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Measuring Holding Voltage Related to Homogeneous Current Flow in Wide ESD Protection Structures Using Multilevel TLP. Due to the negative-differential-resistance-related instability, the current-density distribution in sufficiently wide devices exhibiting S-shaped I-V characteristics becomes inherently inhomogeneous along the device width. High-current-density ON-state (i.e., a current filament) and low-current-density OFF-state regions are spontaneously formed, leading to the formation of a vertical branch in the I-V curve at a so-called coexistence voltage u(CO). In electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices (PDs), this vertical I-V branch usually determines the lowest voltage point that can be accessed by a conventional transmission line pulser (TLP). However, the real holding point of device V(H), which is related to an I-V part with a homogeneous current distribution, lies below u(CO), i.e., V(H) < u(CO). Here, we present a method on how to determine V(H) and the I-V branch below u(CO), which is \\'hidden\\' when using a conventional TLP analysis. We use a multilevel TLP system and demonstrate it on a 90-nm technology silicon-controlled rectifier ESD PD. Measurement considerations, which take into account the finite speed of the ON-state spreading effect and the self-heating effect, are discussed. Implications relevant for latch-up prevention and for the comparison of experiments with 2-D and 3-D technology computer-aided design simulations are also given.

The use of Biobrane (R) by burn units in the United Kingdom: A national study. Biobrane (R) is a biosynthetic wound dressing, first used by Woodruff in 1979, which has many of the ideal properties of a dressing as outlined by Pruitt and Levine [Pruitt Jr BA, Levine NS. Characteristics and uses of biologic dressings and skin substitutes. Arch Surg 1984;119(3):312-22]. It is becoming increasingly popular in the management of superficial and moderate depth partial thickness burns and a range of other conditions. When used appropriately, it has been shown to reduce pain levels, healing time, inpatient stay and nursing requirements when compared to traditional dressings. We present the results of a national study concerning the use of Biobrane (R) in the United Kingdom, highlight variations in practice, discuss the pertinent issues, make suitable recommendations and highlight the versatility of Biobrane (R) as a wound dressing. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd and ISBI.

IPAD-SUPPORTED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR A CHILD WITH MILD CEREBRAL PALSY. Much has been reported in popular media and educational literature on the relative ease with which children pick up the skills to use iPads. However, iPad use to support students with developmental disability - particularly in the New Zealand educational context - is still in its infancy. This chapter reports on a qualitative case study aimed at understanding the ways in which the iPad can be used to support the learning and development of a student (Max) with mild cerebral palsy, who is currently enrolled in a mainstream primary classroom. Data from interviews and observation with Max and his family highlight how particular affordances and features of applications (apps) were useful for developing the physical functioning of his palsied right hand, and fostering Max's learning. The parents' initiative and home-school connections were also important in determining iPad apps appropriate to Max's needs. Implications for practice are offered for caregivers and educators who work with students who have similar abilities.

Geodermatophilus chilensis sp nov., from soil of the Yungay core-region of the Atacama Desert, Chile. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of three representative Geodermatophilus strains isolated from an extreme hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil. The strains, isolates B12(T), B20 and B25, were found to have chemotaxonomic and morphological properties characteristic of the genus Geodermatophilus. The isolates shared a broad range of chemotaxonomic, cultural and physiological features, formed a well-supported branch in the Geodermatophilus 16S rRNA gene tree in which they were most closely associated with the type strain of Geodermatophilus obscurus. They were distinguished from the latter by BOX-PCR fingerprint patterns and by chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties. Average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the whole genome sequences of isolate B12(T) and G. obscurus DSM 43160(T) were 89.28%, 87.27% and 37.4%, respectively, metrics consistent with its classification as a separate species. On the basis of these data, it is proposed that the isolates be assigned to the genus Geodermatophilus as Geodermatophilus chilensis sp. nov. with isolate B12(T) (CECT 9483(T) =NCIMB 15089(T)) as the type strain. Analysis of the whole genome sequence of G. chilensis B12(T) with 5341 open reading frames and a genome size of 5.5 Mb highlighted genes and gene clusters that encode for properties relevant to its adaptation to extreme environmental conditions prevalent in extreme hyper-arid Atacama Desert soils. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Borobudur revisited: Soy consumption may be associated with better recall in younger, but not in older, rural Indonesian elderly. Previous reports have suggested that high frequent tofu consumption is associated with worse cognitive function in East Asian elderly. Some studies also found an increased risk of dementia with high tofu consumption in those older than 65 years of age. Tofu and other soy products, such as tempeh, contain high levels of plant estrogens or isoflavones. This study revisited a rural Central Javanese population (56-97 years of age) who were covered by the Borobudur District Health Centers. Data on cognitive performance were available for n=142 participants. Results showed positive linear associations of weekly tofu (beta = .22, p <0.05) and tempeh (beta = .23, p<0.01) consumption with immediate recall, which were significant in those with an average age of 67 years. In those with an average age of 80 years, the earlier reported negative association of tofu with immediate recall was no longer significant. Lifestyle changes (reduction of tofu consumption after dissemination of results) or \\'healthy survivor effects\\' may have been responsible for this finding. These findings may be reminiscent of the \\'Window of Opportunity\\' theory, which suggests that estrogenic compounds can exert positive effects on verbal memory, but not in older men and women, when no or negative effects of these compounds on brain cells and cognition have been found. Long-term, placebo-controlled treatment studies should investigate whether tempeh, a fermented soybean product that also contains folate, can maintain cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly participants. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The politics of Arctic international cooperation: Introducing a dataset on stakeholder participation in Arctic Council meetings, 1998-2015. Contemporary Arctic transformations and their global causes and consequences have put international cooperation in the Arctic Council, the region's most important forum for addressing Arctic affairs, at the forefront of research in Northern governance. With interest in Arctic regional affairs in world politics being at a historical high, the actual participation and contribution by interested actors to regional governance arrangements, such as the Arctic Council, has remained very much a blind spot. This article introduces and analyses a novel dataset on stakeholder participation in the Arctic Council (STAPAC) for all member states, Permanent Participants and observers in Ministerial, Senior Arctic Officials' and subsidiary body meetings between 1998 and 2015. The article finds that participation in the Arctic Council varies significantly across meeting levels and type of actors, and that new admissions to the Council, a source of major contestation in recent debates, do not necessarily result in more actors attending. The article further discusses these findings in light of three prevalent debates in Arctic governance research, and shows the empirical relevance of the STAPAC dataset for the study of Arctic cooperation and conflict, observer involvement in the Arctic Council system and political representation of indigenous Permanent Participants.

Acceptability of dual HIV/syphilis rapid test in community- and home-based testing strategy among transgender women in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Background: Little is known of acceptability and feasibility of dual HIV and syphilis rapid tests in community- and home-based provider-initiated strategies among transgender women (TGW), in Latin America. Objectives were (1) to assess the acceptability of this strategy and, (2) to determine the percentage of positive results of HIV and syphilis, analyze the correlates of HIV or syphilis positive results, and measure the rates of effective referral and treatment completion among TGW. Methods: A multidisciplinary team tested 89 TGW in Buenos Aires. An acceptability survey was administered after the HIV/syphilis Duo test was used. All confirmed cases were referred for treatment initiation. Results: We found high levels of acceptability (98.8%) of this strategy among TGW. However, only 60.7% preferred simultaneous HIV and syphilis diagnosis test. Moreover, we found 9% of positive results of HIV, 51.7% of syphilis, and 3.4% of positive results for both infections. Only not being tested before was associated with an HIV positive result, and only low level of education was associated with a positive syphilis result. Among 8 TGW who tested positive for HIV, 37.5% (n = 3) started antiretroviral therapy. Of 46 who tested positive for syphilis, only 73.9% (n = 34) were effectively referred and from 23 who started treatment, only 39.1% completed it. Conclusions: Community- and home-based dual HIV and syphilis rapid test is a feasible and highly acceptable approach for this hard-to-reach population. Implementing similar strategies could improve screening uptake and accessibility. However, these results highlight the need to improve strategies for treatment uptake, in order to reduce morbidity and risk of onward transmission.

Web-Based 3-D Control Laboratory for Remote Real-Time Experimentation. The design and implementation of Networked Control System Laboratory (NCSLab) 3-D which is a web-based 3-D control laboratory for remote real-time experimentation are introduced in this paper. NCSLab 3-D is built based on the NCSLab framework which supports the structure that the test rigs are located diversely in different parts of the world. In NCSLab 3-D, the test rigs are cataloged into several sublaboratories according to their functionalities. The laboratory building, sublaboratories, and test rigs are modeled in 3-D and reconstructed in a web-based interface using Flash 3-D engines. Users can \\'walk into\\' these laboratories and pick up the test rigs in a virtual reality environment similar to what they do in hands-on laboratories. During the remote experiments, the 3-D models are synchronized with the real test rigs through the network data links. Users are able to zoom in, zoom out, and rotate the 3-D models freely. Therefore, the real-time experiments can be watched from any angles. NCSLab 3-D has been applied to the control engineering education in Wuhan University, China. The results of the teaching practice show that NCSLab 3-D are able to bring great convenience to both users and maintenance personnel and improve the efficiency of the laboratory equipment significantly.

Preliminary study on thermal-hydraulic behavior of loss-of-flow accident in deep pool-type nuclear reactor. Deep pool nuclear reactor (DPNR) is a novel pool-type reactor, which has shown great potential in seawater desalination and district heating. In this paper, the thermal-hydraulic behavior of loss-of-flow accident (LOFA) in DPNR were investigated by RELAP5. The parametric analyses were also carried out to reveal the effects of flow resistance coefficient (FRC) in connection pipe and flap valve opening criteria on thermal-hydraulic behavior of LOFA in DPNR. The results showed that the LOFA process could be divided into coast-down phase, oscillation phase and natural circulation phase, and two peaks of clad peak temperature appeared. Besides, the parametric analysis showed that increasing FRC in connection pipe and failure of flap valve can make the first and second peak of clad peak temperature larger, respectively. The decrease of flap valve opening criteria made flap valve open earlier, and inertia tank performance was weakened when flap valve opened in coast-down phase. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Operationalisation of the European Protocol for Autism Prevalence (EPAP) for Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence Measurement in Ireland. The European Autism Information System project highlighted the lack of systematic and reliable data relating to the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in Europe. A protocol for the study of ASD prevalence at European level was developed to facilitate a common format for screening and diagnosing children across the EU. This is the first study to operationalise and screen national school children for ASDs using this protocol. National school children 6-11 years (N = 7951) were screened males 54 % (N = 4268) females 46 % (N = 3683). Screening children for ASD implementing the EAIS protocol using the Social Communication Questionnaire (Rutter et al. in Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Western Psychological Services, Los Angeles, ) as a first level screening instrument in a non-clinical setting of Irish national schools was demonstrated.

Tobacco use is associated with increased rates of infection and revision surgery after primary superior labrum anterior and posterior repair. Methods: A national private-payer insurance database was queried for patients who underwent arthroscopic primary SLAP from 2005-2012. These patients were divided into tobacco use and non-tobacco use cohorts using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding. The non-tobacco use patients were then matched to the patients with coded tobacco use. Both cohorts were assessed for postoperative infection within 90 days and subsequent ipsilateral revision SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis within up to 7 years postoperatively.Conclusions: SLAP repair in patients who use tobacco is associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative infection and revision SLAP repair or conversion to a biceps tenodesis. (C) 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. All rights reserved.Background: Although the general health consequences of tobacco use have been well defined, the effects of perioperative tobacco use on arthroscopic shoulder procedures remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to use a national database to investigate the relationship between tobacco use and rates of superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) repair failure and postoperative infection after primary SLAP repair compared with matched controls.Results: The incidences of revision SLAP repair or revision to a biceps tenodesis (P =.023) and postoperative infection (P =.034) were significantly higher in patients who used tobacco versus matched controls.

Delphinella shoot blight and Grovesiella canker on Abies lasiocarpa in western USA. The impact of Delphinella shoot blight (Delphinella abietis) and Grovesiella canker (Grovesiella abieticola) on subalpine (Abies lasiocarpa) and corkbark fir (A.lasiocarpa var. arizonica) in a provenance trial in Idaho (ID) was evaluated in 2013. Both pathogens were previously reported from North America on fir species. D.abietis had been found on subalpine fir in USA, but not in ID, and G.abieticola on grand fir (Abies grandis) in ID, but not on subalpine or corkbark fir. D.abietis kills current-year needles and in severe cases buds and shoots, and G.abieticola results in dead shoots and branches and can eventually kill whole trees. Significant differences between provenances in susceptibility to D.abietis and G.abieticola were observed in the provenance trial in ID. In general, subalpine fir was more susceptible to both diseases than corkbark fir. In 2013, D.abietis was also found on subalpine fir in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and G.abieticola was seen on white fir (Abies concolor), but neither disease was detected in native stands of subalpine fir in Washington State. Morphological features of both fungi were described from samples collected in the provenance trial in ID in May 2016.

Lead release in drinking water resulting from galvanic corrosion in three-metal systems consisting of lead, copper and stainless steel. Lead pipe has been banned in the drinking water distribution system in most countries since 1980s. Although water authorities around the world have attempted to replace all remaining lead pipes in service, pipe replacement was often hindered by high cost and lack of access to private premises. Hence, partial replacement has become a common scenario where portions of lead pipes remain in the system. When the lead pipe is connected to two other different metallic materials at both ends, two different galvanic couples can form simultaneously in this three-metal system. The release of lead resulting from galvanic corrosion in such three-metal systems consisting of lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and stainless steel (SS) with three different configurations, namely Cu-SS-Pb, SS-Cu-Pb and Cu-Pb-SS was investigated in this study. The results showed that when the materials are arranged in order of reduction potential as in SS-Cu-Pb configuration, lead release was the highest. A more fluent electron transport across the system was proposed based on the direction and magnitude of galvanic currents measured at each galvanic couple.

