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Background/Aims: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a serious and frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD). Thus far, data are scarcely available to assess the impact of first versus subsequent HD sessions of the week in IDH. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate IDH risk in patients on thrice-weekly HD. Methods: We conducted an analysis of all blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained during 492 HD treatments given to 41 prevalent adult patients over a one month period. A logistic regression model for repeated binary observations was used to determine the association between hypotension and patient and dialysis factors. Results: The incidence of IDH was 32.5%. First dialysis session of the week was associated with a 9% higher risk of hypotension relatively to the second one. The risk was even higher from the first to the third session of the week (60%) and from the second to the third (50%). A higher hypotension odds ratio was also associated with age (1.03, 90%CI: 1.01-1.06), higher predialysis BP (1.04, 90%CI: 1.03-1.05) and higher phosphorus level (1.38, 90%CI: 1.07-1.76). The risk decreased 24.4% for each additional antihypertensive drug taken by the patient. Conclusions: The odds of hypotension occurrence decrease throughout dialysis sessions of the week. Minimizing modifiable risk factors may decrease IDH episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in 2023 at the Pasture plot of the Department of Animal Production Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, Bauchi State. Grass-legume mix ratios of Brachiaria mulato (BM) and Centrosema pascuorum (CP) at different mix rates (B. mulato only, 3 part B.M: 1 part C.P, 1 part B.M: 1 part C.P, 1 part B.M: 3 parts C.P and C. pascuorum only) were studied to determine their growth rate, yield and quality of the forages. Forages across treatments were fertilized at 150 kg/ha of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) in full application at 2 and 5 weeks of age. Plant mix ratios constituted the main plots and stage of harvest (4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 weeks) were the sub factor in a Completely Randomized Block Design layout. The highest (P<0.05) plant height was obtained at 1B.M: 3C.P plant mix ratio for both B. mulato (57 cm) and C. pascuorum (67.67 cm) plants separately. Plant height and tiller number were observed to have increased (P<0.05) as pasture weeks increased from week 4 to 6. Soil cover percentage was significant (P<0.05) and was highest (80.30%) in sole C. pascuorum followed by 53.33% in sole B. mulato and 1B.R: 1C.P mixtures. Plant mix rates significantly (P<0.05) increased leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter yield of B. mulato & C. pascuorum mixtures. The highest (P<0.05) total fresh (32.90 t/ha) and dry matter yield (10.31 t/ha) were in 1BM: 3C.P mix ratio at week 12 (31.55 & 9.35 t/ha, respectively). Similarly, the chemical composition showed 1BM:3C.P had the best (P<0.05) Crude protein (16.02%), NDF (51.94%) and ADF (40.98%) values compared to other treatments except sole C. pascuorum while week 10 had the best CP (17.28%), NDF (49.01%) and ADF (44.53%). Hence, B. mulato and C. pascuorum are recommended for planting at a mixed rate of 1B.M: 3C.P (1: 3) and harvested at 10 weeks old for best productivity for improved animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the names of the days of the week used in Kyrgyz language. Week-day names borrowed from Persian and Arabic are used more formally. In colloquial speech week-day names made from the combination of ordinal adjectives and the word kün "day" are very common. In this paper it has been shown that there is a discrepancy between the ordinal adjectives in the week-day names borrowed from Persian and the ordinal adjectives in the native Kyrgyz week-day names used in spoken Kyrgyz language. And the reasons of this case have been tried to be explained. Attention was also paid to the names of weekend holidays, which have an important place in determining the beginning of the week. The seven-day cycle is officially used all over the world these days. The reasons why the seven-day week is more common among other weeks (five-day, eight-day or ten-day weeks) are also mentioned. In order to research all these issues from different perspectives, the concept of week, the names of the weekdays, and the weekend holidays in different cultures are also emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DM intake (DMI) for individual pens of cattle is recorded daily or averaged across each week by most commercial feedlots as an index of performance. Numerous factors impact DMI by feedlot cattle. Some are available at the start of the feedlot period (initial BW, sex), and others become available early in the feeding period (daily DMI during adaptation) or more continuously (daily DMI from the previous week). To evaluate the relative impact of these factors on daily DMI during individual weeks within the feedlot period, we employed a dataset compiled from 2009 to 2014 from one commercial feedlot, including 4 132 pens (485 458 cattle), which were split into two fractions: 80% were used to calculate DMI regressions on these factors to develop a prediction equation for mean DMI for each week of the feeding period, and 20% were reserved to test the adequacy of these prediction equations. Correlations were used to determine the relationship between all available variables with observed DMI. These variables were then included in the generalized least squares regression models. A veracity test of the model was performed against the reserved data. Daily DMI from previous week was the factor most highly correlated with daily DMI (P

The study draws the readers' attention to the comparative analysis of the traditional concept of time for Romanians and Ukrainians in Bukovina, based on extensive research conducted by ethnographers during the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries. Temporal representations are reflected at the structural level, investigating the units of measurement for time: year, season, month, days of the week, day-night alternation. The authors highlighted the ways of establishing the popular calendar, including the role played by climatic conditions, the seasonal evolution of flora and fauna in structuring the time.

