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Abstract:This essay reexamines the uniquely extensive corpus of prose commentaries (razos) for the twelfth-century troubadour Bertran de Born that accompany his poems in several extant Italian manuscripts from the thirteenth century. It argues that commentaries testify to a debate among Italian readers about how to interpret this poet's distinctive political and moral messages. The essay shows Bertran's razos to have been key texts in the reception of troubadour literary culture in Italy at a crucial moment in its development, and sheds light on the role of Occitan lyric in the politics of patronage at Italian courts.

Offers advice from skin specialists Gloria Gaines-Hanna and Christina Von Liggett on how salons can generate business in the lucrative field of skin care. Achievements and accomplishments; List of clients; Creation of a display room in the reception area; Built-in clientele of the salon industry; Importance of one-on-one consultation; Aromatherapy and reflexology; Hand facials.

In this work we investigate the resolvent operator and completeness of eigenfunctions of a Sturm–Liouville problem with discontinuities at two points. The problem contains an eigenparameter in one of the boundary conditions. For operator-theoretic formulation of the considered problem we define an equivalent inner product in the Hilbert space $$ L_{2} [ - 1,1] \oplus C $$ L2[-1,1]?C and suitable self-adjoint linear operator in it.

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid TNF-α and IL-10 levels in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and compare with that of ADA. Material and Methods: 70 patients were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients had TPE, 19 patients malignant pleural effusion (MPE), 18 patients complicated parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and 19 patients had transudative pleural effusion. Results: The pleural fluid TNF-α levels were significantly higher in TPE than MPE and transudates. There was no significant difference in pleural fluid IL-10 levels between groups. Among exudative effusions, TNF-α was significantly higher in tuberculous group, while there was no difference in IL-10 levels between tuberculous and nontuberculous group. The pleural fluid ADA levels were significantly higher in TPE than other groups. ROC analysis was performed and the optimal cut-off points of TNF-α and ADA were 13.3 pg/mL and 41.5 U/L, respectively. The sensitivity of TNF-α was 71% and specificity was 66% in the diagnosis of TPE. In contrast, the sensitivity and specifity of ADA was 78% and 86% respectively. Conclusion: TNF-α is a useful marker in the diagnosis of TPE and IL-10 has no diagnostic value. However, the sensitivity and specifity of TNF-α is lower than that of ADA.

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid TNF- and IL-10 levels in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and compare with that of ADA. Material and Methods: 70 patients were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients had TPE, 19 patients malignant pleural effusion (MPE), 18 patients complicated parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and 19 patients had transudative pleural effusion. Results: The pleural fluid TNF- levels were significantly higher in TPE than MPE and transudates. There was no significant difference in pleural fluid IL-10 levels between groups. Among exudative effusions, TNF- was significantly higher in tuberculous group, while there was no difference in IL-10 levels between tuberculous and nontuberculous group. The pleural fluid ADA levels were significantly higher in TPE than other groups. ROC analysis was performed and the optimal cut-off points of TNF- and ADA were 13.3 pg/mL and 41.5 U/L, respectively. The sensitivity of TNF- was 71 and specificity was 66 in the diagnosis of TPE. In contrast, the sensitivity and specifity of ADA was 78 and 86 respectively. Conclusion: TNF- is a useful marker in the diagnosis of TPE and IL-10 has no diagnostic value. However, the sensitivity and specifity of TNF- is lower than that of ADA.

Purpose To investigate the mean values of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with non-contact tonometer (NCT) and evaluate the factors that may affect IOP.Methods A total of 850 subjects who were admitted to our clinic between March 2005 and February 2006 were recruited for the study. Subjects having blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal diseases, glaucoma suspicion, or glaucoma were not accepted to the study. All subjects were questioned about systemic diseases. IOP measurement with NCT and central corneal thickness (CCT) with ultrasound pachymetry were performed for each patient between 9 and 11 AM.Results The mean ages of 367 (43.2%) male subjects and 483 (56.8%) female subjects were 43.9±18.1 and 40.7±18.0 years ± SD, respectively. Since right and left eye IOP, CCT, and keratometric values were significantly correlated, right eye values were used for statistical purposes. Mean IOP values in males and females were 13.2±3.0 and 13.5±2.9 mmHg, respectively. Mean CCT values were 552.5±34.7 μm for males and 550.1±34.3 μm for females. In multiple regression analysis, IOP was found to be associated with gender, refractive error, CCT, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM).Conclusions Gender, CCT, the presence of DM, and refractive error may be significantly associated with IOP in this particular population.

