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4,509,000 | A Robust Extended State Observer for the Estimation of Concentration and Kinetics in a CSTR Abstract This paper presents a state estimation structure for a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR), by means of an Asymptotic Observer jointly with a disturbance high order sliding mode-based estimator. The proposed estimation scheme allows the asymptotic reconstruction of the concentration inside the reactor based on the measures of the temperature inside the reactor and the temperature inside the jacket, in presence of changes in the global coefficient of heat transfer UA$UA$, the Arrhenius constant k0${k_0}$ and the activation energy E. Additionally, the structure is able to estimate UA$UA$ and the kinetics term k0e−ERT${k_0}{e^{- {E \over {RT}}}}$. The properties of the proposed scheme are proved mathematically and verified through numerical simulations. | 99027971 |
4,509,001 | Systematic review and network meta-analysis of first-line therapy for advanced EGFR-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. Here, we compare the relative clinical efficacy of EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) for EGFR-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors systematically searched 11 electronic databases from January 2004 to August 2018 for randomized controlled trials measuring clinical efficacy of first-line TKI therapies. Clinical efficacy outcomes included overall survival and progression-free survival. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to assess the relative efficacy of first-line EGFR TKIs for overall survival and progression-free survival. This network meta-analysis showed that dacomitinib and osimertinib resulted in improved efficacy outcomes compared with afatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib. Both osimertinib and dacomitinib should be considered as standard first-line treatment options for patients diagnosed with advanced EGFR-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. | 195893871 |
4,509,002 | A panacea or unregulated density of the city? Drawing on the case of Krasnoyarsk, the authors study the possibilities of defining the territories of integrated development (ITD), as well as possible directions of their development from the standpoint of the modern understanding of the renovation of the city environment. To assess the functioning of residential areas to be reconstructed, the method of urban morphology and the QGIS geoinformation complex based on open data were used. Some territorial parameters are analyzed and proposed for determining the ITD, in accordance with the present ideas about the modern comfort of the living environment, using the example of two city districts. | 245319471 |
4,509,003 | Unique approach offers guidance to patients with low-prevalence/ high-cost conditions. A unique intervention delivers behavioral health support to patients with less prevalent, but high-cost conditions. Not nearly as many patients suffer from Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis as diabetes, but Newark, NJ-based Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield believes it can nonetheless improve care for these types of patients-and recoup an ROI--by providing them with an intervention that emphasizes psychosocial support. | 2246071 |
4,509,004 | The views of academicians about problems in the science teacher education departments and their proposed solutions The purpose of this study is to identify the views of academicians about the problems in the undergraduate education process in which the Science teachers are educated, and to propose solutions to these problems. The study was designed as a case study. The working group of the research consisted of 29 instructors who work in the Science Teaching Undergraduate Programs in Turkey. The data were obtained via a structured interview form composed of demographic information and open ended questions. The data were analysed using content analysis method. As a result of the research, the problems that affect Science teaching improvement in Turkey negatively are summarized under three main headings: problems arising from the undergraduate student admission phase, problems related to the content of the undergraduate program, and issues related to the undergraduate education process. For solutions to these problems, the study offers suggestions: student and teacher selection system should be changed to measure personal and professional skills, the number of students should be decreased, infrastructure deficiencies should be corrected, quality and quantity of the instructors should be increased, personal rights of the education employees should be improved, and common opinion and strategies should be determined through organizing workshops with the participation of all stakeholders. | 197722321 |
4,509,005 | Genioglossus and intrinsic electromyographic activities in impeded and unimpeded protrusion tasks. Eight muscles invest the human tongue: four extrinsic muscles have external origins and insert into the tongue body and four intrinsic muscles originate and terminate within the tongue. Previously, we noted minimal activation of the genioglossus tongue muscle during impeded protrusion tasks (i.e., having subjects push the tongue against a force transducer), suggesting that other muscles play a role in the production of tongue force. Accordingly, we sought to characterize genioglossus tongue muscle activities during impeded and unimpeded protrusion tasks (i.e., having subjects slowly and smoothly move the tongue out of their mouth). Electromyographic (EMG) and single motor-unit potentials of the extrinsic genioglossus muscle were recorded with tungsten microelectrodes and EMG activities of intrinsic tongue muscles were recorded with hook-wire electrodes inserted into the anterior tongue body. Tongue position was detected by an isotonic transducer coupled to the tongue tip. Protrusive force was detected by a force transducer attached to a rigid bar. Genioglossus and intrinsic tongue muscles were simultaneously active in both impeded and unimpeded protrusion tasks. Genioglossus whole muscle EMG and single motor-unit activities changed faithfully as a function of tongue position, with increased discharge associated with protrusion and decreased discharge associated with retraction back to the rest position. In contrast, during the impeded protrusion task drive the genioglossus muscle remained constant as protrusion force increased. Conversely, intrinsic tongue muscle activities appropriately followed changes in both tongue position and force. Importantly, we observed significantly higher levels of intrinsic muscle activity in the impeded | 1176771 |
4,509,006 | protrusion task. These observations suggest that protrusion of the human tongue requires activation of the genioglossus and intrinsic protrudor muscles, with the former more important for establishing anterior-posterior tongue location and the latter playing a greater role in the generation of protrusive force. A biomechanical model of these actions is provided and discussed. | 1176771 |
4,509,007 | Fiction and the Study of Slums: Anosh Irani's The Cripple and His Talismans ABSTRACT In this article, I deal with the difficulty of applying conventional methods to the study of slums, the poverty-stricken quarters of the world's big cities. I show the difficulty of United Nations (UN) reports, urban studies, and journalistic accounts to grasp the poverty, crime, drug culture, alternative economy, alternative medicine, and political corruption prevailing in slums and analyze Anosh Irani's novel The Cripple and His Talismans as a way to demonstrate how these elements are highlighted by a shift from reality to fantasy. | 144152521 |
4,509,008 | EFFECT OF WATER QUALITIES ON TEMPORAL VARIATION OF FURROW BASIC INFILTRATION RATE The quality of irrigation water has the potential t o significantly affect soil structural properties and infiltration. In this paper, water w ith three different levels of sodium (SAR = 0.9 as Control, 10 and 30) applied as altern ative treatments to clay loam soil. The soil basic infiltration rate measured during th e season using Inflow-Outflow method. Results showed that the basic infiltration rate decreased during the season. At the end of season, the soil basic infiltration rate in control treatment decreased about 34% as compared to the beginning. For the moderate and high sodic treatments, the decrease was, respectively about 45% and 61% during the season. Basic infiltration rate in all treatments showed a significantly decre asing logarithmic trend with irrigation events throughout the season. | 16021621 |
4,509,009 | Microstrip Coupled Line Composite Right/Left-Handed Unit Cell This letter presents a new composite right/left-handed (CRLH) unit cell, which takes advantage of the microstrip coupled line even and odd modes. The new cell does not require vias, it is patterned on a single metal layer, and it has a geometrical circuit model that simplifies the design flow. A novel CRLH transmission line is also proposed. It does not have a cutoff frequency, the operating bandwidth extends from dc to 4 GHz, and it is balanced at the first and second transition frequencies between right- and left-handed bands. The theoretical expectations have been confirmed by EM simulations and measurements. | 7012821 |
4,509,010 | Bilateral crystalline lens dislocation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with underlying hyperhomocysteinaemia Ectopia lentis is described as dislocation of the crystalline lens of the eye. A partial displacement of a lens is termed lens subluxation, whereas a complete dislocation is termed lens luxation. When not associated with trauma, ectopia lentis should prompt suspicion of associated hereditary systemic disease or related ocular disorders. Numerous systemic conditions are associated with ectopia lentis. Most common are Marfan’s syndrome and homocystinurea, Weill– Marchesani syndrome, sulphite oxidase deficiency and hyperlysinaemia. Least common are conditions such as Ehlers– Danlos syndrome, Crouzon’s syndrome, Refsum’s syndrome, mandibulafacial dysostosis, Sturge–Weber syndrome, Conradi’s syndrome, Pflaunder’s syndrome, Pierre Robin syndrome, Wildervanck’s syndrome and Sprengal’s deformity. The amino acid homocysteine is involved in numerous intracellular reactions that result in the formation of cysteine and methionine. If the pathways to either cysteine or methionine are blocked, homocysteine levels might increase (the mean fasting concentration of total homocysteine in plasma is less than 10 mmol/l), leading to a clinical condition called homocysteinuria, which is characterised by increased secretion of homocysteine in the urine, as well as miscellaneous systemic complications (mental retardation, psychiatric diseases) and clinical signs such as malar flush and high-arched feet. Although homocystinuria is a well known cause of various disorders, especially visual, musculoskeletal and vascular disorders, an elevated level of homocysteine blood concentration of up to 30 mmol/l (hyperhomocysteinaemia) is also considered a major independent risk factor for a number of diseases characteristic of old age, including occlusive vascular disease, cognitive decline (including Alzheimer’s disease) | 205497671 |
4,509,011 | and probably for senile osteoporosis and crystalline lens abnormalities. The clinical picture is enormously heterogeneous, varying from cases of all the possible pathological abnormalities (visual, skeletal, vascular and central nervous system) to patients with no obvious clinical involvement. We present a case of multiple toxic action of elevated homocysteine that resulted in cardiac and ocular morbidity. CASE REPORT | 205497671 |
4,509,012 | Evidence that stem cell factor is involved in the rebound thrombocytosis that follows 5-fluorouracil treatment. The mechanisms responsible for 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-induced rebound thrombocytosis are not completely understood. SI/SI(d) mice, which do not undergo rebound thrombocytosis in response to 5FU, provide a genetic approach to the study of this phenomenon. Recent reports by several groups that the SI locus encodes a protein known variably as stem cell factor (SCF), mast cell growth factor, or kit ligand, suggests the possibility that the lack of wild-type SCF in SI/SI(d) mice is responsible for their defective response to 5FU-induced thrombocytopenia. It is shown in this report that SCF-treated SI/SI(d) mice are as capable as their wild-type littermates in undergoing rebound thrombocytosis. W/Wv mice, mutated at the locus encoding the SCF receptor, also do not undergo rebound thrombocytosis, but are not responsive to SCF treatment. In normal mice, it is shown by RNA solution hybridization that SCF mRNA expression is increased during the 5FU-induced platelet nadir period. It is also shown by autoradiography that maturing megakaryocytes express SCF receptors, and that in vivo administration of SCF significantly raises the numbers of megakaryocytes, as well as circulating platelet counts. Taken together, these data indicate that SCF may be an important regulator of platelet production under both normal and physiologically disturbed situations. | 7034111 |
4,509,013 | Obstacles to TQM Implementation in SMMEs of North Karnataka Region: Empirical Findings Global competition has made both national and multinational companies to focus on total quality management (TQM) as a competitive tool to improve customer satisfaction and retention, as well as, to ensure the product or service quality. However, manufacturing firms must overcome obstacles to TQM implementation. The implementation issues relate to management commitment, human resources, attitude towards quality, organization culture, interdepartmental relation, information, method and training, lack of resources, resistance to change, lack of vision, etc. The objectives of the study is to report empirical findings that investigated twenty-five obstacles to TQM implementation as perceived by managers of small and medium- sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) of North Karnataka (NK) Region. | 166443861 |