Expression and subcellular distribution of the active form of c-Src tyrosine kinase in differentiating human endometrial stromal cells. Decidual growth factors and locally produced cytokines are thought to activate specific phosphorylation signalling pathway(s), thereby eliciting a variety of decidual functions. We have previously reported the activation of c-Src tyrosine kinase during ovarian steroid-induced decidualization of cultured human endometrial stromal cells. As chicken c-Src is known to be activated upon dephosphorylation of tyrosine 527 (Y527, corresponding to Y530 in human), we here employed a monoclonal antibody, clone 28, directed against the active form of human c-Src whose Y530 is dephosphorylated, and investigated whether c-Src became dephosphorylated at Y530 and thereby activated during decidualization. We found that the active form of c-Src was up-regulated and demonstrated increased kinase activity during in-vitro decidualization. Immunohistochemistry revealed that decidual cells in early pregnancy decidua were intensely stained with clone 28 when compared with the stromal cells in the non-pregnant endometrium. Moreover, the active form of c-Src translocated from a perinuclear region to the cytoplasm upon decidualization. Thus, the Y530 dephosphorylation, kinase activation, and subcellular translocation of c-Src may be intracellular signalling events associated with decidualization in vivo as well as in vitro.

Simulation flow and model verification for laser direct-write lithography. A simulation flow for laser direct-write lithography (LDWL), a maskless lithography process in which a focused laser beam is scanned through a photoresist, is proposed. The simulation flow includes focusing of Gaussian beams, photoresist exposure, free-radical polymerization chemistry of the photoresist, and photoresist development. We applied the simulation method to investigate the scaling of feature sizes or linewidths for a varying number of exposure cycles at a total constant exposure dose. Experimental results from literature demonstrate that exposing the photoresist over multiple exposure cycles causes a reduction in linewidths. We explore possible reasons for this phenomenon and conclude that radical losses occurring between subsequent exposures provide a possible explanation of the observed effects. Furthermore, we apply the developed simulation method to analyze lithographic structures that were fabricated by a combination of LDWL and nano-imprint lithography. The simulation results agree with the experimental tendencies of a reduced likelihood of overexposures with an increase in the number of exposure cycles. (C) 2017 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Quantification of surface ZnSe in Cu2ZnSnSe4-based solar cells by analysis of the spectral response. Absorber layers consisting of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) and surface ZnSe in variable ratios were prepared by selenization of electroplated Cu/Sn/Zn precursors and completed into full devices with up to 5.6% power conversion efficiency. The loss of short circuit current density for samples with increasing ZnSe content is consistent with an overall reduction of spectral response, pointing to a ZnSe current blocking behavior. A feature in the spectral response centered around 3 eV was identified and attributed to light absorption by ZnSe. A model is proposed to account for additional collection of the carriers generated underneath ZnSe capable of diffusing across to the space charge region. The model satisfactorily reproduces the shape of the spectral response and the estimated ZnSe surface coverage is in good qualitative agreement with analysis of the Raman spectral mapping. The model emphasizes the importance of the ZnSe morphology on the spectral response, and its consequences on the solar cell device performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Platoon Control Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles Based on Sliding-Mode Control Theory. Platooning is one of the innovations in the automotive industry, which aims to improve the safety and efficiency of automobiles, while alleviating traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and reducing passenger pressure. According to the car-following (CF) theory, a platoon control strategy for autonomous vehicles based on sliding-mode control (SMC) theory is proposed. This strategy can be applied to achieve the rapid platoon forming of multiple autonomous vehicles and maintain the stable state of the vehicle platoon. The Multiple Velocity Difference (MVD) model is selected to describe the positional state of vehicle platoon changing over time. The control target is to converge the error between the actual headway (the distance between front tips of two neighboring cars) and the expected headway to zero while ensuring the stable velocity and acceleration of the platoon. In addition, a hypothetical first car strategy is proposed to improve the control efficiency. Numerical simulation experiments for urban roads and highways are designed, the space-time states of vehicle platoon under different MVD model parameters (non-control strategy) and sliding-mode control strategies are compared. The results show: proposed improved vehicle platoon sliding-mode control strategy can provide a shorter time of forming a platoon and better stability in the simulated environment, and its control effect is better than that of non-control strategy and conventional sliding-mode control strategy. Besides the proposed strategy allows vehicle platoon to quickly reach a stable and controllable state, and it provides an idea for collaborative control of autonomous vehicles.

Phase transition in the conductive and dielectric regimes of liquid crystals. A phase transition is the transformation of a thermodynamic system from one phase to another. The distinguishing characteristic of a phase transition is an abrupt sudden change in one or more physical properties. Typically the phase transition is driven by a change in the temperature of the system. However, change of state may be executed by a change in an intensive variable like, for instance, the voltage. For liquid crystals in a sandwich cell the two dynamics can be executed. In the conduction regime at low excitation frequencies, one observes the director and flow fields changes (pattern dynamics). In the high-frequency, dielectric regime, we investigate the molecular dipole dynamics. So, in the conductive regime (detected via electroconvection measurements) the phase transition can be executed by voltage while in the dielectric regime (detected via dielectric spectroscopy) by temperature. The Low Frequency Dielectric Spectroscopy diagram can be used as a classical thermogram. In planarly and homeotropically oriented liquid crystal cells electroconvection experiment results in the morphological phase diagram. In this article we demonstrate that for certain excitation (ac voltage and/or temperature) the liquid crystal film system's dynamic response can by interpreted in terms of the phase transition.

Monte Carlo Studies of Tethered Chains. Monte Carlo computer simulations of end-tethered chains grafted onto a hard wall have been performed. The chains were modeled as self-avoiding chains on a cubic lattice at athermal solvent, conditions The simulations spanned a wide range of chain lengths, N (100-1000 i.e, up to molecular weights of a few hundred thousands), and anchoring densities, sigma (2 x 10(-4) to 0.4), to properly chart the relevant parameter space. It is shown that the reduced surface coverage sigma* = sigma pi R-g(2) is the most appropriate variable that, quantitatively determines the mushroom, overlapping mushroom and brush regimes, where R-g is the radius of gyration of a free chain in solution. The simulation data are analyzed to determine the conformational characteristics and shape of the anchored chains and to compare them with the predictions of the analytical self consistent field theory. The strong stretching limit of the theoretical predictions is obtained only for sigma* > 8. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 47 2449-2461, 2009

Regulating the New Equine Industry in Finland. Wicked Problems, Governance Models and Gendered Power Structures. The aim in this article is to highlight the clash between an old regulatory framework; the one associated with the peasant state in Finland and a new rural activity sector, horseback riding, by predominately middle-class women. The method used in the study was case studies with a mix of interviews, documentary analysis and, to some extent, participatory observation. It was found that the peasant state regulatory framework has been superseded by two competing frameworks: a neoliberal one and a 'neo top-down' one strongly associated with the environmental authorities. However, none of these models can satisfactorily deal with the complex challenges posed by the emerging new equine industry. What is needed is a new kind of participatory governance - co-management - that especially takes into account gender inequalities and strives towards the empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

Multiple Perspectives on the Stern-Gerlach Experiment. Different or conflicting accounts of the same episode in the history of science may arise from viewing that episode from different perspectives. The metaphor suggests that conflicting accounts can be seen as complementary, constructing a multi-dimensional understanding, if the different perspectives can be coordinated. As an example, I discuss different perspectives on the Stern-Gerlach experiment. In a static interpretation, the SGE has been viewed as an experiment that allows the determination of the magnetic moment of silver atoms. Based on the concept of magnetic momentum arising from orbital angular momentum, the original experiment was designed in 1922 as an experimentum crucis to decide between Bohr's quantum theory and classical electromagnetic theory, and its outcome was interpreted as a confirmation of the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantum postulates. After the advent of quantum mechanics, the SGE was reinterpreted in terms of magnetic moment arising from the electron's spin angular momentum. In a dynamical interpretation, physicists have asked for the physical mechanism responsible for the quantization of the angular momentum with respect to the direction of the magnetic field. Although different suggestions were explored, none was ever accepted as fully satisfactory. Today this difficulty is seen as a paradigmatic instance of the unsolved quantum measurement problem.

A fuzzy-rough approach for the maintenance of distributed case-based reasoning systems. Case-based reasoning (CBR) means reasoning from prior examples and it has considerable potential for building intelligent assistant system for the World Wide Web. In order to develop successful Web-based CBR systems, we need to select a set of representative cases for the client side case-base such that this thin client is competence in problem solving. This paper proposes a fuzzy-rough method of selecting cases for such a distributed CBR system, i.e., a thin client system (a smaller case-base with rules) connected to a comparatively more powerful server system (the entire original case-base). The methodology is mainly based on the idea that an original case-base can be transformed into a smaller case-base together with a group of fuzzy adaptation rules, which could be generated using our fuzzy-rough approach. As a result, the smaller case-base with a group of fuzzy rules will almost have the same problem coverage as the entire original case-base. The method proposed in this paper, consists of four steps. First of all, an approach of learning feature weights automatically is used to evaluate the importance of different features in a given case-base. Secondly, clustering of cases is carried out to identify different concepts in the case-base using the acquired feature weights. Thirdly, fuzzy adaptation rules are mined for each concept using a fuzzy-rough method. Finally, a selection strategy which based on the concepts of case coverage and reachability is used to select representative cases. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated experimentally using some testing data in the travel domain.

First report of diverse vertebrate coprofaunas from the Lower Cretaceous of Tunisia. The Ain El Guettar Formation in southeastern Tunisia contains one of the most diverse Lower Cretaceous vertebrate assemblages in North Africa. Although the body fossils have been extensively studied over the past years, the associated coprolites are still poorly known. Here new coprolites are comprehensively described from the Chenini and Oum Ed Dhiab members of this formation respectively and ascribed to supposed producers based on a multiproxy analysis. The phosphatic composition, bone inclusions, and internal and external morphologies suggest that these coprolites were produced by a wide range of carnivorous vertebrates. Spiral coprolites from the lower level are mostly amphipolar, suggesting that they were produced by bony fishes, whereas those collected from the upper level are dominated by heteropolar, spirally-coiled coprolites that may have been produced by elasmobranchs. The largest cylindrical coprolites with longitudinal striations, constriction marks, and concentric layers wrapped around a massive core are consistent with those produced by crocodylomorphs. Many specimens from the Chenini Member display different types of desiccation cracks suggesting that the feces were sub aerially exposed in a dry environment before burial, however the coprolites from the upper member are devoid of all signs of pre-fossilization abrasion and show smooth surfaces. The highest abundance of coprolites appears to be associated with the lower assemblage, which is congruent with the body fossil record. This study provides tangible evidence about a late Early Cretaceous climatic change in the northern margin of Gondwana and supports previous sedimentology-based assumptions about a dry-to wet climate transition before the Cenomanian flooding event.0 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bismuth modified gamma radiation shielding properties of titanium vanadium sodium tellurite glasses as a potent transparent radiation-resistant glass applications. This work reported the radiation shielding characteristic of the bismuth titanium vanadium sodium tellurite glass system. The density of the specially-developed glass samples was increased from 2.21 to 4.01 g/cm(3) with the addition of Bi2O3, despite the fact the molar volume is decease within 85.43-54.79 cm(3)/mol. The WinXcom program was used to approximate the effect of Bi2O3 on the gamma radiation shielding parameters of bismuth titanium vanadium sodium tellurite glasses. The mm values decrease with the increase of Bi2O3 concentration. The computed data shows that the glass sample with 20 mol.% of Bi2O3 content has the greatest radiation attenuation performance in comparison to other selected glasses. The Bi2O3-TiO2-V2O5-Na2O-TeO2 glass system shows excellent neutron shielding material with high long-term light transmittance and discharge resistance and could be potentially used as transparent radiation-resistant shielding glass applications. (C) 2020 Korean Nuclear Society, Published by Elsevier Korea LLC.

Nitration of human plasminogen by RAW 264.7 macrophages reduces streptokinase-induced plasmin activity. Despite many years of study, clinical trials of new drugs to prevent thrombosis have often been disappointing. Part of the problem lies in our incomplete understanding of the regulation of plasminogen activation and/or inhibition in vivo. We have previously shown that in vitro nitration of plasminogen in plasma by peroxynitrite resulted in decreased plasmin activity. We hypothesized that macrophages may be agents of plasminogen nitration and designed this study to prove this hypothesis. We first better characterized our previous observations using purified plasminogen instead of whole plasma, studied the time and concentration dependence of these reactions, and co-incubated plasminogen with macrophages, as well as with non-inflammatory cells as controls, to assess nitration and impaired activity. When plasminogen ( 10 mmol/L) is incubated in the presence of SIN-1 (0.01-2 mmol/L), plasmin activity ( generated by streptokinase) is reduced in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. We performed experiments incubating human plasminogen in the presence of murine RAW264.7 macrophages, allowing for free diffusion of reactive oxygen species, while preventing the action of proteases. In this way we show that incubation of plasminogen with macrophages also decreases plasmin activity, while increasing nitration of the molecule, an effect that is already apparent after 2 h and reaches a plateau of 60% inhibition after 24 h of incubation. This effect appears specific for macrophages, since 31EG4 murine mammary cells used in parallel and under the same conditions failed to produce any deleterious changes in plasminogen. Our data on quick functional inactivation of plasminogen by nitration, mediated by macrophages, adds a new pathophysiological dimension to our previous work showing plasminogen as a target for peroxynitrite damage. Nitrosative stress may be implicated in impaired fibrinolysis. New therapeutic approaches for nitrosative stress in atherosclerosis and diabetes should limit the formation of superoxides and peroxynitrite.