The sacred perception of time is present in all religious traditions and beliefs without exceptions. The aim of this research is to take as much of an in-depth look into origins and features of the concept of sacred temporality as possible. The object of this research is perception of time within the boundaries of religious traditions while the subject is studies that describe time in these religous traditions. An important task is to determine the origins of beliefs related to time in general and sacred temporality within the boundaries of religious worldview in particular. Sacred temporality is a broad, heterogenous concept that can be discussed only as far as its many definitions go; it is always opposed to profane continuation and remains regarded as a hierophany of sorts that exists in spite of everyday life. The established featues of sacred temporality are its connections to “profane time” and manifestation through its indirecteness, as it can only exist on the background of profane time. Sacred temporality embodies the connection to eternity, something truly real and free from the bounds of profane; sort of a “forever in the moment”, structurally it is comprised of instancies, invasions of the afterlife and therefore it features different intensity. The concept of time is formed during the archaic period of humanity’s development thanks to the influence of the Moon first and foremost, as its cycles gave birth to the first unit of measurement for time. In a broader sense time can be perceived as an analogy of cosmic rythmics, hence the Moon performing the role of its first equivalent. According to our studies, the concept of a week appears upon it being found to vaguely correspond to one of four phases of the moon, with days of the week being named after celestial bodies - the Sun, the Moon, and five planets which are visible to the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. There’s no coincidence in these particular planets being associated with deities in ancient times since they appeared to move through the sky as opposed to nearly immovable stars. In addition to it features of the sacred event that is unfolding within time include the past being transformed into the present & the fixation of the similarities between the two. The transformation of temporality takes place within the context of performing sacredly significant rituals, with the basis of sacred event being the archetype of experiencing nostaligia over returning to “forever present”. In additon to this the exact way of numbers acquiring sacred significance in religious traditions has been uncovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Codrul Cosminului is the property of Codrul Cosminului 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.)

Circadian rhythms are maintained by a complex "system of systems" that continuously coordinates biological processes with each other and the environment. Although humans predominantly entrain to solar time, individual persons vary in their precise behavioral timing due to endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous differences in the timing of individual circadian rhythms relative to a common environmental cue are known as chronotypes, ranging from earlier than average (Morningness) to later than average (Eveningness). Furthermore, individual behavior is often constrained by social constructs such as the 7-day week, and the "sociogenic" impact our social calendar has on our behavioral rhythms is likely modified by chronotype. Our aim in this study was to identify and characterize differences in sleep and rest-activity rhythms (RAR) between weekends and weekdays and between-chronotypes. Male volunteers (n = 24, mean age = 23.46 y) were actigraphically monitored for 4 weeks to derive objective behavioral measures of sleep and RARs. Chronotype was assessed through self-report on the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Sleep characteristics were derived using Actiware; daily rest-activity rhythms were modeled using a basic 3-parameter cosinor function. We observed that both Eveningness and Morningness Chronotypes were more active and slept later on the weekends than on weekdays. Significant between-chronotype differences in sleep timing and duration were observed within individual days of the week, especially during transitions between weekends and the workweek. Moreover, chronotypes significantly varied in their weekly rhythms: e.g. Morningness Chronotypes generally shifted their sleep duration, timing and quality across work/rest transitions quicker than Eveningness Chronotypes. Although our results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of our cosinor model and a homogenous cohort, they reinforce a growing body of evidence that day of the week, chronotype and their interactions must be accounted for in observational studies of human behavior, especially when circadian rhythms are of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Knowledge of weekly and longitudinal variability of metals in the hair of non-professionally exposed people is of particular importance for understanding the levels/effects of chemicals on workers. Hair is an ideal tissue for tracing the human health conditions. It can be cut easily and painlessly, and the relative clinical results can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long-term or even acute exposure. Different authors have found outdoor pollution phenomena, such as the levels, significantly alter metal and metalloid hair contents. This paper investigates the element concentration variability in hair samples collected from a not-exposed teenager, neither environmentally nor professionally. The sampling was carried out for one week, and the samples were collected from different locations on the scalp. A nuclear analytical methodology, i.e., the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, is used for determining about 30 elements. Some differences have been found among the samplings as well as between the proximal and distal sections. A deep comparison with other similar studies worldwide present in the literature has been performed for evidencing the relationships and the differences due to different ethnical origins, lifestyles, diets, and climates among the different young populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iş, Güç: The Journal of Industrial Relations & Human Resources is the property of Is, Guc: The Journal of Industrial Relations & Human Resources 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 Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados 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.)

