Chinglish: an Emerging New Variety of English Language?

Examensarbetet avhandlar möjligheterna att importera byggmaterial samt att anlita underentreprenörer från Polen. Arbetet har gjorts åt medlemmarna inom BIFAByggmästargruppen Interfaber AB. BIFA är en organisation med självständiga byggentreprenörer i effektiv samverkan vad avser gemensamma angelägenheter, som t.ex. inköp av byggmaterial. Rapporten omfattar tre delar, en teoretisk-, en empirisk- och en praktisk del. Arbetet inleds med en allmän beskrivning av Polen och dess ekonomiska förutsättningar. I denna del tar vi också upp EU-lagar för utländska entreprenörer som arbetar i Sverige. I rapporten kan man också ta del av en enkätundersökning. Enkätundersökningens syfte var att få kännedom om vilka typer av byggmaterial och underentreprenörsarbeten BIFA:s medlemmar är mest intresserade av. Resultatet av undersökningen visar att medlemmarna är mest angelägna om att importera fönster och dörrar. De underentreprenörsarbeten som är av störst intresse är mur- och putsarbeten. För att hitta leverantörer och underentreprenörer reste vi till Gdansk i Polen och där besökte vi en byggmaterialmässa. Besöket på mässan resulterade i flera kontakter med företag, varav tre har kontaktpersoner i Sverige. Vi träffade även betydelsefulla personer på Exportrådet Polen, Polsk-svenska Handelskammaren samt NCC. Dessa personer kunde ge oss användbar information angående leveranser, betalningar och problem som kan uppstå. Under arbetet har vi kommit i kontakt med rapporten ”Nya inköpsvägar för byggmaterial”, som har sammanställts av Svensk Handel. Rapporten behandlar inköp av byggmaterial från bl.a. Polen och innehåller information om polska leverantörer som bedömts som lämpliga för import till Sverige. Detta kan ge BIFA möjlighet att hitta ytterligare leverantörer av byggmaterial. Att hitta underentreprenörer visade sig vara betydligt svårare än att hitta leverantörer. Vi har kontaktat flera underentreprenörer men har tyvärr inte fått något gensvar. Ett sätt att hitta leverantörer och underentreprenörer är att ta hjälp av Polsk-svenska handelskammaren. Handelskammaren kan mot betalning fungera som konsulter och hitta lämpliga leverantörer och underentreprenörer. Ett annat sätt att finna polsk arbetskraft och leverantörer är att ha en anställd lokaliserad i Polen som då kan arbeta mer effektivt med detta.This thesis deals with the possibilities of importing construction materials and hiring sub-contractors from Poland. The report has been realized on behalf of the member companies of BIFA – Byggmästargruppen Interfaber AB. BIFA is an organization that includes independent companies that assist each other in affairs of common interest, for example, purchasing of building materials. The report consists of a theoretical, an empirical and a practical part. The theoreticalpart gives the reader a brief introduction to Poland and its economics. This part also discusses laws and practices concerning foreign companies working in Sweden. The practical part contains a survey which was conducted to learn what materials and sub-contractors from Poland BIFA´s members are interested in. The survey shows that the member companies of BIFA are most interested in importing windows and doors, and sub-contractors working with plaster and masonry. In order to contact Polish suppliers and sub-contractors we went to Gdansk in Poland, where we visited a construction fair. At the fair we made contact with several companies who export building materials, of which three had representatives working in Sweden. In Poland we also met with people who work at the Swedish Trade Council, Polish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and the Swedish construction company, NCC. These meetings gave us important information regarding distribution, payments, as well as common problems that could arise when dealing with Polish companies. Establishing contact with sub-contractors proved to be more difficult than with suppliers of materials. We have tried to contact some companies but have not yet received a response. The Polish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce work as consultants and present good opportunities for foreign companies who want to do business with Polish firms. An alternative that cuts out the middleman is to station employees in Poland who work only with contacting Polish firms

An annotated list of the Lepidoptera of Honduras

A biodiversity inventory of the Lepidoptera of Pico Bonito National Park and vicinity, in the Department of Atlantida of northern Honduras, was initiated in 2009 to obtain baseline data. We present a revised checklist of Honduran butterfly species (updated from the initial 1967 lists), as well as the first comprehensive list of Honduran moths. Our updated list includes 550 species of Papilionoidea, 311 Hesperioidea, and 1,441 moth species

An annotated list of the Lepidoptera of Honduras

A biodiversity inventory of the Lepidoptera of Pico Bonito National Park and vicinity, in the Department of Atlantida of northern Honduras, was initiated in 2009 to obtain baseline data. We present a revised checklist of Honduran butterfly species (updated from the initial 1967 lists), as well as the first comprehensive list of Honduran moths. Our updated list includes 550 species of Papilionoidea, 311 Hesperioidea, and 1,441 moth species

Noble reactions for the actinides: safe gold-based access to organouranium and azide complexes