Linkages between phosphorus transformations and carbon decomposition in a forest soil. Phosphorus mineralization is chemically coupled with organic matter (OM) decomposition in surface horizons of a mixed-conifer forest soil from the Sierra Nevada, California, and is also affected by the disturbance caused by forest harvesting. Solution C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of NaOH extracts revealed a decrease of O-alkyl and alkyl-C fractions with increasing degree of decomposition and depth in the soil profile, while carbonyl and aromatic C increased. Solid-state C-13-NMR analysis of whole soil samples showed similar trends, except that alkyl C increased with depth. Solution P-31-NMR indicated that inorganic P (P-i) increased with increasing depth, while organic-P (P-o) fractions decreased. Close relationships between P mineralization and litter decomposition were suggested by correlations between P-i and C fractions (r = 0.82, 0.81, -0.87, and -0.76 for carbonyl, aromatic, alkyl and O-alkyl fractions, respectively). Correlations for diester-P and pyrophosphate with O-alkyl (r = 0.63 and 0.84) and inverse correlations with aromatics (r = -0.74 and -0.72) suggest that mineralization of these P fractions coincides with availability of C substrate. A correlation between monoester P and alkyl C (r = 0.63) suggests mineralization is linked to breakdown of structural components of the plant litter. NMR analyses, combined with Hedley-P fractionation, suggest that post-harvest buildup of labile P in decomposed litter increases the potential for leaching of P during the first post-harvest season, but also indicates reduced biological activity that transports P from litter to the mineral soil. Thus, P is temporarily stored in decomposed litter, preventing its fixation by mineral oxides. In the mineral horizons, P-31-NMR provides evidence of decline in biologically-available P during the first post-harvest season.

Almost affinely disjoint subspaces. In this work, we introduce a natural notion concerning finite vector spaces. A family of k-dimensional subspaces of F-q(n), which forms a partial spread, is called almost affinely disjoint if any (k+1)-dimensional subspace containing a subspace from the family non-trivially intersects with only a few subspaces from the family. The central question discussed in the paper is the polynomial growth (in q) of the maximal cardinality of these families given the parameters k and n. For the cases k = 1 and k = 2, optimal families are constructed. For other settings, we find lower and upper bounds on the polynomial growth. Additionally, some connections with problems in coding theory are shown. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection and Re-activation During Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Sparing Antiretroviral Therapy in a High-HBV Endemicity Setting. Conclusions. Evolving treatment strategies for sub-Saharan Africa must be accompanied by the formulation and implementation of policy to guide appropriate assessment and management of HBV status.Background. We monitored the evolution of markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in virologically suppressed HIV-positive patients switching to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-sparing antiretroviral therapy within a randomized trial in Cameroon.Methods. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, and antibodies against surface (anti-HBs), core (total anti-HBc), and e-antigen (anti-HBe) were measured retrospectively in samples collected at study entry and over 48 weeks after NRTI discontinuation.Results. Participants (n = 80, 75% females) had a plasma HIV-1 RNA <60 copies/mL, a median CD4 count of 466 cells/mm(3), and undetectable HBsAg and HBV DNA at study entry. After NRTI discontinuation, 3/20 (15.0%) anti-HBc-negative patients showed evidence indicative or suggestive of incident HBV infection (163 cases/1000 person-years); 6/60 (10.0%) anti-HBc-positive patients showed evidence indicative or suggestive of HBV reactivation (109 cases/1000 person-years). In one case of reactivation, antiHBs increased from 14 to >1000 IU/L; sequencing showed HBV genotype A3 and 3 escape mutations in surface (Y100C, K122R, Y161FY). Alongside new-onset detection of HBsAg or HBV DNA, 1 patient experienced acute hepatitis and 6 patients experienced mild or marginal increases in serum transaminase levels.

Variant chicken kidney AE1 anion exchanger transcripts are derived from a single promoter by alternative splicing. Previous studies have demonstrated that three variant transcripts, AE1-3, AE1-4 and AE1-5, are derived from the AE1 gene in chicken kidney, These variant transcripts encode AE1 anion exchangers that possess alternative N-terminal cytoplasmic domains, To determine the mechanisms involved in generating these transcripts, a genomic clone, containing the unique sequences at the 5' ends of the AE1-4 and AE1-5 transcripts, was isolated. Characterization of this clone revealed that the sequences at the 5' ends of the AE1-3, AE1-4 and AE1-5 transcripts were each present within an approx. 1.2-kb BamHI fragment of the chicken AE1 gene. RNA blotting and RNase protection analyses using probes derived from this genomic clone have shown that the AE1-4 variant corresponds to the approx. 4.5-kb chicken kidney AE1 transcript, while the AE1-5 variant corresponds to the approx. 5.1-kb transcript, These studies have shown that the AE1-5 transcript extends further 5' than had been previously shown from cDNA cloning studies, and contains the sequence present at the 5' end of the AE1-4 transcript. In addition, primer extension analyses have shown that the variant kidney AE1 transcripts initiate transcription from a common site. This result indicates that the expression of the AE1-3, AE1-4 and AE1-5 transcripts is regulated by a single promoter, P3, that is distinct from the P1 and P2 erythroid-specific promoters of the chicken AE1 gene.

Non-adherence of surgical treatment in patients with non-melanoma skin cancer: a retrospective cohort pilot study. There is limited data on non-adherence for surgical treatment in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) patients. The objective of this single-center, retrospective cohort study is to compare rates of non-adherence of surgical treatment options, determine factors associated with non-adherence, and identify barriers for non-adherence. All adult patients with NMSC (> 18 years) seen between 2015 and 2017 recommended surgical treatment (surgical excision and electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) or Mohs surgery) were eligible. Non-adherence was defined as not completing recommended treatment and reasons for non-adherence were collected. Out of 427 patients that met inclusion criteria, patients recommended surgical excision and ED&C had a lower non-adherence rate of 3.4% compared to those recommended Mohs (11.4%) (p = 0.006). Factors associated with non-adherence included self-pay patients (19.07% adherent vs. 43.24% non-adherent, p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that Mohs patients were more likely to be non-adherent (odds ratio (OR) = 3.839, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.435-10.270), p = 0.007) compared to surgical excision and ED&C patients. Males were more likely to be non-adherent (OR = 2.474, 95% CI (1.105-5.542), p = 0.028) to females, and self-pay patients were more likely to be non-adherent than those with other payers (OR = 3.050, 95% CI (1.437-6.475), p = 0.004). Of the 37 patients who were non-adherent, the most common reasons were loss to follow-up (46%), social reasons (41%), medical reasons (38%), and financial reasons (22%). There was a significant difference in non-adherence rates between surgical treatments for NMSCs in our cohort. Our study suggests the need for future interventional studies that implement strategies and patient education to decrease non-adherence rates.

Clarifying the mechanics of DNA strand exchange in meiotic recombination. During meiosis, accurate separation of maternal and paternal chromosomes requires that they first be connected to one another through homologous recombination. Meiotic recombination has many intriguing but poorly understood features that distinguish it from recombination in mitotically dividing cells, and several of these features depend on the meiosis-specific DNA strand exchange protein Dmc1 ( disrupted meiotic cDNA1). Many questions about this protein have arisen since its discovery more than a decade ago, but recent genetic and biochemical breakthroughs promise to shed light on the unique behaviours and functions of this central player in the remarkable chromosome dynamics of meiosis.

VSEARCH: a versatile open source tool for metagenomics. Methods. When searching nucleotide sequences, VSEARCH uses a fast heuristic based on words shared by the query and target sequences in order to quickly identify similar sequences, a similar strategy is probably used in USEARCH. VSEARCH then performs optimal global sequence alignment of the query against potential target sequences, using full dynamic programming instead of the seed-and-extend heuristic used by USEARCH. Pairwise alignments are computed in parallel using vectorisation and multiple threads.Background. VSEARCH is an open source and free of charge multithreaded 64-bit tool for processing and preparing metagenomics, genomics and population genomics nucleotide sequence data. It is designed as an alternative to the widely used USEARCH tool (Edgar, 2010) for which the source code is not publicly available, algorithm details are only rudimentarily described, and only a memory-confined 32-bit version is freely available for academic use.Discussion. VSEARCH has been shown to be a fast, accurate and full-fledged alternative to USEARCH. A free and open-source versatile tool for sequence analysis is now available to the metagenomics community.Results. VSEARCH includes most commands for analysing nucleotide sequences available in USEARCH version 7 and several of those available in USEARCH version 8, including searching (exact or based on global alignment), clustering by similarity (using length pre-sorting, abundance pre-sorting or a user-defined order), chimera detection (reference-based or de novo), dereplication (full length or prefix), pairwise alignment, reverse complementation, sorting, and subsampling. VSEARCH also includes commands for FASTQ file processing, i.e., format detection, filtering, read quality statistics, and merging of paired reads. Furthermore, VSEARCH extends functionality with several new commands and improvements, including shuffling, rereplication, masking of low-complexity sequences with the well-known DUST algorithm, a choice among different similarity definitions, and FASTQ file format conversion. VSEARCH is here shown to be more accurate than USEARCH when performing searching, clustering, chimera detection and subsampling, while on a par with USEARCH for paired-ends read merging. VSEARCH is slower than USEARCH when performing clustering and chimera detection, but significantly faster when performing paired-end reads merging and dereplication. VSEARCH is available at https://github.com/torognes/vsearch under either the BSD 2-clause license or the GNU General Public License version 3.0.

Detection of auto antibodies and transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes for the treatment of vitiligo. The aim of the present study was to establish an immunofluorescence method of antibody detection to identify melanocytes in the serum of vitiligo patients. Furthermore, we aimed to establish a method for the culture and proliferation of autologous pure melanocytes and to observe the effect of their transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo. Suspension of epidermal cells with melanocytes was performed using trypsin digestion of normal epiderm from eyelid operation and melanocytes were selectively cultured and proliferated in serum-free M2 medium. FITC-labeled rabbit anti-human antibody was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of the melanocytes. After identification with immunological and biological examinations, the melanocytes were transplanted to depigmented areas of vitiligo. Repigmentation was observed continuously. The results indicated that melanocytes could be selectively proliferated in the medium. Subsequently, pure melanocytes without contamination of fibroblast and keratinocyte were harvested. A total of 34 patients suffering vitiligo for between 3 months and 20 years with depigmented area (between 4 cm(2) and 70% of body surface) were divided into 19 cases of developing stage and 15 cases of stable stage, according to the change of depigmentation. A total of 15 developing cases were positive for the antibody against melanocytes, with the positive rate of 79%. The titers of serum was >1:50 in 10 patients at the developing stage, and 5 developing patients were 1:10. Among the 15 stable cases, four were positive, with a positive rate of 27%. Fluorescence of antibody was localized in the cytoplasm of the melanocytes. Autologous melanocytes of vitiligo patients could be selectively proliferated in the medium. Next, pure melanocytes without contamination with fibroblasts and keratinocytes were harvested. A total of 16 vitiligo patients with 28 depigmented areas (2-200 cm(2)) were treated with transplantation of melanocytes. Repigmentation of the transplanted areas appeared as red coloration after one month. All the vitiligous areas received transplantation were repigmented significantly with hypo-or hyper -pigmentation after 3-5 months. After 6-8 months, 87.5% of lesions showed repigmentation of >50% of the lesion area. No scarring or other side -effects occurred. After follow-up of 5 years, no relapse was observed in transplantation area. Thus, an immunofluorescence method for the test of antibody to melanocytes in the serum of vitiligo patients was established. Transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes was an effective and safe measure for treatment of vitiligo, particularly for patients with a large depigmented area.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Discontinuation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Multisite Clinical Cohort in the United States. Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to put strain on health systems in the United States, leading to significant shifts in the delivery of routine clinical services, including those offering HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We aimed to assess whether individuals discontinued PrEP use at higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent to which disruptions to usual clinical care were mitigated through telehealth. Methods: Using data from an ongoing prospective cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) newly initiating PrEP in 3 mid-sized cities (n = 195), we calculated the rate of first-time discontinuation of PrEP use in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared these rates using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Furthermore, we compared the characteristics of patients who discontinued PrEP use during these periods with those who continued to use PrEP during both periods. Results: Rates of PrEP discontinuation before the COVID pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable [4.29 vs. 5.20 discontinuations per 100 person-months; IRR: 1.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83 to 1.77]. Although no significant differences in the PrEP discontinuation rate were observed in the overall population, the rate of PrEP discontinuation increased by almost 3-fold among participants aged 18-24 year old (IRR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.48 to 5.23) and by 29% among participants covered by public insurance plans at enrollment (IRR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.09). Those who continued to use PrEP were more likely to have had a follow-up clinical visit by telehealth in the early months of the pandemic (45% vs. 17%). Conclusions: In this study, rates of PrEP discontinuation were largely unchanged with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of telehealth likely helped retain patients in PrEP care and should continue to be offered in the future.

Light intensity emitted from the lightning channel: comparison of different return stroke models. The intensity of the light pulse emitted from the lightning channel during the return stroke process is analysed. For the most frequently accepted value of the real lightning return stroke velocity, the time dependence of the apparent height and the apparent velocity are calculated by the causality consideration. The experimentally observed decrease of the apparent return stroke velocity along the channel of more than 25% is partly explained. Five return stroke models are considered and compared: Bruce-Golde(BG), transmission line, modified transmission line (MTL), travelling current source (TCS) and Diendorfer-Uman (DU) models. The expression for the total emitted light intensity, its rise-time and the peak light intensity along the channel are carried out. At close distances the BG, the TCS and the DU models give approximately the same shape of total light intensity as the channel-base current. The substantially longer rise-time of the emitted light signal at medium distances is explained by the relatively slow geometrical growth of the lightning channel. All models except the TL model propose the exponential decrease of the peak light intensity with the channel height which is in agreement with the experimental data. Simple expressions connecting the channel decay constant of the light intensity, return stroke velocity and the current-decay constant at the channel base in the case of the BG, the TCS and the DU models are derived. None of the models can adequately describe the increase of the light intensity rise-time along the channel observed at heights above 1 km. It is concluded that simultaneous measurements of the channel decay constant and the parameters of the channel-base current are necessary to prove the validity of any particular model as well as to calculate the return stroke velocity.