4,509,014 | [Prevalence of anti-tetanus immunity in population groups from the Marche region]. We reported the results of a seroepidemiologic study to evaluate the extent of antitetanus protection in individuals (children, young people, adults, old people) living in two towns of Marche Region (Camerino and Osimo), the former being a prevalently agricultural area, and the latter a more industrialized and urbanized area. A high degree of protection was found in the lower age range, gradually decreasing to lower degrees of protection in the higher age range, in both zones, but more markedly in Camerino. Females were always found to have a lower degree of protection than males, except in the pediatric age. No significant difference was found between subjects living in rural or urban community. A high degree of protection was not found in any profession, also in those activities for which anti-tetanus vaccination is compulsory according to the law. The results of our study indicate that a more scrupulous enforcement of legislative measures concerning anti-tetanus vaccination is recommended. | 41724711 |
4,509,015 | Automatic code generation: from process algebraic architectural descriptions to multithreaded java programs Process algebraic architectural description languages provide a formal means for modeling software systems and assessing their properties. In order to bridge the gap between system modeling and system im- plementation, in this thesis an approach is proposed for automatically generating multithreaded object-oriented code from process algebraic architectural descriptions, in a way that preserves – under certain assumptions – the properties proved at the architectural level. The approach is divided into three phases, which are illustrated by means of a running example based on an audio processing system. First, we develop an architecture-driven technique for thread coordination management, which is completely automated through a suitable package. Second, we address the translation of the algebraically-specified behavior of the individual software units into thread templates, which will have to be filled in by the software developer according to certain guidelines. Third, we discuss performance issues related to the suitability of synthesizing monitors rather than threads from software unit descriptions that satisfy specific constraints. In addition to the running example, we present two case studies about a video animation repainting system and the implementation of a leader election algorithm, in order to summarize the whole approach. The outcome of this thesis is the implementation of the proposed approach in a translator called PADL2Java and its integration in the architecture-centric verification tool TwoTowers. | 23707161 |
4,509,016 | Nucleic acid sequence of feline preprorelaxin and its localization within the feline placenta. The cat placenta is known to secrete large amounts of relaxin. We employed uteroplacental tissue at approximately Day 35 of gestation to determine the nucleic acid sequence of feline preprorelaxin using reverse transcription- and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction. Feline preprorelaxin cDNA was found to consist of 540 base pairs encoding a protein of 180 amino acids (aa). We identified a signal peptide of 25 aa, a B domain of 33 aa, a C domain of 98 aa, and an A domain of 24 aa. The putative receptor binding region in the N'-terminal part of the B domain contained one substitution from the classical GRELVR motif (L-->F). Feline preprorelaxin shared highest homology with porcine and equine preprorelaxin. Northern analysis revealed a specific 1-kilobase transcript present in total RNA of feline uteroplacental tissue but not of liver tissue. Nonradioactive in situ hybridization was used to localize relaxin mRNA, and immunohistochemistry was used to localize the relaxin hormone and cytokeratin, in tissues of the feto-maternal interface recovered from two queens at Day 35 of gestation. Specific hybridization signals for relaxin mRNA were exclusively detected in cells located in the lamellar placental labyrinth but were absent from other placental and nonplacental uterine parts. The cells expressing relaxin mRNA also displayed immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and were, therefore, identified as trophoblast cells. Immunoreactive relaxin colocalized in those placental areas expressing relaxin mRNA. Trophoblast cells located at the villous chorioallantoic tips invading the endometrium and extravillous trophoblast | 22700311 |
4,509,017 | cells in the junctional placental zone were devoid of relaxin. | 22700311 |
4,509,018 | Pendulum vibration absorber with a nonlinear viscous damping mechanism Simple pendulum vibration absorbers, as one of the most common models of absorbers, experience nonlinear behaviors in the large amplitude of oscillations, and under such conditions, they are not effective enough and are more prone to lose their stability. To overcome some of these drawbacks, a complementary damping mechanism including two nonlinear elements is introduced. Alongside the ordinary linear viscous damper, a damping mechanism is also utilized to control the oscillations of the dynamic structure exposed to the excitation forces more intense than the ones considered in the optimization. In other words, they make this system more robust and stable in the face of excitations stronger than the presupposed conditions. The complementary elements of this mechanism are proposed to offer an appropriate approximation of various likely models which can be used as practical nonlinear damping mechanisms. The steady‐state solutions of the nonlinear governing equations are achieved with pinpoint precision with the help of the harmonic balance method and more precise approximations of trigonometric functions. To enhance the impacts of this mechanism, optimization is performed for a compound objective function in addition to the conventional one. This study explains how such mechanisms are capable of contributing to the higher robustness and stability of pendulum vibration absorbers under a wider range of excitation intensities. The performance of this absorber is also studied for an N‐story shear structure as a multidegree of freedom (MDOF) system. | 248309511 |
4,509,019 | Evaluating foreign direct investment in Mozambique's natural gas industry: An economy-wide perspective The recent discovery of large fields of natural gas in Mozambique has led to great international interest and expectations of future gains.However, many resource-rich countries have struggled to achieve long-term sustainable growth, whether because of poor management, unequal outcomes, or political conflict. Many authors argue that this A¢â‚¬Eœresource curseA¢â‚¬â„¢ can be avoided with the right management tools and incentives for other sectors of the economy.We examine selected economy-wide impacts of such tools and incentives in Mozambique, using a computable general equilibrium model. Simple simulations are developed to illustrate how increased foreign direct investment might flow.In addition, the analysis considers measures to avoid resource dependency through government grant programmes for agriculture and manufacturing. The results suggest that the gains from the production of natural gas will have positive impacts on the Mozambican economy overall, and will enable additional programmes to aid growth in other sectors. | 213227861 |
4,509,020 | Associations between early caregiving and rural, low-SES, African-American children’s representations of attachment relationships ABSTRACT Little research has examined the legacy of early maternal care for later attachment representations among low-income and ethnic minority school-aged children. Using data from a sample of 276 rural, low-income, African-American families, this study examined associations between maternal care in infancy and children’s representations of attachment figures in middle childhood. Maternal care was coded from 10-min home-based observations at 6, 15, and 24 months of age. Representations of attachment figures were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task at 6 years of age. Sensitive maternal care in infancy was not significantly related to attachment security or episodic disorganized behaviors in children’s representations. However, children exposed to more harsh–intrusive parenting during infancy displayed less secure representations of attachment figures in middle childhood and more episodic disorganized behaviors, even after controlling for numerous child and family contextual covariates. Findings inform conceptualizations of attachment formation among rural, low-income, African-American parent–child dyads. | 4735611 |
4,509,021 | [General situation and comprehensive utilization of medicinal fungi resources in Heilongjiang province]. In order to develop and utilize the macrofungi in Heilongjiang province, numerous literatures have been investigated to make a comprehensive analysis of the number of known species of fungi in Heilongjiang province. There exists a total of 546 species of macrofungus in Heilongjiang province belonging to 53 families and 13 orders of 6 classes and 2 subdivisions. And its application value is classified, summarized and reviewed. Three hundred and twenty kinds of edible fungi, 214 species of fungi with medicinal value, medicinal value in the anti-cancer effects of 167 species of fungi, 141 wood rot fungi, 141 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi, 88 poisonous species, 67 macrofungus which are not clarified whether could be edible or toxic. It shows a broad prospects for development and utilization of macrofungus resources in Heilongjiang province. | 35201911 |
4,509,022 | The PDZ Binding Motif of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Induces PTPN13 Loss, Which Allows Anchorage-Independent Growth and Synergizes with Ras for Invasive Growth ABSTRACT The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogene E6 has been shown to perform multiple functions (p53 degradation, telomerase activation, etc.) that play a role in oncogenic transformation. Beyond known E6 functions, an undefined mechanism that allows cellular invasion requires the E6 PDZ binding motif (PDZBM). Here, we show that HPV type 16 (HPV16) E6 interacts with and induces loss of a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN13) in a PDZBM-dependent manner. PTPN13 loss induced either by the presence of E6 or by a short hairpin RNA strategy allows for anchorage-independent growth (AIG) and synergy with a known oncogene, Rasv12, resulting in invasive growth in vivo. Restoring PTPN13 expression reverses AIG in cells lacking PTPN13. A genomic analysis of colorectal carcinoma has identified an association between PTPN13 loss-of-function mutations and aberrant Ras signaling. Our findings support this correlation and provide methods for further evaluation of the mechanisms by which PTPN13 loss/Ras expression leads to invasive growth, the results of which will be important for treatment of HPV-related and non-HPV cancer. | 31634511 |
4,509,023 | Experimental Model for Studying the Performance of Vertical and Batter Micropiles Micropiles are small-diameter grouted piles (typically of diameters less than 300mm). Micropiles are ideally suited for low headroom and limited work area conditions. Specially developed installation processes mitigate noise nuisance, vibrations to surrounding soils and structures, disturbance to the production operations in individual units, and disruption to the functioning of business locality, which makes micropiles suitable for underpinning and seismic retrofitting of structures. With a wide variety of potential applications, it is necessary to understand the behavior of micropiles under different loading conditions. Reliable experimental data on battered micropiles are rather scarce compared with that of vertical micropiles. This paper presents the results from an experimental study conducted to understand the response of vertical and battered micropiles with different length/diameter ratio (L/D) subjected to vertical and lateral loading conditions. The vertical load-carrying capacity was found to increase with increasing L/D ratio upto a 300 batter. The ultimate lateral load was found to increase significantly with increasing L/D ratios up to a L/D ratio of 30 and 48 for vertical and battered piles, above which the increase in ultimate lateral load for increasing L/D ratios was found to be insignificant. Furthermore, the ultimate load capacity and mode of failure of the micropiles is a function of the angle of batter, direction of batter, and the L/D ratio for vertically and laterally loaded micropiles. The details of the experimental model employed in the study and the associated failure mechanisms are described in this paper. | 109910561 |
4,509,024 | A rapid desensitization protocol in a case of drotaverine-induced serum sickness-like reaction in a pregnant woman: A case report. Drotaverine is an antispasmodic drug used to treat gastrointestinal and genitourinary smooth muscle spasms. There are very few hypersensitivity reactions reported. Serum sickness-like disease is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity reaction that presents with some typical features that include rash, fever and articular impairment sometimes associated with liver and renal dysfunctions, beginning 1-2 weeks after exposure to a culprit drug. Diagnosis is a clinical one, made usually on the basis of knowledge obtained by medical history and physical examination. Desensitization usually is recommended for type I reaction, but may be a solution for this type of immunological reaction when other therapeutic alternatives are ineffective or do not exist. We report the case of a 29-year-old pregnant female who developed serum sickness-like reaction after 5 days of daily drotaverine oral administration. The patient required antispasmodic treatment, with this drug, having a pregnancy with an imminent risk of abortion and the other therapeutic alternatives being ineffective. She underwent a rapid 7-step oral drotaverine desensitization protocol without recurrence of serum sickness-like reaction. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of desensitization to drotaverine, previously involved in a serum sickness-like reaction. | 209166111 |
