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Women are among the many vulnerable groups that are severely affected by the pandemic: All over the world, women have been hit harder by the pandemic, leading some to call the global recession a "shecession". "Shecession" refers to "the disproportionate impact of a pandemic recession on working women", which leads to greater gender inequality. Working women have been gravely affected by the pandemic, but their situation is often justified as "necessary" in helping businesses survive. We argue for a caring justice framework, using Fratelli Tutti and care ethics in navigating the tensions between the individual and the community, analysing and transforming the way in which work is structured in the Philippines at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-farm assessment of caprine colostrum quality is important for goat farmers; the ability to quickly recognize whether colostrum is suitable to feed to kids helps achieve successful passive transfer of immunity. The study compared the use of optical and digital Brix refractometers and a hydrometer against the international gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID), using both fresh and frozen samples. A locally available ELISA methodology was included for comparison. A total of 300 samples were collected from 2 farms (farm 1: n = 157, collected by research staff within 24 h of parturition; farm 2: n = 143, collected by the farmer within 12 h of parturition). Farm 1 provided doe age for a subset of samples (n = 86). Samples were tested fresh and then frozen for shipment and repeated testing. Specific gravity was measured using a hydrometer in a subset of samples (n = 22) from farm 2. Because no gold standard thresholds are currently available for caprine colostrum, RID-derived values of 30, 40, and 50 g/L IgG were used as potential "good quality" thresholds. Pearson (ρ) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) were calculated for comparison of methods. Optimum thresholds were established maximizing the Youden index and minimizing the "distance closest to the top left corner" of the receiver operator characteristic curves. Brix values were correlated with RID (optical Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.73; digital Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.71; digital Brix, frozen: ρ = 0.76) and with each other (range: ρ = 0.93 to 0.99; CCC = 0.91 to 0.99). Specific gravity measured by the hydrometer yielded a strong relationship with RID (ρ = 0.83) and with Brix values (range: ρ = 0.88 to 0.90). The ELISA method was not correlated with Brix methods (range: ρ = 0.02 to 0.09) or RID (ρ = 0.20). Depending on the colostrum IgG threshold, the hydrometer yielded high Youden indices (range: 0.78 to 0.93) and low distance closest to the top left corner criteria (0 to 0.05) at a threshold of 1.047 specific gravity. For all RID IgG thresholds, the best Brix threshold (regardless of type or whether the sample was fresh or frozen) was 18 or 19%, with the highest Youden indices (range: 0.47 to 0.61) and lowest distance to the top left corner criteria (range: 0.09 to 0.16); however, we recommend 19%, because this reduces the potential of feeding poor-quality colostrum. The ELISA method was the poorest predictor of colostrum concentration. Age was not found to affect colostrum quality; however, the sample size of this subset was small. Hydrometers are inexpensive and easy to use, whereas Brix methods use only a small amount of colostrum; we suggest that either method could be used on-farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to describe the effectiveness of suppressive antibiotic treatment (SAT) in routine clinical practice when used in situations in which removal of a prosthetic implant is considered essential for the eradication of an infection, and it cannot be performed. This was a descriptive retrospective and multicentre cohort study of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases managed with SAT. SAT was considered to have failed if a fistula appeared or persisted, if debridement was necessary, if the prosthesis was removed due to persistence of the infection or if uncontrolled symptoms were present. In total, 302 patients were analysed. Two hundred and three of these patients (67.2%) received monotherapy. The most commonly used drugs were tetracyclines (39.7% of patients) (120/302) and cotrimoxazole (35.4% of patients) (107/302). SAT was considered successful in 58.6% (177/302) of the patients (median time administered, 36.5 months; IQR 20.75–59.25). Infection was controlled in 50% of patients at 5 years according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. Resistance development was documented in 15 of 65 (23.1%) of the microbiologically documented cases. SAT failure was associated with age <70 years (sub-hazard ratio (SHR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.1–2.33), aetiology other than Gram-positive cocci (SHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09–2.27) and location of the prosthesis in the upper limb (SHR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.84). SAT suspension was necessary due to adverse effects in 17 of 302 patients (5.6%). SAT offers acceptable results for patients with PJI when surgical treatment is not performed or when it fails to eradicate the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of the dietary free fatty acid (FFA) content and dietary fat saturation degree on the fatty-acid (FA) digestibility and lipid-class content along the gastrointestinal tract and excreta in broiler chickens. The 8 experimental diets resulted from replacing crude soybean oil with soybean acid oil from chemical refining, or crude palm oil with palm FA distillate from physical refining. Thus, there were 4 soybean and 4 palm diets with 6% added fat varying in their FFA% (5, 15, 35, and 50%). Samples of digestive content (gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and excreta were collected at 14 D for the determination of the FA digestibility and lipid-class content. The total FA digestibility coefficients reported for the chickens fed S diets in the