Prevalence and risk factors for hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy in Spain: a multicentric and nation-wide retrospective analysis. Purpose The prevalence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism has been studied in registries and in surgical series with highly variable and imprecise results. However, the frequency of this hormonal deficiency in the clinical practice of endocrinologists is not known with accuracy. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy in Spain.Results Of 1792 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, 866 (48.3%) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism at discharge of surgery. Most of them recover parathyroid function over time. Prevalence of hypoparathyroidism at 3-6 months, 12 months and at last visit was 22.9%, 16.7% and 14.5%, respectively. The risk of developing definitive hypoparathyroidism was related to the presence of parathyroid tissue at histology, lymph node dissection, and two-stage thyroidectomy. Patients with thyroid cancer, with higher postoperative calcium levels and treated by expert surgical teams exhibited lower risk of developing permanent hypoparathyroidism.Conclusions Although most patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism recover parathyroid function, the prevalence of permanent disease in clinical practice is non negligible (14.5%). Postoperative calcium, extent and timing of surgery, the presence of cancer, expert surgical team, and parathyroid tissue at histology are predictors of permanent hypoparathyroidism.Methods We designed a retrospective, multicentre and nation-wide protocol including all patients with total thyroidectomy who were seen in the endocrinology clinic of the participant centers from January to March 2018. Prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was evaluated at discharge of surgery, 3-6 months after surgery, 12 months after surgery and at last visit. Twenty hospitals participated in the study.

Transposition and fixation of lower pole crossing vessel in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction A STROBE-compliant study. Chapman and Hellstrom techniques are typically employed to transpose renal lower pole crossing vessels (LPCVs). Both procedures have certain limitations. We investigated the midterm outcomes in pediatric patients in whom LPCV-induced ureteropelvic junction obstruction was treated with either dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty or upward transposition coupled with a new technique to fix the LPCV. We retrospectively compared Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty to the new technique in terms of outcome. LPCV transposition was considered feasible in patients in whom the diuretic loading test revealed a decrease in the pelvic volume after correction of vascular compression as well as absence of structural changes in the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and hemodynamic compromise of the lower renal pole. The fascial flap was passed below the LPCV to form a \\'hammock\\'. The free edge of the flap was sutured to its base. Group 1 consisted of 102 (69.9%) patients (median age: 7.9 years) undergoing dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty, while group 2 included 44 (30.1%) patients (median age: 8.4 years) treated with upward transposition and the new technique to fix the LPCV. No intra-operative complications or conversions occurred in either group. Redo-pyeloplasty was performed in 3 (2.9%) children of group 1 and 1 (2.3%) child of group 2. Renal ultrasonography conducted 12 months after surgery revealed similar anteroposterior diameters of the renal pelvis in groups 1 (7.9 +/- 8.1 mm) and 2 (6.0 +/- 2.9 mm). Patients in both groups showed a non-significant median increase in differential renal function at follow-up after at least 1 year after surgery (group 1: 36% [33.3; 40.5] vs 36.5% [35.3; 41.0]; group 2: 41% [37.5; 46.0] vs 43% [39; 46]). In our patients, the new technique for laparoscopic or open fixation of the obstructing vessel after transposition was effective, reproducible, and devoid of limitations typical for the Chapman and Hellstrom techniques. We recommend Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in children with a history of hydronephrosis diagnosed antenatally, recurrent abdominal pain, intra-operative absence of peristalsis across the UPJ, high location of the UPJ at the renal pelvis, or intra-operative absence of volume reduction of the renal pelvis upon furosemide testing.

Particle simulation approach for subcellular dynamics and interactions of biological molecules. Results: We propose an algorithm designed for three-dimensional simulation of the reaction-diffusion dynamics of molecules, based on a particle model. Chemical reactions proceed through the interactions of particles in space, with activation energies determining the rates of these chemical reactions at each interaction. This energy-based model can include the cellular membrane, membranes of other organelles, and cytoskeleton. The simulation algorithm was tested for a reversible enzyme reaction model and its validity was confirmed. Snapshot images taken from simulated molecular interactions on the cell-surface revealed clustering domains (size similar to 0.2 mu m) associated with rafts. Sample trajectories of raft constructs exhibited \\'hop diffusion\\'. These domains corralled the diffusive motion of membrane proteins.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that our approach is promising for modelling the localization properties of biological phenomena.Background: Spatio-temporal dynamics within cells can now be visualized at appropriate resolution, due to the advances in molecular imaging technologies. Even single-particle tracking (SPT) and single fluorophore video imaging (SFVI) are now being applied to observation of molecular-level dynamics. However, little is known concerning how molecular-level dynamics affect properties at the cellular level.

Eleventh and twelfth century documentation of surgical goiter cosmesis: a review of contributing literature. Goiters - abnormal swellings of the thyroid gland at the base of the neck - have been regarded throughout history as cosmetically displeasing, resulting in a large number of proposed treatment ideologies originating from many regions across the globe. However, with threats to surgical practice such as the popularization of conflicting religious ideology and increasing fear of undertaking surgical procedures, early documentation of techniques and methods of surgical thyroid practice were critical in developing thyroid surgery. The current review analyzes Albucasis' Kitab al-Tasrif and Frugardii's Practica Chiurgiae as eleventh and twelfth century texts of thyroid proceduralism, with a focus on what we may learn from their efforts.

Orientation Dependence of Electromechanical Characteristics of Defect-free InAs Nanowires. Understanding the electrical properties of defect-free nanowires with so different structures and their responses under deformation are essential for design and applications of nanodevices and strain engineering. In this study, defect-free zinc-blende- and wurtzite-structured InAs nanowires were grown using molecular beam epitaxy, and individual nanowires with different structures and orientations were carefully selected and their electrical properties and electromechanical responses were investigated using an electrical probing system inside a transmission. electron microscope. Through our careful experimental design and detailed analyses, we uncovered several extraordinary physical phenomena, such as the electromechanical characteristics are dominated by the nanowire orientation, rather than its crystal structure. Our results provide critical insights into different responses induced by deformation of InAs with different structures, which is important for nanowire-based devices.

Clinical use of supinator motor branch transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve in C7-T1 brachial plexus palsies Clinical article. Conclusions. A supinator motor branch to posterior interosseous nerve transfer leads to reliable recovery of thumb and finger extension. Therefore, it is a viable option for C7-T1 brachial plexus palsies. (DOI: 10.3171/2010.1.JNS091441)Results. Finger extension appeared between 5 and 9 months in the first 3 cases and demonstrated promising improvement over time. One recent case remains under follow-up.Methods. Since October 2007, the authors have performed a supinator motor branch transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve in 4 patients. The patients underwent follow-up every 3-4 months postoperatively.Object. In C7-T1 brachial plexus palsies, finger extension and flexion are absent. At the authors' institution, finger flexion has been successfully reconstructed by transferring the brachialis motor branch to the anterior interosseous nerve. However, there is no reliable method for restoring finger extension. In the present study, the authors examined the surgical results of transferring the supinator motor branch to the posterior interosseous nerve.

Experimental and DFT simulation study of a novel felodipine cocrystal: Characterization, dissolving properties and thermal decomposition kinetics. In this study, a new cocrystal of felodipine (Fel) and glutaric acid (Glu) with a high dissolution rate was developed using the solvent ultrasonic method. The prepared cocrystal was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. To provide basic information about the optimization of pharmaceutical preparations of Fel-based cocrystals, this work investigated the thermal decomposition kinetics of the Fel-Glu cocrystal through non-isothermal thermogravimetry. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were also performed on the Fel monomer and the trimolecular cocrystal compound for exploring the mechanisms underlying hydrogen bonding formation and thermal decomposition. Combined results of IR spectroscopy and DFT simulation verified that the Fel-Glu cocrystal formed via the N-H center dot center dot center dot O=C and C=O center dot center dot center dot H-O hydrogen bonds between Fel and Glu at the ratio of 1:2. The TG/derivative TG curves indicated that the thermal decomposition of the Fel-Glu cocrystal underwent a two-step process. The apparent activation energy (E-a) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the thermal decomposition for the first stage were 84.90 kJ mol(-1) and 7.03 x 10(7) min(-1), respectively. The mechanism underlying thermal decomposition possibly involved nucleation and growth, with the integral mechanism function G(alpha) of alpha(3/2). DFT calculation revealed that the hydrogen bonding between Fel and Glu weakened the terminal methoxyl, methyl, and ethyl groups in the Fel molecule. As a result, these groups were lost along with the Glu molecule in the first thermal decomposition. In conclusion, the formed cocrystal exhibited different thermal decomposition kinetics and showed different E-a,A, and shelf life from the intact active pharmaceutical ingredient. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kisspeptin Regulates Gonadotropin Genes via Immediate Early Gene Induction in Pituitary Gonadotropes. Kisspeptin signaling through its receptor, Kiss1R, is crucial for many reproductive functions including puberty, sex steroid feedback, and overall fertility. Although the importance of Kiss1R in the brain is firmly established, its role in regulating reproduction at the level of the pituitary is not well understood. This study presents molecular analysis of the role of kisspeptin and Kiss1R signaling in the transcriptional regulation of the gonadotropin gene beta-subunits, LH beta and FSH beta, using L beta T2 gonadotrope cells and murine primary pituitary cells. We show that kisspeptin induces LH beta and FSH beta gene expression, and this induction is protein kinase C dependent and mediated by the immediate early genes, early growth response factor 1 and cFos, respectively. Additionally, kisspeptin induces transcription of the early growth response factor 1 and cFos promoters in L beta T2 cells. Kisspeptin also increases gonadotropin gene expression in mouse primary pituitary cells in culture. Furthermore, we find that Kiss1r expression is enhanced in the pituitary of female mice during the estradiol-induced LH surge, a critical component of the reproductive cycle. Overall, our findings indicate that kisspeptin regulates gonadotropin gene expression through the activation of Kiss1R signaling through protein kinase C, inducing immediate early genes in vitro, and responds to physiologically relevant cues in vivo, suggesting that kisspeptin affects pituitary gene expression to regulate reproductive function.

Ultrasonic scouring of wool and its effects on fibre breakage during carding. Ultrasonics has shown the potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact of textile processing. This work investigates the impact of ultrasonic scouring on fibre entanglement caused during the scouring process. Levels of fibre entanglement were quantified by measuring fibre length using OFDA4000 after carding. A significant reduction in fibre entanglement after ultrasonic scouring was observed and this was due to a reduced fibre migration in the wash bath when compared with the mechanical agitation seen in conventional scouring process. Fibre cuticle scale damage resulting from the ultrasonic irradiation may also have contributed to the reduction in fibre entanglement. A reduced level of fibre entanglement from ultrasonic wool scouring leads to a reduction in fibre breakage during carding.

A Novel Graphical Technique for Combinational Logic Representation and Optimization. We present a new technique for defining, analysing, and simplifying digital functions, through hand-calculations, easily demonstrable therefore in the classrooms. It can be extended to represent discrete systems beyond the Boolean logic. The method is graphical in nature and provides complete \\'implementation-free\\' description of the logical functions, similar to binary decision diagrams (BDDs) and Karnaugh-maps (K-maps). Transforming a function into the proposed representations (also the inverse) is a very intuitive process, easy enough that a person can hand-calculate these transformations. The algorithmic nature allows for its computing-based implementations. Because the proposed technique effectively transforms a function into a scatter plot, it is possible to represent multiple functions simultaneously. Usability of the method, therefore, is constrained neither by the number of inputs of the function nor by its outputs in theory. This, being a new paradigm, offers a lot of scope for further research. Here, we put forward a few of the strategies invented so far for using the proposed representation for simplifying the logic functions. Finally, we present extensions of the method: one that extends its applicability to multivalued discrete systems beyond Boolean functions and the other that represents the variants in terms of the coordinate system in use.

The impact of variable commitment in the Naming Game on consensus formation. The Naming Game has proven to be an important model of opinion dynamics in complex networks. It is significantly enriched by the introduction of nodes committed to a single opinion. The resulting model is still simple but captures core concepts of opinion dynamics in networks. This model limitation is rigid commitment which never changes. Here we study the effect that making commitment variable has on the dynamics of the system. Committed nodes are assigned a commitment strength, w, defining their willingness to lose (in waning), gain (for increasing) or both (in variable) commitment to an opinion. Such model has committed nodes that can stick to a single opinion for some time without losing their flexibility to change it in the long run. The traditional Naming Game corresponds to setting w at infinity. A change in commitment strength impacts the critical fraction of population necessary for a minority consensus. Increasing w lowers critical fraction for waning commitment but increases this fraction for increasing commitment. Further, we show that if different nodes have different values of w, higher standard deviation of w increases the critical fraction for waning commitment and decrease this fraction for increasing commitment.

Synthesis of anisotropic defective polyaniline/silver nanocomposites. The chemical synthesis of anisotropic defective polyaniline/Ag composite (PANI/Ag) is explored using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the precursor material. This study provides a simple method for the formation of PANI/Ag nanocomposites at two different aniline concentrations 5 mu l (PANC5) and 10 mu l (PANC10). The composite PANC5 exhibits UV-Visible absorption peaks at 436 nm and 670 nm whereas, PANC10 exhibits absorption peaks at 446 nm and 697 nm. This shift is caused by the strong interaction between polyaniline and silver. The characterized FTIR peaks observed at around 3410 cm(-1) (PANC5) and 3420 cm(-1) (PANC10) was due to the N-H stretching vibrations. The appearance of a broad band instead of a sharp peak can be attributed due to the presence of a high concentration of NH groups in the nanocomposite. The TEM images show that the sample contains defective spherical, truncated triangular and rod shaped particles. The results showed that the PANI/Ag nanocomposites are composed of nano-sized particles of 43-53 nm that contain Ag domains of 33-37 nm with polymer thickness 5.7-11.2 nm at two different aniline concentrations.