4,509,025 | Some Strategies to Capture Karaka-Yogyata with Special Reference to apadana In today’s digital world language technology has gained importance. Several software, have been developed and are available in the field of computational linguistics. Such tools play a crucial role in making classical language texts easily accessible. Some Indian philosophical schools have contributed towards various techniques of verbal cognition to analyze sentence correctly. These theories can be used to build computational tools for word sense disambiguation (WSD). In the absence of WSD, one cannot have proper verbal cognition. These theories considered the concept of ‘Yogyatā’ (congruity or compatibility) as the indispensable cause of verbal cognition. In this work, we come up with some insights on the basis of these theories to create a tool that will capture Yogyatā of words. We describe the problem of ambiguity in a text and present a method to resolve it computationally with the help of Yogyatā. Here, only two major schools i.e. Nyāya and Vyākaraṇa are considered. Our paper attempts to show the implication of the creation of our tool in this area. Also, our tool involves the creation of an ‘ontological tag-set’ as well as strategies to mark up the lexicon. The introductory description of ablation is also covered in this paper. Such strategies and some case studies shall form the core of our paper. | 148565811 |
4,509,026 | Error identification with a spinning mirror for holography system Abstract Optical elements cannot be perfectly placed in an optical measurement system due to various errors, for instance, errors in lens positions, tilting angles, etc. In this study, an algorithm is proposed to identify these installation errors. A spinning mirror is used to produce many different beam paths so that many measurements can be taken. A simulation is conducted, and it is found that the errors are identified within a few iterations. A more accurate measurement is possible if the errors are compensated. | 123023311 |
4,509,027 | A broad-band side coupled mm-wave accelerating structure for electrons Modern micrometer etching techniques could be well suited for the fabrication of accelerating structures in the mm-wave region. But keeping fabricational tolerances within a few thousandths or tuning the structures is not at all obvious. Therefore we propose side coupled structures with a confluent /spl pi/-mode which are expected to have large bandwidth, high group velocity and to be insensitive against errors. The proposed structures are planar, side coupled muffin tins. Three different geometries are investigated with coupling cells arranged symmetrically or alternately on both sides. Dimensions and basic RF parameters are given.<<ETX>> | 55947261 |
4,509,028 | Hele-Shaw flow driven by an electric field The behaviour of two-dimensional finite blobs of conducting viscous fluid in a Hele-Shaw cell subject to an electric field is considered. The time-dependent free boundary problem is studied both analytically using the Schwarz function of the free boundary and numerically using a boundary integral method. Various problems are considered, including (i) the behaviour of an initially circular blob of conducting fluid subject to an electric point charge located arbitrarily within the blob, (ii) the delay in cusp formation on the free boundary in sink-driven flow due to a strategically placed electric charge and (iii) the stability of exact steady solutions having both hydrodynamic and electric forcing. | 123639411 |
4,509,029 | Rates of formation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in mild chronic bovine hypervitaminosis A. Abstract Ventriculocisternal perfusion (VCP) of eight control and six chronic hypervitaminotic A Holstein male calves was conducted to estimate the rates of formation \( V ˙ f \) and bulk absorption (inulin clearance, C In ) that are associated with the lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures observed in experimental hypervitaminosis A. The control and hypervitaminotic A calves received 108 and 10,800 μ g of retinol (as vitamin A acetate)/kg live wt/day and were 147 and 146±2 days of age, weighed 103 and 89±10kg with plasma vitamin A concentrations of 29.6 and 125.0μg/100ml, respectively. Initial intraventricular (IV) CSF pressures relative to the site of IV cannulation were -13 and -55mm of synthetic CSF for the control and hypervitaminotic A groups, respectively. V ˙ f , in grams per minute, was unaffected by the imposed perfusion pressure and equalled 0.342±0.059 for the control calves and 0.236±0.059 for the hypervitaminotic A calves. Regression of C In in g/min on imposed perfusion pressure (0 or +200mm of synthetic CSF) relative to the initial IV pressure, X, for the control calves was: C In = 0.324 + 0.00159 X±0.095 and for the hypervitaminotic A calves, C In = 0.322 + 0.00212 X±0.095. The lower CSF pressure of the chronic hypervitaminotic A calf is apparently due in part to a reduced rate of formation of CSF and possibly to a decreased resistance to bulk absorption. | 46146111 |
4,509,030 | Lexical stress perception of German morphologically complex words by Italian speakers Previous research has shown that Italian speakers have difficulties in learning the correct lexical stress of German morphologically complex words. To test if this difficulty is of perceptual origin, we employed the method by Dupoux et. al 2001 [7], consisting in a short-term memory sequence repetition task. We tested the participants with a stress contrast, a phoneme contrast, which constituted the baseline, and a stress+quantity contrast, which should correspond to an Italian stress pattern, in which duration plays a role. We also tested a control group of German subjects. As expected, the Italian subjects performed worse on stress contrast than on phoneme or stress+quantity contrasts. The German subjects performed equally well on all contrasts, except for the stress contrast of words with long penultimate syllable, in which their error rate was comparable to that of Italian subjects. | 12895711 |
4,509,031 | Fluctuating asymmetry (with emphasis on deer antler asymmetry) as an early warning system : principles, findings and options for implication Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), which reflects non-directional and stress-induced differences between the left and the right side of otherwise perfect symmetrical bilateral traits, may be a useful sensitive bioindicator of stressful conditions in many wildlife species. However, in spite of their great potential, FA analyses present an almost unknown research field in Slovenia. Therefore, the following issues are discussed at greater length in the paper: (a) the most important principles, advantages and drawbacks of FA analyses; (b) a review of recent findings on the influence of some stressors on FA of bilateral traits in different wildlife species; (c) influence of heavy metals on FA of selected animal traits/organs; (d) a review of existing findings on asymmetry of antlers/horns in wildliving ungulates. As such, this review paper is important for a well-grounded presentation of our own work on roe deer antlers, and particularly for understanding the employability of roe deer antlers as an excellent tool for bioindication of environmental pollutionwith inorganic pollutants (companion paper). | 132798961 |
4,509,032 | Toxicological studies on (2"R)-4'-O-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin, a new antitumor antibiotic. Subacute toxicity study in rats. (2"R)-4'-O-Tetrahydropyranyladriamycin X HCl (THP), a new anthracycline antitumor antibiotic, was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally for 13 weeks. In rats receiving 0.4 mg/kg/day, piloerection, emaciation, loose feces and thickening of the injection site were evident, and 7 males and 2 females died after week 12. Inferior body weight gain was observed in both sexes starting week 4 approximately 6. The food consumption also decreased. Hematological examination revealed lower counts of total leucocyte and lymphocyte. At termination there were lower spleen, thymus and testes weights, thickening of the walls of the intestine and stomach, gastric ulceration, presence of ascitic fluid, and congestion and thickening at the injection site. Decreases in the lymphocyte populations of the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes were observed microscopically. A decrease in the number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and a degeneration of the germinal epithelium in the testes were also seen, as were gastrointestinal disturbances. These treatment-related effects were mainly confined to rats receiving 0.4 mg/kg/day and to a lesser extent, to rats receiving 0.1 mg/kg/day. The effects on rats receiving 0.025 mg/kg/day were only at the microscopic level. No rats receiving 0.006 mg/kg/day were toxicologically affected. | 669111 |
4,509,033 | Late-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease presenting as massive occult gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a widely-recognised complication of solid organ transplants with a myriad of clinical presentations. We report a 56-year-old Chinese woman who developed PTLD 17 years after a renal transplant. She initially presented with constitutional symptoms, and a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was confirmed on liver biopsy. Staging computed tomography demonstrated widespread adenopathy. Initial treatment consisted of reduction of immunosuppression and Rituximab. Prior to institution of chemotherapy, she presented with life-threatening melaena. Laparotomy revealed a mid-jejunal ulcerating tumour which was resected. Histology confirmed necrotic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy regime was subsequently commenced. The aim of this case report is to highlight the unique challenges in the management of PTLD in the context of an acute abdomen. | 35753961 |
4,509,034 | Coproducing Flood Risk Knowledge: Redistributing Expertise in Critical ‘Participatory Modelling’ This paper suggests that computer simulation modelling can offer opportunities for redistributing expertise between science and affected publics in relation to environmental problems. However, in order for scientific modelling to contribute to the coproduction of new knowledge claims about environmental processes, scientists need to reposition themselves with respect to their modelling practices. In the paper we examine a process in which two hydrological modellers became part of an extended research collective generating new knowledge about flooding in a small rural town in the UK. This process emerged in a project trialling a novel participatory research apparatus—competency groups—aiming to harness the energy generated in public controversy and enable other than scientific expertise to contribute to environmental knowledge. Analysing the process repositioning the scientists in terms of a dynamic of ‘dissociation’ and ‘attachment’, we map the ways in which prevailing alignments of expertise were unravelled and new connections assembled, in relation to the matter of concern. We show how the redistribution of knowledge and skills in the extended research collective resulted in a new computer model, embodying the coproduced flood risk knowledge. | 109998261 |
4,509,035 | An experimental comparison of three towed underwater video systems using species metrics, benthic impact and performance Managing ecological systems, which operate over large spatial scales, is inherently difficult and often requires sourcing data from different countries and organizations. The assumption might be made that data collected using similar methodologies are comparable, but this is rarely tested. Here, benthic video data recorded using different towed underwater video systems (TUVSs) were experimentally compared. Three technically different TUVSs were compared on different seabed types (rocky, mixed ground and sandy) in Kingmere Marine Conservation Zone, off the south coast of England. For each TUVS, species metrics (forward facing camera), seabed impact (backward facing camera) and operational performance (strengths and limitations of equipment and video footage) were compared with the aim of providing recommendations on their future use and comparability of data between different systems. Statistically significant differences between species richness, density, cover and assemblage composition were detected amongst devices and were believed to be mostly due to their optical specifications. As a result of their high image definition and large field of vision both the benthic contacting heavy and benthic tending TUVS provided good quality footage and ecological measurements. However, the heaviest TUVS proved difficult to operate on irregular ground and was found to cause the most impact to the seabed. The lightest TUVS (benthic contacting light) struggled to maintain contact with the seabed. The benthic tending TUVS was able to fly over variable seabed relief and was comparably the least destructive. Results from this study highlight that particular care | 55399161 |
4,509,036 | should be given to sled and optic specifications when developing a medium‐ or long‐term marine protected area monitoring programme. Furthermore, when using data gathered from multiple sources to test ecological questions, different equipment specifications may confound observed ecological differences. A benthic tending TUVS is recommended for benthic surveys over variable habitat types, particularly in sensitive areas, such as marine protected areas. | 55399161 |
