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Aspects of the ecology of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Private Natural Heritage Reserve Sanctuary Caraca. Leishmaniases are a set of parasitic diseases of zoonotic origin that are transmitted by sandfly vectors in wild, rural and urban environments. Their distribution is dependent not only the distribution of vectors, but also on the distribution of mammalian reservoirs. Only by understanding the transmission cycle of these diseases, such as knowing the participating vectors and reservoirs, can one can understand the epidemiology and ecological relationships of leishmaniases. Ecotourism has become an important area of economic growth in Brazil. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the state of Minas Gerais, the Reserva Particular do Patrimonio Natural Santuario do Caraca (RPPNSC) is located in the Quadrilatero Ferrifero. The aim of this study was to contribute to the control of leishmaniasis among tourists of the RPPNPC by surveying its sand fly fauna and testing for the presence of Leishmania DNA in females. Twenty-five CDC light traps were exposed on 7 trails of the RPPNPC where samples were collected bimonthly for a year, starting in June 2013. A total of 376 specimens of 18 species and 10 genera of sandflies were captured. The predominant species were Psychodopygus lloydi (72.34%) and Pintomyia monticola (5.59%). HaeIII restriction enzyme detected and characterized Leishmania braziliensis DNA in 2 of the samples for an infection rate of 0.7% (2/266). Recent studies found specimens of Ps. lloyd infected with Leishmania braziliensis elsewhere in Minas Gerais, which may be an indication that this species is involved in the transmission of Leishmania in this state. | [
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GENE EXPRESSION PROFILE OF HUMAN COLON CANCER CELLS TREATED WITH CROSS-REACTING MATERIAL 197, A DIPHTHERIA TOXIN NON-TOXIC MUTANT. Cross-Reacting Material 197 (CRM197) is a diphtheria toxin non-toxic mutant that has shown antitumor activity in mice and humans. It is still unclear whether this anti-tumorigenic effect depends on its strong inflammatory-immunological property, its ability to inhibit heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), or even its possible weak toxicity. CRM197 is utilized as a specific inhibitor of HB-ECF that competes for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), overexpressed in colorectal cancer and implicated in its progression. In this study we evaluate the effects of CRM197 on HT-29 human colon cancer cell line behaviour and, for CRM197 recognized ability to inhibit HB-EGF, its possible influence on EGFR activation. In particular, while HT-29 does not show any reduction of viability after CRM197 treatment (MTT modified assay), or changes in cell cycle distribution (flow cytometry), in EGFR localization, phospho-EGFR detected signals (immunohistochemistry) or in morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) they show a change in the gene expression profile by microarray analysis (cDNA microarray SS-H19k8). The overexpression of genes like protein phosphatase 2, catalytic subunit, alpha isozyme (PPP2CA), guanine nucleotide-binding protein G subunit alpha-1(GNAI1) and butyrophilin, subfamily 2, member A1 (BTN2A1) has been confirmed with real-time-qPCR. This is the first study where the CRM197 treatment on HT-29 shows a possible scarce implication of endogenous HB-EGF on EGFR expression and cancer cell development. At the same time, our results show the alteration of a specific and selected number of genes. | [
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AUDITORY EVENT-RELATED MAGNETIC-FIELDS IN A TONE-DURATION DISCRIMINATION TASK - SOURCE LOCALIZATION FOR THE MISMATCH FIELD AND FOR A NEW COMPONENT M2. Auditory event related magnetic fields were measured using an odd-ball paradigm in which the rare event was a tone of short duration, D2, and the frequent one a tone of longer duration, D1. The subjects were required to attend to and count the number of rare stimuli. In the average across target stimuli a mismatch field (MMF) occurs and the dependence of the MMF, especially its latency, on the tone duration D2 is examined in detail. The location of an equivalent current dipole for the MMF-source is found and turns out to be at variance with earlier results. In addition to the MMF we propose a new component, here called M2'', which in time overlaps the magnetic equivalent of the P200 signal and which has a source location (equivalent current dipole) lying rather close to the MMF-source. The two sources are, however, active at latencies differing by a time equal to D2. We speculate that M2'' indicates the onset of the process: ''evaluation of tone-duration'' while the MMF indicates the end of this process. | [
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Effects of Speeds, Materials, and Tool Rake Angles on Metallic Particle Emission During Orthogonal Cutting. Dry high speed machining has been proposed as a viable and cost-effective process in metal cutting industries. However, it produces fine and ultra-fine metallic particles, also referred to as dust, which can be harmful to the machine-tool operator. The risk associated with exposure to metallic particles increases as the particle size decreases. For machining processes, little data exist on the size and distribution of dust generated during the shaping of materials. In order to reduce or eliminate the generation of these particles, it is necessary to understand how and under which conditions they are formed, as well as to be able to make predictions. In this study, the effects exerted by tool geometry, material, and machining parameters on dust emission were studied experimentally in order to understand the mechanisms of dust generation and to develop a predictive model. The particle sizes studied include the PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamique diameter below 2.5 mu m) and a distribution of nanoparticles varying in size from 10 nm to 10 mu m. Using dry machining and reducing the amount of dust generated should improve the air quality in machine shops in addition to helping protect the environment. | [
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Genetically defined elevated homocysteine levels do not result in widespread changes of DNA methylation in leukocytes. Our results do not show widespread changes in DNA-methylation across the genome, and therefore do not support the hypothesis that mildly elevated homocysteine is associated with widespread methylation changes in leukocytes.BackgroundConclusionsMeta-analysis revealed that the MTHFR 677C> T variant was associated with 35 CpG sites in cis, and the GRS showed association with 113 CpG sites near the homocysteine-associated variants. Genome-wide analysis revealed that the MTHFR 677C> T variant was associated with 1 trans-CpG (nearest gene ZNF184), while the GRS model showed association with 5 significant trans-CpGs annotated to nearest genes PTF1A, MRPL55, CTDSP2, CRYM and FKBP5.ResultsMethylation levels were assessed using Illumina 450k arrays on 9,894 individuals of European ancestry from 12 cohort studies. Linear-mixed-models were used to study the association of additive MTHFR 677C> T and genetic-risk score (GRS) based on 18 homocysteineassociated SNPs, with genome-wide methylation.MethodsDNA methylation is affected by the activities of the key enzymes and intermediate metabolites of the one-carbon pathway, one of which involves homocysteine. We investigated the effect of the well-known genetic variant associated with mildly elevated homocysteine: MTHFR 677C>T independently and in combination with other homocysteine-associated variants, on genome-wide leukocyte DNA-methylation. | [
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Tears in Your Beer: Gender Differences in Coping Drinking Motives, Depressive Symptoms and Drinking. This study evaluates associations between coping drinking motives (CDM; drinking to regulate negative affect), depressive symptoms, and drinking behavior and extends the literature by also taking into account gender differences. Two hundred forty-three college students (Mean age = 22.93, SD = 6.29, 82 % female) participated. Based on previous research, we expected that CDM would be positively associated with drinking and problems, particularly among those higher in depressive symptoms, as individuals experiencing higher levels of negative affect (i.e. depressive symptoms) and who drink to cope are likely to drink more and experience more alcohol-related problems. Lastly, based on established gender differences, we expected that CDM would be positively associated with drinking and problems, especially among females higher in depressive symptoms. Unexpectedly, findings suggested that CDMs were positively related to peak drinking, especially among those lower in depressive symptoms. Results further revealed a significant three-way interaction between CDM, depressive symptoms, and gender when predicting alcohol-related problems and drinking frequency. Specifically, we found that CDM were more strongly associated with problems among women who were lower in depressive symptoms; whereas CDM were more strongly associated with problems among men who were higher in depressive symptoms. These findings offer a more comprehensive depiction of the relationship between depressive symptoms, CDM, and drinking behavior by taking into account the importance of gender differences. These results provide additional support for considering gender when designing and implementing alcohol intervention strategies. | [
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Cardiac arrhythmias in F-16 pilots during aerial combat maneuvers (ACMS): A descriptive study focused on G-level acceleration. Introduction: It is well known that acceleration during centrifuge training provokes cardiac arrhythmias. However, there is little research regarding cardiac arrhythmia during actual flight. Therefore, to identify the kinds of cardiac arrhythmias that occur in response to the Aerial Combat Maneuvers (ACM) environment, we analyzed electrocardiograms (ECC) of 35 male pilots. Methods: ECGs were recorded from 35 pilots (mean age 31 yr, range 27-39) from 1 h before take-off to 1 h after landing. C-load was simultaneously recorded. To see the patterns of the arrhythmia as Ct force increased, ECC data of each subject were classified into three G levels: a) G-level A was < +3 G; b) G-level B was <greater than or equal to>+3 G but < +6 G lasting longer than 3 s; and c) G-level C was <greater than or equal to> + 6 G lasting longer than 3 s. Results: Mean total flying time of the 35 pilots was 1475 h (range 578-3300). Arrhythmias were observed in 17 of the pilots (49%) during ECC recording. Four pilots (11.4%) experienced arrhythmias before take-off, 16 pilots (45.7%) inflight and 4 pilots (11.4%) after landing. Arrhythmias were recorded in 13 of 35 pilots (37.1%) at G-level A, In 10 of 35 pilots (28.6%) at G-level B and in 1 of 21 pilots (5%) at G-level C. During flight, unifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVC) were experienced by three of the subjects (8.6%); supraventricular premature beats (SVPB) by lour subjects (11.4%), and PVCs with bigeminy by one subject (2.9%). Eight subjects (22.9%) experienced combined arrhythmias. Conclusion: There were no clinically significant arrhythmias recorded during ACM in these experienced pilots. | [
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Species differences in group size and electrosensory interference in weakly electric fishes: Implications for electrosensory processing. In animals with active sensory systems, group size can have dramatic effects on the sensory information available to individuals. In \\'wave-type\\' weakly electric fishes there is a categorical difference in sensory processing between solitary fish and fish in groups: when conspecifics are within about 1 m of each other, the electric fields mix and produce interference patterns that are detected by electroreceptors on each individual. Neural circuits in these animals must therefore process two streams of information-salient signals from prey items and predators and social signals from nearby conspecifics. We investigated the parameters of social signals in two genera of sympatric weakly electric fishes, Apteronotus and Stemopygus, in natural habitats of the Napo River valley in Ecuador and in laboratory settings. Apteronotus were most commonly found in pairs along the Napo River (47% of observations; maximum group size 4) and produced electrosensory interference at rates of 20-300 Hz. In contrast, Sternopygus were alone in 80% of observations (maximum group size 2) in the same region of Ecuador. Similar patterns were observed in laboratory experiments: Apteronotus were in groups and preferentially approached cons pecific-like signals in an electrotaxis experiment whereas Sternopygus tended to be solitary and did not approach cons pecific-like electrosensory signals. These results demonstrate categorical differences in social electrosensory-related activation of central nervous system circuits that may be related to the evolution of the jamming avoidance response that is used in Apteronotus but not Stemopygus to increase the frequency of electrosensory interference patterns. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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The Contribution of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to Understanding Pre-Columbian Goldwork Technology. This paper highlights the contribution of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) when combined with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/XEDS) to characterize objects in archaeology. The application of TEM in archaeology is not yet a common tool, but it may provide data that are significant to understanding pre-Columbian gold metallurgy, specifically the gilding and silvering methods. Two gilded rods were studied using a combination of TEM and SEM/XEDS techniques. The objects were found at the Atacames archaeological site, in the Esmeraldas region, Ecuador, which was occupied between ad 750 and 1526 by the Atacames culture. The microchemical and structural results of the inner and the external gilded part of the artefacts support the hypothesis of a gold diffusion to the surface enhanced by chemical treatment with chloride-rich solutions, heating and successive annealing processes. The present study reveals that microstructural investigation by TEM provides useful information with which to investigate the techniques used to modify the chemical surface composition of pre-Columbian artefacts. | [
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Toroidal modelling of resonant magnetic perturbations response in ASDEX-Upgrade: coupling between field pitch aligned response and kink amplification. Using the MARS-F code (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas 7 3681), the single fluid resistive MHD plasma response to applied n = 2 resonant magnetic perturbations is computed, for a plasma discharge in the ASDEX-Upgrade tokamak. The computation predicts strong kink amplification, as previously predicted in DIII-D (Haskey et al 2014 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 56 035005), which is strongly dependent on the toroidal phase shift between the upper and lower coils, Delta phi(ul). In particular, edge localised low n peeling modes with poloidal mode numbers just above pitch resonance-a subset of the kink response-are amplified. The robustness of the amplified peeling response with respect to truncation of the X point is investigated, by recomputing the plasma response for a range of edge geometries. It is found that the computed peeling response, when plotted against the safety factor, is not sensitive to the numerical truncation near the X point. It is also predicted that near the plasma edge where resistivity is large, the pitch aligned components are finite and also strongly dependent on Delta phi(ul). A previous proposal that the amplified peeling response may indirectly drive the pitch aligned components by spectral proximity (Lanctot et al 2013 Nucl. Fusion 53 083019), is investigated by numerically applying magnetic perturbations of a single poloidal harmonic, as a boundary condition at the plasma edge. It is found that poloidal harmonic coupling causes harmonics to couple to and drive harmonics directly beneath them spectrally, and also that the pitch aligned components can be driven by this mechanism. This suggests that it is quite possible that the amplified low n peeling response can drive the pitch aligned components when it is strongly amplified, which would alter the coil configuration for optimum plasma stochastization, with implications for ELM control by RMPs. | [
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Good social cybernetics is a must in policy processes. Findings - The cybernetics of policy processes is often ignored.Research limitations/implications - If the purpose of this paper were to influence policy makers it would be necessary to further the empirical base of the four vignettes and clarify desirable forums to ground the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes.Practical implications - Beer's recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity have much to contribute to the betterment of policy processes and the amelioration of the unbearable social and organisational costs of many current policies.Originality/value - The application of concepts such as self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity adds to the understanding of policy processes.Purpose - Illustrate supported by Beer's Viable System Model and four vignettes the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach - First, the concepts of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity are briefly discussed to ground policy processes in good cybernetics. Then, with the support of four vignettes, the idea of good cybernetics in policies processes is illustrated. | [