Hair is an ideal tissue for tracing the human health conditions. It can be cut easily and painlessly, and the relative clinical results can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long-term or even acute exposure. Different authors have found outdoor pollution phenomena, such as the levels, significantly alter metal and metalloid hair contents. This paper investigates the element concentration variability in hair samples collected from a not-exposed teenager, neither environmentally nor professionally. The sampling was carried out for one week, and the samples were collected from different locations on the scalp. A nuclear analytical methodology, i.e., the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, is used for determining about 30 elements. Some differences have been found among the samplings as well as between the proximal and distal sections. A deep comparison with other similar studies worldwide present in the literature has been performed for evidencing the relationships and the differences due to different ethnical origins, lifestyles, diets, and climates among the different young populations.

This paper describes engagement in European Immunization Week (EIW) in Tyrol, Austria in April 2016 and an assessment of its possible impact on demand for measles, mumps, rubella vaccination (MMR). It further describes the output of a knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) survey conducted during EIW, showing that 93% (188/202) of respondents were in favor of vaccination in general and 90% (192/214) perceived MMR vaccination to be important. MMR vaccination was perceived as important by more participants than other vaccinations. The number of MMR doses administered by public health services in the province of Tyrol during EIW was greater than in the previous week, and EIW activities thus potentially resulted in increased MMR vaccine uptake in Tyrol during the observed period. The annual EIW campaign provides important opportunities to address vaccine hesitancy by raising awareness about immunization, to identify barriers to immunization and test possible solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to highlight that daily and weekly rhythms, being a part of the social organization of time, mediate people's responses to social change in rural Pakistan. Indigenous ways of measuring different stages of the day have recently been replaced by clock time as a consequence of industrialization and urbanization. Further, changing socioeconomic circumstances have given rise to a new temporal rhythm, which unfolds in daily time allocation for different activities. The debate regarding whether Sunday or Friday should be the weekend in Pakistan points to the contested notions of time that can be explained on the basis of temporal identity, religion, and urbanization. By using an ethnographic example, this study also discusses how daily and weekly rhythms are maintained in rural Pakistan through the socioeconomic realities of everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the circaseptan rhythms of the motion activity of practically healthy people with an average level of locomotor activity were analyzed, engaged in mental work, of different ages and sex. We compared data of peoples, who have usual working week (5 working days per week) and a person who worked seven days per week, at the same pace, to determine the influence of the social factor. The statistically significant circaseptan rhythms with period between 6.4 and 7.0 days were found, with the internal, endogenous rhythm being in most cases more significant in relation to the external rhythm, which should be taken into account, for example, in the formulation of optimal individual schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Initial shrunk BW alone presents a low predictive capacity for DM intake. • Prediction of DM intake is improved by including sex and previous week's DM intake. • The relative contribution of individual factors changed across time in the model. • Improved prediction enables consultants to detect pens with anomalous performance. DM intake (DMI) for individual pens of cattle is recorded daily or averaged across each week by most commercial feedlots as an index of performance. Numerous factors impact DMI by feedlot cattle. Some are available at the start of the feedlot period (initial BW, sex), and others become available early in the feeding period (daily DMI during adaptation) or more continuously (daily DMI from the previous week). To evaluate the relative impact of these factors on daily DMI during individual weeks within the feedlot period, we employed a dataset compiled from 2009 to 2014 from one commercial feedlot, including 4 132 pens (485 458 cattle), which were split into two fractions: 80% were used to calculate DMI regressions on these factors to develop a prediction equation for mean DMI for each week of the feeding period, and 20% were reserved to test the adequacy of these prediction equations. Correlations were used to determine the relationship between all available variables with observed DMI. These variables were then included in the generalized least squares regression models. A veracity test of the model was performed against the reserved data. Daily DMI from previous week was the factor most highly correlated with daily DMI (P < 0.10) during from week 6 to week 31, accounting for approximately 70% of the variation, followed by mean daily DMI during adaptation period (weeks 1–4), including in the prediction model from weeks 5 to 12. Initial shrunk BW (ISBW) was the third most correlated factor, which was included in prediction equations from week 5 to week 20. Sex entered the prediction model only after week 8. Daily DMI for each test week within the feeding period was predicted closely (r 2 = 0.98) by these four factors (RMSE = 0.155 kg). In conclusion, the mean daily DMI during each week of the finishing period for a pen of cattle could be predicted closely based on mean daily DMI intake during the previous week plus other variables available early in a feedlot period (daily DMI during adaptation period, ISBW and sex). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of study was to explore the trends in prevalence of obesity and pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) in Czech 4-7-years old preschool children from 2005 to 2015. Methods: The cross-sectional study in two cohorts of preschool children carried out during spring and autumn 2005 (11 kindergartens: 84 girls and 92 boys) and 2015 (10 kindergartens: 87 girls and 105 boys), using the same measurements and procedures in both cases. PA were monitored by unsealed pedometer Yamax digiwalker SW-200 at least 8 continuous hours a day over 7 consecutive days. Body weight and height was measured using calibrated scales Tanita WB 110 S MA and Antropometer A-319. Results: In the prevalence of obesity was observed nonsignificant increase between 2005 and 2015 for girls (7.14%2005 vs. 9.20%2015) and boys (6.52%2005 vs. 9.52%2015). PA (mean steps/day) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the total cohort of preschool children in 2015 than in 2005 (11,739 vs. 10,922 steps/day) and overall (p < 0.001) in boys than girls (11,939 vs. 10,668 steps/day). Decline of leisure time step counts in weekdays between 2005 and 2015 in girls (6,8652005 vs. 6,0592015, p < 0.01) and boys (7,8612005 vs. 6,4362015, p < 0.001) is compensated by the increase of step counts in kindergarten (girls: 3,0582005 vs. 5,3302015, p < 0.001; boys: 4,0032005 vs. 5,9992015, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite a small, non-significant increase in obesity among Czech preschool children remains the prevalence (< 10%) to healthy acceptable level. Daily PA programme in kindergartens effectively replaces the decline in PA in leisure time of weekdays and even helps to increase a weeklong PA of pre-schoolers compared to 2005 and 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a serious and frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD). Thus far, data are scarcely available to assess the impact of first versus subsequent HD sessions of the week in IDH. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate IDH risk in patients on thrice-weekly HD. Methods: We conducted an analysis of all blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained during 492 HD treatments given to 41 prevalent adult patients over a one month period. A logistic regression model for repeated binary observations was used to determine the association between hypotension and patient and dialysis factors. Results: The incidence of IDH was 32.5%. First dialysis session of the week was associated with a 9% higher risk of hypotension relatively to the second one. The risk was even higher from the first to the third session of the week (60%) and from the second to the third (50%). A higher hypotension odds ratio was also associated with age (1.03, 90%CI: 1.01-1.06), higher predialysis BP (1.04, 90%CI: 1.03-1.05) and higher phosphorus level (1.38, 90%CI: 1.07- 1.76). The risk decreased 24.4% for each additional antihypertensive drug taken by the patient. Conclusions: The odds of hypotension occurrence decrease throughout dialysis sessions of the week. Minimizing modifiable risk factors may decrease IDH episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: African Vaccination Week (AVW) is an initiative of the Member States of the African Region aimed at promoting vaccination and ensuring equity and access to its benefits. The initiative has proven to be particularly effective in reaching populations with limited access to regular health services as well as providing an opportunity to integrate other interventions with immunization services. Methods: Using data available from the countries within the African Region, the effectiveness of AVW in creating awareness on vaccination as well as providing platform for integrated delivery of other interventions with immunization in the African Region were explored during the 2013 and 2014 campaigns of the AVW. Results: Countries that participated in the two campaigns of AVW have integrated other interventions with immunization during the AVW. The most common integrated intervention is vitamin A supplementation, followed by deworming. However, other interventions integrated, include public health educational activities, supplementation with vitamins and minerals, provision of other health services as well as introduction of new interventions. In 2013, more than 7,500,000 doses of different vaccine antigens were delivered in17 countries. Vitamin A administered to children under 5 years and women in post-partum in 13 countries with 31,500,000 tablets distributed. Polio eradication campaigns reaching young children in ten countries with 36,711,984 doses of oral polio vaccines (OPV) was the third most common intervention added onto the AVW activities. Over 21,190,000 deworming tablets were distributed to children <5 years and pregnant women in 9 countries. With respect to nutritional interventions, 6,377,222 children were screened for malnutrition in 3 countries while 3,814,680 water, sanitation and hygiene kits were distributed in 