The Effect of Inferior Turbinectomy on Heat/Humidity Transfer Ability of the Nose. In addition to respiration, the nose performs three other major physiological functions-air-conditioning, filtering, and smelling. On the basis of our experience in experimental investigations of nasal airflows in normal and abnormal nasal cavity models, airflows in the normal model and three artificially deformed models, which simulate the results of surgical treatments (inferior turbinectomy), are investigated by Ply and CFD. The left cavities of all three models are normal, and the right cavities are modified as follows: (1) excision of the head of the inferior turbinate, (2) resection of the lower fifth of the inferior turbinate, and (3) resection of almost the entire inferior turbinate. The use of high-resolution CT data and careful surface rendering of three-dimensional computer models with the help of an ENT doctor provide more sophisticated nasal cavity models. Nasal airflows for both normal and deformed cases are also compared.

miRNAsofAedesaegypti (Linnaeus 1762) conserved in six orders of the class Insecta. Aedesaegypti L. is the most important vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, and yellow fever, which impact millions of people's health per year. MicroRNA profile has been described in some mosquito species as being important for biological processes such as digestion of blood, oviposition, sexual differentiation, insecticide resistance, and pathogens dissemination. We identified the miRNAs of Ae.aegypti females, males and eggs of a reference insecticide susceptible strain New Orleans and compared them with those other insects to determine miRNA fingerprint by new-generation sequencing. The sequences were analyzed using data mining tools and categorization, followed by differential expression analysis and conservation with other insects. A total of 55 conserved miRNAs were identified, of which 34 were of holometabolous insects and 21 shared with hemimetabolous insects. Of these miRNAs, 32 had differential expression within the stages analyzed. Three predominant functions of miRNA were related to embryonic development regulation, metamorphosis, and basal functions. The findings of this research describe new information on Ae.aegypti physiology which could be useful for the development of new control strategies, particularly in mosquito development and metamorphosis processes.

Mediating epistemic access through everyday language resources in an English language classroom. In most rural and township English additional language classrooms, everyday language discursive practices of bi/multilingual students are underutilised. This study reports on how grade 4 emergent isiZulu-English bilingual children used their everyday language resources as a tool for epistemic access. Drawing on translanguaging, this paper aims to support recent research that challenges monolingual and monoglossic language practices, which tend to limit children's learning and complex identities. Data were collected from classroom observational notes, video recordings, and interviews with the teacher, the learners, and the principal. Findings show that, despite classroom practices that constrained children's learning, children who recruited diverse linguistic resources created a space to engage in meaningful learning and represent their multiple identities beyond the stereotypical ones. I conclude the paper by calling for pedagogical practices that support inclusion of learners' everyday language discursive practices in order to enhance effective learning and support learners' multiple identities.

Widespread Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity Is Similar in Women With Frequent Episodic and Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Blinded Case-Control Study. ConclusionsCurrent results suggest the presence of similar local and widespread pressure hyperalgesia, not associated with anxiety or depression, in women with FETTH and CTTH supporting that localized and central manifestations are involved in both the episodic and chronic forms of tension-type headache.ObjectiveTo investigate differences in widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia in the trigemino-cervical and extra-trigeminal (distant pain-free) regions in women with frequent episodic (FETTH) and chronic (CTTH) tension-type headache.BackgroundIt seems that people with tension-type headache exhibit central sensitization. No study has investigated differences between FETTH and CTTH in terms of widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity.MethodsForty-three women with FETTH, 42 with CTTH, and 45 women without headache diagnosis were recruited. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were bilaterally assessed over trigeminal area (ie, temporalis muscle), extra-trigeminal (ie, C5/C6 zygapophyseal joint), and two distant points (ie, second metacarpal and tibialis anterior muscle) by a blinded assessor. Clinical features of the headache were collected with a 4-week headache diary. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsThe ANCOVA revealed that PPTs were significantly decreased bilaterally over trigeminal (mean differences ranging from 97.5 to 101.5 kPa), extra-trigeminal (from 94.3 to 114.5 kPa), and distant points (from 99.4 to 208.6 kPa) in both FETTH and CTTH groups compared with controls (all, P<.001). No differences between FETTH and CTTH were observed (all points, P>.217). Anxiety (all, P>.803) or depression (P>.206) did not influence pressure pain hyperalgesia. No associations between widespread pressure hypersensitivity and headache features were observed (all, P>.110).

ISTTOK tokamak plasmas influence on a liquid gallium jet dynamic behavior. The main concern in using free flowing liquid metals in fusion devices is related to their interaction with magnetic fields. On ISITOK tokamak, liquid gallium jets are injected deep into the plasma along a vertical direction. The influence of the plasma interaction on the jet has been investigated monitoring the liquid metal behavior using a fast frame camera. A radial shift on its trajectory has been detected and found to depend on the toroidal magnetic field magnitude and principally on the plasma position within the chamber. The analysis performed to understand the dynamics of the jet perturbation by the plasma is presented in this paper. The jet surface temperature increase during this interaction has also been measured, using absolutely calibrated multichannel IR sensors, to evaluate the jet power exhaustion capability. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deposition of an adherent diamond film on stainless steel using Cr/ Cr-Al-N as an interlayer. Cr/Cr-Al-N films were chosen as an interlayer to deposit an adherent diamond film on stainless steels by using hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). The results show that diamond film with good adhesion is successfully deposited on 3Cr13 stainless steel when the interlayer with Al content from 0 to 18 at.%, which is ascribed to high chemical adhesion by a certain amount of chromium carbide. When Al content in the interlayer further increases, an excessive Al2O3 is formed on the surface of the interlayer, carbon supersaturation is easily arrived, so that the amount of the carbide at the diamond/interlayer interface decreases evidently. This decreases the strength of the covalent bonding from the carbide, producing poor adhesion. Moreover, with the raise of Al content in the interlayer, the hardness of the multilayer coated stainless steel increases due to the increase of the interlayer's hardness and the slight increase of the diamond content in the film.

An investigation of kinetic and physicochemical properties of vesicular surfactants with oximate and hydroxamate ions: Hydrolytic reactions of organophosphorus pesticides. Rate constants have been determined spectrophotometrically for the reaction of paraoxon, parathion and fenitrothion (OP pesticides) with oximate (Ox(-)) and hydroxamate (HA(-)) ions in aqueous and cationic vesicular media at 300K. All reactions followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The surface properties i.e. the critical vesicle concentration (cvc), maximum surface access (Gamma(max)), surface pressure at the cvc (Pi(CVC)) and minimum surface area per molecule (A(min)) of vesicular surfactants dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) with Ox(-) and HA(-) ions have been evaluated by conductivity and surface tension measurements at 300 K. The standard Gibbs free energy of vesicle formation (Delta(0)(G)(V)), Standard Gibbs free energy of adsorption (Delta G(ad)(0)), and standard Gibbs free energy of vesicle formation per alkyl chain (Delta G(V)(0), (tail)) of cationic vesicular surfactants with Ox(-) and HA(-) ions have also been evaluated. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) were used to investigate the morphological behavior and size of vesicular surfactants. We observed a well-defined contour of vesicular surfactants that are mostly spherical and globular shape. The effects of vesicular morphology and chemical reactivity have been discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occurrence of Acute Oesophageal Necrosis (Black Oesophagus) in a Single Tertiary Centre. Acute oesophageal necrosis (AON) is a rare condition characterised by the endoscopic finding of diffuse, circumferential, black mucosal pigmentation of the oesophagus, which typically stops at the gastro-oesophageal junction. This observational study aimed to assess the occurrence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of AON in a consecutive endoscopic cohort in a single tertiary university centre. A retrospective analysis of endoscopic data of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) was carried out from 2008 to 2018. Out of 25,970 UGE, 16 patients (0.06%) had AON; 75.0% were men with a median age of 75 years. Almost all patients underwent diagnosis during emergency UGE performed for gastrointestinal bleeding, but one patient was diagnosed during elective UGE for persistent vomiting and diarrhoea. All patients reported one or more pre-existing comorbidities and concomitant acute events. Two patients had AON as the first presentation of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). One patient developed an oesophageal stenosis, and another patient presented a relapse of AON. Mortality was 50%, but no patient died as a direct consequence of AON. AON is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed mainly during emergency UGE. Our study showed that ZES might manifest with this critical presentation, and endoscopists must be aware of this evidence.

Gender earnings differentials among college administrators. This analysis examines gender pay gap among the top five salaried individuals at private higher education institutions. We find a 13.0 percent average pay disadvantage for women versus men. This pay gap can be decomposed into a 10.4 percent differential owing to differences in the types of institutions and occupations that women hold relative to men and a 2.6 percent unexplained earnings differential.

Age-Related Differences in Judgments of Inappropriate Behavior Are Related to Humor Style Preferences. Identifying social gaffes is important for maintaining relationships. Older adults are less able than young to discriminate between socially appropriate and inappropriate behavior in video clips. One open question is how these social appropriateness ratings relate to potential age differences in the perception of what is actually funny or not. In the present study, young, middle-aged, and older adults were equally able to discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate social behavior in a diverse set of clips relevant across age groups. However, young and middle-aged adults rated the gaffe clips as funnier than control clips and young adults smiled more during the inappropriate clips than the control clips. Older adults did not show this pattern, suggesting that they did not find the inappropriate clips funny. Additionally, young adults endorsed a more aggressive humor style than middle-aged and older adults and aggressive humor style endorsement mediated age differences in social appropriateness ratings. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms such as cohort differences in humor and developmental prioritization of certain humor styles, as well as the importance of investigating age differences in both abilities and preferences.

The Role of Firm Size and Performance Pay in Determining Employee Job Satisfaction Brief: Firm Size, Performance Pay, and Job Satisfaction. Job satisfaction reflects the on-the-job utility of workers and has been found to influence both the behavior of workers and the productivity of firms. Performance pay remains popular and widely used to increase worker productivity and more generally align the objectives of workers and firms. Yet, its impact on job satisfaction is ambiguous. Whereas the increased earnings increase job satisfaction, the increased effort and risk decreases job satisfaction. This paper finds empirical evidence that on net performance pay increases job satisfaction but does so largely among union workers and males in larger firms.

Highly sensitive and rapid determination of sunset yellow in drinks using a low-cost carbon material-based electrochemical sensor. Starting from simple graphite flakes, an electrochemical sensor for sunset yellow monitoring is developed by using a very simple and effective strategy. The direct electrochemical reduction of a suspension of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface leads to the electrodeposition of electrochemically reduced oxide at the surface, obtaining GCE/ERGO-modified electrodes. They are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements and field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FE-SEM). The GCE/ERGO electrode has a high electrochemically active surface allowing efficient adsorption of SY. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique with only 2 min accumulation, the GCE/ERGO sensor exhibits good performance to SY detection with a good linear calibration for concentration range varying 50-1000 nM (R-2=0.996) and limit of detection (LOD) estimated to 19.2 nM (equivalent to 8.9 mu g L-1). The developed sensor possesses a very high sensitivity of 9 mu A/mu M while fabricated with only one component. This electrochemical sensor also displays a good reliability with RSD value of 2.13% (n=7) and excellent reusability (signal response change <3.5% after 6 measuring/cleaning cycles). The GCE/ERGO demonstrates a successful practical application for determination of sunset yellow in commercial soft drinks.

Broadband vibration energy harvesting for wireless sensor node power supply in train container. Wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) for temperature and humidity monitoring are commonly used in a cold chain logistics container. Energy harvesting technology is expected to realize the sustainable self-power supply for the WSN. Low amplitude and broadband vibration energy harvesting performance are the key points in train application. In this study, two piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters (PVEHs) are designed and simulated via COMSOL. Their low resonant frequencies and high electromechanical sensitivities are realized by big L-shaped mass blocks with different material densities. Their broadband vibration energy harvesting performance is achieved by the stopper and series connection. Experimental data are shown at an acceleration of 0.5 m/s(2); PVEH-1 and PVEH-2 have maximum powers of 0.24 mW and 0.1 mW when excited at the resonant frequencies of 13.1 Hz and 18.8 Hz, respectively, and they both have the optimal load resistance of 40 k Omega. Two circuit design styles of two PVEHs, independent and series styles, are proposed for broadband vibration energy harvesting. Experimental results show that the series style has a wider operating frequency bandwidth and shorter charging time. Two PVEHs in series style can be effectively used for power supply of the temperature and humidity WSN in the broadband frequency range of 8.7-22.0 Hz above charging root mean square voltage of 5 V at the acceleration of 3.0 m/s(2). This scheme is promised to be applied to the cold chain logistics train container. Published under license by AIP Publishing.

GABA-like immunoreactivity in nonspiking interneurons of the locust metathoracic ganglion. Nonspiking interneurons are important components of the premotor circuitry in the thoracic ganglia of insects. Their action on postsynaptic neurons appears to be predominantly inhibitory, but it is not known which transmitter(s) they use. Here, we demonstrate that many but not all nonspiking local interneurons in the locust metathoracic ganglion are immunopositive for GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Interneurons were impaled with intracellular microelectrodes and were shown physiologically to be nonspiking. They were further characterized by defining their effects on known leg motor neurons when their membrane potential was manipulated by current injection. Lucifer Yellow was then injected into these interneurons to reveal their cell bodies and the morphology of their branches. Some could be recognised as individuals by comparison with previous detailed descriptions. Ganglia were then processed for GABA immunohistochemistry. Fifteen of the 17 nonspiking interneurons studied were immunopositive for GABA, but two were not. The results suggest that the majority of these interneurons might exert their well-characterized effects on other neurons through the release of GABA but that some appear to use a transmitter other than GABA. These nonspiking interneurons are therefore not an homogeneous population with regard to their putative transmitter.

Strategy for Locating People to Reduce the Transmission of COVID-19 Using Different Interference Measures. COVID-19 is generally transmitted from person to person through small droplets of saliva emitted when talking, sneezing, coughing, or breathing. For this reason, social distancing and ventilation have been widely emphasized to control the pandemic. The spread of the virus has brought with it many challenges in locating people under distance constraints. The effects of wakes between turbines have been studied extensively in the literature on wind energy, and there are well-established interference models. Does this apply to the propagation functions of the virus? In this work, a parallel relationship between the two problems is proposed. A mixed-integer linear programming (MIP) model and a mixed-integer quadratic programming model (MIQP) are formulated to locate people to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Both models were constructed according to the distance constraints proposed by the World Health Organization and the interference functions representing the effects of wake between turbines. Extensive computational tests show that people should not be less than two meters apart, in agreement with the adapted Wells-Riley model, which indicates that 1.6 to 3.0 m (5.2 to 9.8 ft) is the safe social distance when considering the aerosol transmission of large droplets exhaled when speaking, while the distance can be up to 8.2 m (26 ft) if all the droplets in a calm air environment are taken into account.

