results show significant parallel speedups, indicative of the algorithm′s design for high processor utilization.


This work presents two techniques for computing dense disparity maps from two or more images. These methods are exploited in an application of augmented reality in order to add a virtual object with proper occlusions in the real scene. The proposed stereo matching techniques are based on area matching. We first present an implementation of the dynamic programming which produces a high quality of dense disparity map. Furthermore, in order to improve both the time computing and the map quality, we propose a hierarchical approach which combines the multi-resolution and the dynamic programming. The disparity maps thus obtained are applied in augmented reality in order to integrate in a realistic way the virtual objects. The applicability of the method is shown on many sequences of images.


The objective of the DWP Growth Fund was to raise levels of access to affordable credit by building the capacity of third sector lenders to serve financially excluded households. In doing so, the Growth Fund aimed to disrupt the role of high cost credit in the lives of borrowers.

Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, our evaluation of the Growth Fund examined both impact and process in order to establish the wider implications of the initiative on:

Financially excluded individuals.
Third sector lending institutions (Credit Unions / Community Development Finance Institutions).
Other organisations delivering services to the financially excluded.


Over the last decades, the rise of managerialism has contributed to the depoliticisation of practices and discourses of Non-Governmental Development Organisations (NGDOs). From some quarters, the adoption of rights-based approaches (RBAs) has been seen as an opportunity to challenge this process. From this standpoint, this article aims to explore to what extent RBAs may have helped (re)politicise the discourses of NGDOs. In order to do so, we look at how eleven Spanish NGDOs that have adopted an RBA are reshaping their understandings of issues related with power, participation and accountability. The analysis reveals that the adoption of RBAs seems to be a process full of diversity, tensions and contradictions, both across and inside organisations. Whilst in some cases RBAs may have consolidated managerialism, the opposite is also true. We hypothesise that external requirements from donors, as well as the different backgrounds, profiles, organisational cultures and previous political stances of the organi...


The block copolymers (BCs), as structure-directing agents, co-assembling with nanoscale inorganic additives is an important route to fabricate nanostructured hybrid materials. In this work, we present a facile approach to fabricate hybrid micelles composed of BCs and polyoxometalates (POMs), in which the POM clusters are premodified with the groups that can specifically interact with a certain BC block. A representative POM (NH4)42[Mo(132)O(372)(CH(3)COO)(30)(H2O)72] (Mo(132)) is chosen as the example and encapsulated with cationic molecules containing carboxyphenyl groups through electrostatic interactions, and then the resulting hybrid complex can further co-assemble with poly(styrene-block-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) through hydrogen bonding with the pyridine groups, which leads to the formation of hybrid micelles and the localization of Mo(132) in the micelle cores. The micelles exhibit a high stability despite time and dilution. Furthermore, the fusion of the micelles can be readily adjusted by varying the length of PS blocks, which is promising to be used in constructing polymer-POM hybrid materials with discrete or continuous hybrid domains. This work is based on the electrostatic premodification of POMs and thus its concept is generally suitable for the whole anionic POM system, which may create a large class of BC-POM nanocomposites with tunable structures.


Until 1960s, farmers planted rice only once in a year, due to the use of late maturing, 5 to 6 month varieties. Fertilizer recommendation rate to optimize productivity of those varieties was low, 20 to 40 kg N/ha. The Green Revolution technology introduced in the late 1960s which was characterized by the use of high-yielding varieties highly responsive to fertilizer, was then adopted in the BIMAS (Mass Intensification Guidance) Program. The successful program in increasing yield of rice was then followed by INMAS (Mass Intensification), INSUS (Special Intensification), and OPSUS (Special Operations) programs, where the more refined fertilizer recommendation rates had played an important role, which subsequently led Indonesia achieved rice selfsufficiency in 1984. The levelling-off of rice production which occurred in the late 1980s was then addressed by introducing SUPRA INSUS program, containing 10- technology components of D-package. The very high rate of fertilizer recommendation on the D-package had worried many parties for its inefficiency and negative effect on the environment. Research was then intensified on the fertilizer use efficiency, especially N fertilizer, including the application of urea super granules (USG), and sulfur coated urea (SCU). Green manures such as Azolla sp and Sesbania rostrata were also being studied as alternative for sources of N nutrient. The P and K nutrient status in the soil was mapped which was used as reference for the fertilizer allocation in each province, based on the map scale of 1: 250,000. The recommendation rate of fertilizer for the sub-district level, was developed based on the map scale of 1: 50,000. To optimize the use of fertilizers, soil test kit and leaf color chart (LCC) were recommended to be used by the extension agents, so that farmers could benefit from the more efficient use of N, P, and K fertilizers. Long-term fertilizer field trials had been conducted since 1970s, where the result had shown that in intensive paddy fields, P and K fertilizers did not need to be applied every season. With the current rapid advanced in technology information, farmers have an access for the recommendation rate of fertilizer for specific location via internet, smart phones, or conventional hand phone. The validation of the fertilizer recommendation, known as site specific nutrient management (SSNM), had been carried out in major rice producing provinces, which proved to give some benefits to farmers, through the use of lower rates of fertilizers but higher yields. SSNM had played an important role in the formulation of integrated crop management (ICM) approach, implemented in the national rice production program. The Expert System of Rice Cultivation (SIPADI) operated by using computer, could be used as a tool in providing recommendation for specific location rice technology package. Adoption of SSNM faces several challenges such as small land holding, of which farmers tend to buy "small quantity" of fertilizer but actually too much for his land. The subsidized fertilizer prices had also discouraged farmers from following the SSNM.


The seeds of avocado ( Persea americana Mill) are used in traditional medicine to treat, allay or prevent some spasm-related disorders, for instance, diarrhoea. The chloroform and methanol fractions of the chloroform-methanol extract of the seeds of P. americana were investigated for their qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents as well as effects on gastro-intestinal motility (transit) and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid sodium ion (Na + ) and potassium ion (K + ) concentrations in Wistar rats. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies of the chloroform and methanol fractions showed the presence and amounts of alkaloids (2.92 ± 0.14 g/100 g and 2.81 ± 0.08 g/100 g respectively), flavonoids (3.43 ± 0.19 g/100 g and 3.11 ± 0.16 g/100 g, respectively), tannins (2.64 ± 0.13 g/100 g and 2.85 ± 0.14 g/100 g, respectively), steroids (1.51 ± 0.07 g/100 g and 1.27 ± 0.04 g/100 g, respectively), saponins (2.35 ± 0.08 % and 2.47 ± 0.09%, respectively), terpenoids, proteins and carbohydrates in both fractions. Fats and oil were present only in the chloroform fraction. At the two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight), the chloroform and methanol fractions produced significant (p<0.05) and dose-related decreases in the gastro-intestinal motility and concentration of the intestinal fluid potassium ions but only the chloroform fraction at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (p<0.05) decreased the concentration of the intestinal fluid sodium ions. Results of the fractions were comparable with those of the standard anti-diarrhoeal drug, hyoscine butylbromide (3 mg/kg body weight). The results indicate that the chloroform-methanol extract of the seeds of P. americana contains compounds with anti-spasmodic effect. Keywords: Persea americana , spasm-related, castor oil, gastro-intestinal motility and electrolytes African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(37), pp. 5610-5617