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Production of IgY polyclonal antibody against diphtheria toxin and evaluation of its neutralization effect by Vero cell assay. Background Diphtheria is a bacterial disease which is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The symptoms are due to the diphtheria toxin produced by the bacteria. Antibiotic therapy and the use of diphtheria antitoxin is a recommended strategy to control diphtheria. Although mammalian antibodies are used to treat patients, IgY antibody has advantages over mammalian ones, including cost-effectiveness and production through non-invasive means. Moreover, in contrast to mammalian antibodies, IgY does not bind to the rheumatoid factor and does not activate the complement system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro neutralizing effect of IgY against diphtheria toxin. Results Anti-DT IgY was produced by immunization of the laying white leghorn chickens. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed successful immunization of the animals, and the IgY was purified with a purity of 93% via polyethylene glycol precipitation method. The neutralizing activity of the purified IgY was evaluated by Vero cell viability assay. This assay confirmed that 1.95 mu g (8.6 mu g/ml of culture medium) of anti-DT IgY would neutralize 10 fold of cytotoxic dose 99% of DT, which was 0.3 ng (1.33 ng/ml of culture medium). Conclusion This anti-DT IgY may be applicable for diphtheria treatment and quality controls in vaccine production. | [
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Differences in Self-Employment Duration by Year of Entry & Pre-Entry Wage-Sector Attachment. The literature on the self-employed hypothesizes two different paths to self-employment. On the one hand, self-employment is associated with entrepreneurship and a motivation to pursue an opportunity. On the other hand, previous research indicates that people also become self-employed because of limited opportunities in the wage sector. Using a unique set of data that links the American Community Survey to Form 1040 and W-2 records, this paper extends the existing literature by examining self-employment duration for five consecutive entry cohorts, including two cohorts who entered self-employment during the Great Recession. Severely limited labor market opportunities may have driven many in the recession cohorts to enter self-employment, while those entering self-employment during the boom may have been pursuing opportunities under favorable market conditions. To more explicitly test the concept of \\'necessity\\' versus \\'opportunity\\' self-employment, we also examine the pre-entry wage labor attachment of entrants. Specifically, we ask whether an association exists between wage labor attachment and the duration of self-employment. We also explore whether the demographic/socio-economic characteristics and self-employment exit behavior of the cohorts are different, and if so, how. We find evidence consistent with the existence of \\'necessity\\' vs. \\'opportunity\\' self-employment types. Even when controlling for local economic conditions and the demographic/socio-economic characteristics of the self-employed, entrants with a more tenuous connection to the wage labor market exit self-employment earlier, and are more likely to transition from self-employment to unemployment. | [
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X-ray powder diffraction study of multilayer polytypes formation induced by mechanical milling of laves phases Co2+xNb. The transformations of the initial C15-type Laves compound Co(2+x)Nb into multilayer Laves phase polytypes induced by processing in planetary ball mill have been studied by means of X-ray diffraction analysis. The method has been proposed for fast simulation of X-ray powder diffraction patterns of any complex Laves phase polytype both containing stacking faults and faultless. It is shown that stacking sequence correlates with energy intensity of the process rather than with integrated energy dose transferred to the powder. | [
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Describing Patterns of Early Literacy Skill Development in the First Year of School and Reading Instruction in a New Zealand Sample. This study describes trajectories of early literacy skill development of 99 children (n = 55 boys) in their first year of primary school in New Zealand (NZ). Children were assessed twice weekly for 8 weeks on Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS; Good & Kaminski, 2011) First Sound Fluency (FSF) and AIMSweb Letter Sound Fluency (LSF; Shinn & Shinn, 2002), with other early literacy and beginning reading skills assessed before and after progress monitoring. FSF and LSF growth trajectories were modeled separately. Multilevel modeling indicated improved performance; however, growth mixture modeling indicated 3 growth trajectories (i.e., latent classes; FSF and LSF, respectively): typical (77.6% of children, 65.7%), developing (10.8%, 14.6%), and limited progress (11.6%, 19.7%). Beginning of year screening was sometimes associated with latent class membership, whereas latent class membership differentiated mid- and year-end literacy skills. Results support progress monitoring of early literacy skills within the NZ context to aid earlier identification of children at-risk for difficulties with reading acquisition. | [
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The Ethical-Professional Disciplinary Law and its place in the Colombian legal order. Findings: An approach to the concept of ethical-professional disciplinary law, its legal nature, its substantial differences with disciplinary law, its relationship with the Colombian system of regulatory sources, and a description of its main legal-procedural institutions was achieved.Objective: To describe the general characteristics of the ethical-professional disciplinary law in Colombia.Conclusions: The enormous influence that ethical-professional disciplinary law receives from disciplinary law and criminal law was verified, and a disparity was evident between the disciplinary regimes of the professional codes of ethics analyzed, since some stand out for their procedural guarantees, while those issued prior to the 1991 Constitution are lagging behind, so it is urgent to update them to bring them in line with the constitutional and conventional standards that govern the matter.Methodology: A qualitative, documentary, descriptive and deductive historical study was carried out, based on the disciplinary regimes of fourteen professional codes of ethics of some of the most traditional professions in the country that have been regulated by the Colombian legislator. | [
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Neural tube defects: Prevalence, etiology and prevention. Spina bifida and anencephaly, the common form of neural tube defects, affect approximately 300 000 newborns each year worldwide. The effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in preventing their occurrence or recurrence has been unambiguous since 1991. In general, the prevalence of these abnormalities has decreased in the past 20 to 30 years because of periconceptional folate supplementation, food fortification in several countries, avoiding exposure to environmental factors, and increased accuracy of prenatal screening for fetal anomalies. Women who are planning to conceive should be informed about the importance of folic acid in fetal development and advised to take 400 mu g/day of folic acid supplements. Food fortification with folic acid will ultimately be necessary to reduce the number of patients. Primary prevention of neural tube defects by the periconceptional intake of folic acid is a major public health opportunity and has wide implications in reducing the mortality and morbidity of offspring. | [
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ATP-binding cassette transporters are enriched in non-caveolar detergent-insoluble glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane domains (DIGs) in human multidrug-resistant cancer cells. In this study we show that P-glycoprotein in multi-drug-resistant 2780AD human ovarian carcinoma cells and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 in multi-drug-resistant HT29(col) human colon carcinoma cells are predominantly located in Lubrol-based detergent-insoluble glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane domains. This localization is independent of caveolae, since 2780AD cells do not express caveolin-1. Although HT29(col) cells do express caveolin-1, the ATP-binding cassette transporter and caveolin-1 were dissociated on the basis of differential solubility in Triton X-100 and absence of microscopical colocalization. While both the multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and caveolin-1 are located in Lubrol-based membrane domains, they occupy different regions of these domains. | [
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DETERMINATION OF METOCLOPRAMIDE AND 2 OF ITS METABOLITES USING A SENSITIVE AND SELECTIVE GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC MASS-SPECTROMETRIC ASSAY. A modified gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) assay has been developed to quantitate metoclopramide (MCP) and two of its metabolites [monodeethylated-MCP (mdMCP), dideethylated-MCP (ddMCP)] in the plasma, bile and urine of sheep. The heptafluorobutyryl derivatives of the compounds were formed and quantitated using electron-impact ionization in the selected-ion monitoring mode (MCP, m/z 86, 380; mdMCP, m/z 380 and ddMCP, m/z 380). No interference was observed from endogenous compounds following the extraction of various biological fluids obtained from non-pregnant sheep. Sample preparation has been simplified and the method is more selective and sensitive (2 fold) than our previous assay using electron-capture detection. The limit of quantitation for MCP, mdMCP and ddMCP was 1 ng/ml in plasma, urine and bile, requiring 0.5 ml of sample. This represents 2.5 pg of the analytes at the detector. The standard curves were linear over a working range of 1-40 ng/ml. Absolute recoveries in plasma ranged from 76.5-94.7%, 79.2-96.8%, 80.3-102.2% for MCP, mdMCP and ddMCP, respectively. In urine, recoveries ranged from 56.5-87.8%, 61.5-87.5%, 62.6-90.2% for MCP, mdMCP and ddMCP, respectively, Recoveries in bile ranged from 83.5-100.9%, 78.5-90.5%, 66.9-79.2% for MCP, mdMCP and ddMCP, respectively. Overall intra-day precision ranged from 2.9% for MCP in plasma to 12.6% for mdMCP in bile. Overall inter-day precision ranged from 5.9% for MCP in urine to 14.9% for ddMCP in bile. Bias was the greatest at the 1 ng/ml concentration in all biological fluids ranging from a low of 2.4% for mdMCP in plasma to a high of 11.9% for ddMCP in urine. Applicability of the assay for pharmacokinetic studies of MCP, mdMCP and ddMCP in the plasma and urine of a non-pregnant ewe is demonstrated. | [
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A generally applicable lightweight method for calculating a value structure for tools and services in bioinformatics infrastructure projects. Sustainable noncommercial bioinformatics infrastructures are a prerequisite to use and take advantage of the potential of big data analysis for research and economy. Consequently, funders, universities and institutes as well as users ask for a transparent value model for the tools and services offered. In this article, a generally applicable lightweight method is described by which bioinformatics infrastructure projects can estimate the value of tools and services offered without determining exactly the total costs of ownership. Five representative scenarios for value estimation from a rough estimation to a detailed breakdown of costs are presented. To account for the diversity in bioinformatics applications and services, the notion of service-specific 'service provision units' is introduced together with the factors influencing them and the main underlying assumptions for these 'value influencing factors'. Special attention is given on how to handle personnel costs and indirect costs such as electricity. Four examples are presented for the calculation of the value of tools and services provided by the German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (de.NBI): one for tool usage, one for (Web-based) database analyses, one for consulting services and one for bioinformatics training events. Finally, from the discussed values, the costs of direct funding and the costs of payment of services by funded projects are calculated and compared. | [
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Refinement of a lunar FeO mapping method. Clementine UVVIS and NIR data from the lunar sampling sites (totaling 46 sampling sites) were processed and used to refine the iron determination method of Le Moueic et al. (2000, 2002). We found that about 21 sampling sites are unsuitable to Le Moueic et al's spectral parameters (\\'slope\\' and \\'depth 1\\') because their 1500 nm filter could not be used as spectral parameters' right shoulders and to evaluate the depth of the 1-mu m absorption feature accurately. We used the rest 25 sampling sites to refine the method developed by Le Moueic et al. (2000, 2002) and obtained our own equation of FeO content determination. We tested our own equation, and the results are satifactory. In our work we also acquired some useful experiences in scientific applications of our own dataset of the Chang'E-1 mission. | [
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Priority setting in higher education research using a mixed methods approach. Setting priorities for higher education research is essential to maximise limited resources. Our study aimed to identify priorities for higher education research at one large research-intensive Australian university. A sequential three-phase mixed methods study was conducted. Phase 1 engaged 69 students, academics, and professional staff in an anonymous qualitative online survey to identify their perspectives on priorities. These qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and the findings were then converted to a quantitative online survey (phase 2) that engaged 187 students, academics, and professional staff to determine the top priorities and the reasons for their choices. Descriptive statistical analysis of phase 2 Likert scales and rank order of priorities revealed the top three priorities from 39 priorities: (1) understanding how to engage students in learning; (2) understanding how to teach creative and critical thinking skills; and (3) understanding how to promote resilience, wellbeing and student connectedness. In phase 3, five focus groups with 19 participants affirmed these ratings/rankings. Our study is the first to identify research priorities for higher education to our knowledge, and may be used to focus future higher education research strategy. | [
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ENDOR Study of Anthraquinone Paramagnetic Complexes with Lewis Acid Centers of Aluminium Oxide. Paramagnetic complexes with charge transfer formed upon adsorption of anthraquinone on the surface of aluminium oxide were studied with EPR and ENDOR methods. A hyper-fine structure due to the interaction of unpaired electron with one and two (27)Al nuclei of surface Lewis acid centers was observed. The process of complex decomposition in the presence of water on the surface was studied. | [
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Microfluidic single-cell transcriptional analysis rationally identifies novel surface marker profiles to enhance cell-based therapies. Current progenitor cell therapies have only modest efficacy, which has limited their clinical adoption. This may be the result of a cellular heterogeneity that decreases the number of functional progenitors delivered to diseased tissue, and prevents correction of underlying pathologic cell population disruptions. Here, we develop a high-resolution method of identifying phenotypically distinct progenitor cell subpopulations via single-cell transcriptional analysis and advanced bioinformatics. When combined with high-throughput cell surface marker screening, this approach facilitates the rational selection of surface markers for prospective isolation of cell subpopulations with desired transcriptional profiles. We establish the usefulness of this platform in costly and highly morbid diabetic wounds by identifying a subpopulation of progenitor cells that is dysfunctional in the diabetic state, and normalizes diabetic wound healing rates following allogeneic application. We believe this work presents a logical framework for the development of targeted cell therapies that can be customized to any clinical application. | [
