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Bacterial molybdoenzymes: old enzymes for new purposes. Molybdoenzymes are widespread in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms where they play crucial functions in detoxification reactions in the metabolism of humans and bacteria, in nitrate assimilation in plants and in anaerobic respiration in bacteria. To be fully active, these enzymes require complex molybdenum-containing cofactors, which are inserted into the apoenzymes after folding. For almost all the bacterial molybdoenzymes, molybdenum cofactor insertion requires the involvement of specific chaperones. In this review, an overview on the molybdenum cofactor biosynthetic pathway is given together with the role of specific chaperones dedicated for molybdenum cofactor insertion and maturation. Many bacteria are involved in geochemical cycles on earth and therefore have an environmental impact. The roles of molybdoenzymes in bioremediation and for environmental applications are presented.This review gives an overview of the diverse mechanisms leading to the insertion of the different forms of the molybdenum cofactor into the respective target enzymes and summarizes the roles of different molybdoenzymes in the environment.This review gives an overview of the diverse mechanisms leading to the insertion of the different forms of the molybdenum cofactor into the respective target enzymes and summarizes the roles of different molybdoenzymes in the environment.

Self-aggregate performance of hexyl alginate ester derivative synthesized via S(N)2 reaction for controlled release of lambda-cyhalothrin. To change the strong hydrophilicity of alginate and make it have good amphiphilic property, thereby broadening its application as a new pesticide-controlled release system, the hexyl alginate ester derivative (HAED) was synthesized by the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (S(N)2) reaction, using 1-bromohexane as the hydrophobic modifier. The structure and self-aggregate performance of the synthesized HAED were contrastively characterized. Moreover, the loading and release performance of lambda-Cyhalothrin (LCH) for the HAED microcapsules prepared by the high-speed shearing method was also studied. The synthesized HAED exhibited enhanced molecular flexibility and good self-aggregate performance, which could form the stable self-aggregated spherical micelles with the average hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of 416 nm (PDI = 0.29) and - 39.9 mV, respectively, due to the intra- or intermolecular hydrophobic associations. Furthermore, the obtained HAED microcapsules displayed the high encapsulation efficiency and sustained-release property in comparison with the SA microcapsules for the good affinity of HAED to hydrophobic LCH that retarded the drug diffusion. On the basis of the excellent advantages of HAED, it was expected to become the ideal candidate for hydrophobic drug delivery in controlled-release pesticide formulations.

Cystatin C-based calculation of glomerular filtration rate in kidney transplant recipients. Cystatin C (Cys C) has been shown to be an alternative marker of renal function. However, estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on Cys C has received little attention. Recently, several Cys C-based equations were developed in different patient cohorts. To date, the benefit of a Cys C-based GFR calculation in patients after renal transplantation (RTx) remains to be elucidated. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of three Cys C-based formulae (Larsson, Hoek, Filler which used an immunonephelometric method) with the results of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. GFR was measured by means of technetium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Tc-99m-DTPA) clearance in 108 consecutive patients after RTx. Correlation coefficients of all calculated GFR estimates with the true GFR were high but did not differ significantly from one another (0.83-0.87). The MDRD and Filler equations overestimated GFR significantly, whereas the Larsson equation significantly underestimated GFR. Bias of the Hoek formula was negligible. Precision of the Hoek (8.9 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2)) and Larsson equations (9.6 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) were significantly better than MDRD equations (11.4 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2); P <= 0.035 each). Accuracy within 30% of real GFR was 67.0 and 65.1% for the MDRD and Filler formulae, and 77.1% for the Larsson and Hoek formulae, respectively. Accuracy within 50% of true GFR for the Hoek formula (97.2%) was better than for the MDRD equations (85.3%). Cys C-based formulae may provide a better diagnostic performance than creatinine-based equations in GFR calculation after RTx.

Scoping review of fire safety behaviors among high-rise occupants: Implications for public health nursing. Results Fourteen articles were included in the final review. Twelve articles reported exclusively on commercial HR building fire safety; two reported on both the residential and commercial HR building fire safety; 10 reported on events related to the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. Various factors influenced HR occupants' fire safety behaviors, including knowledge about building fire safety features and emergency plans, participation in drills, and organizational emergency preparedness. People with mobility impairments required special considerations. Two theoretical models explaining HR occupants' fire safety behaviors were identified.Design and Sample The search included peer-reviewed English language articles published after 2001 describing fire safety behaviors among HR building occupants in the United States.Conclusions Gaps in the research literature exist regarding residential HR occupant fire safety behaviors. Further research regarding ways that PHNs are currently engaged in this important public health issue should be further explored.Objective The purpose of this review was to identify gaps in the research literature regarding high-rise (HR) building occupant fire safety behaviors. Findings from this review will inform further development of the role of public health nurses (PHNs) in promoting population-based strategies to enhance HR occupant fire safety.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance and Electronic Transport Properties of Ag-Doped Cu2-xS0.5Se0.5. In addition to eco-friendliness and low raw material cost, Cu2S0.5Se0.5 exhibits promising middle-to-high-temperature thermoelectric performance by the virtue of the coexistence of liquid-like phonon transport and electron crystal-like charge transport. Toward higher thermoelectric performance, however, in-depth studies of the electrical conduction mechanism are scarce. Herein, we investigate the electrical transport mechanism and improve the thermoelectric performance of Cu2S0.5Se0.5 by introducing Cu vacancies and substituting Cu with Ag. An optimized electronic quality factor in conjunction with a reduced lattice thermal conductivity leads to a state-of-the-art figure of merit zT similar to 1.23 at 773 K and an average zT similar to 0.47 between 295 and 773 K in Ag0.02Cu1.955S0.5Se0.5.

A novel feature representation: Aggregating convolution kernels for image retrieval. Activated hidden units in convolutional neural networks (CNNs), known as feature maps, dominate image representation, which is compact and discriminative. For ultra-large datasets, high dimensional feature maps in float format not only result in high computational complexity, but also occupy massive memory space. To this end, a new image representation by aggregating convolution kernels (ACK) is proposed, where some convolution kernels capturing certain patterns are activated. The top-n index numbers of the convolution kernels are extracted directly as image representation in discrete integer values, which rebuild relationship between convolution kernels and image. Furthermore, a distance measurement is defined from the perspective of ordered sets to calculate position-sensitive similarities between image representations. Extensive experiments conducted on Oxford Buildings, Paris, and Holidays, etc., manifest that the proposed ACK achieves competitive performance on image retrieval with much lower computational cost, outperforming the ones using feature maps for image representation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A natural variant of bovine dopamine beta-monooxygenase with phenylalanine as residue 208: Purification and characterization of the variant homo- and heterotetramers of (F208)(4) and (F208)(2)(L208)(2). Bovine dopamine beta-monooxygenase was purified from each of 18 individual adrenal glands by the method we have developed for the rapid purification of the enzyme from a single adrenal gland. Differential peptide mapping of the 18 enzyme preparations following fluorescence labeling of their cysteine residues revealed the presence of a novel variant with Phe as residue 208 in 14 adrenal glands; seven of them were homozygous for the variant allele and the remaining seven heterozygous. The variant enzyme was a tetramer and exhibited kinetic and structural properties similar to those of the wild-type tetramer (L208)(4). These results indicate an allelic polymorphism and codominant expression of the two alleles of the enzyme gene.

Current developments in Canadian privacy and information law: implications for telehealth. An appropriate legal regime protecting privacy of personal information is an important element in assuring public confidence in telehealth initiatives while at the same time avoiding undue restrictions or difficulties for those implementing these technologies. In Canada there are several sources of legal protection of personal information but there is increasing emphasis on legislation. A bill recently passed by the Canadian House of Commons is expected have a significant impact on the way personal information, including health information, is handled in the private sector.

Corrosion behavior of electrodeposited Ni-Co alloy coatings under the presence of NaCl deposit at 800 degrees C. It is studied with XRD, SEM/EDX and thermogravimetric analysis under NaCl deposit at 800 degrees C in air for the corrosion behavior of electrodeposit Ni-Co alloy coatings prepared by direct current, single pulse current and double pulse current, respectively. The result shows that accelerated corrosion is observed on the three types of coatings under NaCl deposit and loose corrosion product layer with worse adhesion to matrix forms. Relatively, the resistance to corrosion for Ni-Co alloy coatings prepared by double pulse current is the highest, and that by direct current is the worst, which is attributed to the denser crystal coating for the samples prepared by double pulse current. The corrosion mechanism and the reasons for NaCl accelerated the corrosion of Ni-Co alloy coatings are discussed under the environment. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Analysis and Control Synthesis of Grasping and Slippage of an Object Manipulated by a Robot. Grasping an object by a cooperating system such as multi-fingered hands and multi-manipulator robotic system has received much attention. Research has focused on analysis of force-closure grasps and the synthesis of optimal grasping, when there is no slipping condition. Although the control system is designed to keep the contact force in the friction cone and avoid the slipping condition, slippage can occur for many reasons. In this research, dynamics analysis and control synthesis of a manipulator moving an object oil a horizontal surface using the contact force of an end-effector are performed considering the slipping condition. Equality and inequality equations of frictional contact conditions are replaced by a single second-order differential equation with switching coefficients in order to facilitate the dynamic modeling. Accuracy of this modeling is verified by comparing the results Of the model with those of SimMech. Using this modeling of friction, it set of reduced order form is obtained for equations of motion of the system. A new method is proposed to control the object motion and the end-effector undesired slippage based on the reduced form. Finally, performance of the method is evaluated both numerically and experimentally. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden and The Robotics Society of Japan, 2008

Collision Mechanism and Deposition Characteristics of Particles on the Catenary Insulator Surface. To solve the problem of contamination flashover of a catenary insulator in an electrified railway, the collision mechanism and deposition characteristics of contamination particles on the insulator surface should be studied to ensure the safe operation of traction power supply systems. This research used horizontal and oblique cantilever insulators as objects, and established the collision model between particles and insulator surface under different arrangements. The deposition conditions of particles on the insulator surface were obtained, and the simulation model of insulator contamination accumulation was established by using the Euler two-phase flow. The difference of contamination deposition characteristics between horizontal and oblique cantilever insulators was analyzed with the volume fraction of contamination particles as the characterization parameter. By comparing the cantilever insulator with the positive feeder insulator, this study analyzed the influence of shed structure on the contamination deposition characteristics. Results show that the installation method of an insulator has an impact on the contamination deposition on the insulator surface. When particle size and wind velocity are fixed, the degree of contamination accumulation on the surface of the oblique cantilever insulator is constantly higher than that of the horizontal cantilever insulator. The insulator shed structure also has a certain effect on the contamination deposition on the insulator surface. For the cantilever insulator, the degree of contamination accumulation of the windward side is higher than that of the leeward side. However, for the positive feeder insulator, the degree of contamination accumulation of the windward side is consistently less than that of the leeward side. Measures to deal with contamination flashover of catenary insulator are proposed.

Six Homeric Papyri from Oxyrhynchus at Columbia University. Edition of six fragmentary papyri from Oxyrhynchus with the Iliad and the Odyssey, previously described in P.Oxy. 3.534, 536-539, and P.Oxy. 6.950. The dates range from the second to the third century CE.

Component-by-component construction of good intermediate-rank lattice rules. It is known that the generating vector of a rank-1 lattice rule can be constructed component-by-component to achieve strong tractability error bounds in both weighted Korobov spaces and weighted Sobolev spaces. Since the weights for these spaces are nonincreasing, the first few variables are in a sense more important than the rest. We thus propose to copy the points of a rank-1 lattice rule a number of times in the first few dimensions to yield an intermediate-rank lattice rule. We show that the generating vector (and in weighted Sobolev spaces, the shift also) of an intermediate-rank lattice rule can also be constructed component-by-component to achieve strong tractability error bounds. In certain circumstances, these bounds are better than the corresponding bounds for rank-1 lattice rules.

Free-boundary regularity on the focusing problem for the Gauss Curvature Flow with flat sides. We consider the motion of a compact weakly convex two-dimensional surface of revolution Sigma under the Gauss Curvature Flow. We assume that the initial surface has a flat side and as a consequence the parabolic equation describing the motion of the hypersurface becomes degenerate at points where the curvature is zero. Expressing the strictly convex part of the surface near the inter-face as the graph of a function z = f (r, t), we show that if at time t = 0, g = rootf vanishes linearly at the flat side, then g(r, t) will become smooth up to the interface for t > 0 and it will remain smooth up to the focusing time T of the flat side. We also show that at the focusing time of the flat side, the function g is of class C-1,C-beta for all beta < and no better than C-1,C-2/5. This implies that at the focusing time the surface Sigma is of class C-2,C-beta for all beta < and no better than C-2,C-2/5. In the case of the evolution Monge-Ampere equation, we find the exact self-similar profile of the function g at its focusing time.