4,509,037 | In search of queer spaces in Tehran: Heterotopias, power geometries and bodily orientations in queer Iranian men’s lives This article is based on an ethnographic study that provides insights into queer Iranian men’s lives in Iran, and specifically in Tehran. It was conceived in response to concerns about accounts provided by gay internationalist framings of the queer Iranian subject as reducible to a meta-narrative of homophobic persecution at the hands of an Islamic repressive state. By employing Foucauldian analytic frameworks that attend to questions of heterotopic spatiality in conjunction with Massey’s notion of power geometries and Ahmed’s queer phenomenological perspective, we illuminate the complexity of queer Iranian men’s spatio-temporal modes of sociality and practices of doing sex. We draw primarily on interviews with eight gay- identifying men as vital sources of data that speak to the terms of the livability of a queer life under repressive conditions of Islamic jurisprudential governance in Iran. | 149412611 |
4,509,038 | Robust H∞ reliable control for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems This paper addresses the issues of robust H∞ reliable control for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems with actuator failures. A new method of settling a class of uncertain matrices multiply phenomena is proposed. A sufficient condition of the existence of the state feedback controller, guaranteeing the closed-loop systems is of a specified H∞ performance, is proposed. Meanwhile, the design method of the reliable controller is given. At the end of this paper, an illustrating example of the proposed method is provided. | 11840061 |
4,509,039 | Isolation of an Enterobacter agglomerans strain with inhibitory activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was due to an extracellular substance produced by E. agglomerans which accumulates in the culture medium. This substance was also toxic to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus and its MIC for P. aeruginosa ranged between 7.8 and 3.9 micrograms/ml. However, when the extracts from the culture medium were irradiated from 2 h with white light (15 mW/cm2), the MIC was lower (3.9-1.9 micrograms/ml) suggesting that the active substance was a phototoxin. | 12910211 |
4,509,040 | Comparison of the Level of Collaborative Learning in a Distance Course In this research, collaborative learning was compared in four versions of a distance course, identified as V1, V2, V3, and V4, each designed with various learning strategies. This study aimed to achieve the following objectives: 1) Compare the level of collaborative learning obtained from a distance course over time. 2) Compare the level of collaborative learning obtained in the different versions of a distance course. 3) Identify the elements that influenced collaborative learning over time. 4) Identify if the modifications in the strategies carried out in the distance course impacted the level of collaborative learning. The study design was of the non-experimental evolutionary type, with a trend and group comparison. The instrument was administered at the end of each version of the course. This instrument was named Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey, or COLLES, whose dimensions measure collaborative learning in a virtual learning environment. The results showed that both Interactivity and Relevance dimensions had an upward trend during the duration of the research, while in comparing the versions of the course, V3 had the highest scores in the six dimensions of collaborative learning, in addition to this. The version had a significant impact on Interactivity, Relevance, and Peer Support dimensions. In general, all versions of the course had satisfactory results at the level of collaborative learning. However, it is concluded that, due to its structure and strategies used, V3 is the one that favored collaborative learning the most. | 249663161 |
4,509,041 | [Anagrelide for treatment of patients with essential thrombocythaemia]. Anagrelide is an imidazokinazoline derivate that reduces platelet production by interfering with megakaryocyte proliferation and maturation. As a non-cytostatic drug it selectively affects megakaryocyte lineage and therefore anemia and leukocytopenia are not likely to occur. This makes anagrelide adequate for the treatment of chronic myeloproliferative disorders characterized by marked thrombocytemia. In this study we have evaluated efficacy of anagrelide in 14 pretreated patients with essential thrombocytemia. The response was achieved in 11 patients (78%) and was defined as a platelet count lower than 450 x 10(9)/l or 700 x 10(9)/l without thrombohemorrhagic incidents. The therapy was stopped in 6 patients; three patients did not respond to treatment; one had a serious side effect; pregnancy was the reason for discontinuation of therapy in one patient, and in one patient therapy was changed by his own request. We can conclude that anagrelide is an effective and safe drug for pretreated patients with essential thrombocythemia. | 35215111 |
4,509,042 | Establishment of transport system for micro structures by using bacteria sheet In this paper, we established the transport systems for micro structures by using surface swarming of Vibrio alginolyticus. First, we confirmed that YM19 and YM19AcheY, that were a kind of the variant strain of V. alginolyticus appropriating for surface swarming, were able to transport the micro beads. Next, we examined relationship between the transport speed and the diameter of the micro bead. The micro channel was applied to control the cell movement. And then we succeeded in causing the rotational transportation of object through this method. | 32920861 |
4,509,043 | Strains of glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium can alter their van genotypes during an outbreak Two isolates of Enterococcus faecium with VanA glycopeptide resistance were isolated during a hospital outbreak of E. faecium with plasmid-mediated VanB resistance. Both were found to be identical to the VanB outbreak strain by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The genotype of this strain changed from vanB to vanA through an intermediate isolate that contained both the vanA and vanB gene clusters on distinct plasmids. | 32445511 |
4,509,044 | The effect of humidity on the oviposition and larval mortality of Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard, 1869) (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions. Oviposition, reproductive and nutritional efficiency indices (REI and NEI), eclosion and larvae mortality of Haemaphysalis leporispalustris were studied under controlled conditions, inside desiccators, at constant temperatures of 25+/-1 degrees C and relative humidity (RH) levels adjusted at 30, 50, 70 and 95%. Fourth generation tick specimens, originated from a colony fed on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), were used. The experiment was conducted between Jul/1999 and Jan/2001. The pre-oviposition and oviposition periods decreased and increased, respectively, according to the increase in RH. The egg mass weight, REI and NEI, increased according to the increase in RH. The females' residual weight, under high humidity levels, was probably small due to a better energetic use for egg production (51.77 +/- 11.06 mg at 95% RH). The incubation period was inversely proportional to RH increase (45.10+/- 2.47 days; 40.33+/- 1.45 days and 36.85+/- 0.37 days at 50% 70% and 95% RH, respectively). There was no eclosion at 30% RH. Period and percentage of eclosion were directly proportional to the increase of the other RH levels. A diminished formation of embryonic points as well as the desiccation of the already formed eggs were observed. Larval longevity was negatively influenced by 50% RH, with death occurring concomitant to eclosion. | 9248111 |
4,509,045 | The Passive Ventilation Energy-Saving Strategies of Urban Long-Distance Bus Station This article is based on the research of natural ventilation and indoor thermal environment. By selecting Xuzhou Long-distance Passenger South Station as a typical large space building and simulating the ventilation of the building, the article proposes the optimization strategies of Form, Space and Material and validates these strategies, to provide the energy-saving strategies for the design of Long-distance Passenger Station and large space architecture. | 111167161 |
4,509,046 | UTILITY MAXIMIZATION IN A PURE JUMP MODEL WITH PARTIAL OBSERVATION This article considers the asset price movements in a financial market when risky asset prices are modeled by marked point processes. Their dynamics depend on an underlying event arrivals process—a marked point process having common jump times with the risky asset price process. The problem of utility maximization of terminal wealth is dealt with when the underlying event arrivals process is assumed to be unobserved by the market agents using, as the main tool, backward stochastic differential equations. The dual problem is studied. Explicit solutions in a particular case are given. | 123529411 |
4,509,047 | Remarks on the complete synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators We present an improved exponential frequency synchronization estimate for globally coupled Kuramoto oscillators. For a sufficiently large coupling, it is numerically observed that Kuramoto oscillators exhibit relaxation toward the phase-locked state, independent of the initial configuration. This phenomenon has never been confirmed analytically in full generality. To date, the analytical treatment of complete frequency synchronization is restricted to initial configurations that are geometrically confined to the half-unit circle. We extend this previous work (Choi et al 2012 Physica D 241 735–54 and Chopra and Spong 2009 IEEE Trans. Autom. Control 54 353–7) to a class of initial configurations lying on an arc of length greater than π by exploiting the dynamics of the Kuramoto order parameter in a finite-dimensional setting. | 122401011 |
4,509,048 | Marching to Different Tunes: Commitment and Culture as Mobilizing Mechanisms of Trade Unions and Community Organizations This study examines mobilizing mechanisms using a British community organization and a British trade union as exemplars. Although there has been substantial work on union revitalization on the one hand, and the emergence of alternative, community organizations on the other, no study has compared the challenges these organizations face in encouraging member mobilization. The findings illustrate how the trade union engages in a service‐driven culture, cultivating instrumental commitment between the members and the union. The community organization, in contrast, engages in a relational culture and exemplifies a form of social commitment between the members and the group. As a result, different types of commitment and organizational cultures help explain why sustained member mobilization within a trade union is harder to achieve than within a community organization. | 153390111 |
4,509,049 | Biliary stones and sludge in liver transplant patients: a 13-year experience. PURPOSE To determine the prevalence, radiologic features, and clinical significance of bile duct filling defects (BDFDs) in liver transplant recipients studied with cholangiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS During 13 years, 4,100 cholangiograms were obtained in 1,650 patients. All studies showing BDFD suggestive of stones, sludge, cast, or necrotic debris were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS The prevalence of BDFD was 5.7% (n = 94). On the basis of cholangiographic appearance, BDFDs were categorized as sludge or cast in 53 grafts (56%), stones in 32 (34%), and necrotic debris in nine (10%). Forty-three patients (46%) underwent surgical biliary reconstruction, while 14 (15%) underwent interventional radiologic treatments. Twenty-four of 32 stones (75%) were treated with surgical reconstruction, compared with 31% (19 of 62 grafts) of other BDFDs (P < .0001). Necrotic debris and sludge were associated with hepatic artery occlusion in seven of nine (78%) and 16 of 53 (30%) grafts, respectively. CONCLUSION Stones and sludge are relatively infrequent after liver transplantation but are associated with high morbidity. Surgical or interventional radiologic treatments are usually performed. Bile duct stones are usually treated with surgical biliary reconstruction. While debris and bile duct necrosis are due to ischemia from hepatic artery occlusion, sludge may also have an ischemic pathogenesis in some cases. | 25040611 |
4,509,050 | Haloperidol metabolism in psychiatric patients: importance of glucuronidation and carbonyl reduction. In 39 patients who received haloperidol regularly we measured plasma concentrations of haloperidol glucuronide (HAL-GL), reduced haloperidol glucuronide (RHAL-GL), haloperidol (HAL), reduced haloperidol (RHAL), and HAL reductase activity in red blood cells. Plasma HAL-GL concentrations were significantly higher than HAL, RHAL, or RHAL-GL concentrations. Concentration ratios of total glucuronide to nonglucuronide and RHAL/HAL ratios were calculated as indices of glucuronidation and reduction capacity in each patient. The plasma glucuronidation ratios showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.63, p less than 0.001) with the dose, while the reduction ratios showed a positive correlation (r = 0.75, p less than 0.001). No correlations were found between the HAL reductase activity in red blood cells and either the dose or RHAL/HAL. Based on these findings we suggest that glucuronidation of HAL is the major metabolic pathway of HAL in humans and its activity is important in determining steady-state plasma HAL concentrations. Glucuronidation may also be a major contributing factor in the interindividual variability of HAL metabolism. | 13499561 |
4,509,051 | Simulation of the hydrodynamic behavior of a solar collector air plane for different types of absorber The solar air collectors plans are the elements responsible for collecting solar energy (radiant) by transforming it into thermal energy. It also plays the role of exchange by selling the energy captured the coolant (air) flowing through them. The uses are manifold; namely; space heating, drying, etc. Their design is oriented in the desired efficacy, their destinations and the costs of installation. Several models were constructed and studied to identify the parameters that characterize them. We treated in this work the influence of physical and geometrical characteristics of the hydrodynamics of the air stream flowing inside the solar collector with triangular baffles. | 12803661 |