Light-Oxygen-Voltage (LOV) domains are flavoproteins that are part of photoreceptors found in plants, prokaryotes and algae. LOV domains act as biological switches in response sensors to oxygen, redox potential or light, making them ideal for use as an optogenetics tool. The protein-switch is activated by formation of a covalent adduct between the flavin cofactor and an internal cysteine residue, causing changes in the hydrogen bonding network in the core of the protein. This results in a conformational change in the LOV domain leading to undocking of an amphiphilic helix that is generally coupled to a catalytic or transcriptional activation domain.
In this investigation the LOV2 domain of phototropin 1 from Avena sativa has been modified to control protein-protein interactions in apoptosis by incorporating the Bcl homology region 3 (BH3) of a key pro-apoptotic protein (Bid) to the mobile helix of AsLOV2 (J). The design, cloning, production and structure of these hybrid proteins (AsLOV-Bid1-4) are discussed and their photo-switching characteristics are examined using UV/Vis and CD spectroscopy. Half-lives of the proteins varied between 13 min and 7.5 min, with small deviation between UV/Vis and CD half-life measurements for each protein. A further investigation on the binding of AsLOV2-Bid proteins to Bcl-xL, the natural binding partner of Bid, has been conducted in the dark and light states using fluorescence anisotropy measurements. The results verified that AsLOV-Bid1-4 bound to Bcl-xL effectively in the light state with KD values at less than 300 nM. However, AsLOV-Bid2 also bound in the dark state with KD at 1 mM.
A second LOV domain, YtvA from Bacillus subtilis is characterised using UV/Vis and CD spectroscopy. YtvA is a homodimeric photo-switch, with a longer relaxation half-life than Avena sativa LOV2, making it more suitable for use as an optogenetics tool. Here, investigations on amino acid residues key for the dimerisation of this protein were performed, before any hybrid proteins could be engineered. Residues V27 and I113, were replaced with aspartate residues by site-directed mutagenesis to explore the effects on the protein quaternary structure using size-exclusion chromatography. Comparing against standards mutant I113D is considered as monomeric, however further experiments need to be conducted to verify this.


The highly regioselective iron-catalyzed formal hydrofunctionalization of styrene derivatives with a diverse range of electrophiles has been developed using a single, operationally simple hydromagnesiation procedure and only commercially available, bench-stable reagents. Using just 0.5 mol % FeCl2·4H2O and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, hydromagnesiation and electrophilic trapping have been used to form new carbon-carbon bonds (13 examples) and carbon-heteroatom bonds (5 examples) including the products of formal cross-coupling reactions, hydroboration, hydroamination, hydrosilylation, and hydrofluorination.


Abstract Objective: To analyze orthodontic treatment results following mandibular symphysis bone grafting and postoperative orthodontic treatment. Design: Randomized selection of 75 patients out of 308 with unilateral cleft of lip, alveolus, and palate, operated upon according to protocol between 1990 and 2008 in the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Main Outcome Measure: Goslon Yardstick rating changes of dental arch relationship. Significant agreement (p < .001) was observed between the two assessments carried out with an interval of 3 months (Cohen's kappa  =  .963, p < .001). Results: Following mandibular bone grafting and orthodontic treatment in 65.3% of the patients, the aim of treatment (Goslon Yardstick groups 1 and 2) had been achieved. The applied before/after Goslon allocations showed high improvement significance (p < .001). Conclusions: Postoperative orthodontic treatment in patients following grafting with mandibular symphysis bone showed excellent results.


A brief description of physicochemical properties of the androgen receptors in the various target tissues is given. It is suggested that androgen receptors in all organs and species are very similar if not identical. It is also suggested that apparent differences in steroid binding are not due to differences in steroid specificity of receptors, but rather due to organ specific differences in target tissue metabolism. A short discussion of our studies on androgen receptors in the prostate, epididymis and testis of human being is also included. The properties of these receptors are similar, if not identical to those described in rats, and we have not been able to demonstrate differences in androgen receptors of non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissue. From studies on testosterone metabolism it is demonstrated that human prostate is metabolizing testosterone to DHT much faster than the seminal vesicles. Furthermore, there is a drastic reduction in DHT formation in tissue from prostatic cancer compared to normal and hyperplastic prostatic tissue.


Summary form only given. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer material was deposited onto surface of heat treated AISI 1050 carbon steel by atmospheric and vacumm plasma system with different plasma parametres (treatment time, gas type, frequency, power and pressure). Wear tests of coated surface were conducted by using a tribotester. After the deposition surface morphology of samples were analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Optical Microscope (OM), it was found that under atmospheric pressure plasma treatment conditions PTFE coated substrates had a friction coeifficent that was twice as much as that for the low pressure RF plasma treatment conditions.


BACKGROUND
We prospectively studied the prevalence, type and causes of anaemia in newly diagnosed patients with lymphoid malignancies.

METHODS
Between January 2007 and June 2008, a total of 316 newly diagnosed, consecutive patients (aged 15 years or above) of Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dl), were analysed to determine the prevalence and a subgroup of 46 patients was analysed for the cause of anaemia.

RESULTS
Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were the diagnoses in 81 (25.8%), 203 (64.7%) and 30 (9.6%) patients, respectively. Anaemia was present in 134 patients (42.4%). Anaemia of chronic disease was present in 33/46 (71.7%) and iron deficiency in 18/46 (39.1%) patients. Vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency was detected in 10/46 (21.7%) patients (B12 deficiency alone in 7, folate deficiency alone in 1 and combined B12 and folate deficiency in 2). Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was detected in 5/46 (10.9%) although direct Coombs test was positive in 17/46 (37%) patients. Among patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, anaemia due to bone marrow involvement was present in 16/40 (40%). In most patients with bone marrow involvement, anaemia was due to other causes. In only 3 patients, anaemia was attributable to bone marrow involvement alone. Anaemia was multifactorial in 18/46 (39.1%) patients. Nutritional deficiency alone or in combination was present in 22/46 (47.8%) patients.

CONCLUSION
Anaemia is common in lymphoid malignancies at initial presentation. Besides managing anaemia of chronic disease and bone marrow involvement, nutritional and autoimmune causes should be ruled out.


IMEC (headquartered in Leuven, Belgium) is a nanoelectronics research center, performing worldleading research in micro- and nanoelectronics via global partnerships in the fields of ICT (information and communications technology), healthcare, and energy. To ensure always the highest level, cutting-edge quality of its research and product development, IMEC has now started working with Picosun as solution and technology provider for ALD-based energy storage components for advanced microelectronic systems such as medical implants, automotive, sensor networks, and mobile communication devices. Picosun's ALD equipment for IMEC is equipped with revolutionary boosting heated source systems and full inert gas glove box integration to enable the best results in coating of moisture sensitive materials with demanding film processes. Picosun's ALD tools are world known for fulfilling the strictest industrial productivity, film purity, and quality standards scalable to high volume manufacturing with fast process times and low cost-of-ownership.