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The Mt. Erciyes stratovolcano was built up in an intraplate tectonic environment as a consequence of Eurasian and Afro-Arabian continental collision. However, the volcanic products generally exhibit a calc-alkaline character; minor amounts of tholeiitic basalts are also present. Tholeiitic basalts show high Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, low K2O, and depleted Ba, Nb, and especially Rb (2.3-5.97 ppm) contents, low 87Sr/86Sr (0.703344-0.703964), and high 143Nd/144Nd (0.512920-0.512780) isotopic ratios. These compositional features show that they were derived from a depleted asthenospheric mantle source, possibly a MORB-like source component. In contrast, calc-alkaline basaltic rocks exhibit relatively high large-ion-lithophile and high-field-strength elements, high 87Sr/86Sr (0.704591-0.70507) and low 143Nd/144Nd (0.51272-0.512394) isotopic ratios.The bulk-rock chemistry of the tholeiitic basalts reflects the chemical composition of the extracted source component. Furthermore, trace-element concentrations may be calculated from an accepted mantle source component (starting composition) for different degrees of partial melting. These calculations also provide a sensitive approach to the origin of tholeiitic basalts. Modeled trace-element compositions of tholeiitic basalts are calculated from a primitive mantle composition. Calculated trace-element compositions imply that tholeiitic basalts are derived by minor fractional melting (1-1.5 %), in the absence of assimilation or deep-crustal melting. The calc-alkaline basalts were subsequently produced from initially tholeiitic basalts by the way of an AFC (assimilation-fractional crystallization) process, with a crustal assimilation of 10-15 %.The geochemical data, partial melting, and AFC modeling all indicate that basaltic products have a complex evolutionary history involving partial melting from a MORB-like mantle source. The assimilation and fractional crystallization processes are considered as providing an example for the chemical evolution of basaltic products, from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline, in an intraplate environment.

ABSTRACTSeveral polymorphic genes including those encoding for glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have been reported to be associated with development of specific cancers. Individual variations in the expression of these enzymes have been extensively studied. In this study, the implication of two GST genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in the development of different types of lung cancer was investigated in Turkish patients (N=44). Our results show a 72.3% allele frequency for null GSTM1 gene among lung cancer patients and for healthy individuals (N=100) it was found to be 34%. The GSTM1 null genotype is slightly over represented in lung cancer patients (OR=0.73; CI=0.33–1.59) but did not reach a statistical importance. The frequency of deleted GSTT1 allele was 19% in normal controls that is consistent with the previous results for Caucasians. GSTT1 null genotype frequency among lung cancer patients (20.5%) was very Close to the control group (OR=0.91, CI=0.38–2.21). In all lung cancer cases 13.6 % of the patients showed homozygous deletion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene and in control group 10% of the individuals had both deletion (p=0.08) suggesting that null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes do not interact to potentiate the risk of lung cancers in Turkish patients.

This document provides profiles of various schools in the DMV area. Geneva Day School offers exceptional classes and programs for children aged two through kindergarten, with a focus on student-led discovery and a STEAM curriculum. Little Folks School is a diverse and joyful community that promotes independence and cooperation through play and the arts. Bishop McNamara High School is a co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory institution with a cutting-edge curriculum, competitive athletic teams, and notable STEM offerings. The Langley School emphasizes purposeful inquiry-based and social-emotional learning for preschool through grade 8. Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls, independent, college preparatory school for grades 1-12, with a co-ed Pre-K and Kindergarten program. The Langley School, founded in 1942, aims to inspire young students to become curious, confident, and resilient leaders through rigorous academics, athletics, and arts programs. The Boys' Latin School of Maryland is an all-boys independent school serving grades K-12, with a boarding program for grades 9-12, offering a challenging academic curriculum and character education opportunities. The German International School Washington D.C. provides a German curriculum and global outlook to prepare students for leading universities worldwide. The Siena School is a national leader in dyslexia education, offering individualized instruction and a focus on the arts, sciences, and social justice. Foxcroft School is a girls' boarding and day school in Middleburg, VA [Extracted from the article]