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Three-dimensional hierarchical Ca3Co4O9 hollow fiber network as high performance anode material for lithium-ion battery. Transition metal oxides have high specific capacity as anode materials for lithium-ion battery. But aggregation of particles and volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation restrict their application. In this work, a three-dimensional hierarchical Ca3Co4O9 hollow fiber network assembled by nanosheets is prepared by a electrospinning combining with heat treatment method to overcome these issues and to boost its lithium storage performance. As-synthesized sample possesses excellent cyclic stability (578.6 mA h g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1) after 500 cycles) and rate performance (293.5 mA h g(-1) at 5000 mA g(-1)), much better than those of commercial Co3O4. Furthermore, the fast kinetics of the three-dimensional Ca3Co4O9 hollow fiber network is also confirmed by the variable scan rates CV tests and the EIS measurements, which is dedicated to the specific hierarchical hollow fiber network structure that provides shorter ion transport distances and higher electrical conductivity. This work supplies a universal approach to improve the electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides for lithium ion batteries. | [
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Mapping Panlongcheng: New Work on the Type-Site of the Early Shang Period (1500-1300 BC) in Hubei Province, China. Recent work at the early Shang period type site in Panlongcheng, Hubei Province, China, provides a new understanding of changes in the landscape and water environment over time. In the past few decades, the research at this site has obtained important results and shown progress in many aspects, but few scholars have discussed the geomorphological environment of Panlongcheng, especially the water environment. Researchers have long believed that the present-day environment and landscape of Panlongcheng are no different than during the early Shang period. However, recent archaeological discoveries indicate that there may still be some cultural remains underwater. Therefore, we used a combination of underwater surveys, drilling and digital mapping to expand our knowledge of the landscape of Panlongcheng during the early Shang period. This included mapping the lake basin using single-beam echo sounders and drilling to preliminarily observe the stratum and collect samples from underwater. We also conducted radiocarbon dating on the samples collected from the bottom of the lake. The results suggest that there might not have been a lake during the early Shang period. Therefore, the landscape and environment of Panlongcheng and other related issues should be reexamined. In addition, we hope the methods used in this study can provide a reference for related archaeological work in shallow water areas in inland China. | [
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CHEMILUMINESCENCE AND EPR STUDIES ON THE EXCITATION SITE OF FERRIC-HEME-OXO COMPLEXES OF NATURAL AND MODEL HEME SYSTEMS. Chemiluminescence was detected both in the reaction system of H2O2 plus heme proteins such as methemo- and metmyoglobin and ferric-protoheme complexes used as a model system. The intensity of chemiluminescence was found to be mediated by ligand binding to the sixth coordination site of the ferric-protoheme compounds, e.g. chemiluminescence was not observed with the bisimidazole ferric-protoheme complex. On the other hand the pentacoordinated histidine ferric-protoheme complex exhibited strong light emission. Comparative studies with various ligand-heme compounds elucidated that light emission was inversely correlated with the binding strength of the respective ligand at the sixth coordination site.The basic reaction mechanism causing the establishment of an excited state was studied by monitoring chemiluminescence and EPR signal formation of li,gand-modified heme proteins in the presence of different electron donors. External electron donors such as Trolox C, TMPD and ascorbic acid affected a strong reduction in the development of chemiluminescence suggesting the essential involvement of an inner-molecular electron transfer process. Our results allow the conclusion that chemiluminescence is generated from the decay of an excited state of oxo-heme compounds established as a result of a one electron transfer step from a ligand group to heme iron. | [
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A hierarchy of uniquely parsable grammar classes and deterministic acceptors. We introduce a new class of grammars called uniquely parsable grammars (UPGs). A UPG is a kind of phrase structure grammar having a restricted type of rewriting rules, where parsing can be performed without backtracking. We show that, in spite of such restriction to the rules, UPGs are universal in their generating ability. We then define three subclasses of UPGs. They are M-UPGs (monotonic UPGs), RC-UPGs (UPGs with right-terminating and context-free-like rules), and REG-UPGs (regular UPGs). It is proved that the generating abilities of the classes of M-UPGs, RC-UPGs, and REG-UPGs are exactly characterized by the classes of deterministic linear-bounded automata, deterministic pushdown automata, and deterministic finite automata, respectively. Especially, the class of RC-UPGs gives a very simple grammatical characterization of the class of deterministic context-free languages. Thus, these four classes form a deterministic counterpart of the classical Chomsky hierarchy. | [
1,
212
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Determination of flavonoid compounds from Saussurea involucrata by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. Saussurea involucrata produces several bioactive flavonoids that are derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. To determine these flavonoids, a sensitive high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry method (LC-ESI-MS) was developed. Chromatographic separation was then performed. The gradient elution was optimised to give high recoveries and satisfactory chromatographic resolution. Flavonoid detection was carried out using an ion trap as mass analyser. Parameters of the mass analyser were optimised. We used the validated LC-ESI-MS method to verify the identities of bioactive compounds, namely apigenin, luteolin, hispidulin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and rutin. Calibration curves for these five flavonoids were linear in ranges between 5.0 and 500 mu g mL(-1). The limit of detection ranged from 1.5 x 10(-4) (for hispidulin) to 6.1 x 10(-3) mu g mL(-1) (for rutin). Precision was well within the acceptable range (RSD<3.0%) and the recovery rate was between 75.3 and 89.8% for each flavonoid. A method validation study showed that the LC/MS technique was a powerful analytical tool for detecting trace amounts of the flavonoid compounds in extracts of S. involucrata. | [
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Preventing visual field deficits from neurosurgery. Methods: A cohort of 21 patients underwent ATLR in an iMRI suite. Preoperative tractography of the optic radiation was displayed on the navigation and operating microscope displays either without (9 patients) or with (12 patients) correction for brain shift. VFD were quantified using Goldmann perimetry and eligibility to drive was assessed by binocular Esterman perimetry 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included seizure freedom and extent of hippocampal resection. The comparator was a cohort of 44 patients who underwent ATLR without iMRI.Results: The VFD in the contralateral superior quadrant were significantly less (p = 0.043) with iMRI guidance (0%-49.2%, median 14.5%) than without (0%-90.9%, median 24.0%). No patient in the iMRI cohort developed a VFD that precluded driving whereas 13% of the non-iMRI cohort failed to meet UK driving criteria. Outcome did not differ between iMRI guidance with and without brain shift correction. Seizure outcome and degree of hippocampal resection were unchanged.Objective: We assessed whether display of optic radiation tractography during anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can reduce the severity of postoperative visual field deficits (VFD) and increase the proportion of patients who can drive and whether correction for brain shift using intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is beneficial.Conclusions: Display of the optic radiation with image guidance reduces the severity of VFD and did not affect seizure outcome or hippocampal resection. Correction for brain shift is possible but did not further improve outcome. Future work to incorporate tractography into conventional neuronavigation systems will make the work more widely applicable. | [
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GRC5 and NMD3 function in translational control of gene expression and interact genetically. The yeast gene, GRC5 (growth control), is a member of the highly conserved QM gene family, the human member of which has been associated with the suppression of Wilms' tumor. GRC5 encodes ribosomal protein L10, which is thought to play a regulatory role in the translational control of gene expression. A revertant screen identified four spontaneous revertants of the mutant grc5-1(ts) allele. Genetic and phenotypic analysis showed that these represent one gene, NMD3, and that the interaction of NMD3 and GRC5 is gene-specific. NMD3 was previously identified as a component of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. The point mutations within NMD3 reported here may define a domain important for the functional interaction of Grc5p and Nmd3p. | [
1,
212
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Diversity of Jerusalem artichoke clones (Helianthus tuberosus L.) from the INRA-Montpellier collection. INRA hosted the national Jerusalem artichoke collection in Rennes and Clermont-Ferrand until 2005. It now takes place in Montpellier. The list of cultivar-clones and of wild accessions is provided as well as main data on expected yield, earliness, female fertility, and disease susceptibility to viruses and Oidium. Descriptions of some traits (anthocyanin, ramification, chlorophyll) were reported. Data was collected from a hydroponic experimental design which was set up with two repeats at Mauguio and Montpellier. The experimental yields are shown for nine clones chosen for agronomic production of tubers and the pictures of tubers are given. | [
2,
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Comparison of electrical nerve stimulation, electrical muscle stimulation and magnetic nerve stimulation to assess the neuromuscular function of the plantar flexor muscles. VAL, agonist and antagonist M-wave amplitudes and PS100 were similar between the different methods in both fresh and fatigued states. Potentiated peak twitch was lower in EMS compared to ENS, whereas no difference was found between ENS and MNS for any parameter. Discomfort associated with MNS (1.5 +/- A 1.4 cm) was significantly less compared to ENS (5.5 +/- A 1.9 cm) and EMS (4.2 +/- A 2.6 cm) (p < 0.05).When PS100 is used to evaluate neuromuscular properties, MNS, EMS and ENS can be used interchangeably for plantar flexor neuromuscular function assessment as they provide similar evaluation of central and peripheral factors in unfatigued and fatigued states. Importantly, electrical current spread to antagonist muscles was similar between the three methods while discomfort from MNS was much less compared to ENS and EMS. MNS may be potentially employed to assess neuromuscular function of plantar flexor muscles in fragile populations.As it might lead to less discomfort, magnetic nerve stimulation (MNS) is increasingly used as an alternative to electrical stimulation methods. Yet, MNS and electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) have not been formally compared for the evaluation of plantar flexor neuromuscular function.We quantified plantar flexor neuromuscular function with ENS, EMS and MNS in 10 volunteers in fresh and fatigued muscles. Central alterations were assessed through changes in voluntary activation level (VAL) and peripheral function through changes in M-wave, twitch and doublet (PS100) amplitudes. Discomfort associated with 100-Hz paired stimuli delivered with each method was evaluated on a 10-cm visual analog scale. | [
2,
112
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Childhood Career Development in Mainland China: A Research and Practice Agenda. Career development in adolescence and adulthood has been widely researched; however, less is known about childhood career development, particularly in non-Western cultures. This is especially the case in mainland China, where children grow up in a unique context. The Confucian tradition of emphasizing education as an important social ladder and parents' role in their children's development may restrict children's development of career-planning skills. By contrast, the shift from a planned economy to a market economy enables individuals to choose careers and demands that individuals have career-planning skills. The elementary school years could be a starting point to develop such skills by providing career guidance for children. This article considers childhood career development in mainland China, discusses the status quo of childhood career development research and practice, and considers an agenda for future research and practice. | [
3,
284
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RECONSIDERING PRO BONO: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROTOCOLS IN AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SINGAPORE. As of now, there is little evidence on the questions of whether pro bono services are effective, whether lawyer charity is a cheaper way to provide them (because it does cost money to do pro bono), or whether it would in fact be more efficient and effective if firms and attorneys stopped giving their time and instead donated money to the organizations already specializing in these clients and causes. Pro bono may or may not be an efficient way of doing socially important work; at this point, we simply do not know. | [
3,
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Investigation of Kokumi Substances and Bacteria in Thai Fermented Freshwater Fish (Pla-ra). A 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing technique was applied to investigate the microbial diversity and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify glutamyl peptide profiles of 10 Thai fermented freshwater fish (Pla-ra) samples. A total of 12 genera of bacteria were able to be detected, with Tetragenococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. dominating. Of the 18 glutamyl peptides analyzed, 17 were found, even though the amounts detected were lower than the taste threshold. Despite this, an increase in mouthfulness sensation, reflecting kokumi activity, was clearly identified in most of the samples, which might be because of a synergistic effect of different sub-threshold compounds present in the samples. In principle component analysis, the relationship between microorganisms and glutamyl peptide generation was observed, especially between Tetragenococcus spp. and Lentibacillus spp. and the generation of gamma-Glu-Val-Gly. Correlations between microbial diversity and the generation of taste enhancers were identified in this study. | [
5,
282
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On the satisfiability problem for fragments of two-variable logic with one transitive relation. We also point out why the technique is not sufficient to obtain decidability for the full two-variable logic with one transitive relation; hence, contrary to our previous claim, [FO2 with one transitive relation is decidable, STACS 2013: 317-328], the status of the latter problem remains open.We study the satisfiability problem for two-variable first-order logic over structures with one transitive relation. We show that the problem is decidable in 2-NEXPTIME for the fragment consisting of formulas where existential quantifiers are guarded by transitive atoms. As this fragment enjoys neither the finite model property nor the tree model property, to show decidability we introduce a novel model construction technique based on the infinite Ramsey theorem. | [
8,
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On the dynamic dependence and investment performance of crude oil and clean energy stocks. This paper examines the directional spillover between crude oil prices and stock prices of technology and clean energy companies. The study uses the daily data over the period from May 2005 to April 2015. The estimated results exhibit following empirical regularities. First, it appears that technology stocks play vital role in the return and volatility spillovers of renewable energy stocks and crude oil prices. Second, technology (PSE) and clean energy indices (ECO) are the dominant emitters of return and volatility spillovers to the crude oil (WTI) prices. Third, the time and event-dependent movements are well captured by the directional spillover approach. Fourth, the application of directional spillover method seems to be more advantageous than MGARCH models as it not only establishes the inter-variables return and volatility spillovers but also helps in identifying direction of spillover through calculation of pairwise net spillovers. Last, the dynamic hedging results suggest that clean energy index can provide a profitable hedging opportunity in combination with crude oil futures than technology index. Many new findings further discussed and analysed. | [
3,
90