The Ovarian/Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) is a lexicon and risk stratification tool designed for the accurate characterization of adnexal lesions and is essential for optimal patient management. O-RADS is a recent addition to the American College of Radiology (ACR) reporting and data systems and consists of ultrasound (US) and MRI arms. Since most ovarian or adnexal lesions are first detected with US, O-RADS US is considered the primary assessment tool. Application of O-RADS US is recommended whenever a non-physiologic lesion is encountered. Lesion characterization may be streamlined using an algorithmic approach focused on relevant features and an abbreviated version of the lexicon. Resources to expedite O-RADS US categorization and determination of a management recommendation include easy online access to the ACR color-coded risk stratification scorecard and an O-RADS US calculator that is available as a smartphone app. Reporting should be concise and include relevant features for risk stratification, adhering to lexicon terminology. Technical considerations include optimization of grayscale and color Doppler technique and performance of problem-solving maneuvers to help avoid common pitfalls. This review provides a user-friendly summary of O-RADS US with practical tips for everyday clinical use.


Large-scale data applications are increasingly a part of daily life. For example, the GPS in your phone that can tell you the fastest way to the airport incorporating real-time traffic data, Netflix suggests movies based on your entire viewing history, and the spam filters in email software learn individual spam preferences. Some of these applications rely on methodologies that are more 'data hungry' than others. Predictive modeling based on fine-grained data, which powers many of these applications, often requires a great deal of data, but relatively little understanding of any individual data point. In this work, we examine some simple modeling decisions that can make predictive modeling more privacy friendly without jeopardizing its performance and ultimate value.


Ipobracon peronatus, Cam. Iphiaulax peronatus , Cameron, Biol. Cent.-Amer., Hym., i, 1887, p. 337. Trinidad : 3 ♀♀, 25.xi.1928, 5.xii.l928, 21.ii.1929 ( J. G. Myers ). Host . Dr. Myers considers this parasite to be associated with the Cerambycid beetle, Stirastoma depressum , L., infesting cacao logs. These specimens agree absolutely with the type (which is in the British Museum) with the possible exception that they appear to have the 2nd cubital cell relatively somewhat longer ; this difference, however, is so minute that it is a character upon which I am not prepared to describe a new species. Ipobracon peronatus is easily separable from the two other recorded Braconine parasites of Stirastoma , as follows : From Cyanopterus depressi , Vier., by the thorax and legs, the colour of which in this latter species is black throughout ; and from Cyanopterus steirastomae , Vier., by the nature of the 2nd tergite, which from Viereck's description would appear to be fine and smooth.


We present some results obtained by numerical modeling of the propagation of vortex beams with a spiral phase through a randomly inhomogeneous medium being presented by a phase screen placed in the beginning of the propagation path. Such beams, if propagated under conditions of weak turbulence, also experience distortions, like Gaussian beams. However, the statistically averaged vortex beams conserve the central intensity dip with a nonzero intensity on the beam axis. The greater the beam vortex charge, the longer the beam propagation distance, at which the central dip is not smeared. The vortex beams being the Laguerre-Gaussian modes are found to have the same broadening properties while propagated through a randomly inhomogeneous medium as the Gaussian beams. The broadening of averaged vortex beams does not depend on the vortex charge and coincides with the broadening of a Gaussian beam.


Patients with unstable scars in some areas of the body complain of local itchiness and pain, which may be caused by histamine and serotonin. Therefore, I measured these substances in scar tissue in various conditions taken at the time of operation. The histamine value was determined by the amount of carbon dioxide produced in histidine decarboxylase activity (HDCA); the measurement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was done by the Ninhydrin method. High values of HDCA were usually found in skin flaps and scar tissue around pressure sores. 5-HT activity reached a higher level in unstable scars than in stable scars.


Flow injection analysis (FIA) methods for the spectrophotometric determination of CO 2 and SO 2 in wines are described. The determination of CO 2 is based on the colour change of a low capacity buffer (containing an acid-base indicator) due to the dissolved carbon dioxide. The determination of SO 2 is based on the decoloration of malachite green by sulphur dioxide. Two FIA manifolds are presented; one for the determination of CO 2 in sparkling wines and another for the simultaneous determination of CO 2 and SO 2 in table wines. The analytes are isolated inside the manifold from the sample matrix using gas-diffusion units. Regression equations (FIA versus reference methods) showed no statistical difference, at 95 % confidence level, between the two sets of results for both determinations; additionally, for the determination of CO 2 , recovery values between 93.5 % and 111 % were found. RSD lower than 4.5 % for SO 2 and 2.4 % for the CO 2 determination were found. The sampling rates achieved were: 30 h -1 for the uniparametric system and 40 h -1 for the hiparametric system. The single determination manifold is applicable in the concentration ranges of 0.5 to 4 g L -1 of CO 2 , and the simultaneous determination manifold in the range of 0.25 to 3 g L -1 of CO 2 and 0.05 to 0.3 g L -1 of SO 2 .


Prostate cancer (PCa) has remarkably emerged as a prominent disease in the face of the male population. Conventional treatments like prostatectomy or radiation can be curative only if PCa is diagnosed at an early stage. In the field of targeted therapy, a bevy of novel therapeutic approaches have left a landmark in PCa treatment and have proven to extend survival via distinct modes of actions. Nanotherapy has started to take root and has become the hype of the century by virtue of its abundant advantages. Scientists have invested a great deal of interest in the development of nanostructures such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which hold particularly great hope for PCa theranostics. In this article, we present an overview of the studies published after 1998 that involve the use of different functionalized AuNPs to treat and diagnose PCa. Special reference is given to various in vitro and in vivo methods employed to shuttle AuNPs to PCa cells. Major studies show an enhancement of either detection or treatment of PCa when compared to their non-targeted counterparts, especially when AuNPs are tagged with specific ligands, such as antibodies, tea natural extracts, folate, anisamide, receptor inhibitors, and chitosan. Future approaches of treatment are dependent on those worthy multifunctional molecules, and are dictated by their ability to achieve a more versatile cancer therapeutic approach.


This study aims to analyze (1).  the development of Value of Production, Credit, Number of Business, Labor and Asset of MSMEs in Regency / City of Jambi Province; (2).  the factors that influence the value of production of MSMEs in the Regency / City of Jambi Province; (3).  the superior sectors of MSMEs in Jambi Province / Municipality; (4).  superior commodity of MSMEs spread in Regency / City of Jambi Province. The study design was cross sectional. The study was conducted in Jambi Province covering 11 regencies / municipalities that have potential MSMEs to be developed. Overall research time of 2 years. For the first year, an analysis of the growth and growth of MSMEs in Jambi Province, an analysis of the factors that influence the value of MSMEs production, the analysis of the superior sectors and commodities. While the second year is done an analysis of MSMEs profile, identification of strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) from MSMEs. Data analysis using multiple linear regression with panel data with eviews program. The results showed that the development of SMEs in the period 2010-2015 seen from the value of production, credit, business, absorption of labor and assets experienced an increasing trend. Factors that significantly affect the value of MSMEs production are credits and assets. The result of LQ analysis shows that the sector which is the base sector (LQ> 1) based on the use of labor varies among the regencies / cities in Jambi Province. The major trade and retail sectors, car and motorcycle repairs, and the education services sector excel in almost all regencies. While based on agricultural production value, water procurement sector, waste and waste management, construction sector, large and retail trade sector, information and communication sector, government administration, defense and compulsory social security sector, education service sector, health services sector and social activities , and other services is the superior sector in almost all regencies / municipalities of Jambi Province. Analysis of the superior commodities shows that there are 28 superior commodities in agriculture sector from food crops, horticulture, plantation, animal husbandry, marine and fishery. Kerinci Regency has excellent commodities in lowland rice, corn, peanut, chilli, potato, cabbage, petai, and sheep. Merangin Regency has commodities of paddy rice, paddy fields, corn, peanut, cassava, rubber, robusta coffee, goat, sheep, laying hens. Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency only has one superior commodity namely sea fishery. While Tanjung Jabung East has 7 superior commodities. Bungo Regency has 12 excellent commodities. Furthermore, for the second year, the formulation of sustainable MSMEs development model will be developed.