DETERMINING VARIABLES OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING FOR IMPROVING VERTICAL JUMP HEIGHT PERFORMANCE: A META-ANALYSIS. Saez Saez de Villarreal, E, Kellis, E, Kraemer, WJ, and Izquierdo, M. Determining variables of plyometric training for improving vertical jump height performance: a meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 495-506, 2009-Plyometric training improves vertical jump height (VJH). However, the effectiveness of plyometric training depends on various factors. A meta-analysis of 56 studies with a total of 225 effect sizes (ESs) was carried out to analyze the role of various factors on the effects of plyometrics on VJH performance. The inclusion criteria for the analysis were a) studies using plyometric programs for lowerlimb muscles, b) studies employing true experimental designs and valid and reliable measurements, and c) studies including enough data to calculate ESs. Subjects with more experience in sport obtained greater enhancements in VJH performance (p < 0.01). Subjects in either good or bad physical condition benefit equally from plyometric work (p < 0.05), although men tend to obtain better power results than women after plyometric training (p < 0.05). With relation to the variables of performance, training volumes of more than 10 weeks and more than 20 sessions, using high-intensity programs (with more than 50 jumps per session), were the strategies that seemed to maximize the probability of obtaining significantly greater improvements in performance (p < 0.05). To optimize jumping enhancement, the combination of different types of plyometrics (squat jump + countermovement jump + drop jump) is recommended rather than using only 1 form (p < 0.05). However, no extra benefits were found to be gained from doing plyometrics with added weight. The responses identified in this analysis are essential and should be considered by strength and conditioning professionals with regard to the most appropriate dose-response trends for optimizing plyometric-induced gains.

Evaluation of Effect of Number of Electrodes in ECT Sensors on Image Quality. It is commonly assumed that the use of more electrodes in an electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor would result in higher resolution images. In this paper, the issues with the number of electrodes will be discussed. To investigate the effect of the number of electrodes on the quality of reconstructed images, ECT sensors with different number of electrodes-4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 32-are investigated. The capacitance between different electrode pairs is calculated for some typical permittivity distributions using a finite element method. The obtained capacitance data are then used to reconstruct images using the projected Landweber iteration algorithm based on both linear and semi-linear ECT models. The sensitivity distributions for the ECT sensors with different number of electrodes are analyzed. The main conclusion is that limited new information can be obtained and little improvement in the quality of images be achieved if the number of electrodes is more than 12.

Microbial community dynamics in a crust formed on carbon steel SS400 during corrosion. To obtain information on the mechanism of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) under anaerobic conditions, metabolic processes and microbial community dynamics were analysed for MIC of carbon steel with lake-mud microbial consortium as inoculum. During one month of MIC experiment, the microbial consortium corroded carbon steel with sulphate reduction, methane and acetate production. The bacterial and archaeal community structure in the suspension culture and the crust formed on carbon steel were compared using high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The data indicated that sulphate-reducing bacterium (Desulfovibriogenus), amino acid-degrading bacterium (Aminobacteriumgenus) and a hydrogenotrophic methanogenMethanofollisamong Archaea increased in the crust. These microbes were estimated to collaboratively induced corrosion of carbon steel under anaerobic condition.

Psychometric properties of the mood and anxiety symptom questionnaire in patients with chronic pain. Results: Utilizing principal factor analysis and orthogonal rotation, the factor structure of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in both chronic pain samples was similar to previously reported factor analyses. Three factors emerged: positive affect, general distress and physiological hyperarousal. Coefficients of congruence calculated from the factor structures of each subsample of persons with chronic pain suggested that the factors were highly similar (0.83-0.93). Given that the factor structures were comparable in both populations, a final analysis was conducted on the entire sample. Again, this analysis revealed a 3-factor solution. Examination of the factor loadings and item-to-total Correlations revealed that some of the original scale items failed to load on or correlate with a specific factor, or correlated highly with 2 or more factors (thus lacking discriminatory power). A revised scale. eliminating items with low factors loadings and/or high cross loadings, was examined. Reliabilities for the subscales were high, and the subscales demonstrated the ability to predict clinical diagnoses of depression in a hypothesized fashion.Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire is able to discriminate between depressive and anxious symptoms. Factor analysis of the scale has revealed 3 factors: general distress, positive affect, and physiological hyperarousal. However, the properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire have not been extensively examined in medicial populations, in which the measurement of depressive and anxious symptoms is complicated by the presence of comorbid physical symptoms such as pain. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in patients with chronic pain.Discussion: The results support the utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire with samples of patients with chronic pain and provide further support for the tripartite model of anxiety and depression.Materials and Methods: A total of 230 persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited from a multidisciplinary pain clinic (n = 110) and a large urban Community (n = 120). Participants completed the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire and were interviewed for the presence of depressive disorders using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV Factor analyses, scale reliability analyses, and discriminative function analyses were performed on the data.

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of effects of the fungicide metconazole on Fusarium culmorum in vitro. The effects of metconazole, a systemic fungicide from the triazol group, were examined on morphology, structure, cell wall components and toxin production of Fusarium culmorum in vitro by means of electron microscopy and cytochemical labelling techniques. The studies revealed that metconazole not only inhibited the hyphal growth of F. culmorum, but also caused a series of marked morphological anti structural alterations of the hyphae. These changes included irregular swelling and excessive branching of the hyphae, considerable thickening of the hyphal cell wails, particularly at the hyphal tip region, very frequent septation with incomplete septa and necrosis or degeneration of the hyphal cytoplasm. The formations of new structures like non-membraneous inclusion bodies and new hyphae (daughter hyphae) inside of the collapsed hyphal cells were often detected in the cytoplasm of fungicide-treated hyphae. However, the daughter hyphae also showed abnormal alterations such as irregular thickenings of the cell walls, necrosis of the cytoplasm and formation of new daughter hyphae. Furthermore, immunocytochemical labelling with antiserum against deoxynivalenol (DON) revealed that Fusarium toxins, DON, 3-acetyl-DON and 15-acetyl-DON, were localized in the cell wails, cytoplasm, mitochondria and vacuoles of control and fungicide-created hyphae. However, the labelling density for the toxin in the fungicide-treated hyphae was markedly lower as compared to the control hyphae. Moreover, cytochemical labelling of chitin and beta -1,3-glucan occurred in cell walls of both the fungicide-treated and the untreated control hyphae, but the labelling densities of these two cell wall components were higher in the cell walls of the fungicide-treated hyphae than in the control hyphae, indicating an excessive accumulation of chitin and beta -1,3-glucan in the cell walls of the fungicide-treated hyphae due to the detrimental effects of the fungicide on structure and functions of the hy hal membranes.

High affinity interaction of mouse DNA topoisomerase I with di- and trinucleotides corresponding to specific sequences of supercoiled DNA cleaved chain. Recently mouse DNA topoisomerase I (topo) was shown to possess high affinity for a single-stranded AAGACTTAG nonanucleotide (K-i = 2.0 mu M) corresponding to the scissile strand of the minimal DNA duplex, which is necessary for cleavage of supercoiled DNA. In order to determine the most important part of the above sequence for the DNA recognition by topo, the interactions of the enzyme with a set of extremely short (2-5 nucleotides in length) oligonucleotides corresponding to different parts of the nonanucleotide have been investigated, The affinities of different oligonucleotides corresponding to the CTTAG part of the sequence (K-i = 0.13-0.92 mM) were shown to be significantly lower than that for the AAGA tetranucleotide (K-i = 9.0 mu M). Topo effectively recognized even short oligonucleotides containing only two or three bases (AGA and pAG, K-i = 20 and 50 mu M). We suppose that oligonucleotides having a high affinity to the enzyme can offer a unique opportunity for the rational design of topoisomerase-targeting drugs. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Some properties of seeds and starches separated from mung (Phaseolus mungo) cultivars. A comparison between some properties of seeds and starches of two mung (Phaseolus mungo) cultivars ('ML-613', 'SML-32') was made. The seed properties of both the mung cultivars did not differ significantly. The starches from both mung cultivars showed granule size ranging between 10 and 31.8 mum. The shape of the granules was irregular, elliptical with shallow indentations. The thermal properties of mung starches measured with Differential Scanning Calorimetery also differed significantly. The transition temperatures (To, Tp, Tc) of 'ML-613' starch were higher than 'SML-32' starch. Amylose content, swelling power, solubility and turbidity of 'SML-32' starch were higher than 'ML-613' starch.

Cerium oxide containing canasite based glass-ceramics for dental applications: Crystallization behavior, mechanical and chemical properties. The present work aims to investigate the role of CeO2 (cerium oxide) on crystallization behavior, microstructural features as well as mechanical and chemical properties of canasite glass-ceramics for dental applications. The obtained results confirm that further addition of cerium oxide to the glass composition leads to a slight increase of crystallization temperatures and significant decrease of thermal expansion coefficients of the starting glasses. According to the Raman spectroscopy results, cerium ions increase the network connectivity of the parent glasses by increasing the number of bridging oxygens. During the two step heat treatment, the presence of cerium oxide favors crystallization of miserite (K(Ca,Ce)(5)Si8O22[(OH)F](2)) besides calcium fluoride (CaF2) and canasite (Ca5Na4K2Si12O30F4) crystalline phases. Based on the microstructural observations, canasite crystals have the inter-locked blade-like morphology whereas crystals of miserite have the cubic like morphology. Among the studied glass-ceramics, Base-C-2 showed the highest value of chemical durability as well as acceptable mechanical properties fulfilling the essential requirements as a restorative dental material.

Loan Terms and Collateral: Evidence from the Bilateral Repo Market. We study secured lending contracts using a proprietary, loan-level database of bilateral repurchase agreements containing groups of simultaneous loans backed by multiple tranches within a securitization. We show that lower-quality loans (i.e., loans backed by lower-rated collateral) have higher margins and spreads. We calibrate a model using collateral asset prices and find that lower-quality loans are riskier despite the higher margins, yet cheaper for the borrower. This finding is consistent with a combination of lender optimism and reaching for yield. We also show that lower-quality loans have longer maturity, consistent with models of rollover concerns with asymmetric information.

Future of National Reference Frames - from static to kinematic?. Technical development, new applications and requests for increased accuracy in georeferencing are setting new demands for accuracy and reliability of reference frames. Due to crustal deformations and local movements of benchmarks, a static reference network deteriorates with time, thus eventually requiring update of the whole system. Technically, renewal of a reference frame is straightforward and should be done whenever enough new data or updated information exist to get an improvement in accuracy. An example is the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, ITRF, which is renewed regularly. The situation is more complicated with national reference frames which may have been given a legal status, and parameters defined by the national legislation. Even without that, renewal and implementation of such a frame is a multi-million euro project taking years to complete.Crustal deformations and movements deteriorate static reference frames (defined by fixed/static coordinates of benchmarks) with time. Eventually, distortions in a static reference frame will become bigger than the uncertainties of GNSS measurements, thus deteriorating the obtainable accuracy of the measurement technique. Instead of a static reference frame, one can use semi-kinematic or kinematic approach where either the transformation from global to the national reference frame or the coordinates of reference frame benchmarks are time-dependent. In this paper we give a short overview of the topic, and discuss on technical issues and future aspects of the reference frames in the viewpoint of National Mapping and Cadastre Authorities (NMA) with an example on the national strategy in Finland.

Capture and transfer the knowledge embodied in a professional act. This approach takes the perspective of knowledge management (organizational approach, attention to training), adopts an ergonomic posture (sympathy for the actor, detailed field observation), and uses theories and methods from cognitive psychology and digital ethnography. The major theoretical frameworks mobilized are those of activity theory and perceived quality.Expert knowledge in the professional world is difficult to capture because of its largely tacit nature (difficult to verbalize). We detail here a set of methods and techniques (dual digital video capture with subjective and external perspective; situated goal-oriented verbalization protocol; self-confrontation and reconstruction interviews) that help recover the know-how by cooperation between analyst and expert. The protocol aims to: (1) reconstruct the intentions of the experts, their mental models; and (2) produce training video material for novices to learn and internalize the practice. Based on this protocol we have realized a multimedia platform for the representation and transmission of professional know-how.

Role of humic acid on oral drug delivery of an antiepileptic drug. Context. Humic acid (HA) is omnipresent in natural organic matter that is a macromolecular, negatively charged polyelectrolyte that contains a hydrophobic core. It is also present in a significant amount in Shilajit (used frequently in traditional medicines), which is used in this study as a source of extraction. HA is evaluated for the oral drug delivery of carbamazepine (CBZ). Objective: HA is used in this study to increase the dissolution, intestinal permeation, and pharmacodynamic response of CBZ (bio pharmaceutics classification system (BCS) II) by the technique of complexation and other related mechanism reported with humic substances. Methods: Different complexation techniques were explored in this study for the entrapment of CBZ, which was authenticated by molecular modeling and conformational analysis. These were further characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Solubility analysis and dissolution release profile were carried out to access the in vitro parameters. For ex vivo studies, rat gut intestinal permeability was done. And finally pharmacodynamic evaluation (maximal electroshock method) was carried out for optimized complexes. Results: Molecular modeling approach and instrumental analysis (DSC, XRD, and FT-IR) confirmed the entrapment of CBZ inside the complexing agent. Increased solubility (similar to 1742%), sustained release (similar to 78%), better permeability (similar to 3.5 times), and enhanced pharmacodynamic responses conferred the best to 1:2 freeze dried (FD) and then 1:2 kneading (KD) complexes compared with pure CBZ. Conclusion: Now it could be concluded that HA may be tried as a complexing agent for antiepileptic drug and other classes of low water-soluble drug.