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Realizations of Luminance Units in Range of 10 similar to 200 000 cd/m(2). In order to satisfy the increasing calibration demand for high range luminance and improve the luminance calibration ability in China, a new generation of national luminance work standard was established which covers the range of 10 similar to 200 000 cd/m(2). A twin light source injection adjustable high luminance uniform source was developed, and a precision limiting aperture was installed at the export of the source. The realization of the unitsc based on integrating sphere source method was introduced, and the key system characteristics were analyzed by experimental data, including the stability and spatial output characteristics of source, the position accuracy of adjustment, the linearity and the spectral mismatch error of the standard photometer etc. Finally the realized scale was transferred to a standard luminance meter which would be used as a transfer-reference. The relative expanded uncertainty of the new cd/m(2) realization system is 0.7% (coverage factor is 2). Comparison between the proposed system and the current luminance work standard (3 similar to 1 500 cd/m(2)) shows a deviation less than 0.2%. The upper range of the proposed realization system is increased by 2 orders of magnitude compared with the original standard, and coveres the ranges of normal luminance meters, which can well satisfy the calibration demand in the high level luminance application of industry. | [
6,
141
] |
Intra-seasonal variability of atmospheric CO2 concentrations over India during summer monsoons. In a study based on a data assimilation product of the terrestrial biospheric fluxes of CO2 over India, the subcontinent was hypothesized to be an anomalous source (sink) of CO2 during the active (break) spells of rain in the summer monsoon from June to September (Valsala et al., 2013). We test this hypothesis here by investigating intraseasonal variability in the atmospheric CO2 concentrations over India by utilizing a combination of ground-based and satellite observations and model outputs. The results show that the atmospheric CO2 concentration also varies in synchrony with the active and break spells of rainfall with amplitude of +/- 2 ppm which is above the instrumental uncertainty of the present day techniques of atmospheric CO2 measurements. The result is also consistent with the signs of the Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) flux anomalies estimated in our earlier work. The study thus offers the first observational affirmation of the above hypothesis although the data gap in the satellite measurements during monsoon season and the limited ground-based stations over India still leaves some uncertainty in the robust assertion of the hypothesis. The study highlights the need to capture these subtle variabilities and their responses to climate variability and change since it has implications for inverse estimates of terrestrial CO2 fluxes. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
7,
102
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The O. J. Simpson trial: Challenges to science and society. The O. J. Simpson murder and civil trials riveted the nation and much of the world for more than two years. Of tremendous scientific and public interest was the gulf in attitudes, perceptions, and reactions to the not guilty verdict at the criminal trial. The collection of articles in this issue of The Journal of Social Issues converged on the idea that race is an inadequate explanatory variable in understanding these differences in attitudes, perceptions, and reactions. Instead, race is a marker for a variety of cultural and experiential issues that affect cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. This concluding article debunks simplistic ideas of race and points to the broader problems of racism and discrimination, criminal injustice, and violence in social relations. The article concludes with suggestions for future research and a call for a broader transformation in societal institutions that affect the quality of social relations. | [
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The psychological aspects of noncardiac chest pain. The study of the relationship between esophageal disorders and psychological disturbance is a broad and somewhat varied literature. We review the literature regarding the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in psychiatric patients, the presence of psychiatric disorders in patients with GERD, and the relationship of acute and chronic stress as it relates to noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Finally, we review the relationship between panic disorder, a common substrate of NCCP, and the rationale for the use of antidepressants in NCCP from a physiologic and a psychologic perspective. | [
2,
114
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Photoelectric signatures of CdZnTe crystals. To reveal the distribution of evident and latent electrically active defects of various types and different scales that affect the photoresponse of Cd1 - x Zn (x) Te alloys (x = 0.05-0.2), it is suggested to compare local photoelectric signatures U-I(y) (f, lambda) of various segments of the sample (U is the testing voltage, I is the photocurrent, y is the coordinate, lambda is the wavelength, and f is the frequency of the testing signal), while, for the search of local instabilities of photoresponse, totality of integrated signatures U-I(Delta y) (f, lambda) is most suitable. It is shown for the first time that the multiple scale and coordination of the fields of defects and acting field generate the spectral features of the photoresponse (reconstruction of the spectra and manifestation of latent photosensitivity bands), which are most completely and integratively reflected in signatures of the photocurrent spectra I(lambda)-dI/d lambda. | [
6,
275
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Ellagic Acid Exerts Beneficial Effects on Hyperuricemia by Inhibiting Xanthine Oxidase and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease caused by impaired uric acid (UA) metabolism. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural small-molecule polyphenolic compound with known antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we evaluated the regulatory effects of EA on hyperuricemia and explored the underlying mechanisms. We found that EA is an effective xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitor (IC50 = 165.6 mu mol/L) and superoxide anion scavenger (IC50 = 27.66 mu mol/L). EA (5 and 10 mu mol/L) treatment significantly and dose-dependently reduced UA levels in L-O2 cells; meanwhile, intraperitoneal EA administration (50 and 100 mg/kg) also significantly reduced serum XOD activity and UA levels in hyperuricemic mice and markedly improved their liver and kidney histopathology. EA treatment significantly reduced the degree of foot edema and inhibited the expression of NLPR3 pathway-related proteins in foot tissue of monosodium urate (MSU)-treated mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was also observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW-264.7 cells. Furthermore, EA significantly inhibited the expressions of XOD and NLRP3 pathway-related proteins (TLR4, p-p65, caspase-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-18) in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated that EA exerts ameliorative effects in experimental hyperuricemia and foot edema via regulating the NLRP3 signaling pathway and represents a promising therapeutic option for the management of hyperuricemia. | [
2,
34
] |
Serum myoglobin as predictor of acute kidney injury and 90-day mortality in patients with rhabdomyolysis after exertional heatstroke: an over 10-year intensive care survey. Objective Rhabdomyolysis (RM) in exertional heatstroke (EHS) often leads to multiple organ dysfunction including acute kidney injury (AKI). Studies have shown that serum creatine kinase (CK) >1000 U/L as a serological diagnostic criterion for RM does not reflect the risk of AKI or mortality. Methods This longitudinal cohort study included all patients with EHS who were admitted to intensive care unit between January 2008 and June 2019. Serum myoglobin (sMb) was studied as the serological marker of RM and compared with CK. Outcome events were AKI and 90-day mortality. Results A total of 161 patients were enrolled, of whom 52 (32.3%) had sMb >= 1000 ng/mL. Patients with sMb >= 1000 ng/mL had higher SOFA score, higher APACHE II score, lower GCS score, and higher incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute myocardial injury, acute liver injury, AKI, and 90-day mortality than patients with sMb <1000 ng/mL. Lymphocytes, neutrophils, D-Dimer were risk factors for AKI in patients with sMb >= 1000 ng/mL. Curve fitting showed a curved relationship between sMb and EHS-induced AKI but not CK. sMb >= 1000 ng/mL showed better predictive ability for AKI (area under curve: 0.786). APACHE II, SOFA, and GCS scores were risk factors for 90-day mortality in patients with sMb >= 1000 ng/mL. Conclusion Serum myoglobin is a better predictor of AKI and 90-day mortality than CK in patients with RM after EHS. | [
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De novo presenilin 1 mutations are rare in clinically sporadic, early onset Alzheimer's disease cases. The presenilin 1 (PS1) gene, located on chromosome 14, is the major gene involved in the autosomal dominant forms of early onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to estimate the frequency of de novo PS1 mutations, we have sequenced the PS1 open reading frame in 13 clinically diagnosed patients with no affected relatives, who had developed AD before the age of 50. In one case with onset at 37 years, we identified a missense mutation resulting in a methionine to lysine substitution at codon 139 of the PS1 gene. This substitution is the fourth identified at the same codon. This study, in agreement with previous reports, suggests that de novo PS1 mutations can occur but at a low frequency. | [
2,
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Preparing to Reach: Selecting an Adaptive Long-Latency Feedback Controller. In a voluntary movement, the nervous system specifies not only the motor commands but also the gains associated with reaction to sensory feedback. For example, suppose that, during reaching, a perturbation tends to push the hand to the left. With practice, the brain not only learns to produce commands that predictively compensate for the perturbation but also increases the long-latency reflex gain associated with leftward displacements of the arm. That is, the brain learns a feedback controller. Here, we wondered whether, during the preparatory period before the reach, the brain engaged this feedback controller in anticipation of the upcoming movement. If so, its signature might be present in how the motor system responds to perturbations in the preparatory period. Humans trained on a reach task in which they adapted to a force field. During the preparatory period before the reach, we measured how the arm responded to a pulse to the hand that was either in the direction of the upcoming field, or in the opposite direction. Reach adaptation produced an increase in the long-latency (45-100 ms delay) feedback gains with respect to baseline, but only for perturbations that were in the same direction as the force field that subjects expected to encounter during the reach. Therefore, as the brain prepares for a reach, it loads a feedback controller specific to the upcoming reach. With adaptation, this feedback controller undergoes a change, increasing the gains for the expected sensory feedback. | [
2,
112
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Efficiency of Si L-2,L-3 X-ray generation in the SiO2/Si system by electron impact. The paper reports a study of the depth profile of the generation efficiency and escape of the ultrasoft silicon L-2,L-3 x-ray radiation excited by electrons of various energies. The generation function describing the excitation efficiency is the kernel of an integral equation determining the dependence of x-ray emission intensity on primary-electron energy. To determine the form of this function, a study was made of the dependence of the Si L-2,L-3 x-ray spectral intensity and of its silicon L-2,L-3 component bands, from crystalline silicon and amorphous dioxide SiO2 on primary- electron energy in samples made from dioxide layers of various thicknesses grown on crystalline silicon. These experiments permitted investigation of the generation-function cross sections at the depth of the Si-SiO2 interface. The theoretical simulation of the generation function made use of the simplest laws governing electron interaction with solids and of the cross section of the inner-level ionization by electron impact in its most general form. A comparison of the experimentally obtained relative contributions of the Si and SiO2 emissions with the calculations shows them to be in good agreement up to primary-electron energies of 2-3 keV. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7834(98)03410-8]. | [
9,
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A Kantian intuitionism. Kant famously said that one could not do morality a worse disservice than to derive it from examples, and this pronouncement, taken together with his formulations and explanations of the categorical imperative, has led some critics to regard him as too abstract. Ross, by contrast, has been widely viewed as taking individual cases of duty to have a kind of epistemic priority over principles of duty, and some of his critics have thus considered him insufficiently systematic, or even dogmatically limited to deliverances of intuition. This paper arises from the conviction that understanding of the categorical imperative may be enhanced by reflection on Rossian principles, and conversely, Kant and other systematic philosophers who have done moral philosophy in the grand style have had too little faith in intuitive singular moral judgement: Ross and other intuitionists have had too little faith in comprehensive moral theory. Drawing in part on an independent account of self-evidence and its relation to intuition, the paper shows how a Rossian view can be integrated with a Kantian moral theory in a way that yields the major benefits of both positions: the moral unification possible through the categorical imperative and other notions prominent in Kantian ethics, and the relative closeness to moral practice of Rossian principles. | [
0,
238
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Isolation and characterization of a novel 2-sec-butylphenol-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas sp strain MS-1. A novel bacterium capable of utilizing 2-sec-butylphenol as the sole carbon and energy source, Pseudomonas sp. strain MS-1, was isolated from freshwater sediment. Within 30 h, strain MS-1 completely degraded 1.5 mM 2-sec-butylphenol in basal salt medium, with concomitant cell growth. A pathway for the metabolism of 2-sec-butylphenol by strain MS-1 was proposed on the basis of the identification of 3 internal metabolites-3-sec-butylcatechol, 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-7-methylnona-2,4-dienoic acid, and 2-methylbutyric acid-by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Strain MS-1 degraded 2-sec-butylphenol through 3-sec-butylcatechol along a meta-cleavage pathway. Degradation experiments with various alkylphenols showed that the degradability of alkylphenols by strain MS-1 depended strongly on the position (ortho a parts per thousand << meta = para) of the alkyl substitute, and that strain MS-1 could degrade 2-alkylphenols with various sized and branched alkyl chain (o-cresol, 2-ethylphenol, 2-n-propylphenol, 2-isopropylphenol, 2-sec-butylphenol, and 2-tert-butylphenol), as well as a dialkylphenol (namely, 6-tert-butyl-m-cresol). | [
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Analyses of polymorphism for UGT1*1 exon 1 promoter in neonates with pathologic and prolonged jaundice. In this study, we investigated whether a TATA box polymorphism in the promoter of the UGT1*1 exon I, the most common detected DNA polymorphism in Gilbert's syndrome, is a contributory factor in unexplained pathologic or prolonged jaundice. 38 neonates who had unexplained pathologic jaundice, 37 neonates who had unexplained prolonged jaundice, and 35 healthy, nonjaundiced neonates were enrolled in the study. Genotypes were assigned as follows: 6/6 (homozygous for a normal allele bearing the sequence [TA](6)TAA), 7/7 (homozygous for an abnormal allele with the sequence [TA](7)TAA), and 6/7 (heterozygous with one of each allele). Of the 110 infants, 10 (9%) had 7/7, 51 (46%) had 6/7, and 49 (45%) had 6/6 genotype; the differences between the three groups were not statistically significant. Also no differences were observed among different genotypes and mean serum total bilirubin concentrations. In conclusion, we showed that TA 7/7 and TA 6/7 genotypes are not rare in our population and that the presence of these polymorphisms alone does not play a significant role in the etiology of unexplained pathologic or prolonged neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Copyright (C) 2003 S. KargerAG, Basel. | [