3 countries. In 2014, these results were even higher as many more countries integrated multiple interventions in the AVW. Conclusion: Integration of other interventions with immunization during AVW, in the African Region is common and has shown potentials for improving immunization coverage, as this dedicated period is used both for catch-up campaigns and periodic intensified routine immunization. While its impact may call for further examination, it is a potential platform for integrated delivery of health interventions to people with limited access to regular health service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anzali lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in the southwestern part of the Caspian sea. The lagoon, once being in suitable habitat for spawning of commercial fishes particularly sturgeons has been exposed to various sources of pollution originating mainly from urban and industrial sewages distracting habitats and lowering number of migratory spawner fishes. I.F.R.T.O conducted a Joined research project with F.A.O for two years (1991_1992) on the planktonic benthic and fishery resources of the lagoon. 18 stations were established over the lagoon and connecting rivers for plankton and benthos studies. Every other week 9 stations were surveyed. The study revealed that the family Tubificidac was dominant followed by larvae of chironomidae. Odonata (Naiads stage) had the lowest abundance In the lagoon in 1991 and it was the same for cumacea in 1992. The lowest abundance of benthic macrofauna during the study period was detected in station No. 1 situated in the mouth of the water.....

There is no evidence that babies born on the weekend in California hospitals are more likely to die than those born on weekday. This was the conclusion of a study of 1,615,041 births in California between 1995 and 1997. Other studies have shown that adults with a serious illness are more likely to die if admitted to a hospital on a weekend.

The article gives an overview of the traditional chronology of Besermians, which is a constantly developing and transforming system subject to various internal and external influences. As a part of a culture’s worldview, time determines the rhythm of nature, lore culture, economic activities, and cycles of human life. Each part of the day was given a name. Midnight and noon were considered dangerous and special times. Weekdays were seen as positive (easy) or negative (difficult). The positive or negative nature of the day may have influenced the outcome of the work undertaken. The yearly system was based on the change of seasons. The change of seasons had a significant influence on the entire economic life, which, in turn, determined the community life, including family and practical rituals. Until the adoption of mechanical clocks, time has been calculated with various means at people’s disposal. Observing the movement of the sun and the moon has been important. The Besermians have merged several traditional feast days, the tradition of commemorating the dead and other festivities with the Orthodox church calendar.

Purpose: The present study aimed to determine whether children with perforated appendicitis were more likely to present during specific days of the week or seasons of the year.Methods: After obtaining IRB exemption, a retrospective, population-based study of patients <18 with ICD9 codes of acute (540.9) or perforated (540.0, 540.1) appendicitis in the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed analyzing patient and hospital factors.Results: A total of 31,457 children were identified with acute appendicitis, of whom 10,524 (33.5%) were perforated. Mondays [odds ratio (OR): 1.16; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.05-1.28] were significant for increased likelihood as day of presentation with perforation in US children more than any other day of the week. In seasonal analysis, fall (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04-1.21) and winter (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.20) were at higher odds for perforation at presentation. Patients with Medicaid (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.43) and those uninsured (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.16-1.93) were more likely to present with perforation.Conclusion: Perforated appendicitis was more likely to present on Mondays in US children. Although appendicitis is most common in summer months, rates of perforated appendicitis were highest in fall and winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space transportation remains in the pioneering stages. What might this century bring if we had a 'railroad to space' that embodied the characteristics of the transcontinental undertaking? The X-33 and Venture Star projects were one attempt to achieve the characteristics of that transcontinental railroad. There are others, here and in other countries, but perhaps we need to begin with a smaller first step, a small, commercial reusable rocket with ballistic ascent to space altitude with a hypersonic glider return? Our challenge in space today is to develop vehicles that are in continuous use, maintained and operated on a fixed schedule despite weather or environmental hazards, which move payloads not only into space but back again. The X PRIZE was a $10 million prize awarded to Scaled Composites as the first privately financed spaceship that launched the equivalent of three persons to an altitude of at least 100 kilometers on two consecutive flights within two weeks. What about an analogous vehicle that flies two or three times