Unravelling the Mechanistic Pathway of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Driven by a Cobalt Catalyst. A cobalt complex bearing a kappa-N3P2 ligand is presented (1(+) or Co-I(L), where L is (1E,1 ' E)-1,1 '-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(N-(3-(diphenylphosphanyl)propyl)ethan-1-imine). Complex 1(+) is stable under air at oxidation state Co-I thanks to the pi-acceptor character of the phosphine groups. Electrochemical behavior of 1(+) reveals a two-electron Co-I/Co-III oxidation process and an additional one-electron reduction, which leads to an enhancement in the current due to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at E-onset=-1.6 V vs Fc/Fc(+). In the presence of 1 equiv of bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, 1(+) forms the cobalt hydride derivative Co-III(L)-H (2(2+)), which has been fully characterized. Further addition of 1 equiv of CoCp*(2) (Cp* is pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) affords the reduced Co-II(L)-H (2(+)) species, which rapidly forms hydrogen and regenerates the initial Co-I(L) (1(+)). The spectroscopic characterization of catalytic intermediates together with DFT calculations support an unusual bimolecular homolytic mechanism in the catalytic HER with 1(+).

Some improvements of Minkowski's integral inequality on time scales. In the paper, we establish some improvements of Minkowski's inequality on time scales via the delta integral, nabla integral and diamond-alpha dynamic integral, which is defined as a linear combination of the delta and nabla integrals.

Features of the charged particles acceleration in a standing laser wave field. We consider the peculiarities of interaction of charged particles with a standing laser wave field. Conditions under which they can be optimally accelerated are found. It is shown that if ultrahigh-Q optical resonators are used, their energy gain can reach several GeV.

Development of asymmetric hairpins-mediated nucleic acid isothermal amplification-based lateral flow detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A novel isothermal amplification method named asymmetric hairpins mediated amplification (HMA) is developed for diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB). HMA employs a set of specifically designed primers, together with a DNA polymerase with strand displacement function to recognize a total of five different sequences of target DNA. By providing a standard probe labeling strategy, it improves the specificity of HMA when using lateral-flow detection (LFD) for direct visualization with naked eyes by eliminating the non-specific oligo hybridization-resulted false positive. Moreover, the primer design characteristic in HMA with target independent sequence improves probe labeling flexibility. HMA achieves a sensitivity up to about 4 Mycobacterium Tuberculosis cells per reaction in less than 45 min. The specificity is also evaluated by using 12 other mycobacterial species, with no cross-reactions. We have applied HMA for the detection of 54 clinical samples, achieving a conformity of 96.3% when compare against benchmark real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, with the sensitivity and specificity at 94.6% (35/37) and 100% (17/17), respectively. In overall, with great sensitivity, specificity, and direct visualization, it holds considerable potential for the point-of-care (POC) diagnosis purpose.

Late thrombotic events after bioresorbable scaffold implantation: a systematic review andmeta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods and results A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing clinical outcomes of patients treated with BVS and EES with at least 24 months follow-up was performed. Adjusted random-effect model by the Knapp-Hartung method was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary safety outcome of interest was the risk of definite/probable device thrombosis (DT). The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the risk of target lesion failure (TLF). Five randomized clinical trials (n=1730) were included. Patients treated with Absorb BVS had a higher risk of definite/probable DT compared with patients treated with EES (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.37-6.26, P=0.01). Very late DT (VLDT) occurred in 13 patients [12/996 (1.4%, 95% CI: 0.08-2.5) Absorb BVS vs. 1/701 (0.5%, 95% CI: 0.2-1.6) EES; OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.2-7.68, P=0.03], 92% of the VLDT in the BVS group occurred in the absence of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Patients treated with Absorb BVS had a trend towards higher risk of TLF (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.90-2.42, P=0.09), driven by a higher risk of target vessel myocardial infarction and ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularization. No difference was found in the risk of cardiac death.Conclusion Compared with EES, the use of Absorb BVS was associated with a higher rate of DT and a trend towards higher risk of TLF. VLDT occurred in 1.4% of the patients, the majority of these events occurred in the absence of DAPT.Aims To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) with everolimus-eluting stent (EES) after percutaneous coronary interventions.

Successful Treatment of Nonunion After Sliding Genioplasty. Because chin is a major component of the lower face, underprojection, overprojection, and asymmetry of chin have been addressed via various surgical approaches. Sliding genioplasty is a popular technique to resolve this problem. This technique is rarely known to have postoperative complications, including nonunions. We experienced 1 case of nonunion after sliding genioplasty and treated it successfully.A 25-year-old woman who underwent sliding genioplasty 10 years ago at a local clinic visited our institute owing to displeasing appearance of the chin. Ten months ago, nonunion was diagnosed, and the patient underwent a second operation. We performed a longer incision than the previous operation and removed screws, plate, and an alloplastic material that was inserted previously. Shaving of the nonunion margins, refixation, and recontouring were performed, and bone chips acquired from the recontouring procedure were inserted into the interim space. During follow-up, no complications were observed, and bone union was completed on radiologic examination.Appropriate fixation is very important to prevent nonunion after sliding genioplasty. For appropriate fixation, getting a sufficient surgical field is indispensable, and shaving the nonunion margins, refixation, and bone chip implantation are helpful to address this complication.

A Comparison of the Clinical Presentation of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Partial Molar Pregnancy Case Versus a Fertility Treatment Case. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is ovarian enlargement secondary to hormones overstimulating ovarian growth. It can be associated with a spectrum of other clinical findings, including ascites, hemoconcentration, hypercoagulability, and electrolyte imbalances. OHSS most commonly occurs as a complication of treatment with in vitro fertilization medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. OHSS has infrequently been reported to be caused by high hCG levels in complete, partial, or invasive molar pregnancies. The classic signs and symptoms of OHSS include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, tachycardia, tachypnea, and dyspnea. Further positive diagnostic studies for OHSS include enlarged ovaries, ascites, hemoconcentration, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and oliguria. OHSS due to molar pregnancies is extremely rare. Suziki et al. performed a literature review in 2014 and describe the eight ever-reported molar pregnancy-associated OHSS cases, three of which were partial molar pregnancies. We present a two-case comparison that first examines an exceptionally rare OHSS case presentation of a 19-year-old female with a partial molar pregnancy that was also complicated by hCG-induced thyrotoxicosis. Following this, we discuss a case of the more classic presentation of OHSS caused by fertility treatments. This case report is of novel interest because we present a case comparison that emphasizes a rare, paradoxical association between OHSS and dilation-evacuation procedures that is important for physicians to be aware of - OHSS is not an adverse event of molar pregnancies that can be eliminated by declining hCG levels after a dilation and evacuation procedure; rather, in a molar pregnancy, OHSS occurs after the dilation and evacuation.

Targeted selective treatment with anthelmintic for New Zealand dairy heifers. We investigated whether measurement of live weight gain (LWG) could be used to deliver targeted selective treatment (TST) with anthelmintic that maintained target live weight (LW) while reducing anthelmintic use. Dairy heifers (n = 546) from four commercial, seasonal calving, pastoral New Zealand dairy herds in the Canterbury region of New Zealand were recruited to compare effects of TST, against suppressive treatment (ST), on LW and LWG in their first year at pasture. Animals were enrolled at weaning (December) and weighed +/- anthelmintic treatment every month until May and then in August and September, pre-mating in October. All ST calves were treated every month with an oral anthelmintic at 1 mL/5 kg LW, delivering 0.2 mg abamectin, 8 mg levamisole and 4.5 mg oxfendazole/kg LW, (Control). TST calves received the same anthelmintic at the same time but only if either their individual LWG fell below a pre-specified, time altered, breed specific target for that group (Group target) or if their individual LWG fell below an individual, time altered target for that individual (Individual target). Faecal egg count (FEC) and serum IgA OD levels were recorded from a sample of calves throughout the study. Compared to ST, anthelmintic use was halved in both TST groups (P < 0.001) and there was no evidence for differences in the proportion of calves reaching target LW pre-mating (Control = 80 (95 % CI = 79.1-87.2 %), Group = 78.9 (95 % CI = 59.6-98.2%), Individual = 78.2 (95 % CI = 58.4-97.9 %), P = 0.935). Control calves were heavier pre-mating (310 (95 % CI = 290-330 kg) than Group (300 (95 % CI = 280-320 kg) or Individual (298 (95 % CI = 278-318 kg), P < 0.001). An interaction between FEC and time meant calves with FEC > 200 EPG grew more slowly in the autumn (P < 0.001), but more quickly in the winter (P < 0.001). FEC and IgA OD levels were consistent with levels of parasitism sufficient to impact LWG, but there was no evidence for differences between treatment groups. Sensitivity and specificity of LW and LWG as predictors of reaching target weight varied month-on-month but these results suggest monthly LWG and LW were poor indicators for AHC treatment. In conclusion, TST can be effective in reducing anthelmintic use and maintaining group level performance. LW and LWG sensitivity was 57-85 % and 66-93 %; specificity 38-83 % and 32-79 %

An extended mini-complement factor H molecule ameliorates experimental C3 glomerulopathy. Abnormal regulation of the complement alternative pathway is associated with C3 glomerulopathy. Complement factor H is the main plasma regulator of the alternative pathway and consists of 20 short consensus repeat (SCR) domains. Although recombinant full-length factor H represents a logical treatment for C3 glomerulopathy, its production has proved challenging. We and others have designed recombinant mini-factor H proteins in which 'non-essential' SCR domains have been removed. Here, we report the in vitro and in vivo effects of a mini-complement factor H protein, FH1-5<^>18-20, using the unique factor H-deficient (Cfh -/-) mouse model of C3 glomerulopathy. FH1-5<^>18-20 is comprised of the key complement regulatory domains (SCRs 1-5) linked to the surface recognition domains (SCRs 18-20). Intraperitoneal injection of FH1-5<^>18-20 in Cfh -/- mice reduced abnormal glomerular C3 deposition, similar to full-length factor H. Systemic effects on plasma alternative pathway control were comparatively modest, in association with a short half-life. Thus, FH1-5<^>18-20 is a potential therapeutic agent for C3 glomerulopathy and other renal conditions with alternative pathway-mediated tissue injury.

2-Anilinoquinoline based arylamides as broad spectrum anticancer agents with B-RAF(V600E)/C-RAF kinase inhibitory effects: Design, synthesis, in vitro cell-based and oncogenic kinase assessments. Prompted by the urgent demand for identification of new anticancer agents with improved potency and efficacy, a new series of arylamides incorporating the privileged 2-anilinoquinoline scaffold has been designed, synthesized, and biologically assessed. Aiming at extensive evaluation of the target compounds' potency and spectrum, a panel of 60 clinically important cancer cell lines representing nine cancer types has been used. Compounds 9a and 9c, with piperazine substituted phenyl ring, emerged as the most active members surpassing the anticancer potencies of the FDA-approved drug imatinib. They elicited sub-micromolar or one-digit micromolar GI(50) values over the majority of tested cancer cells including multidrug resistant (MDR) cells like colon HCT-15, renal TK-10 and UO-31, and ovarian NCI/ADR-RES. In vitro mechanistic study showed that compounds 9a and 9c could trigger morphological changes, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Besides, compound 9c altered microtubule polymerization pattern in a similar fashion to paclitaxel. Kinase screening of 9c disclosed its inhibitory activity over B-RAFV600E and C-RAF kinases with IC50 values of 0.888 mu M and 0.229 mu M, respectively. Taken together, the current report presents compounds 9a and 9c as promising broad-spectrum potent anticancer candidates, which could be considered for further development of new anticancer drugs. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Nanometer-thick SPR sensor for gaseous HCl. The optical properties of electrochemically polymerized N-methylaniline are changed in the presence of gaseous hydrogen chloride. This effect was used for preparation of chemical sensors with transduction based on surface plasmon resonance. The interaction of hydrogen chloride with a two nm layer of poly-(N- methyl aniline) on gold leads to the shift of the surface plasmon resonance. The analysis of the resonance spectra demonstrates that the effect is caused by an increase of the imaginary component of the refractive index; a minor contribution is also provided by film condensation leading to an increase of the real component of the refractive index and a decrease in the thickness. The effect is selective and quasi-reversible. The concentration dependence of the gas effect obeys Langmuir ' s adsorption isotherm with a reciprocal value of the binding constant of 850 +/- 160 ppm. (c) 2004 Elsevier E.V. All rights reserved.