4,509,052 | Two-processor system, based on the ZX-Spectrum microcomputer and the CAMAC modular system, for the analysis of physiological data. The cost-efficient computer system composed of easy accessible elements was designed and set up for the purpose of both ON-line and OFF-line analysis of data obtained in physiological experiments. The system was supplied with the standard software, including special cross-assembler for CAMAC. The features of the system were verified during the experiments on respiratory neurons. It facilitates the analysis of experimental results. | 6276811 |
4,509,053 | Physiologic Changes in Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging during the Menstrual Cycle: Perfusion Imaging, Signal Enhancement, and Influence of the T1 Relaxation Time of Breast Tissue Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the best time during the menstrual cycle to perform dynamic breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contralateral “normal” breast of 50 premenopausal women (mean age 40.4 ± 6.4 years, range 30–52 years) were enrolled in a protocol designed to correlate an ipsilateral suspicious breast lesion with pathology. The contralateral breast in each patient was examined with palpation and mammography prior to MRI on a 1.5T scanner using gradient echo and dynamic contrast‐enhanced echo‐planar without and following gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) injection. Pre‐contrast T1 relaxation times were measured before calculating extraction flow product (EFP) maps using a multicompartmental model. T1, EFP, and enhancement were measured in the control breast on four slices centered around the nipple and recorded as a function of the phases of the menstrual cycle. Lesions or areas with focal enhancement were excluded. Analysis of variance and Fisher's tests were performed. The cyclic changes in T1 relaxation time were not significant (p > 0.2). EFP and enhancement varied significantly during the cycle (p < 0.003 and p < 0.004, respectively), with low values during the first half of the cycle and high values during the second half. The lowest values of EFP and enhancement (5.5 ± 2.9 ml/100 g/min and 26 ± 17%) were observed during the proliferative phase (days 3–7), and the highest values (17 ± 10.2 ml/100 g/min and 104 | 23798461 |
4,509,054 | ± 28%) were observed during the secretory phase (days 21–27) (p < 0.0006 and p < 0.0008, respectively). Dynamic breast MRI should be performed during first half of the menstrual cycle (days 3–14) in order to minimize interpretative difficulties related to the uptake of gadolinium in normal breast tissue due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. | 23798461 |
4,509,055 | Routine assessment of occupational exposure and its relation to semen quality in infertile men: a cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND/AIM Concerns about the detrimental effects of occupational and environmental exposure on male reproductive function have been raised by reports of declining sperm quality over the last decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between altered semen parameters and exposure to occupational risk factors as assessed by questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among a population of 2122 men who underwent andrological investigation for couple infertility. All participants were interviewed and their semen samples were analyzed. Information about medical history and occupational exposure was used to classify participants into exposed and unexposed groups. RESULTS Exposure to pesticides was associated with a significantly higher risk of asthenozoospermia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4) and necrozoospermia (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7). Exposure to cement was found to be correlated with a higher risk of oligozoospermia (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9-1.4). There was no association between semen impairment and exposure to solvents, excess heat, or mechanical vibrations. CONCLUSION We found an association between self-reported occupational exposure and altered semen parameters. These results support the usefulness of questionnaires for routine assessment and management of occupational exposures in infertile men. | 25161711 |
4,509,056 | Hour-to-hour variability of oxygen saturation in sleep apnea. STUDY OBJECTIVES Methods used to express the severity of oxygen desaturation during polysomnography include the average oxygen saturation (AO2), lowest oxygen saturation (LO2), and the percent of the total time with oxygen saturation level lower than 90% (T<90%). We wanted to determine which one of these methods is least variable during different hours of monitoring. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. SETTING Sleep center at a medical university. PATIENTS One hundred fifty patients with apnea-hypopnea index from 5 to 130. MEASUREMENTS AO2, LO2, and T<90% were calculated during each of the 8 h of polysomnography. Data for each hour were compared and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were calculated. RESULTS There was a high degree of correlation among the three methods as well as between each method and the severity of sleep apnea. The mean+/-SD values for each method were as follows: AO2, 92.7+/-5.6; LO2, 68.5+/-19.3; and T<90%, 15.7+/-24.2. The alpha coefficients for these methods were AO2, 0.98; LO2, 0.88; and T<90%, 0.98. In all methods, the data of the first hour were significantly different from the data of the subsequent hours. CONCLUSION Both AO2 and T<90% methods show less hour to hour variability compared with LO2, and there is more variability in the first hour. Since the AO2 values >90% may not convey the severity of O2 desaturation, T<90% may be the best method of expressing oxygen saturation changes during polysomnography. | 14919761 |
4,509,057 | An Extranet Waste Inventory Application Effective tracking of waste management activities greatly enhances governments’ ability to increase citizens’ awareness and to develop environment policies. Tracking in turn relies on accurate data acquisition and exploitation. This paper details and illustrates the key features of APLID, the canton of Geneva’s Extranet waste inventory application. Developed with Open Source software, APLID allows all concerned actors to enter, update and visualize their waste data into a centralized database, and the canton of Geneva to issue annual statistical reports in support of political decision-making towards sustainable development. | 16138311 |
4,509,058 | Somatoform disorders in DSM-V. From the Oxford University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, U.K.; the Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.; and the School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K. Address correspondence to Prof. Mayou, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom. Copyright 2003 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Several recent publications have prepared the way for an ambitious and extended program of research that will be the basis of DSM-V. In addition to the general organization of the classification, numerous fundamental issues of taxonomy are expected to be considered, including 1) the use of a more etiological approach; 2) the use of dimensions rather than categories; 3) changes in the definition of the threshold for a disorder; and 4) issues of reliability, validity, and utility. Inevitably, this process will have important consequences for consultation-liaison psychiatrists. We believe the main issue for us is the future of the somatoform disorders, since they refer to clinical problems that are increasingly the major focus of our clinical work, research, and teaching. The extended period of review and research proposed before the publication of even a draft for DSM-V is an opportunity for much more substantial change than could ever have been contemplated for DSM-III-R or DSM-IV. Since the whole of DSM (and also ICD) will be subjected to such review, this is an opportunity to improve the classification of conditions currently classified as somatoform disorders. Somatoform disorders were included in DSM-III as a speculative category. Despite being | 44614461 |
4,509,059 | subsequently extended and slightly modified, both the overall concept and the subcategories have continued to be much criticized, both by individuals and by DSM workgroups. While the text accompanying somatoform disorder has always included strong caveats about the difficulties in defining mental illness and about the tentative nature of the categories, this has not prevented research workers, health planners and funders, and others from attributing a much greater validity to these categories. Our clinical and academic expertise means that consultation-liaison psychiatrists are better placed than any other group of clinicians to be involved in this review; we believe it is essential that we assert this interest now and that we encourage and contribute to both the discussion and the provision of evidence. Consultation-liaison psychiatrists share important clinical understandings of functional (i.e., somatized or unexplained) symptoms: | 44614461 |
4,509,060 | Elmore's approximations based explicit delay and rise time model for distributed RLC on-chip VLSI global interconnect In this work, simple explicit delay and rise time expressions for uniformly distributed RLC on-chip interconnect line are derived based on Elmore's approximations. Here, an n-cell RLC ladder network with capacitive load is used. Transfer function for the n-cell RLC ladder network is obtained by using the transmission line parameter matrix for each cell. In order to deduce the transfer function, the transmission line is modelled by a lumped parameter network. From this transfer function, explicit delay and rise time expressions are derived by using Elmore's definitions. The calculated delay and rise times by the proposed closed form expressions are compared with the results obtained by SPICE simulation for n=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 cell ladder networks with capacitive load. | 43400461 |
4,509,061 | A new approach of dissecting genetic effects for complex traits During the past decades, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to successfully identify tens of thousands of genetic variants associated with complex traits included in humans, animals, and plants. All common genome-wide association (GWA) methods rely on population structure correction to avoid false genotype and phenotype associations. However, population structure correction is a stringent penalization, which also impedes the identification of real associations. Here, we used recent statistical advances and proposed iterative screen regression (ISR), which enables simultaneous multiple marker associations and shown to appropriately correction population stratification and cryptic relatedness in GWAS. Results from analyses of simulated suggest that the proposed ISR method performed well in terms of power (sensitivity) versus FDR (False Discovery Rate) and specificity, also less bias (higher accuracy) in effect (PVE) estimation than the existing multi-loci (mixed) model and the single-locus (mixed) model. We also show the practicality of our approach by applying it to rice, outbred mice, and A.thaliana datasets. It identified several new causal loci that other methods did not detect. Our ISR provides an alternative for multi-loci GWAS, and the implementation was computationally efficient, analyzing large datasets practicable (n>100,000). | 224818611 |
4,509,062 | Formal Specification and Analysis of Trusted Communities Trusted Communities are a way to improve the performance of self-organising agent systems by limiting the interactions to trustworthy partners and excluding agents that behaved uncooperatively. We describe the mechanism in an abstract way and identify three central decisions each agent has to make if it supports Trusted Communities. Based on a formal specification of the agent behaviour in an instantiation of the mechanism for Desktop Grid Systems, we identify one of the system goals and show by formal verification that this goal is reached. Additionally, we provide certain requirements for the decision procedures that become evident during the analysis process. | 33284861 |
4,509,063 | Anti‐KIR4.1 antibodies in Japanese patients with idiopathic central nervous system demyelinating diseases Srivastava et al. reported that the potassium channel, KIR4.1, is a target of autoantibody responses in a subgroup of Caucasian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the anti-KIR4.1 antibody prevalences in other cohorts have not been reported. Here, we screened for anti-KIR4.1 antibodies in a cohort of Japanese patients with idiopathic demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). We enrolled 180 patients with MS, 75 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorder (NMOsd), 21 patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND), 30 patients with non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND) and 49 healthy controls (HC). AntiKIR4.1 antibodies were measured by an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay using a synthetic KIR4.183-120 peptide, comprising the first extracellular loop of KIR4.1 containing target epitopes for anti-KIR4.1 antibodies. The method was based on the report by Srivastava et al. Briefly, Nunc immobilizer streptavidin plates (Thermo, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Waltham, MA, USA) were coated with 6 lg/mL of N-terminal biotinylated KIR4.183-120 peptide (BEX; amino acid sequence: GVVWYLVAVA HGDLLELDPPANHTPCVVQVHTLTGAFL) diluted in 0.05% Tween-20 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS-T) for 1 h at room temperature, washed three times with PBS-T, blocked with 100 lL of 3% skimmed milk for 1 h and washed three times with PBS-T. Serum samples (100 lL) were diluted by 100-fold in 3% skimmed milk, added to each well and incubated at 4°C overnight. A horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-human immunoglobulin G antibody (Millipore, Billlerica, MA, USA) was used for detection, and the optical density (OD) was measured at 450 | 72217511 |