jejunum, ileum, and excreta were higher than for those fed P diets (P ≤ 0.02). The general greater digestibility of the unsaturated diets was mainly explained by a higher contribution of the ileum to the absorption of saturated FA. The dietary FFA content mainly affected the FA absorption process. The diets with 50% FFA presented lower saturated FA digestibility coefficients in the jejunum and ileum (P ≤ 0.03), and higher content of FFA in the ileum and excreta (P ≤ 0.014), in comparison to the diets with 5% FFA. The 15% FFA diets were not different from the 5% FFA diets, regarding the saturated FA digestibility in the jejunum and excreta, and the FFA content in the ileum and excreta. It was concluded that unsaturated diets with moderate content of dietary FFA (up to 15%) could be used in broiler-chicken starter diets, as they led to similar FA absorption and performance results to the diets with the lowest dietary FFA content. From the present study, it has also been concluded that dietary saturated FA content has a greater impact on FA absorption than the dietary FFA content has. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the dietary fat saturation degree and age on the lipid class (TAG, DAG, MAG, and FFA) composition and fatty acid digestibility along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and excreta in broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old female broiler chickens were randomly distributed in 2 dietary treatments (6 cages/treatment), which resulted from the supplementation of a basal diet with 6% of soybean oil or palm oil. Two digestibility balances were carried out at 14 and 35 d and fatty acid digestibility and lipid class composition were determined in the gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and excreta. Along de GIT, both fatty acid digestibility and lipid class composition were influenced by the dietary fat source and the age of the chickens. The absorption of the unsaturated fat was more efficient and faster than it was for the saturated fat. The ability of adult chickens to absorb fat was higher than for young chickens. The results show that the duodenum is the main place of fat digestion (hydrolysis), and the jejunum the main place of fat absorption. The role of the ileum on fat absorption is very important, as it is the last segment of the GIT where the absorption of fatty acids has been described. Thus, it was the contribution of the ileum that was responsible for the higher fat utilization observed for animals fed the unsaturated diet than for those fed the saturated diet at 14 d, and it was also responsible for the improvement on the utilization of the saturated diet between 14 and 35 d. All the results suggest that the absorption of fatty acids is more limiting than is hydrolysis, because the main differences were observed in the jejunum and ileum, where the absorption of fatty acids takes place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein, we report a novel strategy for the activation of DMSO to act as a versatile alkylating agent in heteroarene C−H functionalization. This direct, simple, and mild switch between methylation/trideuteromethylation and methylthiomethylation of heteroarenes was achieved under reagent‐controlled photoredox catalysis conditions. The proposed mechanism is supported by both experimental and computational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current norm in reactor accident simulation is to use homogenized cross sections that are computed using a fundamental mode flux. It is shown however, that using such cross sections in super prompt critical kinetic calculations can introduce large errors in the time dependent power. This work uses a previously developed homogenization technique (Dugan et al., 2016a), but applied to a spatially heterogeneous domain. The new homogenization method is shown to reduce the error in maximum power from ∼40% when using fundamental mode homogenized cross sections to ∼6% when using the new homogenization technique in the case studied. Focus is given to the time discretization used in the new homogenization technique; refinement of the temporal discretization is used to show that error reduction is possible until the point at which other sources of error dominate. Additionally, a study of the computational cost involved in this method is examined and improvements are suggested to reduce the cost incurred from using this new homogenization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PdCuAg ternary system in the form of a rod was studied to understand its microstructure, structure analysis, and cycling wear effect while in electrical–mechanical contact with an interconnect solder material, e.g., SAC305. The conditions under test are simulating test probe manufacturing conditions of ~33 gf, 250–350 \mu \textm in a lineal z height displacement and ~1 A of current. This paper’s results show that solid-state diffusion from its material processing leads to microstructure solute pool segregations that in turn accelerate its wear. It is manifested in electrical degradation with high contact resistance. Ag-solute segregated microstructure produces early reliability electrical failures >100~\textm\Omega . Results suggest a binary data correlation of the microstructure as 25% Ag “free” last only ~25 kHz versus 1% Ag “free” last 80 kHz. A detailed discussion of how to optimize its metallurgical microstructure for improving mechanical and electrical reliability properties are discussed throughout this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The oxidative coupling of photogenerated alkyl radicals with readily available styrenes is disclosed. This visible-light-mediated method allows rapid access to a wide range of α-alkyl-acetophenones in good yields and with high functional group tolerance. In addition, the developed protocol features room temperature conditions, low photocatalyst loadings, and the use of dimethyl sulfoxide as nontoxic and mild terminal oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) strategies within the framework of photoredox catalysis is highly appealing for its power to activate a desired C−H bond in the substrate leading