Characteristics of p-type Mg-doped GaS and GaSe nanosheets. The characteristics are investigated in the p-type Mg-doped GaS and GaSe nanosheets by means of first-principles calculations, showing that with increasing Mg doping concentration, the formation energy increases while the transition level decreases. Moreover, Mg impurity can create a shallower acceptor level in the GaSe nanosheet than in the GaS nanosheet. In particular, the transition level is 39.3 meV when Mg doping concentration is 0.056 in the GaSe nanosheets, which indicates that Mg impurity can offer effective p-type carriers in the GaSe nanosheets.

Pandemic H1N1 virus transmission and shedding dynamics in index case households of a prospective Vietnamese cohort. Conclusions: In this cohort of A(H1N1) pdm09 susceptible persons, virus sequencing was capable of discriminating household fromcommunity transmission. Household transmission involved mothers and children but rarely fathers. Asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic shedding was common. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of the The British Infection Association. All rights reserved.Results: Index cases were detected in 20 households containing 81 people. 98.5% lacked A(H1N1) pdm09 neutralizing antibodies in pre-pandemic sera. Eleven (18.6%, 95% CI 10.7-30.4%) of 59 contacts were infected. Virus genetic diversity within households was negligible and less than between households. Index and secondary cases were distributed between mothers, daughters and sons, and had similar virus-RNA shedding and symptom dynamics. Fathers were rarely infected. Five secondary cases (45%) had no apparent symptoms and three shed virus before symptoms. Secondary infection was associated with index case wet cough (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.22-1.99).Methods: Health-workers visited 270 households weekly, and collected swabs from influenzalike-illness cases. If A(H1N1) pdm09 was RT-PCR-confirmed, all household members had symptoms assessed and swabs collected daily for 10e15 days. Viral RNA was quantified and sequenced and serology performed on pre-pandemic sera.Objectives: Influenza household transmission studies are required to guide prevention strategies but most passively recruit index cases that seek healthcare. We investigated A(H1N1) pdm09 transmission in a household-based cohort during 2009.

Pain and high sensitivity C reactive protein in patients with chronic low back pain and acute sciatic pain. Objective: To study the association between pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale ( VAS) and hsCRP in patients with chronic low back pain and acute sciatic pain.Background: The severity of pain from musculoskeletal disorders might be associated with high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), a sensitive marker of low grade systemic inflammation.Results: Mean intensity of pain ( VAS 0 - 10) at baseline was 4.9 and 5.5 in patients with chronic low back and acute sciatic pain, respectively. Highest v lowest tertile of average intensity of pain during the last 24 hours was associated with increased hsCRP levels among patients with acute sciatic pain ( adjusted OR = 3.4 ( 95% CI, 1.1 to 10), but not in patients with chronic low back pain ( adjusted OR = 0.87 ( 0.25 to 3.0)).Methods: Information on pain severity, determinants of hsCRP, and hsCRP values were obtained prospectively at up to 10 time points during six months in 72 consecutive patients ( mean age 43.3 years; 59.7% female): 41 with chronic low back pain and 31 with acute sciatic pain. The association between severity of pain and raised ( highest quartile) hsCRP values at any time point was estimated by multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations to adjust odds ratios ( OR) and their confidence intervals (CI) for intraindividual dependence of measurements.Conclusions: Mean intensity of pain during the previous 24 hours as assessed by VAS was independently associated with high levels of hsCRP in patients with acute sciatic pain but not in those with chronic low back pain.

Multi-home ownership and household portfolio choice in urban China. This study shows that multi-home ownership determines the patterns of portfolio composition. The IV-Tobit models have been used on the 2015 China household and finance survey data, and the potential endogeneity problem has been addressed by using the variation of housing prices at the city level as instruments. The results show that multiple-housing ownership significantly crowds out the proportion of risky financial assets held by urban Chinese households, which reflects the substitution effect and people's risk awareness with regard to real estate. Moreover, this crowding out effect is particularly significant and generally stronger for wealthy households and for regions with a medium development level of financial markets.

Low-Grade Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Hemangioma of the Kidney A Series of 4 Cases. Results.-Cases were seen in 1 woman and 3 men (average age, 48.8 years; range, 40-66 years). Grossly, tumors were red-brown (3 of 4) with scant bright-yellow foci in 1. The average tumor size was 4 cm (range, 2.5-5.5 cm). Microscopically, all were composed of varying proportions of a rich, arborizing, sinusoid-like vasculature with focal hobnail appearance of endothelial cells. Entrapment of renal tubules between blood vessels was seen at the periphery of the tumors. This morphology was reminiscent of anastomosing hemangioma. Isolated tumor cells resembling lymphocytes with clear halos were sparsely interspersed between vessels. Cytokeratin immunostain confirmed the diagnosis of CCRCC.Objective.-To describe 4 unusual CCRCC cases, primarily presenting with hemangioma-like morphologic pattern.Design.-Clinicopathologic and selected immunohistochemical analysis of 4 cases of CCRCC mimicking hemangioma.Context.-Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) has a rich, sinusoid-like vascularity frequently used as a diagnostic criterion. CCRCC with predominantly vascular architecture has not been described.Conclusion.-Extensive sampling and immunohistochemical workup of what is deemed to be a benign vascular neoplasm of the kidney is needed to rule out the presence of individual carcinoma cells or small viable carcinoma cell clusters.

The homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 induce E-cadherin adhesion activity by reducing beta- and p120-catenin tyrosine phosphorylation. The homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 are regulators of intestine-specific gene expression. They also regulate intestinal cell differentiation and proliferation; however, these effects are poorly understood. Previously, we have shown that expression of Cdx1 or Cdx2 in human Colo 205 cells induces a mature colonocyte morphology characterized by the induction of a polarized, columnar shape with apical microvilli and strong cell-cell adhesion. To elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we investigated the adherens junction complex. Cdx1 or Cdx2 expression reduced Colo 205 cell migration and invasion in vitro, suggesting a physiologically significant change in cadherin function. However, Cdx expression did not significantly effect E-cadherin, alpha-, beta-, or gamma-catenin, or p120-catenin protein levels. Additionally, no alteration in their intracellular distribution was observed. Cdx expression did not alter the coprecipitation of beta-catenin with E-cadherin; however, it did reduce p120-catenin-E-cadherin coprecipitation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of beta- and p120-catenin is known to disrupt E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion and is associated with robust p120-catenin/E-cadherin interactions. We specifically investigated beta- and p120-catenin for tyrosine phosphorylation and found that it was significantly diminished by Cdx1 or Cdx2 expression. We restored beta- and p120-catenin tyrosine phosphorylation in Cdx2-expressing cells by knocking down the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and noted a significant decline in cell-cell adhesion. We conclude that Cdx expression in Colo 205 cells induces E-cadherin-dependent cell-cell adhesion by reducing beta- and p120-catenin tyrosine phosphorylation. Ascertaining the mechanism for this novel Cdx effect may improve our understanding of the regulation of cell-cell adhesion in the colonic epithelium.

Propagation of ultrasonic waves in nonlinear multilayered media. In the framework of the Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA), iteration equations are derived for the simulation of the propagation of ultrasonic waves in nonlinear multilayered I-D media. The numerical results axe compared with analytical solutions obtained in a perturbation treatment. The method is then applied to study several problems of nonlinear propagation, including the distortion of pulses, the formation of shock waves and, in the case of cw's, anharmonic effects and coupling between extended and localized vibration modes.

Feasibility of implementing a community cardiovascular health promotion program with paramedics and volunteers in a South Asian population. BackgroundThe South Asian population in Canada is growing and has elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study sought to adapt an evidence-based community risk assessment and health promotion program for a South Asian community with a large proportion of recent immigrants. The aims were to assess the feasibility of implementing this program and also to describe the rates of cardiometabolic risk factors observed in this sample population.MethodsThis was a feasibility study adapting and implementing the Community Paramedicine at Clinic (CP@clinic) program for a South Asian population in an urban Canadian community for 14months. CP@clinic is a free, drop-in chronic disease prevention and health promotion program implemented by paramedics who provide health assessments, health education, referrals and reports to family doctors. All adults attending the recreation centre and temple where CP@clinic was implemented were eligible. Volunteers provided Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu translation. The primary outcome of feasibility was evaluated using quantitative process measures and a qualitative key informant interview. For the secondary outcome of cardiometabolic risk factor, data were collected through the CP@clinic program risk assessments and descriptively analyzed.ResultsThere were 26 CP@clinic sessions held and 71 participants, predominantly male (56.3-84.6%) and South Asian (87.3-92.3%). There was limited participation at the recreation centre (n=19) but CP@clinic was well-attended when relocated to the local Sikh temple (n=52). Having the volunteer translators was critical to the paramedics being able to collect the full risk factor data and there were some challenges with ensuring enough volunteers were available to staff each session; as a result, there were missing risk factor data for many participants. In the 26 participants with complete or almost complete risk factor data, 46.5% had elevated BP, 42.3% had moderate/high risk of developing diabetes, and 65.4% had an indicator of cardiometabolic disease.ConclusionImplementing CP@clinic in places of worship is a feasible approach to adapting the program for the South Asian population, however having a funded translator in addition to the volunteers would improve the program. Also, there is substantial opportunity for addressing cardiometabolic risk factors in this population using CP@clinic.

Use of a Dynamic Genetic Testing Approach for Childhood-Onset Epilepsy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Molecular diagnostic findings.OBJECTIVES To evaluate the diagnostic yield of an exome-based gene panel for childhood epilepsy and discuss the value of follow-up testing.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A case series study was conducted on data from clinical genetic testing at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was conducted from September 26, 2016, to January 8, 2018. Initial testing targeted 100 curated epilepsy genes for sequence and copy number analysis in 151 children with idiopathic epilepsy referred consecutively by neurologists. Additional genetic testing options were offered afterward.IMPORTANCE Although genetic testing is important for bringing precision medicine to children with epilepsy, it is unclear what genetic testing strategy is best in maximizing diagnostic yield.RESULTS Of 151 patients (84 boys [55.6%]; median age, 4.2 years [interquartile range, 1.4-8.7 years]), 16 children (10.6%; 95% CI, 6%-16%) received a diagnosis after initial panel analysis. Parental testing for 15 probands with inconclusive results revealed de novo variants in 7 individuals (46.7%), resulting in an overall diagnostic yield of 15.3% (23 of 151; 95% CI, 9%-21%). Twelve probands with nondiagnostic panel findings were reflexed to exome sequencing, and 4 were diagnostic (33.3%; 95% CI, 6%-61%), raising the overall diagnostic yield to 17.9% (27 of 151; 95% CI, 12%-24%). The yield was highest (17 of 44 [38.6%; 95% CI, 24%-53%]) among probands with epilepsy onset in infancy (age, 1-12 months). Panel diagnostic findings involved 16 genes SCN1A (n = 4), PRRT2 (n = 3), STXBP1 (n = 2), IQSEC2 (n = 2), ATP1A2, ATP1A3, CACNA1A, GABRA1, KCNQ2, KCNT1, SCN2A, SCN8A, DEPDC5, TPP1, PCDH19, and UBE3A (all n = 1). Exome sequencing analysis identified 4 genes SMC1A, SETBP1, NR2F1, and TRIT1. For the remaining 124 patients, analysis of 13 additional genes implicated in epilepsy since the panel was launched in 2016 revealed promising findings in 6 patients.EXPOSURES Clinical genetic testing.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Exome-based targeted panels appear to enable rapid analysis of a preselected set of genes while retaining flexibility in gene content. Successive genetic workup should include parental testing of select probands with inconclusive results and reflex to whole-exome trio analysis for the remaining nondiagnostic cases. Periodic reanalysis is needed to capture information in newly identified disease genes.

The nature of anti-immigrant sentiment in post-socialist Russia. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether the competition and cultural theoretical models that have received solid empirical support in the context of Western European societies can explain anti-foreigner sentiment in post-socialist Russia as a society searching for new national identity borders. Data obtained from the third round of the European Social Survey (2006) indicate a high level of anti-foreigner sentiment in contemporary Russia - more than 60% of Russians claimed that immigrants undermine the cultural life of the country, and almost 60% claimed that immigration is bad for the economy of the country. Our multivariate analysis showed that the two sets of individual-level predictors of anti-foreigner sentiment - the socioeconomic position of individuals (as suggested by the competition model) and conservative views and ideologies (as suggested by the cultural model) - are not meaningful in predicting anti-foreigner sentiment in post-socialist Russia. The results are discussed from a comparative sociology perspective and in the context of the Russian society.

Modeling of surface-dominated plasmas: From electric thruster to negative ion source. This contribution shows two important applications of the particle-in-cell/monte Carlo technique on ion sources: modeling of the Hall thruster SPT-100 for space propulsion and of the rf negative ion source for ITER neutral beam injection. In the first case translational degrees of freedom are involved, while in the second case inner degrees of freedom (vibrational levels) are excited. Computational results show how in both cases, plasma-wall and gas-wall interactions play a dominant role. These are secondary electron emission from the lateral ceramic wall of SPT-100 and electron capture from caesiated surfaces by positive ions and atoms in the rf negative ion source. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

Iterated Integrals and Borwein-Chen-Dilcher Polynomials. We study the zero location and the asymptotic behavior of iterated integrals of polynomials. Borwein-Chen-Dilcher's polynomials play an important role in this issue. For these polynomials we find their strong asymptotics and give the limit measure of their zero distribution. We apply these results to describe the zero asymptotic distribution of iterated integrals of ultraspherical polynomials with parameters (2 alpha+1)/2, alpha is an element of Z(+).