BACKGROUND
Microalbuminuria is considered a major risk factor predisposing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Microalbuminuria levels in patients with or without diabetes have been associated with a higher risk of chronic heart failure (HF). However, there are limited data regarding prevalence of microalbuminuria in chronic heart failure and its prognostic value. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of microalbuminuria in chronic heart failure patients as well as its association with clinical, echocardiographic, and body composition markers.

METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, we included 72 chronic heart failure patients (NYHA I-III) on standard HF therapy. All patients had an echocardiogram and body composition by vector bioelectric impedance analysis (measured by Body Stat Quad Scan).

RESULTS
The studied population consisted of 64% men at mean age of 62.6 +/- 15.1 years. Patients were divided into systolic and diastolic HF groups. Microalbuminuria was observed in 40% of diastolic and 24% systolic HF patients (p = 0.04). Microalbuminuria was present in more patients with volume overload (80 vs. 21.9%, p = 0.002), with a worse phase angle and lower serum albumin (4.7 vs. 5.9 degrees and 3.5 vs. 4.0 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and higher pulmonary arterial pressure compared with patients without microalbuminuria in systolic HF patients. There was no significant association between frequency of microalbuminuria and ejection fraction. In the diastolic HF group, the presence of microalbuminuria was not associated with any known risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS
Microalbuminuria was more frequent in diastolic than systolic HF patients. In systolic HF patients microalbuminuria was associated with factors known to be markers of worse prognosis.


ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (ERA). Summary Background DataMinimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the procedure of choice for benign adrenal pathology. Although the adrenal glands are located in the retroperitoneum, most surgeons prefer the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to adrenal tumors. MethodsClinical characteristics and outcomes of 111 ERAs from January 1994 to December 1999 were evaluated. ResultsNinety-five patients underwent 111 ERAs (79 unilateral, 16 bilateral). Indications were Cushing syndrome (n = 22), Cushing disease (n = 8), ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (n = 6), Conn's adenoma (n = 25), pheochromocytoma (n = 19), incidentaloma (n = 11), and other (n = 4). Tumor size varied from 0.1 to 8 cm. Median age was 50 years. Unilateral ERA required 114 minutes, with median blood loss of 65 mL. Bilateral ERA lasted 214 minutes, with median blood loss of 121 mL. The conversion rate to open surgery was 4.5%. The complication rate was 11%. Median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days for unilateral ERA and 5 days for bilateral ERA. The death rate was 0.9%. At a median follow-up of 14 months, the recurrence rate of disease was 0.9%. ConclusionFor benign adrenal tumors less than 6 cm, ERA is recommended.


Greendentistry is an upcoming practice which aims to reduce the environmental liabilities of a dental office. It is defined as a practice that reduces waste and pollution, saves energy and money, incorporates high tech innovations and is wellness based. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding green dentistry, amongst the alumni of a dental college in Pune. A questionnaire study was conducted amongst 900 graduates and post graduates of the dental college through an e-survey using google forms. A questionnaire was formulated after extensive literature search which was followed by validation, reliability testing and pilot testing among 30 participants. Statistical analysis used: Numbers and Percentages were computed for the responses and Chi square test was used for between group comparisons based on demographic variables. 310 dentists replied to the questionnaire. More than 60% participants had knowledge about waste disposal, eco-friendly sterilization, hazardous spill kits whereas less than 40% correctly answered about energy efficiency. Many participants agreed that environmental problems are something one can personally do a lot about and individuals should take lead in addressing them. 95.5% were registered with a biomedical waste disposal service. Practices like recycling reading material and using energy efficient appliances were relatively better than adequate disposal practices for fixer. The results suggest that the attitude towards environmentally responsible dental practice was relatively better than the knowledge and practice regarding the same. Increasing exposure to eco-friendly practices could help reduce the environmental burden of dentistry.


Why is the share of happy people higher in some countries than in their equally developed neighbors? We conjecture that the apparent contradiction might depend on a country's endowment of relational goods, which we proxy empirically with the extent of cooperativeness. Compiling an index of the importance of the cooperative sector, we test whether higher values of the index associate with more happiness controlling for countries' HDI and other control variables. Checking for endogeneity, we find support for our hypothesis and that support is stronger for more developed countries. This suggests that, indeed, relational goods might help tackle Easterlin's paradox. JEL Classification codes: I31, P13


This paper presents the evaluation of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for extracting elastase produced by Bacillus sp. EL31410. The elastase and cell partition behavior in polyethylene glycol (PEG)/salt systems was investigated. The suitable system for elastase extraction was PEG/KH2PO4-K2HPO4, in which elastase is mainly partitioned into the PEG-rich phase,while the cells remained in the other phase. The influence of defined system parameters (e.g. PEG molecular mass, pH, NaCl addition) on the partitioning behavior of elastase is described. The concentration of phase forming components, PEG and KH2PO4-K2HPO4, was optimized for elastase recovery by means of response surface methodology, and it was found that they greatly influenced extraction recovery. The optimal ATPS was 23.1% (w/w) PEG 2 000 and 11.7% (w/w) KH2PO4-K2HPO4. The predicted recovery was about 89.5%, so this process is suggested to be a rapid and convenient method for elastase extraction.


The Computerized Notation System (CNS) is a portable microprocessor system designed for use in outpatient clinics, hospital wards, and intensive care units. It can produce essentially all written communications required of both physicians and nurses, with printout at the bedside or in the clinic examining room. It is designed to ameliorate several problems which have limited direct computer entry by physicians and nurses (keyboard and processor access, marginal typing skills, lack of immediate printout, and logical restriction of menu choices). The system encourages and simplifies use of the problem-oriented approach to the patient, by producing organized, legible daily notes and patient summaries. Printouts of the system are compatible with the present hospital and clinic "paper charts." Clinical trials have confirmed the applicability, variability, and acceptability of the CNS in both hospital and outpatient practice.


Laser plasmas have been produced using a xenon gas jet as a target and a pre/main pulse heating scheme in which the two laser foci are separated in space. Extreme ultraviolet intensities around 13.5 nm and in the range 5–20 nm have been recorded, and an up to five fold increase in intensity has been measured. The gain in intensity is explained by the interaction of the shock wave produced by the pre-pulse with the xenon in the focus of the main pulse.