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A Contact-Aided Asymmetric Steerable Catheter for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Electrical isolation using the ablation catheter has been widely used as the golden standard for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Clinical practice shows that the tip orientation affects the formation of the effective lesion size. However, the traditional unidirectional or bidirectional catheter with the compliant bending shapes cannot provide great orientation capability to target the lesion paths asymmetric to the catheter's entry point. In this letter, we propose a two-dimensional (2-D) tendon-actuated asymmetric catheter to render two different bending characteristics to adapt to the special anatomy. The contact-aided compliant mechanism is adopted by designing the asymmetric blocks to form the self-collision in one lateral bending direction. Kinematics with asymmetric bends under the free bend and constraint bend are investigated. The algorithm of 3-D path exploration in the confined workspace is proposed to validate the reachability. The bending angles of two asymmetric bends are compared and the 3-D phantom study is carried out to validate its effectiveness. Results indicate that the contact-aided compliant mechanism can be integrated with the steerable catheter successfully to help form the different bending characteristics, finally improving the tip orientation capability to the specific ablation line lesions. | [
8,
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] |
Is it Pompe Disease? Australian diagnostic considerations. Pompe Disease is a spectrum disorder with an evolving phenotype in which diagnostic delay is common. Contributing factors include the rarity of the disorder, its wide clinical spectrum, signs and symptoms that overlap with those of other neuromuscular disorders, variable diagnostic approaches, lack of awareness of the clinical manifestations and difficulties in completing the diagnostic inventory. International updates and recommendations have been published providing diagnostic guidelines and management criteria. However, questions remain in the Australian setting. A panel (two neurologists, one clinical geneticist) reviewed the literature, examined clinical questions of relevance to the Australian setting, and developed a framework for the guidance. A wider panel, comprising the initial panel plus eight additional members, critiqued the framework and contributed clinical guidance within the scope of their respective areas of clinical expertise. The resultant expert consensus recommendations build on currently available data to propose an appropriate management framework incorporating the diagnosis, classification, therapeutic approach, multidisciplinary care, and on-going monitoring of patients with Pompe Disease in the Australian setting. It is hoped that diagnostic delay can be reduced with appropriate recourse to evidence-based insights and practical advice on diagnosis and management tailored to the Australian setting. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Cage-like clusters as models for the hydroxyls of silica: ab initio calculation of H-1 and Si-29 NMR chemical shifts. NMR features of isolated and geminal silica hydroxyls were calculated using the B3-LYP hybrid density functional method, and adopting as models both the minimal clusters H3SiOH, F3SiOH and H-2(SiOH)(2), and some cage-like clusters of the hydridosilasesquisiloxane type with 4 to 8 Si atoms and one/two SiOH groups, respectively. The delta(H-1) is in good agreement with experiment with F3SiOH and cage-like models, whereas only these latter account satisfactorily for the delta(Si-29). H3SiOH and H-2(SiOH)(2) yield unsatisfactory results for both chemical shifts. The interaction with water molecules has also been considered, to investigate the effect of H-bonding on NMR features. As cage-like structures also account well for vibrational features [B. Civalleri, E. Garrone, P. Ugliengo, Chem. Phys. Lett. 294 (1998) 103] these molecules constitute the best available simple models for the surface hydroxyls of silica. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Miss Brasil Gay Juiz de Fora: ethnic costumes and their imagined women from 2017 to 2019. Miss Brasil Gay is a beauty contest that elects the most gorgeous female illusionist in the country since 1977, in Juiz de Fora. The event is divided into two main phases and this article seeks to understand the \\'ethnic costume\\' stage, representing the cultural aspects of Brazilian states by the misses. Outlining the analyzes between the years 2017 to 2019, we conducted a survey of the videos, photographs and reports referring to Miss Brasil Gay that circulated on the official platforms of the event, and also in the electronic newspaper \\'Acessa\\'. We explored the material from the theories of gender with a bibliography related to typical costume, costumes and fantasy. Based on what was showed on the catwalk, we classified \\'ethnic costumes\\' into three main categories (costume design, fantasy clothing and ethnic/national costumes), understanding that at the competition, regional identities it is not always firsthand shown, it is indeed focused in the construction of an exuberant woman. Then, we also observe the role of stylists within Miss Brasil Gay, since their imaginary and know-how often defines what will be presented by the misses, plotting imagery narratives that moves through both traditional characteristics and images of a globalized woman. | [
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Quality of Life Assessment after Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy: Our Experiences in Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura. Design: Cross sectional observational studyResults: Seventy six patients were enrolled in our study & marked improvements were found in total CES score & all subscale scores postoperatively (P value: 0.00). The total CES score and symptom subscale scores were observed greater improvement (P value: 0.00).Significant negative linear correlations were observed among total CES scores, symptom subscale scores and air conduction thresholds (P<.05).Conclusion: The present study suggests that canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) provides a significant improvement in the post-operative Quality of life (QoL) &b there is a significant association between subjective outcomes &the objective audiometric results.Study population: Chronic otitis media (COM) with extensive cholesteatoma.Methods: Study place: Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical college Hospital (SZMCH), Bogura, BangladeshMain Outcome Measures: In this study, the Chronic Ear Survey (CES) was provided to all patients preoperatively and one year after surgery. The preoperative and postoperative score differences were analyzed. We also assessed correlations between chronic ear survey scores and air conduction threshold.Objective: To determine subjective outcomes after cholesteatoma surgery.Interventions: Canal wall down mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma. | [
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Fast and stable vapochromic response induced through nanocrystal formation of a luminescent platinum(II) complex on periodic mesoporous organosilica. A hybrid vapoluminescent system exhibiting fast and repeatable response was constructed using periodic mesoporous organosilica with bipyridine moieties (BPy-PMO) and a Pt(II) complex bearing a potentially luminescent 2-phenylpyridinato (ppy) ligand. An intense red luminescence appeared when the Pt(II)-complex immobilised BPy-PMO was exposed to methanol vapour and disappeared on exposure to pyridine vapour. The ON-OFF vapochromic behaviour occurred repeatedly in a methanol/pyridine/heating cycle. Interestingly, a rapid response was achieved in the second cycle and cycles thereafter. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM/TEM), absorption and emission, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, and powder X-ray diffraction indicated that methanol vapour induced Si-C cleavage and thus liberated [Pt(ppy)(bpy)]Cl (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) from the BPy-PMO framework. Furthermore, the self-assembling properties of the Pt(II) complex resulted in the formation of highly luminescent micro/nanocrystals that were homogeneously dispersed on the porous support. The unique vapoluminescence triggered by the unprecedented protodesilylation on exposure to protic solvent vapour at room temperature is attributable to BPy-PMO being a giant ligand and an effective vapour condenser. Consequently, this hybrid system presents a new strategy for developing sensors using bulk powdery materials. | [
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Acute respiratory infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae: current status of diagnostic methods. Because of the absence of well-standardized both in-house and FDA-approved commercially available diagnostic tests, the reliable diagnosis of respiratory infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae remains difficult. In addition, no formal external quality assessment schemes which would allow to conclude about the performance of M. pneumoniae diagnostic tests exist. In this review, the current state of knowledge of M. pneumoniae-associated respiratory infections in the context of epidemiological studies published during the past 5 years is discussed, with particular emphasis on the diagnostic strategies used and their impact on results. The role of M. pneumoniae as a cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) differs from study to study due to geographical and epidemiological differences, as well as to the application of different diagnostic techniques and criteria used. | [
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Transcatheter closure for patent ductus arteriosus in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: to do or not?. Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) remains to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Giving increasing evidences of benefit from targeted therapies, ES patients once thought to be inoperable may have increasing options for management. This study aims to explore whether PDA in patients with ES can be treated with transcatheter closure (TCC). Methods Between August 2014 and July 2016, four of fifteen PDA-ES patients whose Qp/Qs improved significantly and Qp/Qs > 1.5 after acute vasodilator testing with 100% oxygen were selected to receive TCC and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. PAH-targeted drugs were prescribed before and after occlusion for all. Trial occlusion was performed before permanent closure. Results The first TCC failed after initiation of PAH-targeted drugs for 6 months in four patients. After the medication was adjusted and extended to 12 months, TCC was performed for all without hemodynamic intolerances during perioperative period. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was significantly decreased (>= 40%) immediately after TCC. During a mean follow-up of 48 +/- 14.70 months, there were a further decrease of PASPs in two patients, the other two showed improved pulmonary vascular resistance, WHO functional class and six-minute walking distance despite deteriorated PASP. Conclusion Some selected PDA-ES patients might benefit from TCC and combined PAH-targeted drugs play a crucial role. | [
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Plasma metabolomics profiling of maintenance hemodialysis based on capillary electrophoresis - time of flight mass spectrometry. Uremia has been a rapidly increasing health problem in China. Hemodialysis (HD) is the main renal replacement therapy for uremia. The results of large-scale clinical trials have shown that the HD pattern is crucial for long-term prognosis of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in uremic patients. Plasma metabolism is very important for revealing the biological insights linked to the therapeutic effects of the HD pattern on uremia. Alteration of plasma metabolites in uremic patients in response to HD therapy has been reported. However, HD-pattern-dependent changes in plasma metabolites remain poorly understood. To this end, a capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS)-based metabolomics method was performed to systemically study the differences between HD and high flux hemodialysis (HFD) on plasma metabolite changes in patients. Three hundred and one plasma samples from three independent human cohorts (i.e., healthy controls, patients with pre-HD/post-HD, and patients with pre-HFD/post-HFD) were used in this study. Metabolites significantly changed (p < 0.05) after a single HD or HFD process. However, 11 uremic retention solutes could be more efficiently removed by HFD. Our findings indicate that a CE-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach is promising for providing novel insights into understanding the effects of different dialysis methods on metabolite alterations of uremia. | [
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Mechanical and structural characterizations of gamma- and alpha-alumina nanofibers. We investigate the applicability of alumina nanofibers as a potential reinforcement material in ceramic matrix compounds by comparing the mechanical properties of individual nanofibers before and after annealing at 1400 degrees C. Mechanical testing is performed inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which enables observation in real time of the deformation and fracture of the fibers under loading, thereby providing a close-up inspection of the freshly fractured area in vacuum. Improvement of both the Young's modulus and the breaking strength for annealed nanofibers is demonstrated. Mechanical testing is supplemented with the structural characterization of the fibers before and after annealing using SEM, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | [
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Chemical coupling of thiolated chitosan to preformed liposomes improves mucoadhesive properties. Conclusion: Taken together, our current results indicate that thiomer-coated liposomes possess a high potential to be used as an oral drug-delivery system.Methods: Liposomes consisting of phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and a maleimide-functionalized lipid were incubated with chitosan-TGA, leading to the formation of a thioether bond between free SH-groups of the polymer and maleimide groups of the liposome. Uncoated and newly generated thiomer-coated liposomes were characterized according to their size, zeta potential, and morphology using photon correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The release behavior of calcitonin and the fluorophore/quencher-couple ANTS/DPX (8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid/p-xylene-bis-pyridinium bromide) from coated and uncoated liposomes, was investigated over 24 hours in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. To test the mucoadhesive properties of thiomer-coated and uncoated liposomes in-vitro, we used freshly excised porcine small intestine.Results: Liposomes showed a concentration-dependent increase in size - from approximately 167 nm for uncoated liposomes to 439 nm for the highest thiomer concentration used in this study. Likewise, their zeta potentials gradually increased from about-38 mV to +20 mV, clearly indicating an effective coupling of chitosan-TGA to the surface of liposomes. As a result of mucoadhesion tests, we found an almost two-fold increase in the mucoadhesion of coupled liposomes relative to uncoupled ones. With fluorescence microscopy, we saw a tight adherence of coated particles to the intestinal mucus.Aim: To develop mucoadhesive liposomes by anchoring the polymer chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA) to the liposomal surface to target intestinal mucosal membranes. | [
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THE USE OF PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR EVALUATION OF MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN RED BLOOD CELLS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT GLUCOSE CONECNTRATIONS. The article presents findings of the research investigating the effect of various glucose concentrations on the morphometric parameters ofred blood cells. The principal component method was employed in order to determine the most significant indicators in the experiment. The experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on the shape, size and functional parameters of erythrocytes depending on the glucose concentration and exposure time. It was established that characteristic changes in the shape and size of erythrocytes induced by hyperglycemia are correlative with concentration of glucose and exposure time. | [
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Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue: An emerging technology for female germline preservation of endangered species and breeds. Many hundreds of exotic species and domestic animal breeds have been lost over the course of the last few decades. In order to avoid a similar fate to other animals threatened with extinction, it is crucial to develop and apply rescue strategies to ensure their survival for the future. One option as a safeguard measure is the cryopreservation of the main source of female gametes enclosed within the ovary: the primordial follicles. So far, there are three options to cryopreserve small ovarian follicles: whole ovary, ovarian cortical tissue or isolated follicles, with the use of slow freezing or vitrification methods. After cryopreservation, the harvested material can be transplanted or cultured, with the aim to produce mature fertilizable oocytes. The objective of this review is to summarize the current status of the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in domestic species and non-endangered wild mammals as model for threatened and endangered species and breeds, and to provide new insights into techniques that can be applied in the future. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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The Global Patterns of Interannual and Intraseasonal Mass Variations in the Oceans from GRACE and GRACE Follow-On Records. We decompose the monthly global ocean bottom pressure (OBP) from GRACE(-FO) mass concentration solutions, with trends and seasonal harmonics removed from the signal, to extract 23 significant regional modes of variability. The 23 modes are analyzed and discussed considering sea-level anomalies (SLA), wind stress curl (WSC), and major climate indices. A total of two-thirds of the patterns correspond to extratropical regions and are substantially documented in other global or regional studies. Over the equatorial band, the identified modes are unprecedented, with an amplitude ranging between 0.5 and 1 cm. With smaller amplitude than extratropical patterns, they appear to be less correlated with the local SLA or WSC; yet they present significantly coherent dynamics. The Pacific Ocean modes show significant correlations with the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO). | [