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effect of copper-silver ionization on Legionellacolonization and nosocomial legionnaires' disease and to compare the efficacy of metal ions versus the super-heat-and-flush method of disinfection.Design:Prospective determination over a 36-month period of copper and silver ion concentrations in the recirculating hot-water system, Legionellacolonization of the hospital water distribution system, and cases of nosocomial legionnaires' disease. Retrospective comparison of results with the previous 13 years, during which the superheat-and-flush method was used.Setting:The Pittsburgh Veterans' Affairs Health Care System (University Drive Division) acut-care hospital.Intervention:Three copper-silver ionization systems were installed on the hot-water distribution system in November 1994.Results:The average number of cases of legionnaires‘ disease per year and the percentage of distal sites positive for Legionella pneumophilafor the superheat-and-flush method versus the copper-silver ionization method was six cases with 15% positivity versus two cases with 4% positivity, respectively. The reduction in Legionellacolonization after copper-silver ionization was significant (P<.05) compared to the superheat and flush. Mean copper and silver ion concentrations (mg/L) were 0.29 and 0.054 from hot-water tanks, and 0.17 and 0.04 from distal outlets, respectively.Conclusions:We conclude that a properly maintained and monitored copper-silver ionization system was more effective than the superheat-and-flush method for reducing the recovery of Legionellafrom the hospital water distribution system.

Assesses the Photographic Society of America's (PSA) financial performance as of June 1993. Surplus in overall picture; Growth in investment income; Drop in total receipts since 1987; Lack of new cash to use for investments; PSA's support of the arts and sciences. INSET: Independent auditor's report..

Regular culturing of distribution system samples is the key to successful disinfection. Legionnaires' disease arises from the presence of Legionellain water systems. Legionellacan be found within biofilms throughout the entire water distribution system. Control measures such as copper‐silver ionization, superheat‐and‐flush procedures, ultraviolet light, instantaneous heating systems, and hyperchlorination have been applied with variable success. Specific approaches, advantages, disadvantages, and costs of each method are reviewed. Many approaches commonly recommended by public health authorities have not been scientifically validated. Results from routine environmental surveillance cultures for Legionellaare the critical component for rational decision‐making.

This paper discusses the hypothesis that monochloramine may be beneficial or control of Legionella in plumbing systems. Because monochloramine chlorine penetrates biofilms better than free chlorine, the hypothesis that chloramines are more effective in the biological niche of Legionella is biologically plausible. Investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presented a study in the September 2000 issue of Journal AWWA concluding that the use of monochloramine for disinfection of municipal water might prevent Legionnaires' disease. These authors suggested that 90 percent of hospital‐acquired outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease associated with drinking water might not have occurred if monochloramine had been used instead of free chlorine for residual disinfection.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of various professionals and organizations in New Orleans. It highlights their expertise, commitment to their clients, and contributions to their respective fields. The professionals and businesses mentioned include healthcare professionals, parking services, legal services, academic planning, senior care facilities, private education institutions, wealth management firms, insurance agencies, retirement communities, business consulting firms, pain management clinics, engineering consulting firms, and financial institutions. Each profile emphasizes the unique services and values offered by these professionals and organizations. [Extracted from the article]

BackgroundHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome which can complicate sepsis, malignancy or autoimmune disease and may lead rapidly to critical illness and death. Early treatment reduces mortality but diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and correct interpretation of laboratory results. Highly elevated ferritin levels (HEF) >10,000 µg/L are highly specific for HLH and should prompt consideration/exclusion of hyperinflammation. Diagnostic guidelines for HLH were published in 2004 requiring the presence of ≥5/8 criteria.AimTo assess recognition of HLH in a paediatric population with HEF.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at 8 UK centres. Biochemistry databases identified patients≤16 years with serum ferritin >10,000 µg/L between 01.04.2014 and 31.03.2017. A standardised proforma was used to collect data. Cases were assessed against the 2004 HLH criteria. Due to limited access to some laboratory tests, modified criteria using a threshold of ≥4/5 (excluding tissue haemophagocytosis, decreased natural killer cell function, increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor) were also applied.ResultsNinety-four patients (60.6% male) were identified. 36% were aged <1 year, 16% 1–5 years, 34% 6–12 years and 14% 13–16 years. Management was in neonatal/paediatric intensive care in 49.4%. Diagnoses included: infections (29.8%), malignancies (21.3%), rheumatological (13.8%), immunological (9.6%) and cardiac surgery (6.4%). A diagnosis of HLH was made by the treating clinical team in 30.9% and considered in the differential in a further 18.1%. Just 5 patients had complete data available to score against all 8 2004 HLH criteria whereas 49 patients had data to score against the modified criteria. Using all available data:14/94 (14.9%) met ≥5/8 criteria and all these patients were diagnosed with HLH by the treating team.33 (35.1%) met ≥4/5 criteria and 17 (51.5%) of these were diagnosed with HLH by clinicians. HLH was not documented as being considered in the differential in 11 (33.3%)Overall mortality was 33.0% (31/94) but was 17.2% (5/29) in those patients diagnosed with HLH during their admission.ConclusionAlthough HEF is highly specific for HLH, the diagnosis was made or considered in just half of paediatric patients with this laboratory result. Increased awareness of this potentially-lethal condition is likely to lead to earlier treatment and reduced mortality.AcknowledgementsThe following authors also contributed to this work – EL Long and F McErlane, Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, K McLellan, Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK, K Gallagher and P Bale, Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK, K Mahmood and C Pain, Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK

Copyright of Revue des Langues Romanes is the property of Presses Universitaires de la Mediterranee and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nuova Secondaria is the property of Edizioni Studium S.r.l and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Severe neonatal hypothermia is an infrequent presentation to the Emergency Department. This case report describes the successful resuscitation and rapid rewarming of a newborn baby who presented to the Emergency Department with a core temperature of 14.8°C. This is the lowest temperature documented in the literature to date from which an infant has been successfully resuscitated.

Since the 2016 election of President Donald Trump. conspiracy theories have become more salient among Americans. Using the deep state conspiracy theory QAnon as a case study. we argue three types of conspiracy theory adherents exist due to cognitive dissonance experienced in the face of key theory milestone failures: Hardliners. who do not face cognitive dissonance in response to failed conspiracy theory predictions: Moderates. committed members who experience cognitii'e dissonance and must adapt in order to maintain belief in the conspiracy theory. and Bandwagoners. casual members with shallow beliefs who experience cognitive dissonance and abandon the conspiracy theory. From these types. we put forth the bandwagoner acceleration hypothesis: by eniphasizing the disconnect bem'een complex deep state conspiracy theory beliefs and reality that demonstrates the falsehoods perpetrated by the movement. relevant stakeholders exogenous to the conspiracy theory can activate Bandwagoners to stimulate conspiratorial belief abandonment. This is important as Bandwagoners represent the peril o f latent power which can be coopted and used to threaten democratic legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long used as a tool for medical compliance and adhering to treatment plans, behavior contracts have made their way into the in-patient healthcare setting as a way to manage the "difficult" patient and family. The use of this tool is even being adopted by health-care ethics consultants (HECs) in US hospitals as part of their work in navigating conflict at the bedside. Anecdotal evidence of their increasing popularity among clinical ethicists, for example. can be found at professional bioethics meetings and conversations and idea-sharing among practitioners on HEC social media. While there are a handful of papers gesturing toward a bioethical critique of behavior contracts of various types. the use of behavior contracts in the context of interpersonal conflict has not been vetted by bio-ethicists to determine their ethical legitimacy or efficacy. In this paper. we highlight a set of ethical concerns that we believe must be addressed before continuing or widespread implementation of behavior contracts to manage the "difficult" patient or family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nuova Secondaria is the property of Edizioni Studium S.r.l and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the Texas Five Star Award winners in the real estate, mortgage, and insurance professions. It mentions the winners were selected based on client satisfaction, peer evaluations, and online consumer feedback. It also provides information on the research methodology and eligibility criteria for the awards.

The article looks at the basic factors that contributed to the success of the U.S. Democratic Party in its bid to take control of Congress in the November 1958 elections. Voters across the country turned against Republican candidates despite a claim by the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower that it resolved the 1957-1958 business recession. Another factor is labor union activity which confirmed labor's position as a potent political force.