Background and Objective: We conducted standardized semi-structured baseline interviews to understand organizational constructs of stroke teams on a composite, acute stroke quality indicator across 11 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs).

Methods: We conducted 104 semi-structured, in person, baseline interviews with clinical providers of acute stroke care services. Respondents were from nursing, emergency medicine, neurology, rehabilitation, inpatient care, medicine and quality management. We audiotaped the interviews, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified the data. Data were qualitatively coded using Nvivo software to tag segments of text into meaningful units based upon our Facilitating Best Practices Framework. Coders met regularly to review and consolidate emergent themes. Additionally a standardized team of chart abstractors collected 10 acute stroke quality indicators from a central location which comprised the composite. The follow up period included 6 (early response) and 12 (late response) months after a stroke collaborative.

Results: At baseline, the VAMCs with a higher proportion of its respondents reporting regular monthly communication about stroke were associated with a late response in stroke quality improvement while sites with a lower proportion reporting regular monthly communication were associated with an early response in quality. VAMCs reporting the use of a designated nurse to promote guideline adherence and disease management were associated with an early response in quality. VAMCs reporting tracking their quality data and providing feedback to clinicians were associated with an early and late response in stroke quality improvement compared to those who did not. Finally, sites reporting the timely detection of acute stroke in the Emergency Department as a barrier at baseline were associated with no improvement in stroke quality.

Conclusion: Our data suggests that clinical teams that wish to improve their quality may redesign their organization of care as structured to communicate regularly among their team, utilize nurses as designated for guideline adherence, track their quality data and provide feedback to clinicians, and triage presenting strokes in a timely manner.

Funded by VA HSRD QUERI SDP #09-105


Many of the papers that analyse human resource management (HRM) in merger and acquisition (M&A) processes focus on the last two stages (integration and implementation). Then, the purpose of this paper is to propose an HRM model for the first stage of the process (planning) with four key factors: the due diligence process, the integration plan, the communication plan and the learning plan.,From the theoretical model, the authors analyse a case study of a multinational company that operates in the mechanical engineering sector.,The results show the special importance of HRM in the success of the M&A process. And, the main actions implemented in human resources (HRs) contributing to the success of this process are identified.,Subsequent investigations could conduct similar analyses for the rest of the stages of the M&A process (integration and implementation), with the objective of presenting a complete HRM model in M&A processes.,The case study allows researchers to learn from professionals and business leaders while also offering a theoretical model that can help managers make decisions and improve the management of these processes.,The main contribution of this study has been to observe how HRs are managed in the planning stage of M&As.


Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006

575

Purpose: Mast cells have been thought to play a role in various side effects of radiation such as acute radiation sickness (ARS) and fibrosis. It is well known that radiation has numerous effects on immune system effector cells ranging from induction of cytokines to the down-regulation of immune surveillance. This study examines the effect of ionizing radiation on mast cells in culture. Methods: Bone marrow stem cells were grown in culture to produce mature mast cells which were collected at 6 weeks and exposed to gamma irradiation from a 60Co source at six doses ranging from 12.5 to 400cGy. A Beta-hexosaminidase degranulation assay was performed within 15 minutes following irradiation. The cells were collected at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-irradiation to assess the extent of apoptosis and total cell number and cell viability determinations were made by direct visualization with Trypan Blue stain. Results: The Beta-hexosaminidase assay revealed that mast cell degranulation was related to radiation dose and ranged from 30-45% with a peak detected between 25 -100cGy. Apoptosis increased continuously with increasing doses of radiation. Furthermore, cell viability assessment revealed linear dose and time dependent cell death. These results confirm that the dose-dependent degranulation of the mast cells was not simply the result of cell death. Discussion: We found that ionizing radiation induces mast cell degranulation in a non-linear, dose-dependent fashion with a peak degranulation between 25-100cGy, a dose which normal tissue may be subjected to during standard radiotherapy. This pattern of cytokine release is consistent with historic data for other cell types however the underlying mechanism is currently being further investigated. Release of mast cell contents has been shown to have local as well as systemic effects. Early studies of ARS implicated histamine release and mast cell contents are felt to play a role in the development of fibrosis. Therefore, the results of this preliminary study suggest for the first time that modulation of the mast cell response through pharmacologic intervention may modulate the injury incurred by normal tissue from gamma irradiation.

![Figure][1] [1]: pending:yes


Natural language numbers are an example of compositional structures, where larger numbers are composed of operations on smaller numbers. Given that compositional reasoning is a key to natural language understanding, we propose novel multilingual probing tasks tested on DistilBERT, XLM, and BERT to investigate for evidence of compositional reasoning over numerical data in various natural language number systems. By using both grammaticality judgment and value comparison classification tasks in English, Japanese, Danish, and French, we find evidence that the information encoded in these pretrained models' embeddings is sufficient for grammaticality judgments but generally not for value comparisons. We analyze possible reasons for this and discuss how our tasks could be extended in further studies.


The permanent image sticking phenomena were examined and compared for the two bias conditions of the address electrode during sustain discharge such as the grounded and positive-biased (or floated) address electrodes. To compare the permanent image sticking phenomena for both bias conditions, the differences in the display luminance, chromaticity coordinate, color temperature, infrared emission, and discharge current of the image sticking cells and the nonimage sticking cells were measured. It was observed that the positive-biased or floated address electrodes contributed to mitigating the permanent image sticking in comparison with the grounded address electrode during sustain discharge. This phenomenon appears due to the lesser degradation of the visible-conversion characteristics of the phosphor layer caused by the deposition of lower amounts of sputtered Mg species on the phosphor layers, as confirmed by Vt closed curve, atomic force microscope, and photoluminescence analyses.


Foraging decisions by rodents are key for the long-term maintenance of oak populations in which avian seed dispersers are absent or inefficient. Decisions are determined by the environmental setting in which acorn-rodent encounters occur. In particular, seed value, competition and predation risks have been found to modify rodent foraging decisions in forest and human-modified habitats. Nonetheless, there is little information about their joint effects on rodent behavior, and hence, local acorn dispersal (or predation). In this work, we manipulate and model the mouse-oak interaction in a Spanish dehesa, an anthropogenic savanna system in which nearby areas can show contrasting levels of ungulate densities and antipredatory cover. First, we conducted a large-scale cafeteria field experiment, where we modified ungulate presence and predation risk, and followed mouse foraging decisions under contrasting levels of moonlight and acorn availability. Then, we estimated the net effects of competition and risk by means of a transition probability model that simulated mouse foraging decisions. Our results show that mice are able to adapt their foraging decisions to the environmental context, affecting initial fates of handled acorns. Under high predation risks mice foraged opportunistically carrying away large and small seeds, whereas under safe conditions large acorns tended to be predated in situ. In addition, in the presence of ungulates lack of antipredatory cover around trees reduced mice activity outside tree canopies, and hence, large acorns had a higher probability of survival. Overall, our results point out that inter-specific interactions preventing efficient foraging by scatter-hoarders can reduce acorn predation. This suggests that the maintenance of the full set of seed consumers as well as top predators in dehesas may be key for promoting local dispersal.