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The Effect of Canine Ovariohysterectomy on HSP70 and Anti-HSP70 Antibodies. The present study aimed to determine the effects of ovariohysterectomy on blood serum concentrations of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies in dogs. For this purpose, 87 female stray dogs were used as the materials. Ten milliliters of blood was taken from the animals preoperatively and on the first day postoperatively. The concentration of extracellular HSP70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies in blood serums were measured by using commercial ELISA kits. Subsequently, the preoperatively and postoperatively obtained data were compared. As a result, the mean +/- SD concentration of HSP70 (4.86 +/- 0.99 ng/mL) and anti-HSP70 (109.77 +/- 16.64 ng/mL) antibodies in the dogs' blood samples taken after ovariohysterectomy were found to be significantly lower when compared to the preoperative amounts. | [
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Secretion of functionally active complement factor H related protein 5 (FHR5) by primary tumour cells derived from Glioblastoma Multiforme patients. The complement system is an important humoral immune surveillance mechanism against tumours. However, many malignant tumours are resistant to complement mediated lysis. Here, we report secretion of complement factor H related protein 5 (FHR5) by primary tumour cells derived from Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. We investigated whether the secreted FHR5 exhibited functional activity similar to factor H, including inhibition of complement mediated lysis, acting as a co-factor for factor I mediated cleavage of C3b, and decay acceleration of C3 convertase. Immunoblotting analysis of primary GBM cells (B30, B31 and B33) supernatant showed the active secretion of FHR5, but not of Factor H. ELM revealed that the secretion of soluble GBM-FHR5 by cultured GBM cells increased in a time-dependent manner. Primary GBM-FHR5 inhibited complement mediated lysis, possessed co-factor activity for factor I mediated cleavage and displayed decay acceleration of C3 convertase. In summary, we detected the secretion of FHR5 by primary GEM cells B30, B31 and B33. The results demonstrated that GBM-FHR5 shares biological function with FH as a mechanism primary GBM cells potentially use to resist complement mediated lysis. | [
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Fastest mixing Markov chain problem for the union of two cliques. A symmetric, random walk on a graph G can be defined by prescribing weights to the edges in such a way that for each vertex the sum of the weights of the edges incident to the vertex is at most one. The fastest mixing, Markov chain (FMMC) problem for G is to determine the weighting that yields the fastest mixing random walk. We solve the FMMC problem in the case that G is the union of two complete graphs. | [
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Possibility of bacteria-induced corrosion of ancient bronze mirrors found in ground. Excavated bronze objects, depending on how long they have been in the ground and under what conditions, are generally corroded externally as well as having intricately corroded layers inside. To date, our group has performed metallurgical investigations on IS ancient bronze mirrors and confirmed that pure copper lumps and several varieties of unidentified corrosion products have formed on the surface of the mirrors and in the corroded layers. Accordingly, we performed investigations to identify the corrosion products using an electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), a micro-X-ray diffraction analyzer (mu-XRD), and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), and discussed the possibility that bacteria play a role in inducing corrosion in ancient bronze mirrors. The results are as follows; (1) Amorphous SiO2 had formed in the outermost corroded layer I. (2) Cu2O (cuprite) and Cu(OH)2 had formed in the layers 11 and 111, which comprise the first two internal layers adjacent to layer I. (3) Cu-Sn-Pb-complex oxide had formed in layer IV, the next internal layer. Small amounts of PbSO4 and an Sn-organic compound were also detected. (4) We observed that Cu,S (chalcocite) forms like mold on the polished surface of the corroded layers, especially notable on layer IV, after being mechanically polished and left to stand for about one month. Cu2S is presumed to be the resultant of sulfate reducing bacteria. (5) Numerous pure copper lumps appeared in layers or particles and tended to form in the vicinity of layer IV. (6) The evidence from these analyses suggest that microorganisms could have been the cause of the corrosion found in ancient bronze mirrors excavated from the ground. | [
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Temperature-based phenology model for predicting the present and future establishment and distribution of recently invasive Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in India. Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is a polyphagous and highly destructive invasive insect pest of many crops. It was recently introduced into India and widely reported in almost all parts of India. Development of a temperature-based phenology model for predicting its rate of development and distribution will help in understanding the establishment and further spread of introduced invasive insect pests. Development, survival and reproduction parameters of S. frugiperda at six constant temperature conditions (15, 20, 25, 27, 30 and 35 degrees C) were investigated and further validated with data generated under fluctuating temperature conditions. The estimated lower developmental threshold temperatures were 12.1 degrees C for eggs, 11 degrees C for larvae, 12.2 degrees C for pupae, 15.13 degrees C for males and 12.66 degrees C for females. Degree-day (DD) requirements for the development of the different stages of S. frugiperda were 50, 250 and 200 DD for egg, larva and pupa, respectively. The best-fitted functions were compiled for each life stage to yield a phenology model, which was stochastically simulated to estimate the life table parameters. The developed phenology model predicted temperature ranges between 27 and 30 degrees C as favourable for S. frugiperda development, survival and reproduction. The results revealed that maximum net reproductive rate (215.66 females/female/generation) and total fecundity (981.08 individuals/female/generation) were attained at 30 degrees C constant temperature. The mean length of generations decreased from 74.29 days at 15 degrees C to 38.74 days at 30 degrees C. The maximum intrinsic rate of increase (0.138 females/female/day) and shortest doubling time (4.9 days) were also observed at 30 degrees C. Results of simulated life table parameters showed high temperature-dependent development of S. frugiperda and complete development within all the tested constant temperature ranges (15-35 degrees C). Simulated life table parameters for predicting risk indices of S. frugiperda in India indicated a significant increase in activity indices and establishment risk indices with a higher number of generations during future (2050 and 2070) climatic change scenarios compared to present conditions. Our results indicate that India will be highly suitable for the establishment and survival of S. frugiperda in future time periods. | [
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Automated workflows for modelling chemical fate, kinetics and toxicity. Automation is universal in today's society, from operating equipment such as machinery, in factory processes, to self-parking automobile systems. While these examples show the efficiency and effectiveness of automated mechanical processes, automated procedures that support the chemical risk assessment process are still in their infancy. Future human safety assessments will rely increasingly on the use of automated models, such as physiologically based kinetic (PBK) and dynamic models and the virtual cell based assay (VCBA). These biologically-based models will be coupled with chemistry-based prediction models that also automate the generation of key input parameters such as physicochemical properties. The development of automated software tools is an important step in harmonising and expediting the chemical safety assessment process. In this study, we illustrate how the KNIME Analytics Platform can be used to provide a user-friendly graphical interface for these biokinetic models, such as PBK models and VCBA, which simulates the fate of chemicals in vivo within the body and in vitro test systems respectively. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. | [
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Ubiquitin-specific protease 39 is overexpressed in human lung cancer and promotes tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Lung cancer is the most frequent cancer in the world. Previous studies have shown that ubiquitin-specific protease 39 (USP39) is upregulated in several cancers and associated with tumor malignant characters. However, the effects of USP39 in lung cancer have not been well understood. In the present study, we found USP39 was generally expressed higher in human lung cancer tissues than in normal tissues by Oncomine database mining, qRT-PCR, and western blot assay. Knockdown of USP39 expression markedly reduced the proliferative and colony-forming ability of lung cancer cell lines 95D and A549. Flow cytometric analysis showed that USP39 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and enhanced cell apoptosis in 95D cells. Moreover, depletion of USP39 blocked activation of Akt, mTOR, p53, and PARP signaling pathways. Taken together, our study indicates that USP39 may be functionally involved in lung cancer growth and act as a potential molecular target for human lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. | [
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Fugitive emissions in chemical processes: The assessment and prevention based on inherent and add-on approaches. For the quantification part, three methods are presented for fugitive emissions estimation during the process design. They are tailored to data available in simple process flow diagram (PFD), detailed PFD, and piping & instrumentation diagram (PID). Such methods are needed as early emissions estimation allows production routes and process designs with lower emissions to be selected. The fugitive emissions estimation and methods to abatement are demonstrated on a benzene process case study. Valves are found to be the major emission source with 50% of fugitive emissions of process area in a base case of petrochemical process, in which no fugitive emission reductions are yet made. Pumps without mechanical seals come second with 30% and flanges with 8% of emissions. Inherently safer design keywords can be applied to prevent fugitive emissions in the process plants. Substitution is the most applicable keyword in fugitive emission reduction of existing plants.Fugitive emissions are among the major concerns of industrial process releases. The emissions cause problem to various aspects including the environment, health, and economic. Early evaluation of process hazards is beneficial because process can be made inherently benign at lower cost. This paper discusses two important aspects of fugitive emissions assessment during process design - the quantification and the prevention strategies.The emission rate calculations together with estimation of health risk give a sound background for the decision making on elimination of emissions at source through equipment and piping changes. The case study presented reveals that by substituting emission prone components by inherently low-leaking ones, the plant emissions can be reduced over 90% in practice. This is created mainly by replacing rising stem valves with ball valves, installing double mechanical pump seals or hermetic pumps and making changes in sampling and relief systems. Ideally by also changing flanges to welded connections, which is not viable for various reasons, the emissions could be reduced nearly to zero. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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High-speed technique based on a parallel projection correlation procedure for digital image correlation. The implementation of high-efficiency digital image correlation methods based on a zero-normalized cross-correlation (ZNCC) procedure for high-speed, time-resolved measurements using a high-resolution digital camera is associated with big data processing and is often time consuming. In order to speed-up ZNCC computation, a high-speed technique based on a parallel projection correlation procedure is proposed. The proposed technique involves the use of interrogation window projections instead of its two-dimensional field of luminous intensity. This simplification allows acceleration of ZNCC computation up to 28.8 times compared to ZNCC calculated directly, depending on the size of interrogation window and region of interest. The results of three synthetic test cases, such as a one-dimensional uniform flow, a linear shear flow and a turbulent boundary-layer flow, are discussed in terms of accuracy. In the latter case, the proposed technique is implemented together with an iterative window-deformation technique. On the basis of the results of the present work, the proposed technique is recommended to be used for initial velocity field calculation, with further correction using more accurate techniques. | [
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IDENTIFICATION OF FALSE POSITIVE EXERCISE TESTS WITH USE OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CRITERIA - A POSSIBLE ROLE FOR ATRIAL REPOLARIZATION WAVES. These results provide ECG criteria for predicting a false positive exercise test and support the hypothesis that exaggerated atrial repolarization waves may be a cause of a false positive exercise test.The false positive group was characterized by 1) markedly downsloping PR segments at peak exercise, 2) longer exercise time and more rapid peak exercise heart rate than those of the true positive group, and 3) absence of exercise-induced chest pain. The false positive group also displayed significantly greater absolute P wave amplitudes at peak exercise and greater augmentation of P wave amplitude by exercise in all six ECG leads than were observed in the true positive group. Multivariable analysis revealed that exercise duration (p = 0.0001) and downsloping PR segments in the inferior ECG leads (p = 0.0004) were independent predictors of a false positive test. The combination of downsloping PR segments in two of three inferior leads plus either exercise duration greater-than-or-equal-to 4 min or peak heart rate greater-than-or-equal-to 125 beats/min identified false positive tests with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 86% to 89%.Atrial repolarization waves are opposite in direction to P waves, may have a magnitude of 100 to 200-mu-V and may extend into the ST segment and T wave. It was postulated that exaggerated atrial repolarization waves during exercise could produce ST segment depression mimicking myocardial ischemia. The P waves, PR segments and ST segments were studied in leads II, III, aVF and V4 to V6 in 69 patients whose exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) suggested ischemia (100-mu-V horizontal or 150-mu-V upsloping ST depression 80 ms after the J point). All had a normal ECG at rest. The exercise test in 25 patients (52% male, mean age 53 years) was deemed false positive because of normal coronary arteriograms and left ventricular function (5 patients) or normal stress single photon emission computed tomographic thallium or gated blood pool scans (16 patients), or both (4 patients). Forty-four patients with a similar age and gender distribution, anginal chest pain and at least one coronary stenosis greater-than-or-equal-to 80% served as a true positive control group. | [