Renewable energy awareness among future generation of Palestine. This study aims to measure the level of university student's knowledge regarding renewable energy including technical, economical and policy aspects. Thus, a questionnaire is developed and distributed to students from all faculties of An-Najah National University. The results show that there is no significant difference in student's knowledge of renewable energy considering gender, educational level of study, and parental education level. Meanwhile, faculty choice and high school specialization have a strong correlation with the level of knowledge as compared to other demographic variables. In specific, students who come from vocational schools are usually more aware of renewable energy than other university students. In addition to that, this study shows that 45.6% of the students thought that Palestine has high wind potential while more than 40% of the participants believe that Palestine has a very high potential of solar energy. However, only 22.8% of the students think that Palestine is making use of this potential as one of the renewable energy sources. In contrast, 71.3% of the respondents believe that the investment in RE projects is successful, and 70.4% of students confirmed using solar energy for water heating. As a result, student's awareness and knowledge about renewable energy are found limited. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Response of the lower ionosphere to solar proton event on July 14 2000. Model simulations over both poles. Response of the middle atmosphere and especially of electron and ion concentrations in the lower ionosphere to one of the strongest Solar Proton Events (SPE) of the 23rd solar cycle on July 14, 2000 is studied with the emphasis on the differences in ionosphere over the North and the South Pole. General circulation model (GCM) and 3D chemical global transport-photochemical middle atmosphere model are used for simulations of neutral composition, wind and temperature response. Using these results, concentrations of the short-living ions are calculated by I D photochemical model of the lower ionosphere. SPE-induced ionization rates in the polar atmosphere are calculated using high time-resolution satellite measurements of solar proton fluxes provided by GOES-10. SPEs are known to produce significant amounts of odd nitrogen, odd hydrogen and ion species that affect neutral and ion constituents in stratosphere and mesosphere. Our simulations show that electron concentrations over both poles increase by several orders of magnitude. In the north polar cap (NPC) in polar summer, this enhancement lasts longer than in the south polar cap (SPC) at polar night. Contribution of the significant temperature changes after the SPE found by Krivolutsky et al. [2006. Advances in Space Research 37 (8), 16021 in north polar mesosphere to the SPE-induced electron concentration enhancement is of the order of 10% at 88-98 km on day 5-8 after the SPE onset. The present simulations show that the overall negative ion concentration increased by about 2 orders of magnitude during SPE in the sun-lit NPC and slightly less in the dark SPC ionosphere. Response of the positive clusters is found similar in both hemispheres. Calculated decrease of ion composition parameter f(+) = [Sigma Clust(+)]/([NO+] + [O-2(+)]) by 2 orders of magnitude over both poles is in agreement with measurements. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Coke Quality on the Efficiency in Blast Furnaces of Different Size. The influence of the coke strength M-25 and abradability M-10 and the proportion of >80 mm coke pieces on the furnace productivity and coke consumption is analyzed on the basis of mean monthly operational data for 2000-, 2700-, and 5000-m(3) blast furnaces. The influence of these coke parameters on blast-furnace operation is more pronounced for larger furnaces.

Proximity to endocrine-disrupting pesticides and risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among adolescents: A population-based case-control study in California. Conclusions: TGCT among adolescents in California was associated with prenatal residential proximity to acephate and malathion among Latinos, and with carbaryl among non-Latinos. These results suggest that the rise in TGCT risk among Latinos may be associated with exposure to these pesticides.Results: A doubling of nearby acephate applications (3 km and 1 km radii) and malathion applications (1 km radius) was associated with increased risks of TGCT among Latinos only (OR = 1.09; 95% CI:1.01-1.17; 1.30; 95% CI:1.08-1.57, and 1.19; 95% CI:1.01-1.39, respectively), whereas application of carbaryl within a 3 km radius increased TGCT risk in non-Latinos only (OR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.01-1.28). We estimate that acephate was associated with approximately 10% of the TGCT PAR, malathion with 3% and carbaryl with 1%.Background: The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is increasing steadily in the United States, particularly among Latinos. TGCT is thought to be initiated in utero and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected contributors to TGCT pathogenesis, during this critical developmental period may contribute to the rise.Objectives: To assess the relationship between fetal exposure to agricultural endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs) and TGCT risk among adolescents in a diverse population in California.Methods: We conducted a registry-based case-control study of TGCT. Cases, diagnosed between 1997 and 2011, were 15-19 years of age (n = 381). Controls were matched on birth year and race/ethnicity (n = 762). Quantities (kilograms) of 33 pesticides applied within 3 km and 1 km radii of each individual's address before birth were estimated using the Pesticide Use Reporting database. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and population attributable risk (PAR) were calculated for each EDP (using log-2 transformed values). Risk models considered race/ethnicity, birth year, and neighborhood socioeconomic status.

Variations in internal standard response: some thoughts and real-life cases. Internal standards are essential to ensure the reliability of chromatographic bioanalytical methods. However, this only holds true if the response of the internal standard is adequately monitored. A difference needs to be made between isolated variations in a limited number of samples, which can be easily handled using objective criteria triggering the re-analysis of the affected samples and more complex situations such as trends or systematic differences, which may require the use of scientific judgment, trigger further investigations and ultimately result in the rejection of analytical runs.

Microstructural characteristics of directionally solidified Ni-43Ti-4Al-2Nb-2Hf alloy. By liquid metal cooling (LMC) process, the Ni-43Ti-4Al-2Nb-2Hf (atomic fraction, %) alloy was directionally solidified (DS) at different casting temperatures (1350, 1450, 1550 degrees C) and a constant withdrawal rate of 6mm/min. Compared to the as-cast alloy, DS process has no effect on the phase composition, but significantly influences the phase morphologies. After DS, the NiTi phase preferentially grows along [100] orientation, and the macrostructure becomes the columnar crystals morphology with the [100] growth direction. Owing to the micro-segregation difference of Nb and Hf, the contrasts of primary NiTi phase become lighter from the center of dendrites to the edge. White Nb-rich Ti2Ni phases distribute along growth direction in the light-contrast interdendritic regions, accompanied by Ti2Ni precipitates. Actually, the finally solidified Ti2Ni phase is the quasi-eutectic structure composed of Nb-rich Ti2Ni and Ti2Ni phase. The increases of casting temperature make the dendrites finer, also, Nb-rich Ti2Ni more dispersively distributed.

Expression and function of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat and human mast cells. The expression and functional role of CD8 glycoprotein, a marker of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes and NK cells, were not studied on freshly isolated connective tissue type rat peritoneal mast cells, a rat mucosal type mast cell line (RBL 2H3), or human mast cell line (HMC-1). We used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: RT-PCR and Western blot analysis identified the presence of CD8 alpha/beta chains on the mast cells, and immunohistochemistry confirmed CD8alpha expression on rat or human mast cells. Functional studies demonstrated that stimulation of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat mast cells induced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are regarded as important mediators during infection. However, costimulation with stem cell factor had no effect on CD8-induced mediator secretion. Our findings demonstrate novel biological roles of CD8 molecules in mast cells.

Effects of immunization against gonadotropin releasing hormone on reproductive functions in male rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). We performed an evaluation of the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on male rusa deer reproductive function. Mature male rusa deer (Rosa timorensis) were divided into two groups: untreated group (n=3) and treated group (n=7). The treated rusa deer were administered with two ml of the GnRH-protein conjugate vaccine (Improvac (R); 200 mu g/rnl). The vaccine was injected subcutaneously into the treated group three times at four-week intervals (April, May and June) and an additional single dose booster was given after a decrease in GnRH antibody levels was detected (October). Blood testosterone concentrations and GnRH antibody titer were determined before the vaccination. Following that, a series of blood collection and evaluation was done for one year. In addition, we conducted a series of semen collection and evaluation, testicular size measurement and antler development recording in all deer for one year. Our results indicated that the level of GnRH antibody significantly increased (p<0.05) compared with the pre-vaccinated level. The antibody titer reached peak concentrations after the third vaccination. The high level was maintained for twelve weeks and then gradually declined to baseline. The antibody titer increased again after the fourth vaccination. The testosterone concentrations had no significant difference between the groups and times. However, the testosterone level in the treated group showed a negative correlation with GnRH antibody titer (R=-0.25). The average of testicular size of the treated group was smaller than that of the untreated group (p<0.05). The semen quality of the treated group started to decline after the third vaccination (p<0.05). Then, after the fourth vaccination, azoospermia was detected. In this study, six stags in the treated group shed their hard antlers immediately after the third vaccination. Although regrowth of velvet was observed, it did not harden. In conclusion, the GnRH vaccination in male rusa deer resulted in the increase in GnRH antibody titer, which negatively correlated with blood testosterone. The decrease in blood testosterone might be involved in the lower semen quality and poor antler development.

A New Computer Simulation of Avalanche Evolution and Its Transition Into Anode- and Cathode-Directed Streamers in Short Uniform Field Gaps. A new method based on the charge simulation technique is proposed for computing the electric field in a short uniform field gap with space charge and without space charge of avalanches growing in the gap. The self-space-charge field of the avalanche is evaluated to result in field enhancement ahead of the avalanche due to electrons at its head and behind the avalanche due to positive ions in its wake. Also, a criterion is proposed for calculating the breakdown voltage and time-to-breakdown when the primary avalanche crosses the gap. The criterion is based on self-recurrence of the avalanche by secondary processes, and the most dominant one is the photoemission at the cathode. The condition of transition of the primary avalanche to anode- and cathode-directed streamers is formulated where the avalanche is chocked by its self-space-charge field. The number of electrons starting avalanche chains forming the streamers is evaluated in the gas ahead and behind the primary avalanche by photoionization and at the cathode by photoemitted electrons. The present computed values of the breakdown voltage of air at different pressures and N-2 at atmospheric pressure as well as the time-to-breakdown in air at atmospheric pressure agree satisfactory with those recorded experimentally. The computed temporal variation of the size of the primary avalanche as influenced by its self-space-charge field agrees with that reported in the literature at different E/N values. The computed current waveforms of the primary avalanche and its successor chains agree reasonably with those measured and those calculated using a finite-element method.

Effect of heavy ion irradiation on the dielectric properties of selected barium sodium niobate ceramics. Irradiation were carried out on solid solutions of pure barium sodium niobate (BNN) as well as Nd doped BNN ceramic samples using 100 MeV Fe+ heavy ion beam of 15 UD Pelletron accelerator. Dielectric measurements were carried out in the temperature range 30 degrees C-400 degrees C at 1 MHz on BNN ceramic samples before and after irradiation. It was observed that the dielectric behavior changes with heavy ion irradiation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Just when we thought we were producing fine young men. Literature is highly influenced by society and cultural contexts in which it is produced or read. It is a reflection of how a particular society constructs reality. The values, beliefs and norms transferred from one generation to another reflect, in the main, that society's way of life. When creative writers use verbal art forms like novels, short stories or drama, they do so in order to create an allusive and fictitious setting which enable them to comment on contemporary issues without blatantly seeming to do so. In this sense it becomes a prerogative for artists to remark on what is happening in communities without being directly confrontational. In our view, it is also their responsibility to approach literature from an angle that reflects changing times, thus challenging anything that is contrary. In 2013 we involved our final year undergrad literature class in a project whose aim was to sensitize them on gender disparities still affecting our society today. Five of nine groups comprising ten students each - both men and women-chose to study the work of an acclaimed Zulu writer, D.B.Z. Ntuli (1982). Based on the comments of the male students in those groups the discussion was stretched to the entire class. It was perturbing to discover that we are still producing male students who are not sensitive to gender disparities. In this article we argue that indifference displayed by these young men where issues of gender were concerned call for attention. This article presents the callous treatment of women characters in the selected short story and examples of comments made by male students on their reading of the text. We also contend that we are still far from reaping the fruits of our hard -won democracy given that Zulu men in the study still seems to lack an understanding of basic human rights. Their failure to understand obvious gender-based violence as an intolerable social ill.

The principles, definition and dimensions of the new nutrition science. Purpose: To identify nutrition, with its application in food and nutrition policy, as a science with great width and breadth of vision and scope, in order that it can fully contribute to the preservation, maintenance, development and sustenance of life on Earth.Objective: To specify the principles, definition and dimensions of the new nutrition science.Method: A brief overview shows that Current conventional nutrition is defined as a biological science, although its governing and guiding principles are implicit only, and no generally agreed definition is evident. Following are agreements on the principles, definition and dimensions of the new nutrition science, made by the authors as participants at a workshop on this theme held on 5-8 April 2005 at the Schloss Rauischholzhausen, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.Result: Nutrition science as here specified will retain its current classical identity as a biological science, within a broader and integrated conceptual framework, and will also be confirmed as a social and environmental science. As such it will be concerned with personal and Population health, and with planetary health - the welfare and future of the whole physical and living world of which humans are a part.

Quality of life of patients with 46,XX and 46,XY disorders of sex development. Disorders of sex development (DSD) result from abnormalities in the complex process of sex determination and differentiation. An important consideration to guide the assignment of social sex in newborns with ambiguous genitalia is the quality of life (QoL) of these patients in adulthood. The rarity of most DSD conditions makes it difficult to conduct a long-term follow-up of affected patients through adulthood. This review of papers on the QoL of DSD patients evaluated in developing and developed countries by qualitative and quantitative instruments revealed a large spectrum of QoL, ranging from very poor to similar to, or even better than, the normal population. A more adequate QoL was found in patients from tertiary centres, indicating that the medical care of DSD patients should be multidisciplinary and carried out by specialized teams.

Institutional effects on ecological outcomes of community-based management of fisheries in the Amazon. Communities throughout the globe are increasingly being given the responsibility of resource management, making it necessary to understand the factors that lead to success in community-based management (CBM). Here, we assessed whether and how institutional design principles affect the ecological outcomes of CBM schemes for Arapaima sp., an important common-pool fishery resource of the Amazon Basin. We quantified the degree of presence of Ostrom's (Science 325:419-422, 1990) institutional design principles in 83 communities using a systematic survey, and quantitatively linked the design principles to a measure of ecological outcome (arapaima density) in a subset of 39 communities to assess their influence. To understand regional patterns of institutional capacity for CBM, we evaluated the degree of presence of each principle in all 83 communities. The principle scores were positively related to arapaima density in the 39 CBM schemes, explaining about half of the variation. Design principles related to defined boundaries and graduated sanctions exerted the strongest influence on the capacity of CBM to increase arapaima density. The degree to which most principles were present in all 83 communities was generally low, however, with the two most influential principles (defined boundaries and graduated sanctions) being the least present of all. Although the roles of the other principles (management rules, conflict resolution, collective action, and monitoring systems) are probably important, our results indicate that efforts aimed at strengthening the presence of defined boundaries and graduated sanctions in communities hold promise to improve the effectiveness of arapaima CBM regionally.