Linking online and offline intergenerational knowledge transfer to younger employees' innovative work behaviors: evidence from Chinese hospitals. Purpose Little is known about when younger employees' intergenerational knowledge transfer (IGKT) - behaviors of acquiring knowledge from older employees - improves their innovative work behaviors (IWB), especially in hospitals. Taking into consideration the moderating roles of individual absorptive capacity (AC) and organization size, this study aims to develop a theoretical model to account for the associations of both online and offline IGKT with younger employees' IWB. Design/methodology/approach The model was tested with a survey of 202 Chinese younger doctors (40 years old and below). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. Findings The results showed that both online IGKT and offline IGKT have significant positive relationships with younger doctors' IWB. Individual AC can strengthen the relationship between offline IGKT and IWB, and organization size can weaken the relationship. However, both individual AC and organization size do not significantly moderate the relationship between online IGKT and IWB. Originality/value The findings extend the understanding and application of individual-level knowledge-based view and media synchronicity theory by exploring the relationship of knowledge acquisition from older doctors through both online and offline communication channels with younger doctors' IWB.

Pulmonary Infarction Spectrum of Findings on Multidetector Helical CT. Results: Thirty-two percent (24/74) of patients with PE had pulmonary infarction. Thirty-three percent (8/24) of patients had more than 1 infarct. Seventy-three percent (27/37) of infarcts were in the lower lobes. The CT findings of pulmonary infarction included: focal decrease in parenchymal enhancement in 95% (35/37), broad pleural base in 65% (24/37), truncated apex in 57% (21/37), convex border in 46% (17/37), internal air lucencies in 32% (12/37), linear stranding from the apex toward the hilum in 24% (9/37), and a thickened vessel leading to the apex of the infarct in 14% (5/37). There was a trend toward a higher mean clot burden (12.3 vs. 10.5) between the patients with PE with and without infarction. Ninety-six percent (23/24) of patients with pulmonary infarction had predisposing factors for infarction, including PE involving more than 1 lobe (n=21), malignancy (n=5), and heart failure (n=3). Pleuritic chest pain was significantly more frequent in patients with infarction (P=0.0064).Objective: Despite the dual blood supply to the lung, acute pulmonary embolism (PE) can lead to a spectrum of ischemic injury to the lung resulting in infarction and hemorrhage. In this series we systematically describe the spectrum of CT findings and clinical correlates of pulmonary infarction in patients with PE.Methods: We retrospectively identified 24 consecutive adults with pulmonary infarction on multidetector CT between July 2002 and March 2004. There were 13 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 59 years. The cases were identified by review of 74 consecutive CTs demonstrating PE. Each CT was evaluated by 2 of 3 reviewers in consensus for presence and characteristics of peripheral parenchymal opacities and extent of PE. Peripheral opacities were evaluated for degree of enhancement, internal air lucencies, and contour. The presence of adjacent vessels and linear strands were noted. At the end of interpreting each case, the reviewers determined whether or not an infarct was present based on the constellation of previously described imaging features. The extent of pulmonary vascular obstruction was graded using the CT clot burden scoring system. Each chart was reviewed for predisposing factors for PE and infarction, presenting clinical symptoms/signs, and co-existing pulmonary or cardiac conditions.Conclusion: Pulmonary infarction occurred in nearly 1/3 of patients with PE in this series. The infarcts were peripheral parenchymal opacities characterized by a distinctive complex of findings on CT reflecting ischemic injury in the setting of a dual blood supply to the lung. Pleuritic chest pain was significantly associated with infarction.

OCTAPLAS - A VIRUS-INACTIVATED ALTERNATIVE TO FROZEN FRESH PLASMA. Plasma treated by the solvent/detergent (SD) method has been used clinically for several years now in Germany and some European countries. The transfusion-relevant viruses, HIV, HBV, and HCV, as well as CMV, which are lipid-coated, are inactivated rapidly and completely by SD during the manufacturing process. Although the infectivity of nonenveloped viruses is hardly affected by this method, substantial virus depletion occurs during the removal of the SD reagents. In addition, neutralizing antibodies in the pooled plasma, directed for example against HAV contribute significantly towards the virus safety of the final product, OCTAPLAS.

The vicarious liability of sports governing bodies and competition organisers. This is the first work to explore the possibility of holding sports governing bodies and competition organisers vicariously liable for the tortious behaviour of athletes that compete under their auspices. In contrast to other scholarly contributions on vicarious liability in sport, this paper examines the scope of responsibility for athletes in individual sports (as opposed to team sports). It begins by drawing upon the recent tribunal proceedings between professional cyclist Jess Varnish and British Cycling to analyse the employment status of government-funded individual athletes. In calling for a contextual and policy-sensitive approach to the definition of an 'employee', this paper argues that certain normative and theoretical considerations ought to be granted more or less weight depending on the particular legal issue animating the dispute. Thereafter, and with one eye on the overly intrusive regulatory provisions found in sports such as tennis and golf, this paper also demonstrates that the vicarious liability of governing bodies and competition organisers could equally be extended to cover the tortious conduct of non-funded individual athletes. In making these claims, it is demonstrated how a sport-specific application of the doctrine may help to teach us a few broader lessons about vicarious liability more generally.

Calibrated Breast Density Measurements. Results: In adjusted models, both PG(sd) and PD were statistically significantly associated with breast cancer with similar Az of 0.61-0.62. The corresponding ORs and confidence intervals were also similar. For PG(sd), the OR was 1.34 (1.09, 1.66) for the continuous measure and 1.83 (1.11, 3.02), 2.19 (1.28, 3.73), and 2.20 (1.26, 3.85) for Q2-Q4. For PD, the OR was 1.43 (1.16, 1.76) for the continuous measure and 0.84 (0.52, 1.38), 1.96 (1.19, 3.23), and 2.27 (1.29, 4.00) for Q2 -Q4. The results for PG(m) were slightly attenuated and not statistically significant. The OR was 1.22 (0.99, 1.51) with Az = 0.60 for the continuous measure and 1.24 (0.78, 1.97), 0.98 (0.60, 1.61), and 1.26, (0.77, 2.07) for Q2 -Q4 with Az = 0.60.Materials and Methods: A matched case control study (n = 319 pairs) was used to evaluate two calibrated measures of breast density. Two-dimensional mammograms were acquired from six Hologic mammography units: three conventional Selenia two-dimensional full-field digital mammography systems and three Dimensions digital breast tomosynthesis systems. We evaluated the capability of two calibrated breast density measures to quantify breast cancer risk: the mean (PG m ) and standard deviation (PG(sd)) of the calibrated pixels. Matching variables included age, hormone replacement therapy usage/duration, screening history, and mammography unit. Calibrated measures were compared to the percentage of breast density (PD) determined with the operator-assisted Cumulus method. Conditional logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (ORs) from continuous and quartile (Q) models with 95% confidence intervals. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) was also used as a comparison metric. Both univariate models and models adjusted for body mass index and ethnicity were evaluated.Conclusion: The calibrated PG(sd) measure provided significant associations with breast cancer comparable to those given by PD. The calibrated PG(m) performed slightly worse. These findings indicate that the calibration approach developed previously replicates under more general conditions.Rationale and Objectives: Mammographic density is an important risk factor for breast cancer, but translation to the clinic requires assurance that prior work based on mammography is applicable to current technologies. The purpose of this work is to evaluate whether a calibration methodology developed previously produces breast density metrics predictive of breast cancer risk when applied to a case-control study.

Protective effects of Akkermansia muciniphila on cognitive deficits and amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health problem without effective methods to alleviate the disease progression. Amyloid beta-protein (A beta) is widely accepted as a key biomarker for AD. Metabolic syndromes, including obesity and insulin resistance, are key high risk factors for AD. Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk), the only representative human gut microbe in the genus Verrucomicrobia, can prevent the weight gain caused by a high-fat diet, repair the damaged integrity of the intestinal epithelium barrier, reduce endotoxin levels in blood and improve insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of Akk administration in AD model mice in different diets.Methods: APP/PS1 mice were fed either a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet and were treated with Akk by gavage each day for 6 months. The impacts of Akk on glucose metabolism, intestinal barrier and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of AD were determined. Changes in brain pathology and neuroethology were also analyzed.Results: Akk effectively reduced the fasting blood glucose and serum diamine oxidase levels, and alleviated the reduction of colonic mucus cells in APP/PS1 mice. After treatment with Akk, the APP/PS1 mice showed obviously reduced blood lipid levels, improved hepatic steatosis and scapular brown fat whitening. Moreover, Akk promoted the reduction of A beta 40-42 levels in the cerebral cortex of APP/PS1 mice, shortened the study time and improved the completion rate in Y-maze tests.Conclusion: Akk effectively improved glucose tolerance, intestine barrier dysfunction and dyslipidemia in AD model mice. Our study results suggested that Akk could delay the pathological changes in the brain and relieve impairment of spatial learning and memory in AD model mice, which provides a new strategy for prevention and treatment of AD.

Effect of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis with immunoglobulin or with antiviral drugs on post-transplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a multicentre retrospective analysis. Methods In a multicentre retrospective study, we analysed the incidence of post-transplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 44 828 recipients of deceased-donor kidney transplants who were reported to the scientific registry of the Collaborative Transplant Study. Patients had received antiviral drugs (aciclovir or ganciclovir) or anti-CMV immunoglobulin to prevent CMV infection according to the transplant centres' protocols, or no CMV prophylaxis. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) of lymphoma were calculated and compared by chi(2) analyses.Background Post-transplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a feared complication of immunosuppressive treatment and is associated with high mortality. Most post-transplant lymphomas develop from the uncontrolled proliferation of Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-infected B lymphocytes. No reliable methods for the prevention of EBV infection and lymphoma are available. We aimed to elucidate the effect of prophylactic treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on the incidence of post-transplant lymphomas.Interpretation These findings suggest that prophylactic anti-CMV immunoglobulin prevents the development of early post-transplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma in kidney-graft recipients. Prophylactic treatment with antiviral drugs does not reduce the risk of post-transplant lymphoma.Findings During the first post-transplantation year, 30 255 patients who did not receive CMV prophylaxis developed lymphomas at SIR 26.4. Lymphoma incidence in 12 470 patients who received antiviral treatment was nearly identical (SIR 24.2, p=0.62) to that in patients who did not receive CMV prophylaxis. However, 2103 patients who received anti-CMV immunoglobulin showed a complete absence of lymphomas in the first after-transplantation. year (SIR 0; p=0.012 vs no treatment, p=0.016 vs antivirals). In the subsequent 5 years of follow-up, new cases of lymphoma developed at similar rates in all three groups (p=0.97).

Optical path pointing error and coaxiality analysis of APT system of space laser communication terminal. Precision beam pointing is the key indicator for APT (acquisition, pointing and tracking) system in space laser communication. The laser travels inside the optical system and the pointing vector will be affected by an assembly error of the axis and reflectors. In this paper, the model of the optical path pointing error and coaxiality error induced by the assembly error are established; the error distribution is given and a quantitative analysis is performed. The results show that the magnitude of pointing error is affected by the axis assembling error greatly but its distribution is susceptible to the reflector assembly error. Finally, the correction of coaxiality is performed and tested. The experimental results show that the coaxiality error can be greatly improved and the mean value of the coaxiality error of a beacon path and a signal path are 14 and 9.6 mu rad, respectively, which meets the requirements. This work can provide guidance for design and assembly of the APT and contribute to the improvement of its pointing performance.

Current changes in tropical precipitation. Current changes in tropical precipitation from satellite data and climate models are assessed. Wet and dry regions of the tropics are defined as the highest 30% and lowest 70% of monthly precipitation values. Observed tropical ocean trends in the wet regime (1.8%/decade) and the dry regions (-2.6%/decade) according to the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) over the period including Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data (1988-2008), where GPCP is believed to be more reliable, are of smaller magnitude than when including the entire time series (1979-2008) and closer to model simulations than previous comparisons. Analysing changes in extreme precipitation using daily data within the wet regions, an increase in the frequency of the heaviest 6% of events with warming for the SSM/I observations and model ensemble mean is identified. The SSM/I data indicate an increased frequency of the heaviest events with warming, several times larger than the expected Clausius-Clapeyron scaling and at the upper limit of the substantial range in responses in the model simulations.

Acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase activity is controlled by a protein acetyltransferase with unique domain organization in Streptomyces lividans. GCN5-typeN-acetyltransferases (GNATs) are enzymes that catalyse the transfer of the acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to a primary amine. GNATs are conserved in all domains of life. Some members of this family of enzymes acetylate the side-chain of specific lysine residues in proteins of diverse function. In bacteria, GNAT-catalysed protein acetylation regulates carbon metabolism, RNA metabolism and transcriptional regulation. Metabolic regulation in Streptomyces species is of interest due to the role of these organisms in natural product synthesis. Here we identify SlPatA, a GNAT in Streptomyces lividans with unique domain organization, and a new acetylation target, namely acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (SlAacS). The latter has homologues in all domains of life. In vitro and in vivo evidence show that SlAacS is a bona fide acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase. SlPatA acetylates SlAacS more efficiently than it does acetyl-CoA synthetase, an enzyme known to be under acetylation control. SlPatA acetylates SlAacS at the active-site residue Lys617 and acetylation inactivates SlAacS. Acetylated SlAacS was deacetylated by a sirtuin-type protein deacetylase. SlAacS acetylation/deacetylation may represent a conserved mechanism for regulation of acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase activity in all domains of life.

A reassessment of the purported ankylosaurian dinosaur Bienosaurus lufengensis from the Lower Lufeng Formation of Yunnan, China. The earliest definitive ornithischian dinosaurs are from the Early Jurassic and are rare components of early dinosaur faunas. The Lower Lufeng Formation (Hettangian-Sinemurian) of Yunnan Province, China, has yielded a diverse Early Jurassic terrestrial vertebrate fauna. This includes several incomplete specimens have been referred to Ornithischia, including the type specimen of the thyreophoran \\'Tatisaurus\\' and other generically indeterminate material. The highly fragmentary Lufeng ornithischian Bienosaurus lufengensis was described briefly in 2001 and identified as an ankylosaurian dinosaur. Recent studies have cast doubt on this hypothesis, however, and given that the referral of Bienosaurus to Ankylosauria would result in an extensive ghost-lineage extending between it and the first definitive eurypodans (ankylosaurs + stegosaurs) in the Middle Jurassic, the holotype specimen is re-examined and re-described. We identify Bienosaurus as a probable thyreophoran dinosaur, although the fragmentary nature of the material and the absence of autapomorphies means that the specimen should be regarded as a nomen dubium.

Executive Functions and Attention in Childhood Epilepsies: A Neuropsychological Hallmark of Dysfunction?. Objective: Patients with epilepsy are at risk for several lifetime problems, in which neuropsychological impairments may represent an impacting factor. We evaluated the neuropsychological functions in children suffering from three main epilepsy categories. Further, we analyzed the longitudinal evolution of the neuropsychological profile over time. Methods: Patients undergoing neuropsychological evaluation at our Department from 2012 to 2018 were identified retrospectively. We selected patients aged 6-16 years and with at least two evaluations. Three epilepsy categories were considered: focal/structural, focal self-limited, and idiopathic generalized. Each evaluation included the same structured assessment of main neuropsychological domains. The effect of the epilepsy category, illness duration, seizure status, and medication was computed in multilevel models. Results: We identified 103 patients (focal self-limited = 27; focal/structural = 51; and idiopathic generalized = 25), for 233 evaluations. The majority of deficits were reported in attention and executive functions (>30% of patients); the results were dichotomized to obtain global indexes. Multilevel models showed a trend toward statistical significance of category of epilepsy on the global executive index and of illness duration on global attention index. Illness duration predicted the scores of executive and attention tasks, while category and medication predicted executive task performance. Focal/structural epilepsies mostly affected the executive domain, with deficits persisting over time. By contrast, an ameliorative effect of illness duration for attention was documented in all epilepsies. Conclusions: This study offers lacking information about the evolution of deficits in time, the role of epilepsy category, and possible psychological implications for high-order cognitive skills, central in several social and academic problems.

Diagnosis of cervical thymoma by fine needle aspiration biopsy with flow cytometry - A case report. CASE: A 46-year-old, white female presented with what was clinically thought to be a left thyroid nodule. The patient underwent FNAB at an outside institution, and the diagnosis of \\'possible mixed lymphoma\\' was made by morphology alone. The patient was referred to our institution for repeat FNAB. Based upon the cytologic findings (cells with lymphoid morphology), flow cytometry was performed, and a diagnosis of cervical thymoma (versus ectopic thymic tissue) was based upon flow cytometry findings combined with morphology.BACKGROUND: Cervical thymoma is a rare entity. To our knowledge, this is the 20th reported case of cervical thymoma and the fourth case of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of this entity. To our knowledge, this is the only case in which cervical thymoma was a diagnostic consideration at the time of the FNAB diagnosis. The diagnosis was rendered because, unlike in previous cases, flow cytometric immunophenotyping was performed.CONCLUSION: When FNAB of a cervical mass, particularly one clinically thought to be a thyroid nodule, shows lymphoid cells without thyroid follicular cells, immunophenotyping may be extremely helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis.

TRANSLATING THE VIOLENT CONTENT OF GRIMM BROTHERS' FAIRY TALES: AN EYE-TRACKER EXPERIMENT. Eye tracking has been introduced as a tool to analyze cognitive processes of translators in recent years. Current research with eye tracker focuses on examining translation processes. As far as we know, however, this tool has not been used for detecting eye movement behaviors related to the cognitive processing of violent content in the source text (ST). As research in this area is emerging, this study aims to determine if semantic associations with violent actions or activities in the ST produces a response in the gaze behavior of the translator. This paper presents an experimental study to investigate the cognitive processes involved in the translation of three condensed versions of Grimm brothers' fairy tales. The selected texts present the range of violent content for which these tales are renowned. from more modem adaptations which remove the violent content to very explicit and graphicly violent stories. Texts were translated from Spanish (L2) into English (L1). Fixation counts and fixation duration were calculated for each participant in ten Areas of Interest (AOI) which represented challenges in translating various aspects of grammar and violence presented in these tales.

The microbial synthesis of flavin nucleotides: A review. Recent data on the synthesis and hydrolysis of flavin nucleotides in yeast and bacteria and the regulation of this process are summarized. Specific examples are provided and the prospects of the use of genetically modified microorganisms for the industrial manufacturing of flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide are considered.

C/N-0 Estimator Based on the Adaptive Strong Tracking Kalman Filter for GNSS Vector Receivers. The carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N-0) is an important indicator of the signal quality of global navigation satellite system receivers. In a vector receiver, estimating C/N-0 using a signal amplitude Kalman filter is a typical method. However, the classical Kalman filter (CKF) has a significant estimation delay if the signal power levels change suddenly. In a weak signal environment, it is difficult to estimate the measurement noise for CKF correctly. This article proposes the use of the adaptive strong tracking Kalman filter (ASTKF) to estimate C/N-0. The estimator was evaluated via simulation experiments and a static field test. The results demonstrate that the ASTKF C/N-0 estimator can track abrupt variations in C/N-0 and the method can estimate the weak signal C/N-0 correctly. When C/N-0 jumps, the ASTKF estimation method shows a significant advantage over the adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) method in terms of the time delay. Compared with the popular C/N-0 algorithms, the narrow-to-wideband power ratio (NWPR) method, and the variance summing method (VSM), the ASTKF C/N-0 estimator can adopt a shorter averaging time, which reduces the hysteresis of the estimation results.

Myocardial and mitochondrial effects of the anhydrase carbonic inhibitor ethoxzolamide in ischemia-reperfusion. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of extracellularly oriented carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms protects the myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, our aim was to assess the possible further contribution of CA intracellular isoforms examining the actions of the highly diffusible cell membrane permeant inhibitor of CA, ethoxzolamide (ETZ). Isolated rat hearts, after 20 min of stabilization, were assigned to the following groups: (1) Nonischemic control: 90 min of perfusion; (2) Ischemic control: 30 min of global ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (R); and (3) ETZ: ETZ at a concentration of 100 mu M was administered for 10 min before the onset of ischemia and then during the first 10 min of reperfusion. In additional groups, ETZ was administered in the presence of SB202190 (SB, a p38MAPK inhibitor) or chelerythrine (Chel, a protein kinase C [PKC] inhibitor). Infarct size, myocardial function, and the expression of phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK, PKC epsilon, HSP27, and Drp1, and calcineurin A beta content were assessed. In isolated mitochondria, the Ca2+ response, Ca2+ retention capacity, and membrane potential were measured. ETZ decreased infarct size by 60%, improved postischemic recovery of myocardial contractile and diastolic relaxation increased P-p38MAPK, P-PKC epsilon, P-HSP27, and P-Drp1 expression, decreased calcineurin content, and normalized calcium and membrane potential parameters measured in isolated mitochondria. These effects were significantly attenuated when ETZ was administered in the presence of SB or Chel. These data show that ETZ protects the myocardium and mitochondria against ischemia-reperfusion injury through p38MAPK- and PKC epsilon-dependent pathways and reinforces the role of CA as a possible target in the management of acute cardiac ischemic diseases.

Study of breakdown in yttrium aluminum garnet at subnanosecond times of increasing voltage. Crystallographically oriented channels with bottlenecks in the regions of reflection of the pulses have been obtained in aluminum yttrium garnet during multipulsed nanosecond breakdown from the anode under voltages of 100-140 kV, and the propagation rate of the fronts of the phase transition in this voltage range has been determined. It has been shown that the character of the observed pattern of the sequential formation of separate chains of the complete breakdown structure indicates that the channel is formed only locally and immediately at the point of time of passing the breakdown front since the maximal field strength, the magnitude of which determines the diameter of the breakdown channel, is observed in the vicinity of the breakdown front.

Large nonvolatile control of interfacial magnetic anisotropy in CoPt by a ferroelectric ZnO-based tunneling barrier. The electric control of magnetic anisotropy has important applications for nonvolatile memory and information processing. By first-principles calculations, we show a large nonvolatile control of magnetic anisotropy in the ferromagnetic/ferroelectric CoPt/ZnO interface. Using the switched electric polarization of ZnO, the density-of-states and magnetic anisotropy at the CoPt surface show a large change. Due to a strong Co/Pt orbitals hybridization and a large spin-orbit coupling, a large control of magnetic anisotropy was found. We experimentally measured the change of effective anisotropy by tunneling resistance measurements in CoPt/Mgdoped ZnO/Co junctions. Additionally, we corroborate the origin of the control of magnetic anisotropy by observations on tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance.

Natural history of choroidal neovascularization in high myopia. High myopia, or pathologic myopia, usually refers to a condition in which individuals have greater than 6 diopters of myopia or an axial length greater than 26 to 27 mm. The natural history of choroidal neovascularization in high myopia is variable, and reports to date have some conflicting information, but analysis shows fairly poor final visual outcomes. This outcome complicates recommendations for treatment and must be considered in future studies aimed at managing this disease. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Mood States as Predictors of Characteristics and Precipitants of Suicidality Among College Students. This article examines college students' self-reported mood states during a suicidal crisis and the relationship between mood and indicators of suicidality. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that the moods of hopelessness and anger predicted stronger intent; anxiety/worry predicted weaker thoughts of suicide; hopelessness increased the odds of receiving professional help, having a specific plan, and having contemplated methods; and guilt decreased the odds of having made preparations for an attempt. The associations between mood and precipitants of suicidal ideation are presented. Implications of these findings for increasing collaboration during the course of risk assessment and treatment are also discussed.

A complete representation theorem for G-martingales. In this article, we establish a complete representation theorem for G-martingales. Unlike the existing results in the literature, we provide the existence and uniqueness of the second-order term, which corresponds to the second-order derivative in Markovian case. The main ingredient of the article is a new norm for that second-order term, which is based on an operator introduced by Song.

Ridge preservation with a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite-A split-mouth study. Traumatic injuries of the teeth are a common finding in young patients. After tooth loss, functional and esthetic reconstruction with implants is often desirable. Sufficient bony tissue is prerequisite for successful implantation. Today, information about dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge with or without ridge preservation after tooth loss in young patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the dimensional changes of extraction sockets with or without guided bone regeneration. Twelve orthodontic patients with a total of 34 extracted premolars were enrolled in a split-mouth study. One side was augmented with a bone graft, and the other side was used as the control. The dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge were documented over a period of 84.5 +/- 31.5 days with plaster models. There was a significant difference in average bone loss between test (3.9 +/- 0.8 mm) and control (4.5 +/- 1.1 mm) ridges. Ridge preservation with the investigated material had beneficial effects on alveolar width after tooth extraction.

Operational Characteristics of an IPM-Type Bearingless Motor With 2-Pole Motor Windings and 4-Pole Suspension Windings. A bearingless motor (BelM) integrates the characteristics of an electric motor and a magnetic bearing. Typically, a surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM)-type BelM with a ring magnet magnetized in parallel is employed for high-speed operation. It is noteworthy that a carbon fiber bandage is needed to fix the ring magnet. However, when an SPM-type BelM is applied to a high-output motor, it becomes difficult to generate sufficient suspension force because of the wide magnetic gap arising from the carbon fiber bandage and the ring magnet. In addition, the manufacturing cost for the large-scale ring magnet and the carbon fiber bandage is high. Therefore, to realize a high-output and highspeed BelM at a low cost, we have focused on an interior permanent magnet (IPM)-type BelM with 2-pole motor windings and 4-pole suspension windings. Moreover, a rotor structure for suppressing suspension force ripple arising in the IPM-type BelM has been proposed based on a three-dimensional finite element analysis. In this study, a prototype of the IPM-type BelM with the proposed rotor structure is produced. Experiments with this prototype show that the proposed rotor structure is effective in reducing suspension-force ripple. Additionally, the operational characteristics of the prototype are shown in detail.