Gold has had a profound impact on organic chemistry; its compounds are spectacular catalysts for many organic transformations involving the formation of C-C, C-O, C-N and CoS bonds, and have enabled unprecedented pathways for the functionalization of C-H and C-C bonds. In general, gold complexes have not been exploited as reagents in organometallic or inorganic chemistry, although a few gold(l) aryl and alkynyl compounds have been reported to undergo transmetalation with transition metal complexes. We have been developing methods for functionalizing uranium complexes and have shown that Cu(l)-X reagents effect the oxidation of uranium with formation of U-X bonds, providing easy chemical control over uranium in oxidation states ranging from U{sup III}{yields}U{sup VI}. Although a logical approach for the direct generation of U-carbon and U-azide bonds, this Cu-based platform is limited in scope as it only works for pure and isolable copper compounds. This is problematic given the instability of organocuprates and copper azides, which can detonate violently as isolated solids. As such, this route has been confined to the synthesis of select uranium phenylacetylide complexes. Over the past few years, a variety of stable gold(l) alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, and azide complexes have been reported, propelling us to investigate their potential as reagents within the oxidative functionalization platform. Unlike the related CU{sup I} systems, Au{sup I} reagents are easily derivatized, and are safe to handle and isolate. Herein, we report that gold(l)-phosphine compounds can undergo a new class of reaction, and are excellent reagents for the oxidative functionalization of uranium with azide and carbon anions

Abrogation of Stem Loop Binding Protein (Slbp) function leads to a failure of cells to transition from proliferation to differentiation, retinal coloboma and midline axon guidance deficits

Through forward genetic screening for mutations affecting visual system development, we identified prominent coloboma and cell-autonomous retinal neuron differentiation, lamination and retinal axon projection defects in eisspalte (ele) mutant zebrafish. Additional axonal deficits were present, most notably at midline axon commissures. Genetic mapping and cloning of the ele mutation showed that the affected gene is slbp, which encodes a conserved RNA stem-loop binding protein involved in replication dependent histone mRNA metabolism. Cells throughout the central nervous system remained in the cell cycle in ele mutant embryos at stages when, and locations where, post-mitotic cells have differentiated in wild-type siblings. Indeed, RNAseq analysis showed down-regulation of many genes associated with neuronal differentiation. This was coincident with changes in the levels and spatial localisation of expression of various genes implicated, for instance, in axon guidance, that likely underlie specific ele phenotypes. These results suggest that many of the cell and tissue specific phenotypes in ele mutant embryos are secondary to altered expression of modules of developmental regulatory genes that characterise, or promote transitions in, cell state and require the correct function of Slbp-dependent histone and chromatin regulatory genes

Interleukin-1 beta single-nucleotide polymorphism\u27s C allele is associated with elevated risk of gastric cancer in helicobacter pylori-infected Peruvians

Particular alleles of the interleukin-1B (IL-1B) gene have been correlated with increased risk of atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer in the populations of East Asia and Europe. No such data exist from Peru, a developing country with a population genotypically different from others studied and with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. We conducted a case-control study comparing 334 hospitalized patients with atrophic gastritis or gastric cancer with 158 nonatrophic gastritis patients (controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that an increased risk of atrophic gastritis (odds ratio, 5.60) and gastric cancer (odds ratio, 2.36) was associated with the IL-1B-511 C allele. Our study is the first to establish this allele as a risk for these conditions. Given the high prevalence of H. pylori and recurrence rate after treatment, IL-1B-511 single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis may identify those individuals who would benefit most from robust H. pylori eradication efforts in Peru

Enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Hunter disease: A systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta-analysis

Background: In the last 10 years enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has become an alternative for the treatment of patients with Hunter disease (HD). Nevertheless, the information regarding efficacy and safety is scarce and mainly based on the pivotal trials. This scarcity is especially evident for adults and severe forms of HD. Methods: A systematic review of publications in the electronic databases PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Central was undertaken. Clinical trials and observational studies were included. The data about efficacy and security were retrieved and analysed with Review Manager version 5.3. Results: 677 records were found, 559 remaining after the removal of duplicates. By title and abstract review, 427 were excluded. Full reading of the rest was made (122 publications) and 42 were finally included. It was not possible to perform meta-analysis of all the endpoints due to high heterogeneity in the reporting and measuring of variables in each publication. Eight clinical trials were included, 6 with high risk of bias. The quality of the other studies was low in 12%, average in 68% and good in 21%. Main findings were: a reduction in the elimination of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in urine in all the studies (26/26), decrease in liver and spleen size (18/18), increase of 52.59 m (95% CI, 36, 42-68.76, p < .001) in the 6-min walk test (TM6M), increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) of 9.59% (95% CI 4.77-14.51, p < .001), reduction of the left ventricular mass index of 3.57% (95% CI 1.2-5.93) and reduction in mortality (OR) of 0.44 (0.27-0.71). Discussion: The data suggests a clear and consistent effect of ERT in HD reducing the accumulation of GAGs in the body, demonstrated by the reduction of its urinary excretion, as well as by the reduction of its deposits (spleen, liver and heart). Likewise, there is an improvement in physical and respiratory function. In addition, a reduction in mortality has been observed. Lack of studies, small size of the samples, and methodological deficiencies are the main limitations to establish definite conclusions. Conclusions: The data suggests that ERT is effective and safe in the treatment of HD. There is a need to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and the impact on quality of life