Large screen vertical and horizontal displays provide new opportunities to support individual and collaborative activities especially in terms of creativity and design tasks. The size of these displays introduces several unique opportunities such as co-located collaboration but at the same time issues for interface designers such as: potential difficulties of reaching workspace items far away from one's current position at the display, and the tendency of people to walk around when using a wall display or sit in various positions around a tabletop display. Thus, in contrast to traditional interfaces, large display interfaces need to support access to workspace items from a variety of positions at the display. In order to improve access to workspace items, providing better support for obtaining and sharing items and for mobility at the display which can be very important to improve creative processes, we propose a novel interaction metaphor, the so-called Interface Current, that allows interface components to play a more active role in the workspace activity.


We study the effect of resonances associated with complex molecular interaction of Rydberg atoms on Rydberg blockade. We show that densely spaced molecular potentials between doubly excited atomic pairs become unavoidably resonant with the optical excitation at short interatomic separations. Such molecular resonances limit the coherent control of individual excitations in Rydberg blockade. As an illustration, we compute the molecular interaction potentials of Rb atoms near the 100s states asymptote to characterize such detrimental molecular resonances and determine the resonant loss rate to molecules and inhomogeneous light shifts. Techniques to avoid the undesired effect of molecular resonances are discussed.


BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of coronary artery diseases (CADs) may lead to more efficient treatments. Coronary artery calcification is considered as a valuable index in detecting CAD using a noninvasive technique. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between coronary artery calcification and coronary artery stenosis in patients with typical chest pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 760 patients suffering from typical chest pain, in Chamran Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The patients  were all candidates for coronary angiography and were studied for the calcification of coronary artery by fluoroscopy. All patients signed a consent form after the whole procedures were fully explained to them. A fluoroscopic movie was taken from patients (after exposing, and before inserting the angiographic catheter), then the angiography was conducted using Judkins technique.  The results of fluoroscopy and angiography were recorded by two cardiologists separately. The presence of any significant stenosis greater than 75% was considered as a sign of severe CAD. The data was analyzed by chi-square test. RESULTS: Abnormal angiogram was found in 402 patients (59.2%). Positive and negative predictive values for calcification were 81.8% and 26%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were respectively 87.1% and 63.4% in females, and 79.7% and 47.3% in males. The highest predictive value (100%) was seen in patients under 40 years old. Coronary calcification in patients with abnormal coronary angiogram was found to be 5.4 times greater than those with normal angiogram.  CONCLUSION: Considering the high predictive value of coronary artery calcification in fluoroscopy, it can be used as a replacement for screening coronary involvement. Keywords: Calcification, Coronary Vessels, Coronary Disease, Diagnosis


INTRODUCTION:
The role of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in the pathogenesis of multi-organ failure is well established. The effect of intra-abdominal hypertension without overt ACS in the outcome of abdominal surgeries is to be still analysed.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
To find the incidence of IAH in elective and emergency laparotomies and to correlate whether optimisation of IAP has a positive effect on the outcome in these patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This study was conducted among patients undergoing elective and emergency laparotomies. 84 patients were enrolled (26 cases and 58 controls). Saline manometer technique via an indwelling foley's catheter was used to measure IAP. IAP monitoring was done in the pre-operative period and post operatively at 0, 6, 24 and 48 hours. Among cases, intervention to reduce IAP was carried out according to the WCACS protocols. Incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension in the pre-operative period was computed and Chi-square test was used to correlate between the occurrence of complications in cases and controls.
RESULTS:
The incidence of IAP in the pre-operative period (at admission) ranged from 21%-25% in elective cases and 75% - 79% in emergency cases. Contamination, mass abdomen and vascular bowel lesions were the predominant intra-abdominal findings. The overall complication rate was significantly lower in cases (intervention group) than controls (p value = 0.029). When individually analysed, abdominal wall complications of IAH (wound and rectus dehiscence) were significantly lower in cases (0.038). The occurrence of other complications like anastamotic leak and peritonitis were not significant among the two groups.
CONCLUSION:
This is an experimental study to analyse the effect of optimization of post-operative IAP on the outcome of laparotomies, both elective and emergency. The study population comprised of 84 patients and was carried out over a period of one year. 26 of the patients were taken as cases and the remaining 58 as controls. IAP was monitored both pre-operatively and post operatively and in cases, the increase in IAP post operatively was countered using graded interventions as recommended by the WCACS.
On analysis it was found that the incidence of pre operative IAH was 21% – 25% in elective cases and 75% – 79% in cases of elective laparotomies. This highlights the importance of vigilant fluid resuscitation in the stabilization phase. Overzealous fluid resuscitation in these patients where the IAP is already elevated would only further worsen end organ failure. Thus routine measurement of IAP at the time admission is highly warranted as it can serve as a very efficient tool to guide fluid administration


A controversy on the therapeutic effect of topical "moist ointment" in burns has been noticed recently. An experimental study is designed for the evaluation of its antibacterial and antiinfection effect. A 20% fullthickness burn wound is produced on SD rat back, and they are seeded with 10(9) CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-27853. "Moist ointment", cream base, 1% silver sulfadiazine (Ag-SD) cream or 1.2% silver norfloxacin (Ag-FLX) cream is topically applied to the burn wounds at various time interval of 10 min, 8h, 24h, and 48h, after the inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Topical therapy lasted for 48h, with dressing change once a day but twice a day for "moist ointment" therapy only. Bacterial counts of subeschar tissue and heart blood culture, and histopathologic study of the wounds are made as laboratory criteria. A modified agar well diffusion (AWD) test is performed as a bacterial inhibitory study using Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-27853, E. coli ATCC-25922, or Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923. Results of the study show that Ag-FLX cream has a strong antibacterial effect and Ag-SD cream a moderate effect. However, "moist ointment" and cream base do not show antibacterial effect. Bacterial counts of subeschar tissue and histopathologic study of the infected burn wounds show that more than 70% of the animals in the "moist ointment" group have invasive wound infection, and the incidence of septicemia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is 50% as determined by blood cultures. The above mentioned results indicate that "moist ointment" has no antibacterial and anti-infection effect.


Macroalgal blooms frequently occur in France. On a part of the coastline, these algal blooms are mainly composed of red seaweeds like Solieria chordalis and constitute an unexploited significant natural biomass. In this study, active compounds from Solieria chordalis were extracted and evaluated as a potential source of natural antivirals, coupling biotechnological development with economic and ecological benefits. In order to extract in water the highest quantity of potential active compounds, a sustainable process was developed, namely the enzymeassisted extraction. The quantity of water-soluble compounds increased by 30% after the addition of enzymes, in comparison with an aqueous extraction. The optimization of conditions using a response surface methodology improved the yield and allowed to study the influence of different extraction parameters simultaneously, notably the nature and the quantity of enzymes, the temperature and the time of extraction. This latter parameter was the most influent on extraction yield with the nature of the enzyme. The best antiherpetic activity was obtained with the extract after the action of a type of proteases with an EC50 of 86.0 μg.mL-1. Moreover, a positive correlation between sulfated polysaccharides and the antiviral activity of extracts was demonstrated. For the first time, soft biotechnology with enzymes using surface response methodology has been performed in order to obtain water-soluble antiviral extracts from the red proliferative seaweed Solieria chordalis.