4,509,064 | nm in a microplate reader (Corona Electric, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan). The anti-KIR4.1 antibody titers showed no significant differences among the examined groups by Dunn’s multiple comparison test (Figure 1). When the cut-off value for anti-KIR4.1 antibody positivity was set as 5SD above the mean OD for HC, as reported by Srivastava et al., anti-KIR4.1 antibodies were deemed positive in seven patients with MS (3.9%), one patient with NMO/NMOsd (1.3%), two patients with OIND (9.5%), one patient with NIND (3.3%) and none of the HC. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of serum antiKIR4.1 antibodies among the groups. Thus, in our hands, anti-KIR4.1 antibodies were not found to be specific for MS. The antibody positivity rate in MS was just 3.9%, and much lower than the 46.9% described by Srivastava et al. To draw a conclusion, it is necessary to carry out cell-based assays to assess whether patients’ antibodies bind to KIR4.1 protein expressed on the cell surface. However, the present results suggest that the association between anti-KIR4.1 antibodies and MS might be more limited than expected, at least in our Japanese MS patients. Replication studies on anti-KIR4.1 antibodies in other ethnic populations or Japanese Figure 1 Antibody reactivities to the KIR4.183-120 peptide in the examined groups of patients. A peptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti-KIR4.1 antibodies. The cut-off value (optical density 0.785) is shown by the dashed horizontal line. HC, healthy controls; MS, multiple sclerosis; NIND, non-inflammatory neurological disorders; NMO, neuromyelitis optica; NMOsd, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. | 72217511 |
4,509,065 | A Method for Calculation of Hydrodynamic Coefficients Based on NURBS Accurate hydrodynamic calculation for semi-submersibles is critical to support modern rapid exploration and extraction of ocean resources. In order to speed hydrodynamic calculations, lines modeling structures were separated into structural parts and then fitted to Non-uniform Rational B-spline (NURBS). In this way, the bow and stern section lines were generated. Modeling of the intersections of the parts was then done with the universal modeling tool Patran. msc. Mesh was generated on the model in order to obtain points of intersection on the joints, and then these points were fitted to NURBS. Next, the patch representation method was adopted to generate the meshes of wetted surfaces and interior free surfaces. Velocity potentials on the surfaces were calculated separately, on basis of which the irregular frequency effect was dealt with in the calculation of hydrodynamic coefficients. Finally, the motion response of the semi-submersible was calculated, and in order to improve calculations of vertical motion, a damping term was affixed in the vertical direction. The results show that the above methods can generate fine mesh accurately representing the wetted surface of a semi-submersible and thus improve the accuracy of hydrodynamic calculations. | 28909561 |
4,509,066 | Ligand-Mediated Synthesis of Shape-Controlled Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals via Reprecipitation Process at Room Temperature. Colloidal nanocrystals of fully inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I, or combinations thereof) perovskites have attracted much attention for photonic and optoelectronic applications. Herein, we demonstrate a facile room-temperature (e.g., 25 °C), ligand-mediated reprecipitation strategy for systematically manipulating the shape of CsPbX3 colloidal nanocrystals, such as spherical quantum dots, nanocubes, nanorods, and nanoplatelets. The colloidal spherical quantum dots of CsPbX3 were synthesized with photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield values up to >80%, and the corresponding PL emission peaks covering the visible range from 380 to 693 nm. Besides spherical quantum dots, the shape of CsPbX3 nanocrystals could be engineered into nanocubes, one-dimensional nanorods, and two-dimensional few-unit-cell-thick nanoplatelets with well-defined morphology by choosing different organic acid and amine ligands via the reprecipitation process. The shape-dependent PL decay lifetimes have been determined to be several to tens to hundreds of nanoseconds. Our method provides a facile and versatile route to rationally control the shape of the CsPbX3 perovskites nanocrystals, which will create opportunities for applications such as displays, lasing, light-emitting diodes, solar concentrators, and photon detection. | 206699961 |
4,509,067 | Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Olfactory Neuroblastoma Identifies Potentially Targetable FGFR3 Amplifications Olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs), also known as esthesioneuroblastomas, are malignant round-cell tumors that represent up to 5% of sinonasal malignancies. Despite their aggressive course, molecular studies of ONBs have been limited, and targeted therapies are lacking. To identify potential oncogenic drivers and targetable pathways in ONBs, we characterized 20 ONBs, including archived ONBs profiled by targeted, multiplexed PCR (mxPCR)–based DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the coding sequence of over 400 cancer-relevant genes (n = 16), mxPCR-based RNA NGS of 108 target genes (n = 15), and 2 ONBs profiled by comprehensive hybrid-capture–based clinical grade NGS of >1,500 genes. Somatic mutations were infrequent in our cohort, with 7 prioritized nonsynonymous mutations in 5 of 18 (28%) ONBs, and no genes were recurrently mutated. We detected arm/chromosome-level copy-number alterations in all tumors, most frequently gains involving all or part of chromosome 20, chromosome 5, and chromosome 11. Recurrent focal amplifications, often but not exclusively in the context of arm-level gains, included CCND1 [n = 4/18 (22%) tumors] and the targetable receptor tyrosine kinase FGFR3 [n = 5/18 (28%) tumors]. Targeted RNA NGS confirmed high expression of FGFR3 in ONB (at levels equivalent to bladder cancer), with the highest expression observed in FGFR3-amplified ONB cases. Importantly, our findings suggest that FGFR3 may be a therapeutic target in a subset of these aggressive tumors. Implications: ONBs harbor recurrent chromosomal copy-number changes, including FGFR3 amplification associated with overexpression. Hence, FGFR3 may represent a novel therapeutic target in these tumors. Mol Cancer | 31425211 |
4,509,068 | Res; 15(11); 1551–7. ©2017 AACR. | 31425211 |
4,509,069 | Data Exchange for Thermal Modelling and Ventilation Simulation Abstract Data exchange is the process by which information is transferred between the engineer and software and between one piece of software and another. Building and plant simulation involves handling large data sets describing constructional details, system components and reference data. The time required to prepare and check the data is significant and is one obstruction to the widespread use of simulation within the design process. Links between drafting systems and analytical tools offer an obvious way to speed up the process and reduce input errors. The concept of data exchange, however, involves much more than the automated transfer of information from drawings: it allows one analytical program to talk to another without intervention from the operator. Thus, for example, the engineer could combine a favoured method of heat loss calculation with an assessment of infiltration provided by a different software vendor. The same applies at output: the results could be ported to a favourite graphical display package rather than that supplied by the vendor. There is also the possibility to prepare data bases that could be used to help maintain the systems throughout the life of the building. However, while simple in concept, to be effective, data exchange requires the community wide acceptance of a standard way to describe data. This paper looks at a single aspect of data exchange i.e. the linking of analytical tools. The intention is to indicate the minimum requirements necessary to obtain valid simulations. Two examples are considered, i.e.: • The linking | 114855661 |
4,509,070 | of a zonal air flow model with a dynamic thermal model;• An analysis of the effect of thermal boundary conditions on predictions made using computational fluid dynamics software. The work described within the paper formed part of a Subtask 4 of IEA Annex 30 – Bringing Simulation to Application. | 114855661 |
4,509,071 | Managing Occupational Risks for Hepatitis C Transmission in the Health Care Setting SUMMARY Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant contemporary health problem in the United States and elsewhere. Because it is primarily transmitted via blood, hepatitis C infection presents risks for both nosocomial transmission to patients and occupational spread to health care workers. Recent insights into the pathogenesis, immunopathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of infection caused by this unique flavivirus provide a rationale for the use of new strategies for managing occupational hepatitis C infections when they occur. This article reviews this developing information. Recently published data demonstrate success rates in the treatment of “acute hepatitis C syndrome” that approach 100\%, and although these studies are not directly applicable to all occupational infections, they may provide important clues to optimal management strategies. In addition, the article delineates approaches to the prevention of occupational exposures and also addresses the difficult issue of managing HCV-infected health care providers. The article summarizes currently available data about the nosocomial epidemiology of HCV infection and the magnitude of risk and discusses several alternatives for managing exposure and infection. No evidence supports the use of immediate postexposure prophylaxis with immunoglobulin, immunomodulators, or antiviral agents. Based on the very limited data available, the watchful waiting and preemptive therapy strategies described in detail in this article represent reasonable interim approaches to the complex problem of managing occupational HCV infections, at least until more definitive data are obtained. | 13565061 |
4,509,072 | The charge sensing device approach - Sensors for textile machines using the natural electrostatic charge of the yarn This paper presents the charge sensing device approach for sensors in textile machines. A wide range of sensor application in textile machinery can use a charge sensing device for instance to detect the presence of yarn or the speed of yarn. The charge sensing device approach offers important advantages compared to the state of the art sensor principles and additional cost reducing effects can be expected. In this paper the charge sensing principle is presented and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Two examples of “charge sensors” in prototyping and preliminary state for textile machine application are demonstrated. | 45219761 |
4,509,073 | It and Productivity in U.S. Manufacturing: Do Computer Networks Matter? The link between information technology and productivity is clear. Yet how computers affect productivity is not well understood. Ours is the first study using data for approximately 30,000 U.S. manufacturing plants to examine the effect of computer networks on productivity. We find a positive and significant relationship between computer networks and plant labor productivity. Plants with lower productivity in earlier periods are also more likely to have a computer network, supporting the hypothesis that plants use networks to catch up. The positive network effect remains significant when we account for endogenous computer networks. (JEL L6, O3) | 153621321 |
4,509,074 | The Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-&agr; and CD68 in High-Intensity Zone of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc on Magnetic Resonance Image in the Patients With Low Back Pain Study Design. Several recent studies suggest a high-intensity zone (HIZ) within the posterior annulu of lumbar intervertebral disc seen on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images represents the inflammation in the annulus, an annular tear, and/or vascular granulation tissue. It has not be reported yet whether there is the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-&agr;) and inflammatory cells appear in HIZ of intervertebral disc on MR images. Objective. To study whether HIZ is a specific signal for the inflammatory reaction of painful intervertebral disc. Summary of Background Data. The presence of HIZ signal within the posterior annulus seen on sagittal T2-weighted spin-echo magnetic imaging sequences has already been used in the diagnosis of painful annular tears in the last decade. There have been studies suggesting that the presence of HIZ reflects inflammation in the annulus, an annular tear, and/or vascular granulation tissue. Methods. Twenty-six consecutive patients with low back pain underwent MR images and discography (age range = 26–65 years; mean age = 47.5 years; 16 men, 10 women). In all the patients, HIZ appeared in the involved intervertebral discs on T2-weighted MR images. Lumbar discography was usually performed on each patient for the discs L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1. All patients received posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedures. The intervertebral disc specimens contained HIZ were excised en bloc during posterior interbody fusion. The distribution of TNF-&agr; and CD68 in the intervertebral disc | 12261821 |