a week, every week for a number of years? A major difference is that this challenge is to be accomplished without government support or government developed vehicles. The aerospace vehicle design (AVD) Laboratory team at the University of Texas at Arlington is developing a generic space access vehicle (SAV) design synthesis environment with focus on the conceptual design phase. The AVD Lab has applied elements of this toolbox to the study of a tourist aerospace vehicle under a grant from Rocketplane Limited, Inc. The development of a low-cost tourist vehicle based on the adaptation of a Learjet 25/35/45 series aircraft is the focus of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric responses to changes in emissions are a complex but central issue in control strategy design for pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. Here, we investigate fine particle nitrate response to weekly cycles in emissions, which includes a large decrease in diesel NO x emissions among other changes. Nitrate concentrations were measured at 10-min time resolution for a year or longer at four US urban sites: Fresno and Claremont in California, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Weekly minima in nitrate concentrations were observed at Fresno, Claremont, and St. Louis, with mean reductions of 21–29% below weekly average values on Sundays or Mondays. The day of week with lowest nitrate varied with site and season. No significant day-of-week variations in nitrate were observed at Pittsburgh. Analysis of ammonium and sulfate measurements at Pittsburgh indicates that weekend sulfate reductions observed at this site during spring/summer months do not increase ammonia availability, but rather lead to more complete neutralization of S(VI). Fine particle nitrate measurements at Claremont were resolved into three size ranges (0.07–0.45, 0.45–1.0, and 1.0–2.5μm); similar weekly reductions were seen for each size range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article compares different sampling methods and sample sizes for content analyzing news on an online news aggregator. Consistent with previous research focusing on traditional media, constructed week sampling is more efficient than simple random sampling or consecutive day sampling. However, while a single constructed week allows reliable estimates of content in a population of six months of newspaper editions, at least two constructed weeks, and as many as five constructed weeks, are needed to accurately represent online news content gathered during the same period, depending on the type of variables being analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of bee pollen on the development of digestive organs were evaluated in broiler chickens. A total of 144 1-day-old AA broiler chickens were randomly and equally divided into two groups, assigned as the control group and the pollen group, respectively. The control group was fed with a basic diet, while the pollen group was fed with a basic diet supplemented with 1.5 bee pollen over a period of 6 weeks. At the end of each week, the digestive organs were obtained for comparison from 12 broilers randomly selected from each group. The results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the small intestine villi from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were longer and thicker in the pollen group. This difference was more significant during early development, especially through the first 2 weeks. Bee pollen increased the length of the villi by 37.1 and 29.4 in the duodenum, 28.1 and 33.7 in the jejunum, and 18.6 and 16.2 in the ileum in week 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, the small intestinal glands were developed at a higher density in the pollen group, and the depth of the glands was significantly increased by bee pollen in the first 2 weeks. These findings suggest that bee pollen could promote the early development of the digestive system and therefore is a potentially beneficial food supplement for certain conditions, such as short bowel syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convincing evidence has demonstrated that cardiovascular diseases do not occur randomly throughout the day, the week, or the year but show a well defined temporal organization. This article will review circadian, weekly, and seasonal patterns of occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, along with their underlying pathophysiological triggering factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are the commonest neonatal tumors with an incidence of approximately 1:30,000. There are few large single-center series and even fewer describing both their antenatal and postnatal course. We report the outcome of all fetuses investigated at a tertiary fetal medicine center with this diagnosis. Method: Demographic details were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Patient records were examined for additional data including antenatal and postnatal interventions. Data were described as median (range). Results: Forty-one SCTs were diagnosed antenatally during the period 1993 to 2004. Twelve were excluded from subsequent analysis (single antenatal visit or attending for second opinion [n = 6] and termination of pregnancy [n = 6]). Twelve underwent fetal intervention (laser vessel ablation [n = 4], alcohol sclerosis [n = 3], cyst drainage [n = 2], amniodrainage [n = 2], vesicoamniotic shunt [n = 1]) for fetal hydrops and polyhydramnios to aid in delivery and to prevent obstructive uropathy developing in the fetus. Of these, 3 died in utero and 9 survived to be