Constrained Dynamic Mean-Variance Portfolio Selection in Continuous-Time. This paper revisits the dynamic MV portfolio selection problem with cone constraints in continuous-time. We first reformulate our constrained MV portfolio selection model into a special constrained LQ optimal control model and develop the optimal portfolio policy of our model. In addition, we provide an alternative method to resolve this dynamic MV portfolio selection problem with cone constraints. More specifically, instead of solving the correspondent HJB equation directly, we develop the optimal solution for this problem by using the special properties of value function induced from its model structure, such as the monotonicity and convexity of value function. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate how to use our solution in real application. The illustrative example demonstrates that our dynamic MV portfolio policy dominates the static MV portfolio policy.

European consensus-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of immunoglobulin A vasculitis-the SHARE initiative. Objectives. IgA vasculitis (IgAV, formerly known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura) is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in childhood. To date, there are no internationally agreed, evidence-based guidelines concerning the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of IgAV in children. Accordingly, treatment regimens differ widely. The European initiative SHARE (Single Hub and Access point for paediatric Rheumatology in Europe) aims to optimize care for children with rheumatic diseases. The aim therefore was to provide internationally agreed consensus recommendations for diagnosis and treatment for children with IgAV.Results. In total, 7 recommendations for diagnosis and 19 for treatment of paediatric IgAV were accepted. Diagnostic recommendations included: appropriate use of skin and renal biopsy, renal work-up and imaging. Treatment recommendations included: the importance of appropriate analgesia and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use and non-renal indications for CS use, as well as a structured approach to treating IgAV nephritis, including appropriate use of CS and second-line agents in mild, moderate and severe disease along with use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and maintenance therapy.Methods. Recommendations were developed by a consensus process in accordance with the EULAR standard operating procedures. An extensive systematic literature review was performed, and evidence-based recommendations were extrapolated from the included papers. These were evaluated by a panel of 16 international experts via online surveys and subsequent consensus meeting, using nominal group technique. Recommendations were accepted when >= 80% of experts agreed.Conclusion. The SHARE initiative provides international, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of IgAV that will facilitate improvement and uniformity of care.

Constrained Labour Agency and the Changing Regulatory Regime in China. Using the concept of 'constrained agency' introduced by Neil Coe and David Jordhus-Lier, this article attempts to evaluate the possibilities and constraints facing labour agency in the Pearl River Delta in China. By reviewing the social, economic and political background of the changing labour market and labour regulations in China, and through an intensive case study of a workers' strike and its consequences, the author argues that Chinese migrant workers have begun to challenge the state's regulatory regime on labour, which is based on individual rights. However, the introduction of a regulatory framework based on collective rights is being impeded by the party-state's manipulation of trade unions and the strong influence of global capital on local labour policy.

Gold doping of tin clusters: exo- vs. endohedral complexes. We present molecular beam electric deflection experiments on neutral gold-doped tin clusters. The experimental SnNAu (N = 6-16) cluster beam profiles are interpreted by means of classical trajectory simulations supplied, with cluster structures generated by a genetic algorithm based on density functional theory. The combined experimental and theoretical analysis confirms that at least nine tin atoms are necessary to form a cage that is capable of encapsulating a gold atom, with high symmetry only marginally distorted by the gold atom. Two-component DFT calculations reveal that for some clusters spin-orbit effects are necessary to properly describe these species. Partial charge analysis methods predict the presence of charge transfer effects from the tin host to the dopant, resulting in a negatively charged gold atom.

Validity and Reliability of Persian Version of the 12-Item Expectations Regarding Aging Survey. Objective:The present study was designed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Persian version of the 12-item Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA) survey among the older adult Iranian population. Methods: The Persian version of this scale was developed using translation and revision in the current study. The construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability was assessed through internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega), composite reliability (CR), and maximal reliability (MaXR). The data compiled online was based on a sample of 400 older adults aged 65 years and older. Results: The Persian version includes 12 items loading onto three factors with 12 items explaining 46.633% of the total variance with excellent internal consistency and reliability. Conclusion: The Persian version of ERA is reliable and valid that can be used to assess the ERA concept among older adults.

Conformational composition and molecular mobility in comb-shaped polymers with fluoroalkyl side groups: Study by IR spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. IR spectra of comb-shaped polymers with fluoroalkyl side groups were studied in the 293-373 K range. It was shown that a number of absorption bands sharply change their intensity in the region of the phase transitions of poly(fluoroalkyl acrylate) and poly(fluoroalkyl methacrylate) in contrast to the amorphous poly(fluoroalkyl fumarate). The methods of vibrational spectroscopy and quantum chemistry were employed to study the structure and conformational composition of a comb-shaped poly(fluoroalkyl acrylate) exhibiting LC properties; it was established that four stable conformations of the polymer can exist. Using experimental and theoretical methods of vibrational spectroscopy, it was demonstrated that, in the phase transition of poly(fluoroalkyl acrylate) at 350 K, conformational changes are observed in the side chain of the polymer and these changes involve a rotation about a C-O bond of an ester group which leads to the breakdown of the layered structures formed by the side fluoroalkyl groups.

Critical analysis of communication strategies in public health promotion: An empirical-ethical study on organ donation in Germany. Given the need for organs, public organizations use social marketing strategies to increase the number of donors. Their campaigns employ a variety of moral appeals. However, their effects on audiences are unclear. We identified 14 campaigns in Germany from over the last 20 years. Our approach combined a multimodal analysis of categorized posters with a qualitative analysis of responses, collected in interviews or focus groups, of 53 persons who were either skeptical or undecided about organ donation. The combined analyses revealed that the posters failed to motivate laypersons in general to donate, and were even less effective on skeptical or undecided individuals. We explain this in terms of the types of moral messages found on posters and the limits of such social marketing strategies. Furthermore, we discuss certain ethical aspects of organ donation campaigns pertaining to communicating norms and trust in public institutions.

Efficient use of single molecule time traces to resolve kinetic rates, models and uncertainties. Single molecule time traces reveal the time evolution of unsynchronized kinetic systems. Especially single molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) provides access to enzymatically important time scales, combined with molecular distance resolution and minimal interference with the sample. Yet the kinetic analysis of smFRET time traces is complicated by experimental shortcomings-such as photo-bleaching and noise. Here we recapitulate the fundamental limits of single molecule fluorescence that render the classic, dwell-time based kinetic analysis unsuitable. In contrast, our Single Molecule Analysis of Complex Kinetic Sequences (SMACKS) considers every data point and combines the information of many short traces in one global kinetic rate model. We demonstrate the potential of SMACKS by resolving the small kinetic effects caused by different ionic strengths in the chaperone protein Hsp90. These results show an unexpected interrelation between conformational dynamics and ATPase activity in Hsp90. Published by AIP Publishing.

TONE, AUTOREGULATORY PROPERTIES, AND WALL THICKNESS-TO-RADIUS RATIO IN SKELETAL-MUSCLE ARTERIOLES. Internal diameter, wall thickness, wall thickness-to-radius ratio (W/r), and blood flow velocity in arterioles of different branching orders were measured in the rat cremaster muscle. The heterogeneity of W/r increased in more distal orders. During papaverine treatment, there was a direct correlation between vasodilation and W/r. When pressure was decreased by 20%, 42% of arterioles showed autoregulation; the remaining arterioles constricted in proportion to initial W/r. Similarly, the dilatation of arterioles with autoregulatory properties increased with initial W/r. It is concluded that W/r is an important parameter quantitatively related to tone, mechanical characteristics, and autoregulatory properties of arterioles.

Unraveling the Structural Landscape of Chitosan-Based Heparan Sulfate Mimics Binding to Growth Factors: Deciphering Structural Determinants for Optimal Activity. Chitosan sulfates have demonstrated the ability to mimic heparan sulfate (HS) function. In this context, it is crucial to understand how the specific structural properties of HS domains determine their functionalities and biological activities. In this study, several HS-mimicking chitosans have been prepared to mimic the structure of HS domains that have proved to be functionally significant in cell processes. The results presented herein are in concordance with the hypothesis that sulfated chitosan-growth factor (GF) interactions are controlled by a combination of two effects: the electrostatic interactions and the conformational adaptation of the polysaccharide. Thus, we found that highly charged O-sulfated S-CS and S-DCS polysaccharides with a low degree of contraction interacted more strongly with GFs than N-sulfated N-DCS, with a higher degree of contraction and a low charge. Finally, the evidence gathered suggests that N-DCS would be able to bind to an allosteric zone and is likely to enhance GF signaling activity. This is because the bound protein remains able to bind to its cognate receptor, promoting an effect on cell proliferation as has been shown for PC12 cells. However, S-CS and S-DCS would sequester the protein, decreasing the GF signaling activity by depleting the protein or locally blocking its active site.

Wide-view and broadband circular polarizers for transflective liquid crystal displays. A simple wide-view and broadband circular polarizer comprising of a linear polarizer and two uniaxial films is proposed to enhance the viewing angle of transflective liquid crystal displays (LCDs). For the transmissive mode, over the entire 90 viewing cone, the normalized light leakage from two stacked circular polarizers is suppressed to below 1.5 x 10(-2), and contrast ratio over 10:1 is obtained using a normally black vertically aligned transflective LCD. At the same time, this configuration warrants a broadband operation and reasonably good viewing angle (10:1 contrast ratio is over 40 at all directions) for the reflective mode. The physical mechanisms for achieving broadband operation and wide viewing angle are discussed.

Zebrafish Her8a Is Activated by Su(H)-Dependent Notch Signaling and Is Essential for the Inhibition of Neurogenesis. Understanding how diversity of neural cells is generated is one of the main tasks of developmental biology. The Hairy/E(spl) family members are potential targets of Notch signaling, which has been shown to be fundamental to neural cell maintenance, cell fate decisions, and compartment boundary formation. However, their response to Notch signaling and their roles in neurogenesis are still not fully understood. In the present study, we isolated a zebrafish homologue of hairy/E(spl), her8a, and showed this gene is specifically expressed in the developing nervous system. her8a is positively regulated by Su(H)-dependent Notch signaling as revealed by a Notch-defective mutant and injection of variants of the Notch intracellular regulator, Su(H). Morpholino knockdown of Her8a resulted in upregulation of proneural and post-mitotic neuronal markers, indicating that Her8a is essential for the inhibition of neurogenesis. In addition, markers for glial precursors and mature glial cells were down-regulated in Her8a morphants, suggesting Her8a is required for gliogenesis. The role of Her8a and its response to Notch signaling is thus similar to mammalian HES1, however this is the converse of what is seen for the more closely related mammalian family member, HES6. This study not only provides further understanding of how the fundamental signaling pathway, Notch signaling, and its downstream genes mediate neural development and differentiation, but also reveals evolutionary diversity in the role of H/E(spl) genes.

Recital I (for Cathy): A Drama 'Through the Voice'. Work on this article began as a contribution to a wider discussion of twentieth-century music theatre, and in particular a genre in the category of twentieth-century musical monodramas - one-act staged monologues with, or in music for, one performer l My current research focuses on the genesis and performance tradition of works composed for solo female singer, and raises questions about the creative agency of the performer in the making of such works, reflecting on matters such as subjectivity, voice, and identity. 2 If this outlook may slightly drift from a conventional narrative springing from the composer's voice, a critical investigation of the collaborative process foregrounding the genealogy of some of these works is compelling, especially since every composer who embarked on this 'genre', or compositional topos, inflected it in idiosyncratic ways. In works such as Erwartung, La Voix humaine, The Testament of Eve, Neither, and La machine de l'etre, the performative voice of the female soloist to whom the work was tailored became a generative element capable of shaping the formal, musical, and dramaturgical material. 3 Examination of selected case studies, focusing especially on the creative and performative processes surrounding these works, triggers an array of questions about gender politics. More importantly, transversal insight into the making of these works and their performativity reveals the interconnected nature of the two phases of creation and performance. In musical monodrama, more than in larger forms of music theatre, the two processes interweave and depend on each other; reconstructing the performative genealogy of the 'work' reveals an intrinsic impasse in the very notion of the musical 'text' associated exclusively with the compiled score and its literary sources.

Ribosome profiling analysis of human skeletal muscle identifies reduced translation of mitochondrial proteins with age. With advancing age, human muscle loses strength and function, but the molecular causes of these losses are unknown. Skeletal muscle shows an age-dependent decline in the levels of different proteins, but whether such decline is associated with reduced translation has not been studied. To address this gap of knowledge, we used the technique of ribosome profiling to study translation in muscle from middle-aged and old individuals. Using ribosome occupancy as a measure of translation status, several mRNAs showed differential translation with age. Older age was associated with lower translation of myosin and titin isoforms and more broadly with the translation of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation encoded by the mitochondrial genome. Based on our findings, we propose that mitochondrial proteins are less translated in old skeletal muscle.