Effect of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate on cryopreserved epididymal cat sperm intracellular ATP concentration, sperm quality, and in vitro fertilizing ability. Intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is essential for supporting sperm function in the fertilization process. During cryopreservation, damage of sperm mitochondria] membrane usually leads to compromised production of intracellular ATP. Recently, extracellular ATP (ATPe) was introduced as a potent activator of sperm motility and fertilizing ability. This study aimed to evaluate (1) levels of intracellular ATP in frozen-thawed epididymal cat sperm after incubation with ATPe and (2) effects of ATPe on epididymal cat sperm parameters after freezing and thawing. Eighteen male cats were included. For each replicate, epididymal sperm from two cats were pooled to one sample (N = 9). Each pooled sample was cryopreserved with the Tris-egg yolk extender into three straws. After thawing, the first and second straws were incubated with 0-, 1.0-, or 2.5-mM ATPe for 10 minutes and evaluated for sperm quality at 10 minutes, 1, 3, and 6 hours after thawing and fertilizing ability. The third straw was evaluated for intracellular ATP concentration in control and with 2.5-mM ATPe treatment. Higher concentration of intracellular sperm ATP was observed in the samples treated with 2.5-mM ATPe compared to the controls (0339 +/- 0.06 mu g/2 x 10(6) sperm vs. 0.002 +/- 0.003 mu g/2 x 10(6) sperm, P <= 0.05). In addition, incubation with 2.5-mM ATPe for 10 minutes promoted sperm motility (56.7 +/- 5.0 vs. 533 +/- 4.4%, P <= 0.05) and progressive motility (3.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.4, P <= 0.05), mitochondria] membrane potential (36.4 +/- 5.5 vs. 28.7 +/- 4.8%, P <= 0.05), and blastocyst rate (36.1 +/- 7.0 and 28.8 +/- 7.4%, P <= 0.05) compared with the controls. In contrast, ATPe remarkably interfered acrosome integrity after 6 hours of postthawed incubation. In sum, the present finding that optima] incubation time of postthaw epididymal cat sperm under proper ATPe condition might constitute a rationale for the studies on other endangered wild fads regarding sperm quality and embryo development. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

STOCHASTIC SIMULATION OF EPIDEMICS USING THE MAXIMUM ENTROPY PRINCIPLE AND GENERALIZED POLYNOMIAL CHAOS EXPANSIONS. The evolution of epidemics can be better understood using compartmental models based on differential equations. Accounting for modeling and data errors, the transmission parameters of the model must be regarded as random variables. The maximum entropy principle infers consistent probability distributions for the parameters, by maximizing the ignorance on their density functions while not violating physical principles. Once the parameter estimation problem is solved, a non-intrusive approach based on generalized polynomial chaos expansions reconstructs the stochastic solution in terms of the random parameters. This allows for uncertainty quantification to obtain robust predictions for the epidemic. Also, a variance-based sensitivity analysis can be conducted to determine the parameter having the highest impact on the model output.

A method to calculate zero-signature satellite laser ranging normal points for millimeter geodesy - a case study with Ajisai. A comparison of the statistical parameters of the obtained results shows that the selection of the range measurements from the leading edge of the SLR data distribution allows to minimize the satellite signature effect and to reduce the average single-shot RMS per normal point from 15.44 to 4.85 mm. The optical distance between the leading edge mean reflection point and the satellite's center of mass is 1,023 mm, RMS = 1.7 mm.Further, in addition, we utilize the complete attitude model of Ajisai during the post-processing which enables selection of the range measurements to the single CCR panels of the satellite and the formation of the normal points which most closely approximate the physical distance between the ground station and the center of mass of Ajisai. This method eliminates the satellite signature effect from the distribution of the post-fit range residuals and further improves the average single-shot RMS per normal point to 3.05 mm. The normal point RMS per pass is reduced from 2.97 to 0.06 mm - a value expected for a zero-signature satellite.High repetition-rate satellite laser ranging (SLR) offers new possibilities for the post-processing of the range measurements. We analyze 11 years of kHz SLR passes of the geodetic satellite Ajisai delivered by Graz SLR station (Austria) in order to improve the accuracy and precision of the principal SLR data product - normal points. The normal points are calculated by three different methods: 1) the range residuals accepted by the standard 2.5 sigma filter, 2) the range residuals accepted by the leading edge filter and 3) the range residuals given by the single corner cube reflector (CCR) panels of Ajisai.

Grooves to tubes: evolution of the venom delivery system in a Late Triassic 'reptile. Venom delivery systems occur in a wide range of extant and fossil vertebrates and are primarily based on oral adaptations. Teeth range from unmodified (Komodo dragons) to highly specialized fangs similar to hypodermic needles (protero- and solenoglyphous snakes). Developmental biologists have documented evidence for an infolding pathway of fang evolution, where the groove folds over to create the more derived condition. However, the oldest known members of venomous clades retain the same condition as their extant relatives, resulting in no fossil evidence for the transition. Based on a comparison of previously known specimens with newly discovered teeth from North Carolina, we describe a new species of the Late Triassic archosauriform Uatchitodon and provide detailed analyses that provide evidence for both venom conduction and document a complete structural series from shallow grooves to fully enclosed tubular canals. While known only from teeth, Uatchitodon is highly diagnostic in possessing compound serrations and for having two venom canals on each tooth in the dentition. Further, although not a snake, Uatchitodon sheds light on the evolutionary trajectory of venom delivery systems in amniotes and provide solid evidence for venom conduction in archosaur-line diapsids.

Struggle as pedagogical approach: A Singaporean case study of a composition class in IB (International Baccalaureate) Year 5. The purpose of this research study is an examination of a music artist-teacher's pedagogical approaches and practices in teaching composition to a Year 5 IB (International Baccalaureate) class in a Singaporean specialized arts school. The study is approached as a qualitative case study spanning a 5-month period involving observation and recording of weekly classes and interviews with both the teacher and students. Analysis of the data suggests that a key attribute of the pedagogical approach to composition in this classroom is embodied in the notion of 'struggle', which encompasses i) the struggle of compositional process in finding one's own composition voice through constant contextual exploration, experimentation and reflection, and ii) the struggle of creating the compositional product in terms of notating, performing and recording.

Benchmark study and uncertainty assessment of numerical predictions of global wave loads on damaged ships. Results are presented of a benchmark and uncertainty assessment study organised by the MARSTRUCT Virtual Institute on global linear wave loads on damaged ship. The study has two aims: to acquire valuable information regarding damage modelling in seakeeping analysis of damaged ships and to contribute to a rational approach for definition of the model uncertainty of linear seakeeping tools. Eight institutes participated in the benchmark, with six codes, representative of important linear seakeeping theories in use nowadays. The benchmark ship is the DTMB 5415 hull, with well documented and accessible data to perform seakeeping analysis and experimental results for motion and global wave loads. The uncertainty analysis is performed using the Frequency Independent Model Error as the uncertainty measure. The analysis is performed for vertical motions, vertical and horizontal global wave load components, and for torsional moments. Uncertainty measures of individual motion and load predictions are presented and compared. In addition, a comparative analysis of linear seakeeping theories is performed and the accuracy of the simplified methods used for the prediction of seakeeping of a damaged ship is assessed. Finally, recommendations are provided for efforts to improve modelling uncertainties in transfer functions of wave loads on damaged ships.

Strong Differential Superordination Results Involving Extended Salagean and Ruscheweyh Operators. The notion of strong differential subordination was introduced in 1994 and the theory related to it was developed in 2009. The dual notion of strong differential superordination was also introduced in 2009. In a paper published in 2012, the notion of strong differential subordination was given a new approach by defining new classes of analytic functions on Ux (U) over bar having as coefficients holomorphic functions in (U) over bar. Using those new classes, extended Salagean and Ruscheweyh operators were introduced and a new extended operator was defined as L-alpha(m):A(n zeta)*-> A(n zeta)*, L(alpha)(m)f(z,zeta)=(1-alpha)R(m)f(z,zeta)+alpha S(m)f(z,zeta), z is an element of U zeta is an element of (U) over bar , where R(m)f(z,zeta) is the extended Ruscheweyh derivative, S(m)f(z,zeta) is the extended Salagean operator and A(n zeta)*{f is an element of H(UxU), f(z,zeta)-z+a(n+1)(zeta)z(n+1)+..., ,z is an element of U, zeta is an element of(U) over bar}. This operator was previously studied using the new approach on strong differential subordinations. In the present paper, the operator is studied by applying means of strong differential superordination theory using the same new classes of analytic functions on Ux (U) over bar . Several strong differential superordinations concerning the operator L-alpha(m) are established and the best subordinant is given for each strong differential superordination.

The fairy-tale film goes to war: defence of the motherland in Aleksandr Rou's Kashchei the Immortal. Conceived and shot in the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War (WWII), Kashchei the Immortal (1945) offers a superlative illustration of just how effectively the time-honoured characters and narrative structures of folklore and fairy tale can be adapted to propagandist purpose. In using fairy tale as a nationalistic metaphor for war and conquest, Kashchei built upon longstanding international precedent, even as the particular time and place of its production shaped its ideology in crucial ways. Kashchei's creators employed fairy-tale allegory to present a rousing parable of invasion and defence, which served as an urgent call to arms while proposing a roadmap for an avowedly righteous Soviet triumph. The film also reinforced the view that the perpetuation of shared national folk tradition cements community strength and spirit, and that folk-mindedness, and the patriotism it must surely inspire, is an indomitable weapon against foreign threat. As I demonstrate through a detailed close textual analysis, the film's rich symbolism and expressive mise-en-scene are integral to the construction of a reassuring, motivational and easy-to-understand message that fully supported the Soviet Union's broader wartime rhetoric.

Work with Emerging Cooperative Forces in the International System. While the dynamic relation between international actors, mainly independent states, is replete with tensions and accounts for much international conflict and war, it also stimulates international cooperation and peace. Increasingly since the early nineteenth century the international system has shifted upon the recognition of the decline of the utility of war, the rise of international trade, the dramatic increase of global exchanges and communications, and the ascendancy of democracy as the dominant form of government. In seeking to avert conflict and war, governments should look to those bodies that emerge from and represent international cooperation for guidance and mediating help. In working toward peace we must strengthen these global networks and associations, particularly when they can contribute to practical problem solving.

POLAR PATROL BALLOON EXPERIMENT IN ANTARCTICA. Since 1984 the National Institute of Polar Research, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science and collaborative scientists have searched for feasibility of the long-term circumpolar balloon experiment called Polar Patrol Balloon (PPB) project. This project aims at establishing a station network in the stratosphere over the Antarctic region for geophysical and astrophysical observations. Three test flights in 1987 and 1990 at Syowa Station have convinced us that PPB would come back to the launching site with a good possibility. During 1991-1993 the PPB experiments will consequently be made for scientific researches at Syowa Station. This paper reports unique advantages of this PPB experiment and briefly reviews the past PPB experiments.

Effects of Aquatic Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Simple Summary Swimming can be an alternative in the physical exercise curriculum to improve the motor abilities as well as the social behavior and communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in schools and institutions. It is important to assess the effects of different forms of aquatic training (e.g., technical vs. game-based) to improve motor and stereotypy skills as well as emotion regulation in autistic children. This information should be of great interest to professionals to choose the appropriate training form to improve each of these abilities. The finding that both forms of swimming had a positive effect on gross motor skills and stereotyped behaviors in autistic children is in agreement with the accumulated evidence of swimming's effectiveness to alleviate symptoms of motor and behavioral problems. In contrast, emotion regulation is not likely to improve after a short intervention period. The preliminary findings of this study are an important guidance for future researchers to further examine the neurophysiological and cognitive mechanisms of exercise-emotion and exercise-behavior relationships in children with ASD. A variety of aquatic training regimens have been found to be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in multiple domains. This study investigated and compared the efficacy of two aquatic training regimens (technical vs. game-based) on gross motor skills, stereotypy behavior and emotion regulation in children with ASD. Twenty-two autistic children were randomly assigned into three groups: two experimental groups performed either a technical aquatic program or a game-based aquatic program and a control group. Participants were assessed before and after an 8-week training period, with the Test of Gross Motor Development, the stereotypy subscale of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. A significant effect for time was found in gross motor skills and stereotypy behavior in both experimental groups. An improvement in gross motor skills was observed in both experimental groups compared to the control group. A small pre-post change effect in emotion functioning was found in all groups. No significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in all assessed variables. Our findings provide additional evidence suggesting the effectiveness of beneficial effects of aquatic activities on the motor and social skills that underpin the hypothesis that motor and intellectual domains are highly interrelated in autistic children.

Fabrication of polymer SAW sensor array to classify chemical warfare agents. An array with five SAW sensors using different kinds of polymers was fabricated to detect chemical agents and their gas response characteristics were extensively investigated. The SAW devices with different interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode line widths of 3, 4, 6, 8 and 20 mu m, which corresponded to the central frequencies of 264, 198, 132, 99 and 39.6 MHz, respectively, were designed. The IDT electrodes consisted of 100 finger pairs of 200nm thick aluminum films. The polymers used as the sensing materials were polyisobutylene (PIB), polyepichlorohydrin (PECH), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polybutadiene (PBD) and polyisoprene (PIP). The thin films were coated on a quartz substrate by spin coating technique. Four simulant gases of chemical warfare agents of dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), acetonitrile (CH3CN), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and dichloropentane (DCP) were used as target gases, instead of the real nerve, blood, choking and vesicant agents. After spin coating of PIB and PECH, the substrate was heated at 65 degrees C in N-2 ambient for 1 h to remove the cyclohexane and ethylacetate, which were used as solvents. PDMS films were heated at 75 degrees C in a N-2 flow for 2 h to remove the ethylacetate used as a solvent. And PBD and PIP were heated at 60 degrees C in a N-2 flow for 1 h to remove the benzene used as a solvent. The sensing characteristics of the SAW sensors were measured by using E-5061 A network analyzer. The polymer SAW sensor array showed good selectivity to simulant gases. Principal component analysis (PCA) was adapted to classify the chemical warfare agents. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.