Biocarbón derivado de excretas porcinas con capacidad de disminuir la disponibilidad de Pb en suelos agrícolas contaminados

The use of organic amendments improves the quality and increases the fertility of the soils due to their adsorption properties, stimulates nutrient cycling and can be used to reduce the availability of heavy metals. The main objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of biochar (BC) derived from pig manure on the availability of Pb in a contaminated and limed agricultural soil. A randomized experimental design was applied, the pig manure was dried at room temperature (23 °C) and pyrolyzed at 500 °C for 2 h. Doses of 5%, 10% and 20% of BC were applied to the Pb soils contaminated (165.7 mg/kg), that were arranged in 2 kg pots except for the control sample, and Lactuca sativa was subsequently grown cultivated to evaluate the Pb availability. The results indicated an improvement in soil quality at higher BC dose, increase of 0.34 pH units, decrease of Pb extracted by EDTA (27% to 62% of decrease), and non-significant Pb content in leachates (&lt; 1 mg Pb/L) and no detection in plant roots (&lt; 0.01 mg/kg), except for the control plant (0.7 mg Pb/kg) in the original soil. A logarithmic relational model between BC dose and Pb adsorbed in the soil was obtained (R2 = 0.9938, p &lt; 0.05) showing that the decrease of Pb availability in the soil increased for higher BC doses, which represents an eco-friendly remediation alternative. It is recommended to investigate the interaction relationships between the soil quality parameters and to establish functional models of bioaccumulation and extractable metal of the amended soil.El uso de enmiendas orgánicas mejora la calidad y aumenta la fertilidad de los suelos debido a sus propiedades de adsorción, estimula el ciclo de nutrientes y puede usarse para reducir la disponibilidad de metales pesados. El principal objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar el efecto del biocarbón (BC) derivado de las excretas porcinas sobre la disponibilidad de Pb en un suelo agrícola contaminado y encalado. Se aplicó un diseño experimental aleatorizado, las excretas de cerdo se secaron a temperatura ambiente (23 °C) y se pirolizaron a 500 °C durante 2 h. Se aplicaron dosis del 5%, 10% y 20% de BC a los suelos contaminados con Pb (165,7 mg/kg), que se dispusieron en macetas de 2 kg con excepción de la muestra control, y posteriormente se cultivó Lactuca sativa para evaluar la disponibilidad de Pb. Los resultados indicaron una mejora en la calidad del suelo a dosis más altas de BC, aumento de 0,34 unidades de pH, disminución de Pb extraído por EDTA (27% a 62% de disminución) y contenido no significativo de Pb en lixiviados (&lt; 1 mg Pb/L) y sin detección en raíces de plantas (&lt; 0,01 mg/kg), excepto para la planta de control (0,7 mg Pb/kg) en el suelo original. Se obtuvo un modelo relacional logarítmico entre la dosis de BC y el Pb adsorbido en el suelo (R2 = 0,9938, p &lt; 0,05) que muestra que la disminución de la disponibilidad de Pb en el suelo aumentó para dosis más altas de BC, lo que representa una alternativa de remediación ecológica. Se recomienda investigar las relaciones de interacción entre los parámetros de calidad del suelo y establecer modelos funcionales de bioacumulación y metal extraíble del suelo enmendado

Reduced bone loss is associated with reduced mortality risk in subjects exposed to nitrogen bisphosphonates: A mediation analysis

Bisphosphonates, potent anti-resorptive agents, have been found to be associated with mortality reduction. Accelerated bone loss is, in itself, an independent predictor of mortality risk, but the relationship between bisphosphonates, bone loss, and mortality is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the association between bisphosphonates and mortality is mediated by a reduction in the rate of bone loss. Participants from the population‐based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study were followed prospectively between1996 and 2011. Comorbidities and lifestyle factors were collected at baseline and bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and at years 3 (for those aged 40 to 60 years), 5, and 10. Rate of bone loss was calculated using linear regression. Information on medication use was obtained yearly. Bisphosphonate users grouped into nitrogen bisphosphonates (nBP; alendronate or risedronate) and etidronate and non‐users (NoRx) were matched by propensity score, including all baseline factors as well as time of treatment. Cox’s proportional hazards models, unadjusted and adjusted for annual rate of bone loss, were used to determine the association between nBP and etidronate versus NoRx. For the treatment groups with significant mortality risk reduction, the percent of mortality reduction mediated by a reduction in the rate of bone loss was estimated using a causal mediation analysis. There were 271 pairs of nBP and matched NoRx and 327 pairs of etidronate and matched NoRx. nBP but not etidronate use was associated with significant mortality risk reduction (hazard ratios [HR]=0.61 [95% confidenceinterval0.39–0.96]and1.35[95%CI0.86–2.11] for nBP and etidronate, respectively). Rapid bone loss was associated with more than2‐fold increased mortality risk compared with no loss. Mediation analysis indicated that39% (95%CI7%–84%) of the nBP association with mortality was related to a reduction in the rate of bone loss. This finding provides an insight into the mechanism of the relationship between nBP and survival benefit in osteoporotic patients