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Randomised controlled trial of home based motivational interviewing by midwives to help pregnant smokers quit or cut down. Main outcome measures Self reported smoking cessation verified by plasma or salivary cotinine concentration.Results 17/351 (4.8%) women in the intervention group stopped smoking (according to self report and serum cotinine concentration < 13.7 ng/ml) compared with 19/411(4.6%) in the control group. Fifteen (4.2%) women in the intervention group cut down (self report and cotinine concentration less than half that at booking) compared with 26 (6.3%) in the control group. Fewer women in the intervention group reported smoking more (18 (5.1%) v 44 (10.7%); relative risk 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.28 to 0.81). Birth weight did not differ significantly (mean 3078 g v 3048 g).Interventions All women received standard health promotion information. Women in the intervention group were offered motivational interviewing at home. All interviews were recorded.Conclusion Good quality motivational interviewing did not significantly increase smoking cessation among pregnant women.Participants 762/1684 pregnant women who were regular smokers at antenatal booking: 351 in intervention group and 411 in control group.Design Randomised controlled non-blinded trial analysed by intention to treat. Setting Clinics attached to two maternity hospitals in Glasgow.Objective To determine whether motivational interviewing-a behavioural therapy for addictions-provided at home by specially trained midwives helps pregnant smokers to quit. | [
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International differences in self-reported health measures in 33 major metropolitan areas in Europe. Background: The increasing concentration of populations into large conurbations in recent decades has not been matched by international health assessments, which remain largely focused at the country level. We aimed to demonstrate the use of routine survey data to compare the health of large metropolitan centres across Europe and determine the extent to which differences are due to socio-economic factors. Methods: Multilevel modelling of health survey data on 126 853 individuals from 33 metropolitan areas in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, Belgium and Germany compared general health, longstanding illness, acute sickness, psychological distress and obesity with the average for all areas, accounting for education and social class. Results: We found some areas (Greater Glasgow; Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside; Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and South Yorkshire) had significantly higher levels of poor health. Other areas (West Flanders and Antwerp) had better than average health. Differences in individual socio-economic circumstances did not explain findings. With a few exceptions, acute sickness levels did not vary. Conclusion: Health tended to be worse in metropolitan areas in the north and west of the UK and the central belt and south east of Germany, and more favourable in Sweden and north west Belgium, even accounting for socio-economic composition of local populations. This study demonstrated that combining national health survey data covering different areas is viable but not without technical difficulties. Future comparisons between European regions should be made using standardized sampling, recruitment and data collection protocols, allowing proper monitoring of health inequalities. | [
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Search for pair production of first and second generation leptoquarks in proton-proton collisions at root s=8 TeV. A search for pair production of first and second generation leptoquarks is performed in final states containing either two charged leptons and two jets, or one charged lepton, one neutrino and two jets, using proton-proton collision data at root s = 8 TeV. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb(-1), were recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC. First-generation scalar leptoquarks with masses less than 1010 (850) GeV are excluded for beta = 1.0 (0.5), where beta is the branching fraction of a leptoquark decaying to a charged lepton and a quark. Similarly, second-generation scalar leptoquarks with masses less than 1080 (760) GeV are excluded for beta = 1.0 (0.5). Mass limits are also set for vector leptoquark production scenarios with anomalous vector couplings, and for R-parity violating supersymmetric scenarios of top squark pair production resulting in similar final-state signatures. These are the most stringent limits placed on the masses of vector leptoquarks and RPV top squarks to date. | [
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Geological heritage as a new kind of natural resource in the Siwa Oasis, Egypt: The first assessment, comparison to the Russian South, and sustainable development issues. Discovering new natural resources is important for sustainable development of remote oases in arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. The first comprehensive assessment of geological heritage of the Siwa Oasis in the northwestern part of Egypt is based on field inventory of potentially unique geological features and analysis of literature data. Comparison to similar features in the other parts of Egypt and the world, including the Russian South, is essential to evaluate the uniqueness of the described geological phenomena. A total of nine geological heritage types are established in the Siwa Oasis. These include stratigraphical, palaeontological, sedimentary, palaeogeographical, hydrological and hydrogeological, geothermal, pedological, geomorphological, and economical types. The most high-ranked are features constituting sedimentary, palaeogeographical, and hydrological and hydrogeological types. The former can be found in the old Shali town built from evaporite stones experienced diagenetic changes, and the latter is local manifestation of the Eocene-Oligocene palaeoenvironmental transition different from the global cooling trend. Additionally, saline lakes and pools, as well as stratigraphical sections, landforms, and some other features demonstrate certain uniqueness. A series of geosites are identified in the oasis and vicinities. Taken together, the geological heritage of the Siwa Oasis is significant for conservation and exploitation for research, education, and tourism purposes. It is suggested that geological tourism there should be combined with archaeological, industrial, and \\'ordinary\\' to become efficient and to contribute to the local sustainable development. Examples from the Russian South (the Big Tambukan and Big Yashalta lakes) permit to realize that the consideration of salt and therapeutic mud resource indicates on the higher value of the discussed geological heritage features of the Siwa Oasis. Moreover, this resource, which is of big uniqueness itself, can contribute substantially to tourism development on the basis of unique geological phenomena. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Genetic evidence of protein transfer during bacterial conjugation. DNA can be transferred from eubacteria to at least plants, fungi, and all other eubacteria by related, plasmid-mediated conjugation. Little is known about the biochemistry of intraspecies or interspecies DNA transfer. Even less is known about what other molecules may accompany the DNA, or the direct or inheritable effects on recipients of these escort molecules. This report describes a genetic assay for detecting protein transfer during conjugation. The assay monitored phage lambda released from lysogenic recipients as a result of the concomitant delivery of the Escherichia coli RecA protein and plasmid DNA. The heretofore unexpected transfer of a donor chromosome-encoded protein initiates heritable change in the recipient without altering its genetic make-up. The mechanism of transfer could be independent of transferred DNA, (C) 1999 Academic Press. | [
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Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma of the parotid gland: Cytopathologic findings and differential diagnosis. Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma (AES) is a rare variant of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs), primarily affecting bone and soft tissue. AES has mixed features of Ewing sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and adamantinoma with a complex immunoprofile and EWSR1 gene rearrangements. Herein, we report a 72-year-old male who presented with left parotid mass, right neck mass and thyroid nodules. Fine needle aspiration of the left parotid mass displayed nests of monotonous epithelioid cells with basaloid features in a background of small round blue cells and lymphocytes. AES can involve head and neck region and is characterized by groups of primitive small round blue cells admixed with groups of epithelioid cells with amphophilic cytoplasm and focal squamous differentiation. The proportion of these components can be variable, creating diagnostic challenges, particularly in unusual anatomic sites such as the parotid gland. However, when additional material is available, CD99 and/or FLI1 immunostains need to be included for diagnostic confirmation. | [
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Enhancing Security Through Efficiency FocusuInsights From a Multiple Stakeholder Pilot Implementation. Efficiency and security are often regarded as opposing factors in transport operations, with increased security causing decreased efficiency. The use of information technology holds the promise of enabling improved efficiency in freight transport operations and this article suggests and elaborates on the proposition that An increased focus on efficiency will result in improved security for carrier operations. The research for this article involved a literature review, the collection of empirical data through one in-depth case study, and elaboration on a proposition through a field pilot implementation. The selected focus was carrier operations in connection with port terminals carrying out RoRo operations on trailers. The article explores and describes how measures to increase efficiency result in increased security. | [
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Protease trafficking in two primitive eukaryotes is mediated by a prodomain protein motif. Trypanosome protozoa, an early lineage of eukaryotic cells, have proteases homologous to mammalian lysosomal cathepsins, but the precursor proteins lack mannose 6-phosphate. Utilizing green fluorescent protein as a reporter, we demonstrate that the carbohydrate-free prodomain of a trypanosome cathepsin L is necessary and sufficient for directing green fluorescent protein to the lysosome/endosome compartment. A proper prodomain/catalytic domain processing site sequence is also required to free the mature protease for delivery to the lysosome/endosome compartment. A nine-amino acid prodomain loop motif, implicated in prodomain-receptor interactions in mammalian cells, is conserved in the protozoa, Site-directed mutagenesis now confirms the importance of this loop to protease trafficking and suggests that a protein motif targeting signal for lysosomal proteases arose early in eukaryotic cell evolution. | [
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233
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Going it alone or together: the role of space between products on consumer perceptions of price promotions. This research demonstrates that the existence (vs. nonexistence) of space between products on a retail shelf has a significant impact on the effectiveness of multiple vs. single unit price promotions. In particular, we establish the novel relationships between space and consumers' distinctiveness motivations. As a result, we demonstrate that the existence of space reduces the effectiveness of multiple (vs. single) unit price promotions. We further uncover the relationships between no space and consumers' relational thinking and show that no space enhances the effectiveness of multiple (vs. single) unit price promotions on consumer purchase intentions. Furthermore, we demonstrate important boundary conditions of the core interactive effect between space and multiple (vs. single) unit price promotions. That is, building on the notion that product variety decreases consumers' distinctiveness motivations, we show that in the space context, the negative effect of multiple (vs. single) unit price promotion on purchase intentions is attenuated by product variety. We also demonstrate that product popularity diminishes the positive impact of no space on the effectiveness of multiple (vs. single) unit price promotion on purchase intentions. | [
3,
284
] |
Unsettling the reason of time: Indigenist epistemology and the child in the Australian curriculum. Colonial settler societies' differing concepts and experiences of time entangle in enactments of curriculum knowledge and the governing of human subjects. This article examines how an Anglo-Eurocentric historical representation of time is used as a principle of reason to establish the conditions of epistemic progress through the curriculum and culturally accounts for human agency, a teleological understanding of human development, and representations of the individual as a subject of knowledge. Here we question how representations of temporality are deployed in curricula to problematise human potential and the subjectification of individuals through the promise of securing human flourishing. We connect this discussion to the way people of the First Nations of Australia report their understanding of time as a principle to order an immanent experience of materiality, recurrence and becoming. This dialogue foregrounds how differing cultural conceptions of time establish conditions of possibility for experiencing and understanding the world. | [
3,
20
] |
Prevalence and survival prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with end-stage renal disease: a retrospective study based on the Korea national database (2003-2010). Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and prognosis of prostate cancer (PC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), determine the risk factors for overall survival (OS) and PC-specific survival (CSS), and evaluate differences in PC-related clinical therapeutic patterns between patients with and without PC-ESRD.Methods: This observational population study, performed at the National Cancer Center and Cancer Research Institute in Korea, included patients with PC and ESRD from the nationwide Korean Health Insurance System and Korean Central Cancer Registry data. Five-year overall and cancer-specific survival. A joinpoint regression analysis was performed to predict incidence and mortality of PC. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meir curves with log rank tests of patients with dialysis or transplantation.Results: Of 3945 patients with PC-ESRD, 3.9% were on dialysis (N=152), 0.2% had kidney transplantation (N=10, D-TPL group); 3783 (95.9%) had neither dialysis nor transplantation (non-D-TPL ESRD group). There were 697 PC-specific deaths. The median respective OS, PC-specific survival, and 5-year survival rates in the non-ESRD, non-D-TPL ESRD, dialysis ESRD, and transplantation ESRD groups were significantly different (p<0.001). Presence of ESRD, age, body mass index, SEER stage, no treatment within 6 months after diagnosis, no surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormonal therapy, non-adenocarcinoma pathology, and Charlson comorbidity index were independent risk factors for OS and CSS.Conclusions: With a 10.1% nationwide prevalence of PC-ESRD, the presence of ESRD was a significant survival factor along with other significant clinicopathological factors. | [
2,
158
] |
High frame rate ultrasonic imaging system based on the angular spectrum principle. A kind of high frame rate ( HFR) 2D and 3D imaging method was developed by Jianyu Lu in 1997. Because only one transmission is required to construct a frame of image, this method can reach an ultra high frame rate ( about 3750 volumes or frames per second for biological soft tissues at a depth of 200 mm). In this paper, a new HFR method is presented in the view of angular spectrum. Compared with conventional dynamic focusing method which uses delay- and- sum processing, and Lu's HFR method which uses a kind of special weighting on the received signal, the new method only uses the Fourier transform algorithm to construct image. So the system implementation of the method could be greatly simplified. During constructing image, several array beams with different parameter are used as transmitted signal, and the spectrum of a frame of image is obtained by synthesizing the image spectrums related to different transmit event. The simulation result shows that the solution not only suppresses the sidelobe of system greatly and obtains the high quality image, but also still keeps high frame rate to some extent. (c) 2006 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved. | [
2,
319
] |
Acute Leukemia in a 26-Week Gravid Patient. For reasons ranging from access to care, utilization of healthcare services by young adults and the maternal physiologic changes of pregnancy, emergency department (ED) providers may be the first to discover an undiagnosed malignancy. Cancer complicates roughly 1 of every 1,000 pregnancies (E. Cardonick, 2004). The purpose of this article is to raise the consciousness of ED providers regarding the importance of screening for hematologic disease in pregnant patients and to provide a brief review of the current literature discussing acute lymphocytic leukemia in pregnancy. A case presentation of a real patient is provided as a possible teaching tool and for discussion of differential diagnoses and course of treatment. Acute leukemia must be treated aggressively in the pregnant patient. Retrospective studies have outlined the potential maternal and fetal outcomes of induction, consolidation, and chemotherapy in the first, second, and third trimesters. Acute leukemia is fatal if untreated and ultimately the patient must make difficult decisions. ED providers can then make thoughtful recommendations on the basis of the evidence-based practice. | [