The self-reference effect in memory is the advantage for information encoded about self, relative to other people. The early development of this effect was explored here using a concrete encoding paradigm. Trials comprised presentation of a self- or other-image paired with a concrete object. In Study 1, 4- to 6-year-old children (N = 53) were asked in each trial whether the child pictured would like the object. Recognition memory showed an advantage for self-paired objects. Study 2 (N = 55) replicated this finding in source memory. In Study 3 (N = 56), participants simply indicated object location. Again, recognition and source memory showed an advantage for self-paired items. These findings are discussed with reference to mechanisms that ensure information of potential self-relevance is reliably encoded.


Introduction: Diabetes is associated with the development of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Diabetes impairs the utilization of lipids and lipoproteins which cause diabetes induced atherogenic dyslipidemia that, is one of the most important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic individuals. Objectives: The basic aim of the study was to analyse the lipid profile in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Jinnah Hospital Lahore during June 2019 to December 2019. The data was collected from 100 patients of both genders. The data were collected through randomly selected sampling technique. There were two groups of study one was suffering from diabetes and one was non diabetic patients. Results: The data were collected from 100 patients. The study subjects were divided: on the basis of health condition into normal, N group; non-diabetic and atherosclerotic, NA group; and diabetic and atherosclerotic, DA group. Conclusion: It is concluded that comparison of lipid profile in non-diabetic and diabetic atherosclerosis patients would enable us to maintain the health of patients by reducing cardiovascular risk. Corresponding author:


Current injury surveillance systems in the United States, including the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), are unable to draw reliable subnational and subannual incidence estimates.Compared with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the clinical ontology system currently used widely in health care, NEISS's coding structure lacks specificity and consistency. In parallel, the quality of ICD codes depends on accurate and complete documentation by health care providers and skillful translation into ICD codes in electronic health care data. Additionally, there is no national mandate to collect external cause of injury data.Electronic health care data, such as health records and claims, with updated codes and uniform adherence to recommendations for coding external cause of injury, have the potential to be used for a more robust and timely surveillance of injury to accurately and reliably reflect the injury burden in the United States. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 17, 2019: e1-e5. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2019.305306).


In order to investigate the effects of devastating 7.8 M  Gorkha Earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April, 2015 and its aftershocks on reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry buildings, a small survey team was dispatched from Institute of Engineering, Thapathali Campus. From the observation it was found that the earthquake caused extensive damages on the low-strength stone masonry buildings with no seismic detailing. In contrast, most of the reinforced concrete buildings sustained minor to some non-structural damages except in some localized places where the buildings were found to be collapsed by soft storey mechanism. The localized failure of reinforced concrete buildings in Kathmandu w valley and outside may be attributed to amplifcation of waves in thick soft soil deposits, poor quality of construction, inadequate column sizes and lack of ductile detailing. Journal of the Institute of Engineering , 2015, 11(1): 177-181


Electrical, mechanical, and thermal stresses can degrade the quality of the insulation in power transformers, causing faults [1]. Several methods are used for fault diagnosis in transformers, e.g., dissolved gas analysis (DGA), measurement of breakdown voltage, and tan ��, pollution, sludge, and interfacial tension tests [2]. Of these, DGA is the most frequently used. Thermal and electrical stresses result in fracture of the insulating materials and the release of several gases. Analysis of these gases may provide information on the type of fault. Various standards have been suggested for the identification of transformer faults based on the ratio of dissolved gases in the transformer oil, e.g., International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards [3]���[7], and these standards has been quoted in many papers, e.g., [8]���[15]. However, they are incomplete in the sense that, in some cases, the fault cannot be diagnosed or located accurately. Intelligent algorithms, e.g., wavelet networks [16], neuro-fuzzy networks [17], [18], fuzzy logic [8], [12], and artificial neural networks (ANN) [2], [9], [10], [19], [20] have been used to improve the reliability of the diagnosis. In these algorithms, the type of fault is diagnosed first, and the fault is then located using the ratio of the concentrations of CO2 and CO dissolved in the transformer oil [21], [22]. The algorithms are not entirely satisfactory. The wavelet network has high efficiency but low convergence, the fuzzy logic method has a limited number of inputs and, in some cases, it is very difficult to derive the logic rules, and the ANN need reliable training patterns to improve their fault diagnosis performance. In this paper, we present a new method for simultaneous diagnosis of fault type and fault location. It uses an adaptive neuro- fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) [23]���[27], based on DGA. The ANFIS is first ���trained��� in accordance with IEC 599 [3], so that it acquires some fault determination ability. The CO2/CO ratios are then considered additional input data, enabling simultaneous diagnosis of the type and location of the fault. The results obtained by applying it to six transformers are presented and compared with the corresponding results obtained using ANN and some other standards and methods.


Azuma, Chieko. Evaluation of tumor hypoxia and proliferation in canine spontaneous solid tumors (Under the direction of Donald E. Thrall) Tumor hypoxia and proliferation have been shown to be related to malignant tumor progression and treatment resistance. Studying tumor hypoxia and proliferation is important to address the biology of tumors and problems which may limit successful therapy. Tumor oxygenation is directly affected by oxygen consumption of tumors. Oxygen consumption is increased in actively proliferating cells. In this study the primary aim was to study the relationship between tumor hypoxia and proliferation in canine spontaneous solid tumors using immunohistochemical methods. Hypoxia was determined by detecting exsogenous hypoxia marker, pimonidazole adducts and proliferation was determined by the fraction of cells labeled with proliferating cell nuclear antigen. We hypothesized that hypoxia may be more pronounced in rapidly proliferating tumors due to increased oxygen consumption. Pimonidazole adduct formation occurred within 20 minutes after intravenous administration and cells with adducts were stable for several days in canine spontaneous tumors. Rapid and stable adduct formation in vivo are the important characteristics of using pimonidazole as a clinically useful hypoxia marker. There was no association between tumor hypoxia and proliferation evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The clinical outcome of the dogs studied in the project is unknown at this time, but these results to date suggest that tumor hypoxia and proliferation measurements are independent and may be potentially complementary predictive factors in canine spontaneous tumors. Classic diffusion limited hypoxia may be more related to intensive areas of pimonidazole labeling and transient perfusion limited hypoxia may not have been detected with our technique. Perfusion limited hypoxia being related to proliferation might be more complex because the areas of hypoxia are transient and such areas still might be actively proliferating under the transient hypoxic conditions. Methods need to be developed to differentiate acute versus chronic hypoxia to know the true hypoxic fractions and their effects on tumor biology. The type of cells may affect estimates of hypoxia by pimonidazole labeling and it is necessary to evaluate histologic features before designing a study. The hypoxia marker pimonidazole is a powerful tool that can be used in a clinical setting to study tumor biology with minimum invasiveness. EVALUATION OF TUMOR HYPOXIA AND PROLIFERATION IN CANINE SPONTANEOUS SOLID TUMORS