4,509,075 | specimens within HIZ on MR images from 26 consecutive patients with low back pain and in the intervertebral disc specimens from five fresh cadavers were observed. Results. The histologic study of the consecutive sagittal slices of the HIZ showed a lot of proliferated small round cells and fibroblasts. There were a lot of TNF-&agr; positive cells and some CD68 positive cells in HIZ and the number of TNF-&agr; and CD68 positive cells in HIZ was significantly higher than that in the annulus fibrosus around HIZ and in the control (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that HIZ may be a specific signal for the inflammatory reaction of painful intervertebral disc. | 12261821 |
4,509,076 | Therapeutic effects of hidrosmin on chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a new synthetic bioflavonoid, hidrosmin, in patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Fifty-seven patients, showing varicose veins and ankle swelling and suffering from local pain and heaviness of the legs, were allocated at random to receive treatment for 45 days with 1 capsule 3-times daily of either 200 mg hidrosmin (30 patients) or placebo (27 patients). Pain and heavy legs were assessed using rating scales; swelling was assessed by a photographic method. The results showed that hidrosmin produced a significant clinical improvement in all of the parameters evaluated; compared with placebo, there was a marked reduction in the main subjective symptoms accompanied by a 10% reduction in swelling. Apart from 1 patient who complained of epigastric pain, there were no reports of adverse events during the study period. | 45145121 |
4,509,077 | Know Pain, Know Gain? A Perspective on Pain Neuroscience Education in Physical Therapy. Chronic pain is incredibly complex, and so are decisions as to its treatment. During physical therapy care, pain neuroscience education (PNE) aims to help patients understand more about their pain from a biological and physiological perspective. Accompanying the growing evidence for the ability of PNE to reduce pain and disability in patients with chronic pain is an increased interest in PNE from scientists, educators, clinicians, and conference organizers. However, the rise in popularity of PNE has highlighted a historical paradox of increased knowledge not necessarily corresponding with improved care. This Viewpoint discusses the growth and popularity of PNE as well as critical future considerations such as clinical application, clinical research, appropriate outcome measures, and the blending of pain education with exercise and manual therapy. | 10435721 |
4,509,078 | Thermal Performance Test of the New Sandwich Insulation Composite Wall Panels This paper research applied to using energy-saving insulation in hot summer and warm winter area of sandwich wall panels, study on thermal insulation thermal insulation property of composite wall panel through 2 sets of thermal performance test, and the test results for comparative analysis with finite element analysis results. The analysis shows that the wallboard is not only good insulation properties, but also to meet the requirements prescribed by the state building energy-saving insulation and hot summer Cold Winter areas of building energy-saving insulation requirements. | 137437721 |
4,509,079 | Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: Not About Religion. Over the past 40 years impressive progress has been made in treating focal, obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and the most sophisticated surgical bypass techniques. Although women have profited to a great extent from these advancements, sex and gender differences in ischemic heart disease (IHD) are still under-recognised and even ignored in clinical practice. The majority of women with signs and symptoms of IHD are still treated using standards for men. However, this is not in line with the different pattern of IHD in women, with non-obstructive CAD (NOCAD) predominating over obstructive CAD, in combination with functional disorders of the coronary (micro-) circulation. Postmortem studies and computed tomography angiograms show clinically relevant sex differences in plaque morphology at all ages, with fewer calcifications, less focal obstruction and a more diffuse pattern of atherosclerosis with ‘outward remodeling’ and ‘soft’ plaques in women compared with men. Differences in underlying pathophysiology lead to a more distinct presentation of angina symptoms and warrant a more gender-sensitive diagnostic and therapeutic approach than the usual male-oriented diagnostic pathway. | 53281221 |
4,509,080 | The Presentation of Identity in the Work Songs of Johnny Cash This paper approaches music lyrics as a delivery system for the presentation of identity and reports the result of a content analysis of the work songs recorded by Johnny Cash. Beginning with a discography of 684 songs, the analysis found that 115 mention jobs, of which eighty concern work, and eight pertain to factory work. The study provides a detailed description of the factory work songs and categorizes them in terms of four themes: (1) going to work; (2) being at work; (3) after work, and (4) post-employment—after one no longer has a job. Cash's work songs illustrate that identity is a polysemic construction connected to work in various ways. These songs reveal both the multiple realities of manual labor and the temporal variance of laborers' constructions of self. | 191484571 |
4,509,081 | Autism and asperger's conditions - a practical guide for nurses Christopher Barber Autism and asperger's conditions - a practical guide for nurses Quay Books | 200pp £22.50 978 1 8564 2411 0 9781856424110 [Formula: see text]. This book is a guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals who care for people with autism and Asperger syndrome. It is easy to dip in and out of, the chapters are laid out clearly and the text is well referenced. The book provides practical information on the difference between mental illness and autism, with guidance on how to care for adults and children with autism and Asperger conditions. | 39990221 |
4,509,082 | Achieving Budget-Balance with Vickrey-Based Payment Schemes in Exchanges Generalized Vickrey mechanisms have received wide attention in the literature because they are efficient and strategy-proof, i.e. truthful bidding is optimal whatever the bids of other agents. However it is well-known that it is impossible for an exchange, with multiple buyers and sellers, to be efficient and budget-balanced, even putting strategy-proofness to one side. A market-maker in an efficient exchange must make more payments than it collects. We enforce budget-balance as a hard constraint, and explore payment rules to distribute surplus after an exchange clears to minimize distance to Vickrey payments. Different rules lead to different levels of truth-revelation and efficiency. Experimental and theoretical analysis suggest a simple Threshold scheme, which gives surplus to agents with payments further than a certain threshold value from their Vickrey payments. The scheme appears able to exploit agent uncertainty about bids from other agents to reduce manipulation and boost allocative efficiency in comparison with other simple rules. | 14278171 |
4,509,083 | Electron spin resonance studies of erythrocytes from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The membrane organization of the erythrocytes from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was studied by means of electron spin resonance. The fluidity of the membrane near the polar region of Duchenne muscular dystrophy erythrocytes was similar to that of normal erythrocytes. The membrane environment in the nonpolar region, however, was quite different from that of normal erythrocytes, judged by the spectra with 2-(14-carboxytetradecyl) - 2 - ethyl - 4,4 - dimethyl - 3 - oxazolidinyloxyl as probe. The temperature dependence of the ratio of the line height of central field to that at the low field showed two inflection points in normal erythrocytes at pH 7.4 (13.5 degrees -16.5 degrees and 37.5 degrees -40.5 degrees C, respectively) but the inflection point in the lower temperature range was not detected in Duchenne muscular dystrophy erythrocytes. When pH was varied, an abrupt decrease in the ratio was observed at pH 5.9-5.6 in normal erythrocytes whereas there was a gradual decrease over the range of pH from 6.6 to 5.0 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy erythrocytes. The rate of reduction of the radical 2-(3-carboxypropyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-tridecyl-3-oxazolidinyloxyl by ascorbate in normal erythrocytes was faster than that in Duchenne muscular dystrophy erythrocytes. Treatment of both erythrocytes with phloretin markedly reduced the rate of reduction by ascorbate and eliminated the difference in the two types of erythrocyte. These results indicate that in Duchenne muscular dystrophy the erythrocyte membrane is involved as well as the muscle cell. | 24207621 |
4,509,084 | Industry-Wide Surveillance of Marek's Disease Virus on Commercial Poultry Farms SUMMARY Marek's disease virus is a herpesvirus of chickens that costs the worldwide poultry industry more than US$1 billion annually. Two generations of Marek's disease vaccines have shown reduced efficacy over the last half century due to evolution of the virus. Understanding where the virus is present may give insight into whether continued reductions in efficacy are likely. We conducted a 3-yr surveillance study to assess the prevalence of Marek's disease virus on commercial poultry farms, determine the effect of various factors on virus prevalence, and document virus dynamics in broiler chicken houses over short (weeks) and long (years) timescales. We extracted DNA from dust samples collected from commercial chicken and egg production facilities in Pennsylvania, USA. Quantitative PCR was used to assess wild-type virus detectability and concentration. Using data from 1018 dust samples with Bayesian generalized linear mixed effects models, we determined the factors that correlated with virus prevalence across farms. Maximum likelihood and autocorrelation function estimation on 3727 additional dust samples were used to document and characterize virus concentrations within houses over time. Overall, wild-type virus was detectable at least once on 36 of 104 farms at rates that varied substantially between farms. Virus was detected in one of three broiler-breeder operations (companies), four of five broiler operations, and three of five egg layer operations. Marek's disease virus detectability differed by production type, bird age, day of the year, operation (company), farm, house, flock, and sample. Operation (company) was the most important factor, accounting | 33485401 |
4,509,085 | for between 12% and 63.4% of the variation in virus detectability. Within individual houses, virus concentration often dropped below detectable levels and reemerged later. These data characterize Marek's disease virus dynamics, which are potentially important to the evolution of the virus. | 33485401 |
4,509,086 | Artefact-Free Imaging by a Revised Marchenko Scheme Summary A revised Marchenko scheme that avoids the need to compute the Green’s function is presented for artefact-free image of the subsurface with single-sided reflection response as input. The initial downgoing Green’s function which can be modelled from a macro model is needed for solving the revised Marchenko equations instead of its inverse. The retrieved upgoing focusing function can be correlated with the modelled initial downgoing Green’s function to image the medium without artefacts. The numerical example shows the effectiveness of the revised scheme in a 2D layered case. | 149500551 |
4,509,087 | Knowledge Translation in a Community-Based Study of the Relations Among Violence Exposure, Post-traumatic Stress and Alcohol Misuse in Mi’kmaq Youth In 2004, our research group was invited to continue a research partnership with a Nova Scotian Mi’kmaq community that was concerned about the causes of and interventions for adolescent alcohol misuse in their community. While our previous collaborative research focused on reducing adolescent alcohol misuse by targeting motivations for drinking that were personality specific (see Mushquash, Comeau, & Stweart, 2007), the more recent collaboration sought to investigate the possible relationship between exposure to violence, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol misuse. The present paper outlines the steps involved in gaining community consent, the plan for results sharing, the tangible benefits to the community that have been documented, and future directions and lessons learned. The paper will demonstrate how the principles of Knowledge Translation (CIHR, 2006) provide a framework for this process. | 141790801 |
4,509,088 | Reporting threats of terrorism: stigmatisation, procedural justice and policing Muslims in Australia ABSTRACT The increase in Islamic-inspired terrorism on Western soil has led governments around the world to introduce new counter-terrorism laws and more intrusive police practices aimed at countering the threat of terrorism. This has had a profound negative impact on Muslim communities living in the West who have expressed feeling stigmatised by institutional responses to terrorism. Such feelings of stigmatisation have implications for Muslims’ willingness to work collaboratively with authorities to counter terrorism. Using survey data collected from 800 Muslims living in Australia, the current study investigates whether Muslims’ perceptions of procedural justice policing can mitigate the effect of feeling stigmatised on their willingness to report terror threats to authorities. We find that both lower levels of stigmatisation and positive perceptions of procedural justice policing are associated with Muslims’ greater willingness to report terrorism threats to police. However, we also find that procedural justice moderates the relationship between feeling stigmatised and reporting intentions. Specifically, procedural justice has a stronger positive effect on reporting intentions for those Muslims who feel more stigmatised. In other words, highly stigmatised Muslims place more salience on procedural justice when deciding whether to report information to police. The implications of these findings for theory and police practice are discussed. | 149561601 |