Copyright of Nuova Secondaria is the property of Edizioni Studium S.r.l and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the last few decades, multiple studies have examined the understanding of participants in clinical research. They show variable and often poor understanding of key elements of disclosure, such as expected risks and the experimental nature of treatments. Did the participants in these studies give valid consent? According to the standard view of informed consent they did not. The standard view holds that the recipient of consent has a duty to disclose certain information to the profferer of consent because valid consent requires that information to be understood. The contents of the understanding and disclosure requirements are therefore conceptually linked. In this paper, we argue that the standard view is mistaken. The disclosure and understanding requirements have distinct grounds tied to two different ways in which a token of consent can be rendered invalid. Analysis of these grounds allows us to derive the contents of the two requirements, it also implies that it is sometimes permissible to enroll willing participants who have not understood everything that they ought to be told about their clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses participatory budgeting as an entry point to explore the relationship between race, citizenship. and participatory democracy. Drawing on theories of racial neoliberalism. I arguethat in Chicago (United States), heavy emphasis on the representation of Black and Hispanic residents has been based on simplistic demographic measures of diversity. This focus obfuscates morecomplex racial dynamics that limit involvement for residents whoare racialized and/or undocumented. The use of participatory budgeting as a politicalbranding tool closely ties the reputation of the local elected officialto the success of the process in engaging diverse constituents. This curtails the motivation of elected officials to address theshortcomings of the process openly. Detailed exami-nationof the racial dynamics of participatory budgeting in Chicagosuggests the need to push beyond representative approaches toracial inclusion to challenge structural inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Sen-e-gal! Cham-pi-ons!” This is the cacophonous chant heard repeatedly during the night of February 6 after Senegal’s national football team win the Africa Cup of Nations. The streets are a [...]

The author reports on proverbs and idioms of rurality in the south of France. He says that his childlike ears have repeatedly heard sayings and proverbs at the time when the ancients still spoke Provencal. One of them, banal meteorological observation, inevitably came, and not without malice, to the lips of some passenger when the coach of La Ciotat passed through the town of Aubagne.

The article provides information on the development surrounding Canada-based Dome Petroleum Ltd. For several years, the company has been the bane of several investors. However, the company's prospects for a turnaround have made investors to change their perspective about the company. Furthermore, the company sales of shares offer a large leverage should energy prices turn up.

The article reports on issues surrounding the profitability of the largest franchisee of Godfather's Pizza restaurants, Concept Development Inc. Despite the good performance of its stocks, the company has not had a profitable quarter for almost a year. Furthermore, it lost almost 24 cents a share and earning only 27 cents pre share for all of 1984.

The article focuses on the business aircraft industry in the U.S. The benefits of owning a business aircraft are discussed. The Gulfstream GV aircraft was the first in the market. First deliveries of the Boeing Business Jet from Boeing are expected in 1999. Business Jet Solutions has a complete range of options and choices available, tailored specifically to the needs of business travelers. Among the high technology features of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner are satellite communications plus Airshow's real-time news, weather, sports and market updates.

What makes service industries so distinct from manufacturing ones is their immediacy: the hamburgers have to be hot, the motel rooms exactly where the sleepy travelers want them, and the airline seats empty when the customers want to fly. Balancing the supply and demand sides of a service industry is not easy, and whether a manager does it well or not will, this author writes, make all the difference. In this rundown of the juggling feat service managers perform, the author discusses the two basic strategies--"chase demand" and "level capacity"--available to most service companies. He goes on to discuss several ways service managers can alter demand and influence capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on idiomatic design. A design that takes context into account is called an idiomatic design. Every design has a context, which can include, community and culture, implementation constraints and language and system. Good design takes context into account. The culture may demand object-oriented techniques where they don't apply or not using them despite their obvious suitability. The culture may mean ignoring the usual advantages or disadvantages of a language or using tools that may seem outdated or it may require other things that may seem nonsensical when viewed in isolation. But software systems do not exist in isolation. Any useful system must consider its context. One cannot say whether or not a design is good. The system designers cannot choose which hardware they will use. Software can constrain design. Programs dealing with abstraction failure are called fault tolerant. An operating system influence application design. the article also describes programming language effects.

Discusses techniques designed to reduce ambiguity, inconsistency and incompleteness in a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document in software engineering. Phases of the development process; Terms used to denote the writing of an SRS; Formal models to specify a product's external behavior.