The history of journalism and news diffusion is tightly coupled with the effort to dispel hoaxes, misinformation, propaganda, unverified rumours, poor reporting, and messages containing hate and divisions. With the explosive growth of online social media and billions of individuals engaged with consuming, creating, and sharing news, this ancient problem has surfaced with a renewed intensity threatening our democracies, public health, and news outlets credibility. This has triggered many researchers to develop new methods for studying, understanding, detecting, and preventing fakenews diffusion; as a consequence, thousands of scientific papers have been published in a relatively short period, making researchers of different disciplines to struggle in search of open problems and most relevant trends. The aim of this survey is threefold: first, we want to provide the researchers interested in this multidisciplinary and challenging area with a network-based analysis of the existing literature to assist them with a visual exploration of papers that can be of interest; second, we present a selection of the main results achieved so far adopting the network as an unifying framework to represent and make sense of data, to model diffusion processes, and to evaluate different debunking strategies. Finally, we present an outline of the most relevant research trends focusing on the moving target of fake-news, bots, and trolls identification by means of data mining and text technologies; despite scholars working on computational linguistics and networks traditionally belong to different scientific communities, we expect that forthcoming computational approaches to prevent fake news from polluting the social media must be developed using hybrid and up-to-date methodologies.


Purpose of Review This review aims to survey recent trends in electrical forms of neuromodulation, with a specific application to Parkinson ' s disease (PD). Emerging trends are identified, highlighting synergies in state-of-the-art neuromodulation strategies, with directions for future improvements in stimulation efficacy suggested. Recent Findings Deep brain stimulation remains the most common and effective form of electrical stimulation for the treatment of PD. Evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) most likely impacts the motor symptoms of the disease, with the most prominent results relating to rehabilitation. However, utility is limited due to its weak effects and high variability, with medication state a key confound for efficacy level. Recent innovations in transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) offer new areas for investigation. Summary Our understanding of the mechanistic foundations of electrical current stimulation is advancing and as it does so, trends emerge which steer future clinical trials towards greater efficacy.


Introduction This longitudinal study examined reading development, academic achievement and support in school for six students with blindness or severe visual impairments in inclusive educational settings. Methods School grades and results from reading observations and decoding skills tests were collected, and interviews were conducted with students, parents, and teachers. Results The results show that the outcome of these students' schooling varied a great deal regarding both levels of academic achievement and reading development, as well as in the support needed and received. Students with additional disabilities had less positive experiences in school, and the parents of these students were more critical of the support provided by the schools. Discussion Important aspects of the outcomes concerned the attitudes held by school management and teachers and the competence of teachers. In some cases, teachers lacked sufficient knowledge about braille and teaching methods for students with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners The findings imply that the support system for students with visual impairments in Sweden needs to be more systematized in order to secure equal educational opportunities for all students.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in elderly individuals, and effective therapies are unavailable. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane (an activator of NF-E2-related factor 2) on mice with AD-like lesions induced by combined administration of aluminum and d-galactose. Step-down-type passive avoidance tests showed sulforaphane ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD-like mice. Immunohistochemistry results indicated sulforaphane attenuated cholinergic neuron loss in the medial septal and hippocampal CA1 regions in AD-like mice. However, spectrophotometry revealed no significant difference in acetylcholine level or the activity of choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase in the cerebral cortex among groups of control and AD-like mice with and without sulforaphane treatment. Sulforaphane significantly increased the numbers of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive neurons in the subventricular and subgranular zones in AD-like mice which were significantly augmented compared with controls. Atomic absorption spectrometry revealed significantly lower aluminum levels in the brains of sulforaphane-treated AD-like mice than in those that did not receive sulforaphane treatment. In conclusion, sulforaphane ameliorates neurobehavioral deficits by reducing cholinergic neuron loss in the brains of AD-like mice, and the mechanism may be associated with neurogenesis and aluminum load reduction. These findings suggest that phytochemical sulforaphane has potential application in AD therapeutics.


A partial gene of HGV was cloned and sequenced from the serum of a blood donor in Hebei Province of China. The partial sequence from the nostructural region gene showed 90. 5% nucleotide identity and 95 % amino acid identity over the corresponding region of isolates in America. One hundred and fifteen samples collected in Jangshu and Hebei Provinces were detected for HGV RNA by RT-PCR. The HGV RNA positive rate is 3.47%.


This paper aims to expose the results of the multidisciplinary teaching innovation project approved and developed at the University of Zaragoza during the academic year 2018-2019 by professors of different knowledge areas, in particular, administrative law, civil law, commercial law and procedural law. The (main) objective of the Project is that the students in Law Degree and in the Degree in Law and Company Administration and Direction who are in the involved sujects acquire, in an autonomous way, knowledge on the consumer law. Also, they should be able to divulge basic ideas in consumer law, through the creation of a video which will be uploaded in a YouTube channel created for that purpose In this way, the Project intends that students can acquire basic and specific competencies described in the study program, as they can be: interpretation of legal texts from a interdisciplinary perspective, the use of ICTs as tools of work and information and, also, the acquisition of skills to transmit information to a public which can be specialized or non- specialized.


Forced convection heat transfer of air in porous rectangular duct was investigated experimentally . The pad consist of (zig-zag ) metallic wire mesh insert with two different porosities ( ) namely ( 0.97 ) and ( 0.99) .The experiments were carried out for Reynolds number (7682,12497 and 17323 ) and constant heat flux (192,297 and 422 W/m 2 ) .The results indicated that Nusselt number was increased with increasing Reynolds number and heat flux but decreased with increasing pad porosity .The Nusselt number in the porous duct was increased up to (144% ) for ( =0.97) and (72% ) for ( =0.99) when compared to clear duct at the same tested condition . For optimization between heat transfer enhancement and pad weight added into clear duct , it is found that [ (Nu porous - Nuclear ) / weight of pad ] equal to (84.34 ) and ( 40.49 ) for ( =0.99 and =0.97) respectively and this is good improvement in heat transfer through porous rectangular duct and reducing size and weight of original duct .


WISENET is a wireless sensor network that monitors the environmental conditions (such as light, temperature, and humidity) of labs and offices in ECE department at Bradley University. This network is comprised of nodes called "motes" that form an ad-hoc network to transmit this data to a computer that functions as a server. The server stores the data in a database where it can later be retrieved and analyzed via a Web-based interface. Firmware used in motes is based on TinyOS that was developed in the University of California, Berkeley.


Design of a radix-4 universal multiplier using ripple carry adder circuit in the partial product lines in order to speed-up the carry propagation, it is a very new approach in multiplier units for signed and unsigned binary number. The universal multiplier architecture is almost similar to the hybrid multiplier which is presented in the literature using carry save adder (CSA) in the partial product lines and ripple carry adder. In this work, it presents radix-4 universal multiplier for both signed and unsigned binary number while in the hybrid multiplier, it has presented only signed and signed numbers multiplication. The results present show that the universal multiplier compares favorably in area and timing performance with the architecture with Hybrid architecture with CSA up to 8-bits multiplication using xilinx8.2i software-tool and Spartan-3 FPGA.