4,509,089 | [A pocket pRb mutation induces the increase in its affinity to E2F4 coupled with activation of muscle differentiation]. Co-ordination of proliferation and differentiation in cells committed to muscle fate requires the interaction of the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) with transcription factors of the E2F family. pRb has different affinities for distinct E2Fs, however, the mechanism involved in pRb-E2Fs interaction has not been completely investigated. We have found that pRb carrying a small deletion at the end of the T antigen binding region (deltaS/N), and unable to interact with large T antigen, could induce acute cell cycle block, stable prolongation of the cell cycle in G0/G1 and G2/M phases and suppression of the growth of tumor cells. The deltaS/N showed increased affinity for E2F4, bound hyperphosphorylated forms of E2F4 and induced its nuclear compartmentalization. The ability of deltaS/N to form complexes with E2F4 on DNA was associated with an increase in formation of "free" E2F4 and transsuppression of the specific reporter through preferential binding to E2F4 but not t o E2F1. Stable expression of deltaS/N in multi-potent fibroblasts promoted early muscle commitment. The results obtained suggest that a mutation in the T antigen binding region may increase in affinity of the pRb for E2F4 combined with activation of muscle differentiation. | 45955601 |
4,509,090 | Phytoremediation Potentials of Eluesine Indica in Copper and Nickel Contaminated Soil The phytoremediation capability of Eleusine indica on Copper and Nickel contaminated soil samples was investigated using standard techniques. Soil sample and seeds of E. inidca were collected from a farmland in Obe, Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu State. 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% potted treatments of Copper and Nickel contaminated soil were made for three samples (initial sample, sample without plant and sample with plant). The plant samples were subjected to Bioaccumulation factor and Translocation factor examination while the Soil collected from these samples were subjected to soil analysis tests (Metal determination, pH, Soil moisture content, total organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity). The results from the study revealed Eleusine indica as a phytoremediator having BAF>1 for Cu (0% = 1.25, 1% = 1.35, 2% = 1.31 and 3% = 1.36) and Ni (0% = 1.31, 1% = 1.53, 2% = 1.80 and 3% = 2.06) contaminated soil samples. The translocation factor (TF) were also observed to be greater than 1 (TF>1) in all the treatments for both Cu and Ni contaminated soil. Heavy metal contamination of soil reduces its total organic carbon and increases its cation exchange capacity. Eleusine indica is a hyperaccumulator, its root stores more heavy metals and thus suitable for phytoremediation. © 2019 Elixir All rights reserved. Elixir Bio Sci. 137 (2019) 53970-53974 Bio Sciences Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com (Elixir International Journal) G.I.Ameh and E.J.Onuh / Elixir Bio Sci. 137 (2019) 53970-53974 53971 2001). Eluesine indica was selected for this study | 235593501 |
4,509,091 | based on its characteristics that include; rapid growth, high fecundity, adventitious root system and it is an environmental tolerant weed. Therefore it is necessary to study ability of Eluesine indica in taking up of heavy metals from contaminated soils. Materials and Methods The seed of goose grass (Eluesine indica (L.) Gaertn) were collected from a farmland in Obe in Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu State and authenticated by a taxonomist of Fame Agricultural Centre Independence layout, Enugu, a voucher specimen was kept for reference purpose. Ten kilogram of fine loamy soil was collected from the same location using a hand trowel after removing the 10cm of surface soil alongside all types of plant growth. The equipment used for collecting the samples was cleansed according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standard Cleaning Procedure. Seeds of Eluesine indica were first grown on uncontaminated soil in a nursery for three weeks. 0.5 kilograms of the loam soil was measured into each 24 plastic buckets (mixed thoroughly to achieve homogeneity). Two groups of 12 buckets each for Copper and Nickel were divided. From each groups 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% treatments of copper and nickel from their salts Copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate (Cu2SO45H2O) and Nickel (II) Chloride hexahydrate (NiCl26H2O) were measured in triplicates, mixed thoroughly and labeled properly. Nickel and copper were not added to 0% treatment buckets which were used as control. E. indica seedlings were carefully transplanted into these buckets and kept to grow in a screen house for two months, at Proda Laboratory, Enugu. After which, the | 235593501 |
4,509,092 | plants were harvested, pulverized and stored for laboratory analysis using AAS. 1g of each prepared sample was weighed into a 100ml beaker. 30mls of aqua-regia (a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in the ratio 1:3) was measured in a 100ml measuring cylinder and added into the weighed samples. 10 drops of hydrogen peroxide was added to each of the preparation to increase the complexing power of the mineral acids. The samples in beakers were placed on a digital laboratory heating mantle under fume cupboard and heated at 100 o C until the dried leaf samples completely digest. Each digest was allowed to cool and diluted with 50ml of deionised distilled water. They were filtered into 100ml volumetric flask using whatman filter paper (125mm). The digests were made up to the 100ml mark using distilleddeionised. The wet digested solution was transferred to plastic bottles and labeled accurately. The digests were used for metal determination. The wet digesting of the leaf sample was carried out in Proda laboratory, Enugu, Enugu state. The digests were used for metal determination (Copper and Nickel), BAF and TF determination. The Bioaccumulation factor was calculated using the formula: BAF= The translocation factor was calculated using the formula: TF = Determination of Heavy Metals Concentrations of heavy metals in soil and plant samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The standard solutions of examined heavy metals were prepared by dilution of standard stock solutions (Merck AAS Solution) with deionized water. Metal concentration (mg/kg) = | 235593501 |
4,509,093 | A modern popular culture in middle-class Japan In modern history, Japan has undergone an enormous transformation that created a huge middle-class with its own popular culture. This thematic section of the East Asian Journal of Popular Culture examines the way in which popular culture emerged from an early authoritarian control over culture and production. Four articles examine the ways in which forms of popular culture have evolved as the marketplace has adopted more liberal regulation. The place of gender and gender roles is particularly salient in understanding this transformation. This transformation is described using examples from both men’s and women’s fashion magazines (by Martyn David Smith and Satoshi Ota), the use of televised laughter (by David Humphrey) and the evolution of the place of women in Takarazuka theatre (by Toshiko Irie). | 252346701 |
4,509,094 | Computational Framework for Verifiable Decisions of Self-Driving Vehicles A framework is presented for the verification of an agent's decision making in autonomous driving applications by checking the logic of the agent for instability and inconsistency. The framework verifies the decisions of a rational agent implemented in Natural Language Programming (NLP) and based on a belief-desire-intention (BDI) paradigm using sEnglish and Jason code. The main results are methods of verification for the correctness of real-time agent decisions expressed in computational tree logic (CTL) formulae. The methods rely on the Model Checker for Multi-Agent Systems (MCMAS) verification tool. To test the new verification system, an autonomous vehicle (AV) has been modelled and simulated, which is capable of planning, navigation, objects detection and obstacle avoidance using a rational agent. The agent's decisions are based on information received from mono-cameras and LiDAR sensor that feed into logic-based decisions of the AV. The model of the AV and its environment has been implemented in the Robot Operating System (ROS) and the Gazebo virtual reality simulator. | 53095301 |
4,509,095 | Salivary interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with drug-induced xerostomia. It is well known that cytokines are involved in the homeostasis of oral cavity and that altered levels of either serum and/or salivary cytokines have been found in certain oral/systemic diseases. So far, cytokines in connection with xerostomia have been investigated in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. We wanted to find out whether drugs themselves influence salivary glands, which would result in altered cytokine level or whether xerostomia itself of different causes leads to the changes in salivary cytokine levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate levels of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in 30 patients with drug-induced xerostomia, age range 29-84 and mean 63.9 years. Control group consisted of 30 healthy participants, age range 30-82 years and mean age 65.2 years. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was performed on commercially available kits. Statistical analysis was performed by use of Student's test. No significant differences in salivary IL-6 and TNF-alpha between patients with drug-induced xerostomia when compared with the healthy controls were found (P < 0.05). We might conclude that drugs do not induce damage to the salivary glands which could be seen in altered salivary IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels and that xerostomia itself, induced by drugs does not alter levels of the investigated salivary cytokines. | 12693101 |
4,509,096 | Schedule to inject in vitro matured oocytes may increase pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. To ascertain the value of using immature oocytes in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program, the authors designed a schedule, at 5 p.m. on day 1 (the day of oocyte retrieval) and at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on day 2, to recognize and inject the in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes. For the 1,166 oocytes retrieved in 107 ICSI cycles, 128 (11.0%) were at the stage of metaphase I (MI) and 113 (9.7%) at germinal vesicle. Routine ICSI for metaphase 11 oocytes was performed at 2 p.m. on day 1 (initial ICSI). In culture medium of human tubal fluid with 15% maternal serum, 85.1% (205/241) immature oocytes progressed to maturation in which 16.4% (21/128) of MI oocytes matured at 5 p.m. of day 1. The rate of normal fertilization for IVM oocytes (58.5%) was not significantly different from that of initial ICSI (64.0%). One patient received a transfer of two fertilized IVM oocytes alone that were injected at 5 p.m. of day 1, maturing from the MI stage, and achieved a normal pregnancy. The fertilized IVM oocytes were replaced along with the embryos from initial ICSI for 40 cycles that led to 14 (35%) clinical pregnancies. In 43 fertilized IVM oocytes donated for research, we observed that cleavage (95.3%) to the 2- to 4-cell stage was not distinct from that of initial ICSI (94.6%); however, the percentage of embryos of grade I and II morphology was significantly smaller (24.4% vs. 62.5%). Only | 24575951 |
4,509,097 | five (11.6%) developed to blastocysts in vitro. Twenty-one fertilized IVM oocytes were frozen for future transfer. A schedule to inject IVM oocytes in ICSI cycles may generate more accessible embryos for fresh transfer or cryopreservation to increase the chance of pregnancy, although the embryo quality was relatively poor. | 24575951 |
4,509,098 | Radiation pressure dynamics in planetary exospheres. II: Closed solutions for the evolution of orbital elements Abstract We present the exact solutions in three dimensions for the orbital elements of a satellite particle continuously exposed to weak solar radiation. The solutions are obtained from a set of auxiliary variables, which are separable and therefore integrable. We have illustrated various examples of the behavior of the elements as they evolve cyclically. In addition, there are three items worthy of note: (1) The planar case , wherein the orbital plane contains the Sun, has been solved previously; but here a near-planar orbit is shown to evolve away from its original, nearly planar orientation. This consequence of radiation pressure may be contrasted with gravitational perturbation by massive bodies in the orbital plane, which tend to stabilize such orbits. (2) In the general, three-dimensional case the orbital elements not only have components that vary with time, as expected, in a uniform sinusoidal manner. They possess, as well, nonuniform sinusoidal variations that have the same period as the uniform variations. (3) The semimajor axis, a, which is related to the total energy, may be regarded as constant in the first order, on the grounds that a particle returns essentially to its starting point after one orbit. Here we derive the actual time variation of a from the extended Laplace constant. That constant was obtained in Paper I from the separation of variables that is allowed when the perturbed Keplerian problem is formulated in parabolic coordinates, and it remains a valid constant even | 122820451 |
4,509,099 | when the total Keplerian energy is not. The relative amplitude, Δ a ( t )/ a (0) varies as ( a / r x ) 4 , where r x is the distance from the planet where the gravitational and radiative acceleration are equal (i.e., the radius of the exosphere). Hence, the variation in a ( t ) is very small, except for orbits comparable in size to the exosphere itself. | 122820451 |
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