ELISA versus PCR for diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Background: Most current guidelines recommend two serological tests to diagnose chronic Chagas disease. When serological tests are persistently inconclusive, some guidelines recommend molecular tests. The aim of this investigation was to review chronic Chagas disease diagnosis literature and to summarize results of ELISA and PCR performance.Conclusions: Both conventional and recombinant based ELISA give useful information, however there are commercial tests without technical reports and therefore were not included in this review. Physicians need to have access to technical reports to understand if these serological tests are similar to those included in this review and therefore correctly order and interpret test results. Currently, PCR should not be used in clinical practice for chronic Chagas disease diagnosis and there is no PCR test commercially available for this purpose. Tests limitations and directions for future research are discussed.Results: Heterogeneity was high within each test (ELISA and PCR) and threshold effect was detected only in a particular subgroup. Reference standard blinding partially explained heterogeneity in ELISA studies, and pooled sensitivity and specificity were 97.7% [96.7%-98.5%] and 96.3% [94.6%-97.6%] respectively. Commercial ELISA with recombinant antigens studied in phase three investigations partially explained heterogeneity, and pooled sensitivity and specificity were 99.3% [97.9%-99.9%] and 97.5% [88.5%-99.5%] respectively. ELISA's reliability was seldom studied but was considered acceptable. PCR heterogeneity was not explained, but a threshold effect was detected in three groups created by using guanidine and boiling the sample before DNA extraction. PCR sensitivity is likely to be between 50% and 90%, while its specificity is close to 100%. PCR reliability was never studied.Methods: A systematic review was conducted searching remote databases (MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, SCOPUS and ISIWeb) and full texts bibliography for relevant abstracts. In addition, manufacturers of commercial tests were contacted. Original investigations were eligible if they estimated sensitivity and specificity, or reliability -or if their calculation was possible - of ELISA or PCR tests, for chronic Chagas disease.

PROVOCATION Magawisca's Light A Recuperative Approach to Catharine Maria Sedgwick's Hope Leslie. Much of past scholarship on Catharine Sedgwick's 1827 work Hope Leslie, has focused on Sedgwick's shortcomings in her portrayal of Magawisca, an Indigenous princess and one of the novel's dual protagonists. While there is validity to these critiques, they miss the provocative ways that Sedgwick challenges assumptions about gender and nature through her characterization of Magawisca and the broader treatment of Indigenous characters and land in the novel. Sedgwick provides narrative clues in her text that lead her readers to a place of moral outrage at Magawisca's fate. She persuades her readers to reject material oppression and exploitation, such as the Indian Removal Act, which was passed shortly after the publication of her novel, by training her readers to value both Magawisca's material existence and her anticolonial postures toward the land. This project examines the text's repeated connections between Magawisca's body and forms of natural light through the intersecting lenses of new materialism and ecofeminism to argue that Sedgwick's novel ultimately pushes back against a culture that exploits the material and violates Indigenous bodies and homelands.

Shorter than a text, longer than a sentence Source text length for ecologically valid translation experiments. This paper investigates what effect the length of the source text has both on the translation process and on the translation product. In an eye-tracking and keystroke logging experiment, we compared three conditions, namely full texts, three-sentence sequences and single sentences as source items. The results suggest that translations of single sentences differ significantly from full texts, whereas three-sentence sequences are representative of the full text condition. Therefore, research in process-based translation studies might benefit from using shorter source texts without endangering the ecological validity of experiments.

Prospects for vaccination against the ticks of pets and the potential impact on pathogen transmission. Diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors such as ticks greatly impact human and animal health. In particular, many diseases of dogs and cats are potentially transmissible to people by arthropod vectors and therefore their control is important for the eradication of vector-borne diseases (VBD). Vaccination is an environmentally friendly alternative for vector control that allows control of several VBD by targeting their common vector. Recent results have shown that it is possible to use vector protective antigens for the control of arthropod vector infestations and pathogen infection. However, as reviewed in this paper, very little progress has been made for the control of ectoparasite infestations and VBD in pets using vaccination with vector protective antigens. The growing interaction between pets and people underlines the importance of developing new interventions for the monitoring and control of VBD. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The use of heat-assisted antigravity drainage method in the two horizontal wells in gas production from the Qilian Mountain permafrost hydrate deposits. The occurrence of gas hydrate deposits in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau permafrost (QTPP) were confirmed during the Scientific Drilling Project of Gas Hydrate in Qilian Mountain permafrost (QMP) in 2008-2009. A total of four test wells were completed, and gas hydrate samples were obtained from the drilling wells of DK-1, DK-2, and DK-3. The objective of this study is the analysis of gas production potential from gas hydrate-bearing zone of DK-2 using dual horizontal wells based on its geological properties at this site. In this paper, production strategies of permafrost hydrate deposits with the novel Heat-Assisted Antigravity Drainage (HAAD) method are investigated numerically. Gas production is induced in a two-well system and its influence factors are evaluated. When suitable heat injection rate and depressurization driving force are applied to the lower well and the upper well, respectively, favorable gas-to-water ratio and energy ratio can be obtained during the whole HAAD process. However, the absolute gas production rate may not be economically attractive for the production method we have employed. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the hydrate deposits with higher intrinsic permeability and larger rock porosity will show better perspective for hydrate exploitation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Power and development in practice: NGOs and the development agenda setting. There is a firm belief and evidence to suggest that local communities benefit when they are actively engaged in development processes. A parallel discourse has also gained ascendancy - one which posits that if the poor have power, they will influence institutions and processes to their advantage. NGOs have been, and continue to be, the primary proponents of this thinking. While the assertion holds some substance theoretically, in practice, there is a dearth of evidence to substantiate this claim. Using post-development and post-colonial theories, this article examines ways in which NGOs exercise and govern power in development practice.

Two unusual observations of facial eczema of sheep. Two nock of sheep, situated in Dordogne and in the Nievre are affected by large scale facial eczema. It progresses up to the hindquarters in the first flock and up to the vulva in the second. Examinations on the sheep of the Dordogne nock show that only the animals of Lacaune breed kept outside are affected. The affection comes in fact from grass contaminated by Pithomyces chartatum. Concerning the second nock, the samples taken late, do not make it possible to reveal the fongus. The two cases are both interesting: the first because of the extension of the lesions and the second because of its geographic localisation never met before. (5 photos, 4 boxes, 6 references).

Techniques of Neutralization and Persistent Sexual Abuse by Clergy: A Content Analysis of Priest Personnel Files From the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The sexual abuse problem in the Catholic Church has received considerable attention by the media in recent years and growing attention from empirical researchers. Despite this growth, there is a lack of theoretical research that uses neutralization techniques to examine clergy offending. Using Sykes and Matza's theory, this study examines the techniques of neutralization used by accused priests in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Priests' personnel files, which were made publicly available by the Archbishop of Milwaukee in July 2013, were analyzed retrospectively through a qualitative content analysis of all direct statements and correspondences from the accused. The findings indicate that many priests denied responsibility or injury in an effort to justify their sexually abusive behaviors, but that no discernible patterns of technique use emerged. The need for continued research using recently released personnel files from other dioceses is also discussed.

Family stress and support among former Soviet immigrants. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to investigate types of family support and stress among former Soviet immigrants. Forty-two immigrants (14 males and 28 females) were interviewed about their immigration experiences, including description of current relationships with family in the resettlement country. Content analysis of interview data documented that immigrant families cart be a valuable source of emotional and/or instrumental support Immigrant families, however; can also be too overwhelmed by their own immigration demands to provide support or can generate additional stress for its members. Types of family stress included conflict from differing values and opinions, increased responsibility for family members who could not manage resettlement on their own, family members' emotional distress over immigration experiences, unmet expectations for family members' adjustment, and changes in household composition and living arrangements upon arrival in the United States.

Identifying factors hampering physical activity in longstanding rheumatoid arthritis: what is the role of glucocorticoid therapy?. ObjectiveConclusionPhysical activity in longstanding RA is hampered by higher age, higher BMI, higher disease activity, and more radiographic joint damage. Glucocorticoid therapy was not identified as independent risk factor in multivariate analyses.Patient characteristics, disease characteristics and cardiovascular parameters were recorded in 170 patients, who participated in a study about glucose metabolism in longstanding RA treated with or without glucocorticoids. Disease activity scores (DAS28) were calculated and x-rays of hands and feet were taken and scored according to the Sharp van der Heijde score (SHS). Participants completed the health assessment questionnaire and short questionnaire to assess health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH), which reflect physical disability and physical activity, respectively. Adherence rates to recommendations on physical activity were calculated, and patients were categorised as fully adhering, insufficiently adhering (adherence on less than the recommended number of days per week) or inactive (adherence on none of the days).MethodsTo identify factors hampering the level of physical activity in longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to evaluate the effects of glucocorticoid therapy on physical activity.Forty-four percent of the patients showed adherence to the recommended minimum level of physical activity, and 22% were classified as inactive. Higher DAS28 and SHS, glucocorticoid therapy, and presence of cardiovascular risk factors were associated with dower total SQUASH physical activity scores univariately. In a multivariate model, higher age, higher body mass index (BMI), higher DAS28, and higher SHS negatively influenced the score significantly; cardiovascular risk factors and glucocorticoid therapy were no longer significantly influencing physical activity.Results

Surface tension and capillary waves at the nematic-isotropic interface in ternary mixtures of liquid crystal, colloids, and impurities. In mixtures of thermotropic liquid crystals with spherical poly(methyl methacrylate) particles, self-supporting networklike structures are formed during slow cooling past the isotropic-to-nematic phase transition. Experimental results support the hypothesis that a third component, alkane remnants slowly liberated from the particles, plays a crucial role. A theoretical model, based on the phenomenological Landau-de Gennes, Carnahan-Starling, and hard-sphere crystal theories, is developed to describe the continuous phase separation in a ternary nematic-impurity-colloid mixture. The interfacial tension and the dispersion relation of the surface modes of the nematic-isotropic interface are determined. The colloids decrease the interfacial tension and the damping rate of surface waves, whereas impurities act in an opposite way. This should strongly influence the formation of abovementioned networklike structures and could help explain some of their rheological properties.

Seroprevalence of Alkhurma and Other Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Saudi Arabia. A 2009 deployment of military units from several Saudi Arabian provinces to Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, enabled us to evaluate exposure to Alkhurma, Crimean-Congo, dengue, and Rift Valley hemorrhagic fever viruses. Seroprevalence to all viruses was low; however, Alkhurma virus seroprevalence was higher (1.3%) and less geographically restricted than previously thought.

Adherence and invasive properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains correlates with the predicted membrane-associated and secreted proteome. Results: Comparative analyses of 20 C. diphtheriae genome sequences, including 16 publicly available genomes, revealed a pan-genome comprising 3,989 protein coding sequences that include 1,625 core genes and 2,364 accessory genes. Most of the genomic variation between these strains relates to uncharacterised genes encoding hypothetical proteins or transposases. Further analyses of protein sequences using an array of bioinformatic tools predicted most of the accessory proteome to be located in the cytoplasm. The membrane-associated and secreted proteins are generally involved in adhesion and virulence characteristics. The genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, especially the number and organisation of the pilus gene clusters (spa) including the number of genes encoding surface proteins with LPXTG motifs differed between different strains. Other variations were among the genes encoding extracellular proteins, especially substrate binding proteins of different functional classes of ABC transport systems and 'non-classical' secreted proteins.Conclusions: The structure and organisation of the spa gene clusters correlates with differences in the ability of C. diphtheriae strains to adhere and invade the host cells. Furthermore, differences in the number of genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, e.g., additional proteins with LPXTG motifs could also result in variation in the adhesive properties between different strains. The variation in the secreted proteome may be associated with the degree of pathogenesis. While the role of the 'non-classical' secretome in virulence remains unclear, differences in the substrate binding proteins of various ABC transport systems and cytoplasmic proteins potentially suggest strain variation in nutritional requirements or a differential ability to utilize various carbon sources.Background: Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains are emerging as a major cause of severe pharyngitis and tonsillitis as well as invasive diseases such as endocarditis, septic arthritis, splenic abscesses and osteomyelitis. C. diphtheriae strains have been reported to vary in their ability to adhere and invade different cell lines. To identify the genetic basis of variation in the degrees of pathogenicity, we sequenced the genomes of four strains of C. diphtheriae (ISS 3319, ISS 4060, ISS 4746 and ISS 4749) that are well characterised in terms of their ability to adhere and invade mammalian cells.