to its selective functionalization. Reported here is the first photoredox-mediated hydrogen-atom transfer method for the efficient synthesis of ynones, ynamides, and ynoates with high regio- and chemoselectivity by direct functionalization of C [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Entwicklung neuer Wasserstoffatomtransfer(HAT) ‐ Strategien im Kontext der Photoredoxkatalyse stellt eine hochattraktive Möglichkeit zur gezielten Aktivierung einer C ‐ H ‐ Bindung eines Substrats mit anschließender selektiver Funktionalisierung dar. Wir beschreiben hier das erste Photoredox ‐ vermittelte Wasserstoffatomtransfer ‐ Protokoll zur hoch regio ‐ und chemoselektiven Synthese von Inonen, Inamiden und Inestern, erreicht durch direkte Funktionalisierung von Csp2 (O) ‐ H ‐ Bindungen. Die weitreichenden Anwendungsmöglichkeiten dieser Methode wurden im Rahmen der selektiven Funktionalisierung von C(O) ‐ H ‐ Bindungen in hochkomplexen Molekülgerüsten verdeutlicht. HAT was: Ein Photoredox ‐ katalysierter Wasserstoffatomtransfer zur Erzeugung von Carbonylradikalen ausgehend von Aldehyden und analogen Substraten mit XC(O) ‐ H ‐ Funktionalitäten (X=N, O) wurde entwickelt. Die Funktionalisierung der Carbonylradikale mit Ethinylbenziodoxolon(EBX) ‐ Reagenzien führte zur Synthese komplexer Inone, Inamide und Inester ausgehend von leicht verfügbaren Startmaterialien. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we disclose a strategy for the activation of N-(acyloxy)phthalimides towards photoinduced electron transfer through hydrogen bonding. This activation mode enables efficient access to C(sp3)-centered radicals upon decarboxylation from bench-stable and readily available substrates. Moreover, we demonstrate that the formed alkyl radicals can be successfully employed in a novel redox-neutral method for constructing sp3−sp3 bonds across styrene moieties that gives straightforward access to complex alcohol and ether scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eine Strategie zur Aktivierung von N‐(Acyloxy)phthalimiden für den photoinduzierten Elektronentransfer durch die Bildung von Wasserstoffbrücken wird vorgestellt. Dieser Aktivierungsmodus führt effektiv zu C(sp3)‐zentrierten Radikalen nach Decarboxylierung von stabilen und leicht zugänglichen Substraten. Darüber hinaus wurde gezeigt, dass die gebildeten Alkylradikale in einem neuartigen redoxneutralen Protokoll zur Bildung von C(sp3)‐C(sp3)‐Bindungen zwischen Styrol‐Einheiten eingesetzt werden können, was einen einfachen Zugang zu komplexen Alkohol‐ und Ethergerüsten ermöglicht. Aktivierendes OH‐Erlebnis: Eine effektive Strategie zur Aktivierung von N‐(Acyloxy)phthalimiden für den direkten photoinduzierten Elektronentransfer mit einem angeregten Photokatalysator wurde entwickelt. Dabei werden Alkylradikale gebildet, die zur milden und redoxneutralen Oxyalkylierung von Styrolen genutzt werden können. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving carbon-neutrality is increasing the demand of renewable electricity which is raising the competition for land and associated acquisition costs. Installation of floating photovoltaic (FPV) on existing hydropower reservoirs offers one solution to limited land availability while providing solar electricity, leveraging water bodies, and reducing water evaporation losses. This work assesses the potential electricity output of FPVs at regional and national levels on 337 hydropower reservoirs in the EU27 considering four scenarios and two types of floaters. Evaporation, water losses and water savings due to FPVs installation are also estimated using climatic parameters for the year 2018. The reservoirs' total water losses are estimated at 9380 mcm. The installation of FPVs of equal installed capacity as the hydropower plants, has the potential to generate 42.31 TWh covering 2.3% of the total reservoir area. In this case, up to 557 mcm could be saved by installing FPV. The FPVs' multiple benefits and the potential offered by existing hydropower reservoirs are compatible with the EU's goals for net zero emissions and more autonomy from imported fossil fuels and energy transformation. • Potential FPV elect. generation corresponds to 20%–87%, of the total EU solar PV. • Using only 2.3% of total hydropower reservoir areas could produce 42.3 TWh/yr. • Using <15% of EU's reservoir area, FPV output ∼50% of the hydropower generation. • A 10% reservoir area coverage with FPV results in 1717.8 mcm annual water savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a new visible-light-promoted strategy to access radical trifluoromethylthiolation reactions by combining halide and photoredox catalysis. This approach allows for the synthesis of vinyl-SCF3 compounds of relevance in pharmaceutical chemistry directly from alkenes under mild conditions with irradiation from household light sources. Furthermore, alkyl-SCF3-containing cyclic ketone and oxindole derivatives can be accessed by radical-polar crossover semi-pinacol and cyclization processes. Inexpensive halide salts play a crucial role in activating the trifluoromethylthiolating reagent towards photoredox catalysis and aid the formation of the SCF3 radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction Les arthrites septiques à Neisseria gonorrhoeae sont peu fréquentes. Si leur prise en charge thérapeutique est bien définie, leur diagnostic clinique et microbiologique reste plus difficile. Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient ayant présenté une monoarthrite septique à N . gonorrhoeae diagnostiquée par PCR sur liquide articulaire et traitée par ceftriaxone. Conclusion L’arthrite septique à N . gonorrhoeae doit être systématiquement évoquée devant toute arthrite purulente du sujet jeune. Chez les patients à risque d’infection à N . gonorrhoeae présentant une arthrite septique, la réalisation d’une PCR gonocoque sur le liquide articulaire est utile en l’absence de diagnostic microbiologique évident. Introduction The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae septic arthritis remains low in the general population. Its clinical and microbiological diagnostic remains difficult. Case report We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a monoarthritis of the right ankle. The diagnosis of gonoccocal septic arthritis was obtained by PCR from the joint fluid. Treatment with ceftriaxone was effective. Conclusion In patients with high risk of N . gonorrhoeae infection, PCR for detection of gonorrhea in synovial fluid could potentially facilitate the diagnostic of gonococcal septic arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a model of tumour cell growth based on a Gompertz-type nonhomogeneous stochastic diffusion, whose drift coefficient depends on two functions of time that influence the dynamic behaviour of the model, and which can be interpreted in the context of this type of cell growth. The first of these time functions is an immunologic endogenous therapy factor, and the second is an exogenous therapy factor that models the dynamics of an externally controllable treatment on tumour growth. We establish the basic probabilistic characteristics of the model from the corresponding Itô differential equation, explicitly obtaining the expression of the trend functions. We then study the functional aspects and computational statistics associated with the maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters. Finally, we provide a detailed discussion of the inter-relationships between the internal parameters of the diffusion process and the overall diffusion coefficient of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The complete aerodynamic wind turbine model is simulated and validated using real data. [•] Power flows transferred by each stage is presented in the simulation results. [•] The proposed model has a good performance (for real and a constant wind consideration). [•] All the stages involving in the wind turbine are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Different biodegradable lubricating greases formulated with esters of fatty acids, as base oils, and bentonite and highly dispersed silica acid, as thickener agents, were tribologically investigated in a nanotribometer and compared with polyalpha olefin greases with equal thickeners. Material combinations of steel ball on steel disc and sapphire ball on steel disc were used with different normal loads. Several friction and wear effects were found depending on the thickener and the base oil. The influence of grease components is also different in both material combinations evaluated. On the one hand, the base oil exerts a much higher impact on friction and wear in grease systems thickened with highly dispersed silica acid than in those thickened with bentonite. On the other hand, the latter reacts more sensitively to a change in material combination. Results were discussed and explained on the basis of polarity influences of the base oils and solid surfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares the public images of Colombian and Venezuelan immigrant organisations in the United States. Immigrant organisations' web pages and the expression of their main aims and goals serve to identify their major concerns as they create public images not only for the organisation but for the immigrant community itself. To interpret the immigrant organisations' public images and their goals, we offer a multilevel study that considers immigrants' contexts of exit, which are related to the motivation to migrate and the particular socio-demographic makeup of immigrant groups. This article adds the Venezuelan immigrant experience to the literature on immigrant organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a method for the temporal synchronization of two photoelastic light modulators. For synchronizing, we used the transistor-transistor logic output signals from each modulator, which contain the information on the light polarization. These signals were introduced in a phase-detector circuit, which provided the phase difference value between both modulators. Three optical devices were used to test the synchronization method proposed: a polarizer, a half-wave, and a quarter-wave retarder plate. The value of each of the elements of the Müeller matrix for these devices was obtained using the method of the 36 measurements. The results show a high correlation between the theoretical and experimental values obtained. The results are also in accordance with other values obtained by different methods reported in the literature. Errors calculated by the proposed method are approximately in the order of a thousandth. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Purpose: Nutrient sensing in the gut is believed to be accomplished through activation of GPCRs expressed on enteroendocrine cells. In particular, L-cells located predominantly in distal regions of the gut secrete glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) upon stimulation by nutrients and bile acids (BA). The study was designed to address the mechanism of hormone secretion in L-cells stimulated by the BA receptor G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1).Experimental Approach: A novel, selective, orally bioavailable, and potent GPBAR1 agonist, RO5527239, was synthesized in order to investigate L-cell secretion in vitro and in vivo in mice and monkey. In analogy to BA, RO5527239 was conjugated with taurine to reduce p.o. bioavailability yet retaining its potency. Using RO5527239 and tauro-RO5527239, the acute secretion effects on L-cells were addressed via different routes of administration.Key Results: GPBAR1 signalling triggers the co-secretion of PYY and GLP-1, and leads to improved glucose tolerance. The strong correlation of plasma drug exposure and plasma PYY levels suggests activation of GPBAR1 from systemically accessible compartments. In contrast to the orally bioavailable agonist RO5527239, we show that tauro-RO5527239 triggers PYY release only when applied intravenously. Compared to mice, a slower and more sustained PYY secretion was observed in monkeys.Conclusion and Implications: Selective GPBAR1 activation elicits a strong secretagogue effect on L-cells, which primarily requires systemic exposure. We suggest that GPBAR1 is a key player in the intestinal proximal-distal loop that mediates the early phase of nutrient-evoked