2,
267
] |
Public-Private Interests and Conflicts in Ports: A Content Analysis Approach. Various levels of private sector involvement such as changes to incentives, capital utilization, flexible finance schemes, and the infrastructure investment has occurred as consequences of port devolution and reform processes. Our investigation uses a basic content analysis across both academic literature and maritime specialized media with research appropriate selected keywords to identify potential conflict within the changing institutional processes. Two major ports, New York/ New Jersey (USA) and Santos (Brazil), with different characteristics in institutional background, are studied aiming to identify these conflicts. The results presented offer a contribution that enhances the academic debate and potentially enlightens solution formulation for those active in the port management. Copyright (C) 2016 The Korean Association of Shipping and Logistics, Inc. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Peer review under responsibility of the Korean Association of Shipping and Logistics, Inc. | [
8,
301
] |
Reliability of venous blood gas sodium, potassium and creatinine. METHODS: Data was obtained from three Monash Health (one of the largest health networks in metropolitan Melbourne) emergency departments.16,527 VBGs were matched with LBM for sodium, 16,437 for potassium and 8,597 for creatinine. Pearson correlation and further subgroup analyses were carried out to explore if acid-base imbalance affected sodium, potassium or creatinine reliability in VBG.OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of correlation between sodium, potassium and creatinine readings between point-of-care venous blood gas (VBG) and laboratory biochemistry measurements (LBM).RESULTS: The range of VBG values showed more variation in comparison to LBM. There was good correlation (r>0.8, p<0.001) between measured values with the exception of potassium in acidaemia, however, there was consistent and statistically significant difference in measured values.CONCLUSIONS: The small mean differences across all three parameters observed although statistically significant are unlikely to be clinically significant. With minor calibrations, this would be an easily corrected problem. As such, we recommend that sodium, potassium and creatinine measurements can be used interchangeably between the VBG and LBM, with the exception of potassium levels in acidaemia. Potassium levels in acidaemia should be used with caution due to lower correlation. | [
2,
145
] |
In vitro accommodation of immortalized porcine endothelial cells - Resistance to complement mediated lysis and down-regulation of VCAM expression induced by low concentrations of polyclonal human IgG antipig antibodies. The capacity of vascularized xenografts to survive in the face of normal levels of circulating antigraft antibodies and complement has been ascribed to a phenomenon referred to as ''endothelial cell accommodation.'' The mechanisms whereby accommodation might occur have remained obscure. We have investigated this phenomenon in an in vitro system, A preparation of polyclonal immunoglobulin, human normal globulin (HNC;), induced a change in the phenotype of immortalized porcine endothelial cells (IPEC) suggestive of accommodation; the cells became resistant to complement mediated lysis and displayed a reduced expression of surface VCAM and MHC class I. The accommodated phenotype only manifested after 72 hr incubation with HNG and was optimal after 120 hr. In an analysis of all the experiments performed, the development of resistance to complement mediated lysis appeared independent of the inducing dose of HNG. However, down-regulation of VCAM was only manifest when subsaturating doses were used, Our results suggest that IgG xenoreactive antibodies can mediate changes in porcine endothelial cell phenotype consistent with accommodation, The dependence on both time and dose of antibody applied might explain why accommodation has been difficult to achieve consistently in in vivo models of discordant xenotransplantation. By demonstrating a functional interaction between human VLA-4 and porcine VCAM, we speculate that the down-regulation in expression of VCAM on accommodated endothelium may have an important regulatory effect on traffic of inflammatory cells into xenografts. Our results have important implications for the development of strategies to promote accommodation of xenografts. | [
2,
224
] |
A Statistical Approach to Determine the Optimal Duration of Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Application to Metastatic Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors. Background: The objective of this study was to present a statistical method to define an optimal duration of follow-up for patients in remission after treatment for cancer, for detection of recurrences. Patients and Methods: Surveillance duration was estimated using the 2-step approach proposed by Mould et al. Relapse-free interval was modeled using the parametric cure model proposed by Boag. The optimal length of follow-up was then estimated as the minimal elapsed time after which the probability of a patient to relapse and to be cured with success is below a given threshold value. The method is applied to 2 real data sets of patients treated for metastatic non seminomatous germ-cell tumors: T93BP and T93MP. Results: For the T93BP, cure rate was estimated at 91.3% and proportions of patients who relapsed after 3 and 5 years were estimated at 0.5% and 0.2%. With a probability of success of salvage treatment equal to 80% and 50%, numbers of delayed cases after 5 years were 2 and 1. For T93MP, the proportion of patients who presented relapse after 5 and 10 years were estimated at 5.2% and 2.6%. Considering a probability of salvage treatment equal to 20%, the number of delayed cases after 5 and 10 years were 10 and 5. Conclusion: Using this methodology, duration of post-therapeutic follow-up might be tailored according to an objective criteria: the number of patients who present relapse after the end of follow-up and who could have been treated with success in case of early detection. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.As the number of patients in cancer remission increases every year, an economically attractive option is to reduce duration of follow-up according to prognostic factors. In the present study we propose a statistical method to define an optimal duration of follow-up for patients in remission after treatment for cancer, for detection of recurrences. | [
2,
306
] |
Is the observation of {112} pseudotwins in the B2 phase of Ni-Ti-Fe shape-memory alloys a case of misidentification?. We present transmission electron microscopy observations and a crystallographic analysis that show that the only significant report on the observation of {112} pseudotwins in B2 structures by Goo et al. (1985, Acta metall., 3, 1725) is a misidentification of the {114} true twins. | [
9,
279
] |
Distributed parametric amplifier for RZ-DPSK signal transmission system. We have experimentally demonstrated a single pump distributed parametric amplification (DPA) system for differential phase shift keying (DPSK) signal in a spool of dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF). The gain spectrum of single pump DPA is thoroughly investigated by both simulation and experiment, and a possible reference for optimal input pump power and fiber length relationship is provided to DPA based applications. Furthermore, DPSK format is compared with on-off keying (OOK) within DPA scheme. Eight WDM signal channels at 10-Gb/s are utilized, and approximately 0.5-dB power penalties at the bit-error rate (BER) of 10(-9) are achieved for return-to-zero DPSK (RZ-DPSK), comparing to larger than 1.5-dB with OOK format. In order to improve the system power efficiency, at the receiver, the pump is recycled by a photovoltaic cell and the converted energy can be used by potential low-power-consuming devices, i.e sensors or small-scale electronic circuits. Additionally, with suitable components, the whole DPA concept could be directly applied to the 1.3-mu m telecommunication window along the most commonly used single-mode fiber (SMF). (C) 2012 Optical Society of America | [
6,
223
] |
Sediment Removal from Crude Oil Emulsion using Microwave Radiation. Microwave radiation in closed vessels was applied for removal of sediments from crude oil allowing the subsequent crude oil characterization in laboratory. Heating time and microwave power were evaluated in the range of 5 to 30 s and 300 to 1400 W, respectively. Sediment content was determined using the method recommended by ASTM D 4807-05 based on a filtration step in a membrane before and after sediment removal. Water and chloride contents were determined in the oil phase obtained after sediment removal. Up to eight samples of 20 g of crude oil could be simultaneously processed. Sediment removal efficiency was better than 95%. It was possible to obtain crude oil in a suitable condition for determination of routine parameters as API gravity, density, viscosity and total acid number without interferences caused by sediments or even water and salt. | [
7,
330
] |
Is the companion crop harmless to alfalfa establishment in the highlands of East Anatolia?. This study documented the effects of barley companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage on alfalfa establishment in a highland area. Alfalfa was established with barley at seeding rates of 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha(-1) and cut at the milk-dough and ripe grain stages. In most cases, hay yield and composition of herbage were affected by companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage. Total hay yield increased from 3294 to 5131 kg ha(-1) when the companion crop seeding rate was increased from 0 to 180 kg ha(-1) at the milk-dough stage. Legume and weed growth was suppressed by the companion crop during establishment, but using a barley companion crop decreased alfalfa plant losses in the seeding year. Few residual effects of barley were seen on hay yield in the subsequent year, but residual effects of companion crop treatments on weed suppression continued in all clippings of the second year. The results suggest that alfalfa should be sown with a barley companion crop in highland areas with adequate moisture. The seeding rate for barley is about the same as that for barley grown alone, and the companion crop could be harvested for hay or grain in the establishment year. | [
5,
72
] |
Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor in Patients Aged 6-11 Years with Cystic Fibrosis and Homozygous for F508del-CFTR. Conclusions: Lumacaftor/ivacaftor was well tolerated in this young population; no new safety concerns were identified. Improvements in lung clearance index, sweat chloride, nutritional status, and health-related quality of life were observed after 24 weeks of treatment.Rationale: Combination lumacaftor/ivacaftor has been shown to improve lung function and other endpoints in patients aged 12 years and older with cystic fibrosis and homozygous for F508del-CFTR, but it has not been assessed in younger patients.Measurements and Main Results: Lumacaftor/ivacaftor was well tolerated; the safety profile was generally similar to that observed in larger lumacaftor/ivacaftor trials with older patients. Four patients discontinued (two because of drug-related adverse events: elevated liver transaminases, n = 1; rash, n = 1). No safety concerns were associated with spirometry. No significant changes in percent predicted FEV1 were observed (change from baseline at Week 24, +2.5 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.2 to 5.2; P = 0.0671). At Week 24, significant improvements from baseline were observed in sweat chloride (-24.8 mmol/L; 95% CI, -29.1 to -20.5; P < 0.0001), body mass index z score (+0.15; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.22; P < 0.0001), Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised respiratory domain score ( +5.4; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.4; P = 0.0085), and lung clearance index based on lung volume turnover required to reach 2.5% of starting N-2 concentration (-0.88; 95% CI, -1.40 to -0.37; P=0.0018).Methods: Patients (N = 58) received 200 mg lumacaftor/250 mg ivacaftor orally every 12 hours for 24 weeks in addition to their existing cystic fibrosis medications.Objectives: In this open-label phase III trial, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of lumacaftor/ivacaftor combination therapy in patients aged 6-11 years with cystic fibrosis who were homozygous for F508del-CFTR. | [
2,
74
] |
Analysis of the Bacterial Diversity in Liver Abscess: Differences between Pyogenic and Amebic Abscesses. Several recent studies have demonstrated that virulence in Entamoeba histolytica is triggered in the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria species using in vitro and in vivo experimental animal models. In this study, we examined samples aspirated from abscess material obtained from patients who were clinically diagnosed with amebic liver abscess (ALA) or pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). To determine the diversity of bacterial species in the abscesses, we performed partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In addition, the E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar species were genotyped using tRNA-linked short tandem repeats as specific molecular markers. The association between clinical data and bacterial and parasite genotypes were examined through a correspondence analysis. The results showed the presence of numerous bacterial groups. These taxonomic groups constitute common members of the gut microbiota, although all of the detected bacterial species have a close phylogenetic relationship with bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, some patients clinically diagnosed with PLA and ALA were coinfected with E. dispar or E. histolytica, which suggests that the virulence of these parasites increased in the presence of bacteria. However, no specific bacterial groups were associated with this effect Together, our results suggest a nonspecific mechanism of virulence modulation by bacteria in Entamoeba. | [
2,
83
] |
Determination of spectrometer-detector parameters from calibration spectra and the use of the parameters in spectrometer calibrations. The grating equation is used to generate quadratic calibration equations for multichannel detectors with perpendicular and tilted focal planes. The quadratic coefficients are not independent and contain terms that are used to solve for spectrometer-detector parameters. The parameters can be calculated from a quadratic fit at one spectrometer position, but more accurate values can be obtained from quadratic fits at two spectrometer positions. The calculations show that the detector focal plane is tilted by about two degrees. Once values for the spectrometer-detector parameters are obtained from calibrations using at least three lines at one or two spectrometer positions, only one calibration line at any spectrometer position is required to obtain accuracies on the order of 0.1 cm(-1) over a several thousand wavenumber range. The main cause of spectrometer drift is a change in the diffraction angle and/or the spectrometer included angle. This drift is almost totally compensated by the one-line calibration, which adjusts the diffraction angle. A neon pen lamp is used to generate the calibration spectra. Using standard air wavelengths compared to true wavelengths can produce calibration errors of 0.1 to 0.6 cm(-1); the magnitude depends on local conditions and how the laser wavelength is treated. | [
1,
58
] |
Nutritional and morphological diversity of breadfruit (Artocarpus, Moraceae): Identification of elite cultivars for food security. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is an underutilized staple crop developed over thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of Oceania. The current study evaluated protein and mineral content, fruit morphology and flour production in 94 cultivars of breadfruit grown within a single location at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii. Across the cultivars, fruit weight ranged from 0.47-3.54 kg, the edible portion of the fruit after seeds, skin and core were removed ranged from 0.30 to 3.11 kg and the average protein content varied from 2.7 to 6.2% by dry weight. Depending on the cultivar, the fruit contained on a dry weight basis 283-1491 mu g/g Ca, 3.6-31 ng/g Co, 1.1-5.6 mu g/g Cu, 6.2-21.2 mu g/g Fe, 7.5-16.2 mg/g K, 630-2281 mu g/g Mg, 70-843 mu g/g Na, 846-2379 mu g/g P. and 1.5-10.7 mu g/g Zn, representing significantly more calcium, cobalt, iron, potassium, and magnesium, comparable phosphorous, and slightly lower manganese and zinc than refined wheat, rice and corn flours. Together, these data are indicative of the high degree of phenotypic diversity of cultivated varieties of breadfruit and the potential for identification of individual cultivars that are particularly good sources of mineral and protein nutrition. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | [
5,
242
] |
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