Context-dependent activity of A domains in the tyrocidine synthetase. Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large, modular enzymes that produce bioactive peptides of tremendous structural and chemical diversity, due to the incorporation, alongside the canonical 20 amino acids, of non-proteinogenic amino acids, fatty acids, sugars and heterocyclic rings. For linear NRPSs, the size and composition of the peptide product is dictated by the number, order and specificity of the individual modules, each made of several domains. Given the size and complexity of NRPSs, most in vitro studies have focused on individual domains, di-domains or single modules extracted from the full-length proteins. However, intermodular interactions could play a critical role and regulate the activity of the domains and modules in unpredictable ways. Here we investigate in vitro substrate activation by three A domains of the tyrocidine synthetase TycC enzyme, systematically comparing their activity when alone (with the respective PCP domain), in pairs (di-modular constructs) or all together (tri-modular construct). Furthermore, we study the impact of mutations in the A or PCP domains in these various constructs. Our results suggest that substrate adenylation and effects of mutations largely depend on the context in which the domains/modules are. Therefore, generalizing properties observed for domains or modules in isolation should be done with caution.

Multicenter phase 1/2 application of adenovirus-specific T cells in high-risk pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Background. Adenovirus (ADV) reactivation can cause significant morbidity and mortality in children after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Antiviral drugs can control viremia, but viral clearance requires recovery of cell-mediated immunity. Method. This study was an open-label phase 1/2 study to investigate the feasibility of generating donor-derived ADV-specific T cells (Cytovir ADV, Cell Medica) and to assess the safety of pre-emptive administration of ADV-specific T cells in high-risk pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat adenoviremia. Primary safety endpoints included graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and secondary endpoints determined antiviral responses and use of antiviral drugs. Results. Between January 2013 and May 2016, 92 donors were enrolled for the production of ADV T cells at three centers in the United Kingdom (UK), and 83 products were generated from 72 mobilized peripheral blood harvests and 20 steady-state whole blood donations. Eight children received Cytovir ADV T cells after standard therapy and all resolved ADV viremia between 15 and 127 days later. ADV-specific T cells were detectable using enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot) in the peripheral blood of all patients analyzed. Serious adverse events included Grade II GvHD, Astrovirus encephalitis and pancreatitis. Conclusion. The study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of pre-emptively manufacturing peptide pulsed ADV-specific cells for high-risk pediatric patients after transplantation and provides early evidence of clinical efficacy.

Thickness-Dependent High-Temperature Piezo- and Ferro-Electricity in a Fluorenone-Based Molecular Crystal. Organic polar crystalline materials, featuring the merits of lightweight, flexibility, and low fabrication costs, are emerging as promising alternatives for inorganic ferroelectrics, but so far, they are not competitive. The main reasons are the moderate polar properties of such materials and the fact that the temperature of the phase transition from polar to nonpolar states (Curie point) is typically located near room temperature. The organic molecular crystal of the fluorenone derivative 2,7-diphenyl-9H-fluorene-9-one (DPFO) is demonstrated to feature robust high-temperature piezo- and ferro-electric properties, with a relatively high local piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)) of approximate to 120 pm V-1. The origin of the strong piezoelectricity is attributed to the presence of intrinsic domain structures in the DPFO microfiber crystals, originating from intramolecular co-operation between the central fluorenone backbone and the external phenyl rings that are found stable up to 423 K. Moreover, this intramolecular co-operation and the corresponding polar properties are found to depend on the thickness of the DPFO microfiber, resulting in a change from ferroelectric (<0.5 mu m) to piezoelectric (>= 0.5 mu m) behavior. Considering the low cost and flexible production of such fluorenone-based organic lead-free ferroelectrics, this is a very promising strategy toward technological applications in electromechanical actuators, sensors, energy harvesters, and non-volatile memory cells.

Soma-conceptual choreographic strategies in Boris Charmatz's enfant. This article explores the sociocultural and political potential of touch-based somatic practices in relation to a performance by French conceptual choreographer Boris Charmatz entitled enfant (child) from 2011. By doing so it aims to bring together two seemingly incommensurable approaches to choreography: somatic and conceptual practices of dance. enfant is a piece for ten to 26 children (between the age of 6-12), nine professional adult dancers and two machines. The first half of the piece sees the adults manipulating the children, who seem to be asleep, in a doll-like fashion. Though some of the images are visually beautiful and virtuous, there is a sinister tone to the choreography. The piece explores the sensitivities and anxieties around the politics of touching children, addressing social taboos as the children seem vulnerable and helpless at first. As the piece progresses the tables turn, the children awake and start to play and manipulate the adults in a joyful explosion of activity, energy and power. In this article Im interested in examining how somatic practices, as essentially the undoing of learned behaviour, can be extended beyond the body of the individual to the collective and/or social body. Ultimately it questions what the status of children in our society is and how touch-based somatic practices can embody a critique of social, cultural and political norms in the twenty-first century.

Secondary successions of biota in oil-polluted peat soil upon different biological remediation methods. The effects of different bioremediation methods on restoration of the oil-polluted peat soil (Histosol) in the northernmost taiga subzone of European Russia was studied. The population dynamics of microorganisms belonging to different trophic groups (hydrocarbon-oxidizing, ammonifying, nitrifying, and oligonitrophilic) were analyzed together with data on the soil enzyme (catalase and dehydrogenase) activities, population densities of soil microfauna groups, their structures, and states of phytocenoses during a sevenyear-long succession. The remediation with biopreparations Roder composed of oil-oxidizing microorganisms-Roder with Rhodococcus rubber and R. erythropolis and Universal with Rhodotorula glutinis and Rhodococcus sp.-was more efficient than the agrochemical and technical remediation. It was concluded that the biopreparations activate microbiological oil destruction, thereby accelerating restoration succession of phytocenosis and zoocenosis. The succession of dominant microfauna groups was observed: the dipteran larvae and Mesostigmata mites predominant at the early stages were replaced by collembolans at later stages. The pioneer oribatid mite species were Tectocepheus velatus, Oppiella nova, Liochthonius sellnicki, Oribatula tibialis, and Eupelops sp.

Refractory Graves' Disease Successfully Cured by Adjunctive Cholestyramine and Subsequent Total Thyroidectomy. The three major forms of treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis are antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy. Surgery is the definitive treatment for Graves thyrotoxicosis that is generally recommended when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated. Generally, thyrotoxic patients should be euthyroid before surgery to minimize potential complications which usually requires preoperative management with thionamides or inorganic iodine. But several cases of refractory Graves' disease have shown resistance to conventional treatment. Here we report a 40-year-old female patient with Graves' disease who complained of thyrotoxic symptoms for 7 months. Her thyroid function test and thyroid autoantibody profiles were consistent with Graves' disease. One kind of thionamides and beta-blocker were started to control her disease. However, she was resistant to nearly all conventional medical therapies, including beta-blockers, inorganic iodine, and two thionamides. She experienced hepatotoxicity from the thionamides. What was worse is her past history of serious allergic reaction to corticosteroids, which are often used to help control symptoms. A 2-week regimen of high-dose cholestyramine improved her uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and subsequent thyroidectomy was successfully performed. In conclusion, cholestyramine could be administered as an effective and safe adjunctive agent for preoperative preparation in patients with severe hyperthyroid Graves' disease that is resistant to conventional therapies.

Hydrometallurgical process for recovery of cadmium from the plant sewage sludge. A hydrometallurgical process has been developed for recovery of cadmium from the zinc plant sewage sludge. The residue obtained from drying of the sludge contains great quantity of zinc and cadmium and also along with lead, iron, nickel, copper and cobalt. The process consists of the following five major unit operations: (1) leaching: 2 mol L-1 sulfuric acid, US ratio of 4:1, 25 degrees C and 1.5 h; (2) precipitation of iron, copper and lead: pH 5.4, 2 h, ambient temperature; (3) precipitation of nickel and cobalt: at pH 5.4, 80-85 degrees C, 20 min by an addition of dimethylglyoxime; (4) cementation of cadmium metal: at pH 4.7-5.0, 40-50 degrees C, 30 min by an addition of zinc metal; (5) purification of cadmium by heating the impure cadmium with sodium hydroxide in a blowing oven at temperature of 500-600 degrees C and then washing it with hot water. The total recovery of cadmium was found to be approximately 89%.

Hyperpolarization and inhibition of contraction mediated by nitric oxide released from enteric inhibitory neurones in guinea-pig Taenia coli. 2 The membrane hyperpolarization associated with the neurogenic relaxation of the taenia coli was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin only in the absence of atropine. In the presence of atropine, oxyhaemoglobin did not reduce the i.j.p. or nerve-evoked relaxation.4 In summary, the postjunctional effects of neurally-released NO are not apparent in guinea-pig taenia coli when atropine is present. This implies muscarinic regulation of NO release or muscarinic regulation of another excitatory substance, such as tachykinin(s), that, when blocked, masks the postjunctional effects of NO. These data, together with previous studies, suggest a possible regulatory role for NO in enteric neurotransmission that may be more prominent in some species or tissues than others.3 Inhibition of NOS by L-NNA did not affect the overflow of [H-3]-ACh in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS), suggesting that, under the conditions of our experiments, endogenous NO did not modulate release of ACh. Sodium nitroprusside also had no effect on the neurogenic overflow of [H-3]-ACh; however, noradrenaline significantly reduced [H-3]-ACh overflow.1 Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by N-G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) reduced the neurogenic relaxation of precontracted taenia coli only in the absence of atropine. The membrane hyperpolarization associated with the neurogenic relaxation was also reduced by inhibition of NOS only when atropine was absent.

Crossroads or dead end? A note on the plight of literary studies. The situation of literary studies is increasingly cause for concern in the universities of major English-speaking countries. Robert Scholes, in The Rise and Fall of English: Reconstructing English as a Discipline, and Michael Berube, in The Employment of English: Theory, Jobs, and the Future of Literary Studies, approach the crisis from different angles and propose reforms which would affect scholarship, teaching and the job market. Scholes' idea of Pacesetter English and Berube's exploration of the ways in which literary education can be put to practical uses reflect the directions in which renewal may be sought. The article discusses these books within the framework of the history of academic English and the current reaction against the dominant tendencies, in theory and criticism, of the past three decades.

Maintaining range of motion after cervical discectomy does not prevent adjacent segment degeneration. PURPOSE: To compare the correlation between ROM of the cervical spine and the presence of radiological ASD after anterior discectomy. Clinical outcome was also correlated to ROM and ASD.RESULTS: Two years postoperatively, no correlation was demonstrated between ROM and ASD. The incidence of ASD was comparable in the three groups, being 34% at baseline, and 58% at 2-year follow-up. Likewise, ASD progression was comparable in the three treatment arms. No correlation was demonstrated between ROM and NDI or ASD and NDI.METHODS: In all, 253 patients who underwent anterior discectomy for cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated disc were analyzed for segmental and global cervical ROM and the presence of ASD both preoperatively, and 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Patients who were included in two randomized, double-blinded trials comparing anterior cervical discectomy with arthroplasty, anterior cervical discectomy with intervertebral cage, or anterior cervical discectomy without intervertebral cage for one level disc herniation were analyzed. ROM was defined by a custom-developed image analysis tool. ASD was defined by decrease in disc height and anterior osteophyte formation on X-rays. Clinical outcome was evaluated by means of the Neck Disability Index (NDI).STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.BACKGROUND: Motion preservation prostheses were introduced to prevent adjacent disc degeneration (ASD) and to diminish neck disability in the postsurgical follow-up. However, it is still a controversial issue, and the relationship between range of motion (ROM) and ASD has not been studied.CONCLUSIONS: Since ROM is not correlated to ASD, and clinical outcome is not correlated to ROM either, the relevance of continued ROM at the target level seems absent. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is there an association between female circumcision and perinatal death?. Findings We found no evidence that female circumcision was related to perinatal death. Obstructed or prolonged labour, caused by scar tissue from circumcision, was not found to have any impact on the number of perinatal deaths.Conclusion The results do not support previous conclusions that genital circumcision is related to perinatal death, regardless of other circumstances, and suggest that other, suboptimal factors contribute to perinatal death among circumcised migrant women.Method To investigate this, we examined a cohort of 63 perinatal deaths of infants born in Sweden over the period 1990-96 to circumcised women.Objective In Sweden, a country with high standards of obstetric care, the high rate of perinatal mortality among children of immigrant women from the Horn of Africa raises the question of whether there is an association between female circumcision and perinatal death.

Epimerization study on [F-18]FDG produced by an alkaline hydrolysis on solid support under stringent conditions. Since 1998, routine [F-18]FDG syntheses are being carried out by alkaline hydrolysis on a solid support. i.e. the labeled intermediate is trapped on a tC18 solid phase extraction cartridge, purified and finally hydrolyzed within the cartridge, at room temperature, using sodium hydroxide. The present study demonstrated that no epimerization of [F-18]FDG to [F-18]FDM occurs even when 12 N NaOH is used and when the hydrolysis time is extended up to 1 h. The alkaline hydrolysis on solid support appears to be a simple method leading to [F-18]FDG with high purity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.