L-cell secretion effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Nutrient sensing in the gut is believed to be accomplished through activation of GPCRs expressed on enteroendocrine cells. In particular, L-cells located predominantly in distal regions of the gut secrete glucagon-like peptide 1 ( GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine ( PYY) upon stimulation by nutrients and bile acids ( BA). The study was designed to address the mechanism of hormone secretion in L-cells stimulated by the BA receptor G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 ( GPBAR1). Experimental Approach A novel, selective, orally bioavailable, and potent GPBAR1 agonist, RO5527239, was synthesized in order to investigate L-cell secretion in vitro and in vivo in mice and monkey. In analogy to BA, RO5527239 was conjugated with taurine to reduce p.o. bioavailability yet retaining its potency. Using RO5527239 and tauro- RO5527239, the acute secretion effects on L-cells were addressed via different routes of administration. Key Results GPBAR1 signalling triggers the co-secretion of PYY and GLP-1, and leads to improved glucose tolerance. The strong correlation of plasma drug exposure and plasma PYY levels suggests activation of GPBAR1 from systemically accessible compartments. In contrast to the orally bioavailable agonist RO5527239, we show that tauro- RO5527239 triggers PYY release only when applied intravenously. Compared to mice, a slower and more sustained PYY secretion was observed in monkeys. Conclusion and Implications Selective GPBAR1 activation elicits a strong secretagogue effect on L-cells, which primarily requires systemic exposure. We suggest that GPBAR1 is a key player in the intestinal proximal-distal loop that mediates the early phase of nutrient-evoked L-cell secretion effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a novel method of computing the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of multipolar hard spherical colloids in nematics of different symmetries, driven by a particular external field. The colloid is low structured with pure and axial multipole moments. Our results express the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility as the function of an appropriate order parameter. The choice of each order parameter is suggested by using the Landau-de Gennes theory. Equilibrium is provided by the Smoluchowski equation. Each order parameter describes nematics for each multipole and the consequently anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. Magnetization reversal is also described in a generalized sense for multipole moments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cubic gallium nitride epitaxial layers were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on GaN templates obtained by nitridation of GaAs substrates. The GaN structure can be peeled off the GaAs substrate and it can be handled separately. X-ray diffraction, Raman and photoluminescence measurements show that the epitaxial layers are cubic and monocrystalline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A distributed electrical system composed of a primary source (alternator) and a renewable source associated to a converter, both of them are coupled to an induction machine load is presented. A causality conflict arises at the coupling node, due to the inductive nature of each device. To deal with the variable structure of the model (same devices have to be coupled or decoupled depending on specific conditions), switching power junction concept is used at the coupling node. Causality changes involve changes in alternator and induction machine models allowing the management of the structure commutations. Power flow management is presented. Simulation results show the advantages of using bond graph models and the validity of the proposed models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new solver for rapidly obtaining magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria in toroidal systems in the presence of islands and stochastic regions is described. It is based on the Kulsrud-Kruskal MHD energy minimization principle. To carry out this minimization, small displacements are made around a convenient set of curvilinear coordinates obtained from a nearby three-dimensional equilibrium that assumes nested surfaces. Because the changes of the magnetic fields and pressure are small, corresponding to small changes in the initial magnetic and kinetic energies, solutions for the linearized perturbations can be used to rapidly and iteratively find lower energy states with magnetic islands. A physics-based preconditioner is developed to accelerate the convergence of the iterative procedure to obtain an ideal MHD equilibrium with broken magnetic surfaces (islands). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate health care resource utilization and costs 1 year before and 3 years after a fibromyalgia (FM) diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis used claims from Humana to identify newly diagnosed FM patients >=18 years of age based on >=2 medical claims for ICD-9 CM code 729.1 and 729.0 between June 1, 2002 and March 1, 2005. Prevalence of comorbidities, as well as utilization and costs of pharmacotherapy and health care services were examined for 12 months preceding (pre-diagnosis) and 36 months following (post-diagnosis) the date of first FM diagnosis. These periods were subdivided into 6-month blocks to better observe patterns of change. RESULTS: We identified 2613 FM patients who had a mean age at diagnosis of 58.5 ± 15.3 years and a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 0.48 ± 1.05. Of those, 73% were female. The use and costs of pain-related medications rose from pre-diagnosis and remained stable after the 6-month post-diagnosis period, while the use of non-pain-related medications steadily rose from pre-diagnosis to 3 years post-diagnosis. This increase was concomitant with an increase in the presence of conditions that may account for higher resource utilization. The use of recommended FM therapies (i.e., antidepressants and anticonvulsants) increased post-diagnosis but remained less common than other