born (median gestational age, 33 weeks [27-37 weeks]). A further 3 died in the neonatal period. There are 6 long-term survivors (50%) from this group. Seventeen infants, without intervention, were born at median gestational age 38 weeks (26-40 weeks). One infant with severe cardiac anomalies died on the day of birth. All surviving infants had definitive excisional surgery at a median of 2 days (1-16 days). Current median follow-up of survivors is 39 months (8-86 months). There have been no recurrences. One child has mild constipation, and 3 are awaiting cosmetic revision of their scars. Conclusions: The overall survival of antenatally diagnosed SCT is approximately 77%, with the development of hydrops and others requiring in utero intervention carrying a poor prognosis. Otherwise, the outcome after surgical excision is excellent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To describe the pattern of sexual attempts by men with erectile dysfunction (ED) taking tadalafil 20 mg on demand or on an alternative dosing regimen, 3 times/week, and to assess changes in sexual behavior when the patients were exposed to the alternative regimen. Scheduled use versus on-demand regimen evaluation (SURE) is a multicenter, crossover, open-label study conducted in 14 European countries. Men with ED (N = 4,262) were randomized to tadalafil 20 mg on-demand treatment (maximum one dose per day and before sexual activity) or 3 times/week for 5–6 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, patients were crossed over to the alternative regimen for 5–6 weeks. Nearly half (47%) of the attempts on the on-demand regimen and 71% of the attempts on the 3 times/week treatment were performed by patients more than 4 hours post dosing. Sexual activity occurred throughout the week on both regimens, with the highest percentage of attempts made during the weekend (50% on on-demand and 48% on 3 times/week) and evening and morning hours. The efficacy of tadalafil was more than 70% mean-per-patient success rate (Sexual Encounter Profile question 3) regardless of the time interval post dosing. Patients on tadalafil changed their sexual behavior significantly when on an alternative dosing regimen (3 times/week) and had sexual attempts distributed over a wide period of time post dosing. A substantial number of sexual attempts were performed beyond the first 4 hours post dosing on both regimens (47% for on-demand and 71% for 3 times/week) and preferably in the evening and morning hours. Tadalafil was efficacious regardless of the time interval post dosing—i.e., up to 36 hours. The two treatment regimens, on-demand and 3 times/week, provide an additional option and unique flexibility in dosing for men with ED and their partners. Moncada I, Damber J-E, Mirone V, Wespes E, Casariego J, Chan M, and Varanese L. Sexual intercourse attempt patterns with two dosing regimens of tadalafil in men with erectile dysfunction: Results from the SURE study in 14 European countries. J Sex Med **; **:**–**. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective:: Tinnitus is one of the most common and distressing otological symptoms. Although numerous therapeutic modalities have been tried, there is no consensus regarding effective therapeutic agents up to now. The effects of lidocaine on tinnitus have been reported in literature using either subjective or audiologic tests. Nevertheless, the otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) have not been utilized to demonstrate lidocaine’s effect on the cochlea in the English literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lidocaine on tinnitus by considering the alterations with tinnitus, it induces on OAEs and subjective symptoms. Methods:: This study was performed in 30 patients with tinnitus. Twenty-eight of the patients had normal hearing and two of them evidenced mild sensorineural hearing loss. To determine the severity of tinnitus, the patients were required to fill out a tinnitus scoring scale before lidocaine infusion on the same day. Then, lidocaine was administered intravenously to each patient at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight over a period of 30 min. Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured three times; namely before lidocaine injection, at 25 min after injection and on the next day. The severity of tinnitus was scored again 1 d, 1 wk and 1 mo after lidocaine administration. Results:: Immediately after infusion, four patients (13.3%) declared total suppression of tinnitus, whereas three patients (10%) reported only partial relief in tinnitus subjectively. The patients, who had a subjective improved response (group 1) were compared with the patients, who had no response (group 2). Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) in DPOAE response/growth or input/output (I/O) functions were observed at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz frequencies in lidocaine responders and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz frequencies in no responders at different primary stimulus levels. Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) were seen at 2 kHz for 53 dB and at 3 kHz for 62 dB SPL primaries in both groups. When the significant results of these two groups were compared with each other, differences were found insignificant. Conclusion:: Systematic OAE measurements revealed that no changes occurred in SOAE and DPOAE levels in that alterations disappeared the next day. Subjective relief from tinnitus was stated in some of the patients and lasted for 4 wk at longest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]