pain-related therapies. Total resource utilization and costs increased during the period up to 6 months after diagnosis. This increase was followed by a decline (7-12 months post-diagnosis), and plateau, with an increase during the final 6 months of the study period. Total mean per patient costs were $3481 for the 6-month post-diagnosis period, and $3588 for the final 6 months. Limitations include potential errors in coding and recording, and an inability of claims analyses to determine causality between resource utilization and the specific diagnosis of interest. CONCLUSIONS: An FM diagnosis was associated with increased utilization and pain-related medication cost up to the first 6 months post-diagnosis followed by stabilization over 3 years post-diagnosis. Less use of recommended therapies relative to other therapies suggests that further dissemination of treatment guidelines is needed. An increase in non-pain medications over the observation period accounted for the majority of pharmacy costs. These pharmacy costs may be related to an increasing prevalence of comorbid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer films have been known to change their physical properties when film thickness is decreased below a certain value. The cause of this phenomenon is still unclear but it has been suggested that interactions and/or chain free-volume changes at the surface of the films are largely responsible for this behavior. In this paper, the effect of substrate interactions on the behavior of polymer thin films is evaluated quantitatively. The infrared spectra of nanothin polyethylene (PE) films were recorded as a function of temperature and amount of substrate covering the surface of the film. The evolution of specific bands in the CH2 rocking region of the spectra was used to determine the melting temperature ( T m ) of the material. Results show different variations in T m depending on the nature of the substrate, indicating that interactions dominate free-volume considerations in PE thin films. By varying the amount of surface coverage, a quantitative estimate of the heat of interaction was determined, which confirmed the importance of surface interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial stress, combined with mild dieting and moderate exercise, are observed in women seeking treatment for hypothalamic amenorrhea. Using female cynomolgus macaques, we previously reported that the same combination of mild stresses suppressed reproductive hormone secretion and menstrual cycles in some individuals (stress-sensitive, SS), but not in others (highly stress-resilient, HSR). Compared to HSR monkeys, SS monkeys exhibited lower oestradiol and progesterone levels at the midcycle peak and decreased gene expression in the central serotonergic system during nonstressed cycles. Because steroids and serotonin impinge upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, we hypothesised that the differences between SS and HSR monkeys in the sensitivity of the HPG axis to stress may ultimately manifest in differences in the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system. GnRH in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry were performed with hypothalamic sections from SS and HSR animals, euthanised in the early follicular phase of a nonstressed menstrual cycle. Compared to HSR monkeys, SS monkeys exhibited a significantly higher number and density of GnRH cell bodies, as well as a higher number of soma with extremely robust expression of GnRH mRNA, but SS monkeys exhibited a lower density of immunostained GnRH fibres in the median eminence. We suggest that neuronal mechanisms involved in the control of GnRH synthesis, transport and release differ in SS compared to HSR animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The NW Mediterranean experiences, as illustrated by the last decade, strong and rapidly varying storms with severe waves and winds. This has motivated a continuous validation of models and the efforts to improve wave and wind predictions. In this paper we use two atmospherics models, MASS (from SMC-Meteorological Office of Catalunya) and ARPEGE (from Météo-France), to force two third generation wave models: WAM and SWAN. The evaluation and comparison has been carried out for two severe storms registered in November 2001 and March–April 2002. The ARPEGE and MASS models predicted higher 10 m wind speeds than coastal meteorological stations, a fact attributed to local land influences. Regarding the 10 m wind direction, models do not present large differences, although considerable deviations from recorded data were found during some dates. ARPEGE presents less scatter and lower errors than MASS when compared with QuikSCAT data. The 10m wind fields from both atmospheric models were used to force the two selected wave models and analyse the errors and sensitivities when predicting severe wave storms. The wave model simulations show some interesting results; during the storm, the spatial wave pattern using ARPEGE showed a higher maximum, although the values of significant wave height at the buoys were lower than the ones forced by MASS (with both WAM and SWAN). The SWAN simulations show a better agreement in predicting the growing and waning of the storm peaks. The prediction of mean period was improved when using the ARPEGE wind field. However the underestimation by SWAN due to the large energy at high frequencies was evident. Validation of spectral shape predictions showed that it still has considerable error when predicting the full frequency spectra. The storms showed bimodal spectral features which were not always reproduced by wave models and are likely to be responsible for part of the discrepancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we analyze Latino and American identities as perceived by first and second generation immigrants to the United States. Disposable cameras were handed out to a small set of subjects, who were asked to take pictures of whatever, to them, seemed American and Latino as they went through their daily lives. The resulting set of 115 American images and 134 Latino images suggest that Latin American immigrants see a great contrast in the content of the two identities. Subjects viewed American identity as having to do with bigness and power and they saw Americans as being in constant motion and in a hurry, competitive and commercial, and cold, distant, and impersonal. In contrast, subjects viewed Latino identity as focused on people and composed of intimate social relationships. The building blocks of Latino identity, according to our respondents, appear to be work, home, and Latin American cultural symbols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a web-based multimedia spatial information system used to support a study of the re-invasion of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector for dengue fever, in the deserts of the southwest United States/northwest Mexico. The system was developed applying Open Geospatial Consortium and World Wide Web Consortium Open Specifications and using Open Source Software. The system creates a sensory-rich environment, one which allows users to interact with the system to explore connections among data (maps, remotely sensed images, text, graphs, 360 degrees panoramas and photos), visualize information, formulate their own interpretations, generate hypotheses and reach their own conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported are the results of wind-tunnel tests conducted to evaluate aerodynamics characteristics of aircraft in formation flight. A vortex-lattice numerical scheme was used to investigate the effect of spatial offset (horizontal and vertical) between the leading and trailing wings. The wind-tunnel test configurations consisted of echelon, chevron, and in-fine formations. Analysis of the data revealed that the spatial offset and the angle of attack of the leading wing had significant impact on the trailing aircraft. For some test conditions an increase in lift-to-drag ratio of the trailing aircraft was measured. Variation in CLmax and/or αstall was observed as well. At higher angles of attack of the leading wing, the CL-α curve of the trailing aircraft was significantly altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medetomidine is a commonly used sedative in veterinary medicine whether administered alone or in combination with an opioid such as butorphanol. There are no previous studies that look at the effects of this drug on sequential Schirmer tear test (STT) 1 readings in dogs, including effects on tear production after reversal of the drug. The present study looked at two groups of 10 dogs each that were sedated with intravenous medetomidine or a combination of medetomidine and butorphanol. All dogs had tear readings taken presedation, 15 min postsedation, and 15 min after reversal of medetomidine with atipamezole. Results revealed that intravenous sedation with medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol in dogs with no history of ophthalmic disease and presedation STT 1 readings above 15 mm/min, causes a significant decrease in tear production that is measurable at 15 min postsedation. Readings returned to near presedation values within 15 min postreversal in most cases. It is therefore recommended that all eyes be treated with a tear substitute from the time the sedative is given until at least 15 min after reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an extension of the Gompertz homogeneous diffusion process by introducing time functions (exogenous factors) that affect its trend. After obtaining its transition probability density function, the inference on the parameters of the process is obtained by considering discrete sampling of the sample paths. Finally, we apply this stochastic process to model housing price in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results for the NEA C5G7 MOX benchmark are presented. The results for the 2Dbenchmark were obtained with CRONOS2 diffusion and S8 finite elements and with the characteristic method of APOLL02, and for the 3D benchmark with CRONOS2 S4 finite elements. Detailed results show the reliability and accuracy of the methods available in CRONOS2 and ÀPOLL02. A recent calculation with the method of characteristics for structured heterogeneous cells is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transport in fusion plasmas in the low confinement mode is characterized by several remarkable properties: the anomalous scaling of transport with system size, stiff (or "canonical") profiles, power degradation, and rapid transport phenomena. The present article explores the possibilities of constructing a unified transport model, based on the continuous-time random walk, in which all these phenomena are handled adequately. The resulting formalism appears to be sufficiently general to provide a sound starting point for the development of a full-blown plasma transport code, capable of incorporating the relevant microscopic transport mechanisms, and allowing predictions of confinement properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiresidue, automated and rapid method for the determination of pesticide residues in olive oil is presented. The method employs the through oven transfer adsorption–desorption interface for the on-line coupling of reversed-phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. In this fully automated system, olive oil is directly injected with no sample pre-treatment step other than filtration. Methanol–water is used as eluent in the liquid chromatography pre-separation step. The selected liquid chromatography fraction containing the pesticides is automatically transferred to the gas chromatography. The liquid chromatography column flow during elution is different from the flow during the transfer. Using a flame ionisation detector, pesticide detection limits varied from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/l. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Shear Alfvén continua have been calculated for stellarators over a range of shapes and aspect ratios as a first step toward understanding Alfvén instability induced fast ion losses in such systems and possible means for minimizing these losses. Stellarators introduce strong poloidal/toroidal couplings in both I BI and the g[sup ρρ] metric coefficient that can induce new continuum gap structures not present in axisymmetric tokamaks. Low field period (N[sub fp] = 2-3), low aspect ratio devices result in strongly coupled toroidal mode families (n = ±n[sub 0],±n[sub 0] ± N[sub fp],±n[sub 0]±2N[sub fp], etc.) that lead to helically coupled Alfvén gaps at lower frequencies and with wider gap structures than are the case for larger aspect ratio, higher field period stellarator devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the thermal and structural characteristics of some Brazilian kaolinitic clays. X-ray diffraction analysis have shown that the clay samples consist mainly of kaolinite, and quartz and gibbsite as principal impurities. On heating three endothermic transformations were identified as water loss from TG-MS data within the 60-64, 268-276 and 499-503°C ranges, followed by an exothermic transformation with maximum within the 950-959°C range. The endothermic valleys can be mainly interpreted as the release of free moisture, dehydration of gibbsite and dehydroxylation of kaolinite, respectively. The exothermic peak is associated with crystallization of new phases from metakaolinite. The quantification of kaolinite (59.6-74.2%) and gibbsite (5.9-10.2%) was taken by the thermogravimetric measurements. In addition, it was also demonstrated from the thermal curves that the character of the clays from South-Eastern Brazil (Campos-RJ) is predominantly kaolinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A factorial design (23) is applied to study the influence of three of the components of a cosmetic gel (the concentrations of Carbopol ETD 2020, ethanol and glycerine) on flow parameters (Casson''s yield value (τc), Casson''s viscosity (ηc) and apparent viscosity at 125 s−1 (ηap. 125 s−1)), spreadability, and transparency. The first-order polynomial equation allowed by the model suitably accounts for the τc and spreadability. Both depend on the concentrations of Carbopol and ethanol, and τc also depends on the ethanol–glycerine interaction. The model explains to a certain extent the complex relationships that are established between the components and that influence ηc y ηap. 125 s−1. Transparency is independent of the Carbopol concentration and it is also thought to be independent of the ethanol concentration. In addition, a high linear correlation has been found between the τc and spreadability and other viscoelastic parameters of the gels that were previously determined (Int. J. Pharm. (2001)). The application of the technique of experimental design has been shown to be a very useful tool for formulating gels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Widespread destruction of the skin induces a large necrotic mass and a break of the skin barrier. It also leads to an intense inflammatory reaction. This activates keratinocytes, endothelial cells and neutrophils. Certain mediators (e.g. endothelin, histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, catecholamines, vasopressin, prostaglandins, cytokines and nitrogen monoxide) are thus released in large quantities and act both at the site of the burns and at a distance. The abnormally high level of albumin in the capillary wall and the increased capacity of absorption of the interstitial areas around the burns are the main abnormalities observed. This results in a hypovolemia associated with a hemoconcentration, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, systemic vasoconstriction and myocardial malfunction, which is difficult to evidence. During the initial phase, the major risk is the appearance of hypovolemic shock, which is rapidly irreversible if early treatment is not administered. Vascular filling with iso- or hyper-osmolar sodium crystalloids, associated with buffer solutions, is the first line. There is still debate regarding the best moment at which to give albumin. A hyperkinetic shock may occur after several hours and despite the filling. The symptoms are tachycardia, increased heart rate and a dramatic decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This may lead to metabolic acidosis and multi-organ failure. Study of the hemodynamic profile of the patient allows the rational use of pressor amines and haemodialysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which analyzed the discretization of the neutron kinetic equation coupled to the precursor equations for delayed neutrons. Overview of the approximate problem; Information on the numerical scheme considered in the study; Proof of the stability of the scheme.

Investigates the behavior of runaway electrons in the presence of fluctuations of electric and magnetic fields. Test particle description of the runaway dynamics; Effect of magnetic fluctuations on both the runaway generation process and the maximum runaway energy.

Lolium multiflorum Lam. plants were used to investigate whether phytochrome-mediated tillering responses, anticipatory to competition: (a), are potentially disturbed by the twilight drop in the red to far-red ratio (R: FR) of sunlight (caused by atmospheric factors), and (b), occur in densely-sown (> 280 plants m-2) grass canopies, where competition is quickly established. Isolated plants grown under sunlight received natural low R: FR during twilight, but supplementary R provided simultaneously did not increase tillering. When a wide range of R: FR was provided at the end of natural or fluorescent light photoperiods, tillering was reduced only by very low R: FR (lower than natural twilight R: FR). Leaf sheath length followed a similar pattern of response. Single plants were grown in pots placed at various densities. High densities reduced the R: FR at plant bases and the number of tillers per plant before changes in dry weight and leaf number were found. Both very low R: FR provided at the end of the photoperiod, and increasing plant densities, caused more erectophile shoots. In densely-sown canopies of Lolium multiflorum both R: FR signals caused by neighbours, and tillering responses occur well before strong competition is established. Tillering is not obviously affected by the twilight drop in R:FR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]