Current design codes are inconsistent regarding whether or not the spacing of stirrups should be limited across the web of a deep-beam region. This study evaluates the benefit of distributing stirrups across the web of beams subjected to deep-beam shear. Full-scale beams were fabricated and tested in a total of six tests. Four tests were conducted on specimens with a 21 x 44 in. (530 x 1120 mm) cross section and two tests were conducted on beams with a 36 x 48 in. (910 x 1220 mm) cross section. Experimental variables were the number of stirrup legs distributed across the web and the amount of web reinforcement. The results showed that the addition of closely spaced stirrups did not significantly improve the shear capacity or serviceability performance of the beams. Since web reinforcement is relatively ineffective in a deep beam, limiting the stirrup spacing across the web may be inefficient. In many cases, intermediate stirrup legs are unnecessary in deep beams as wide as 36 inches.


Background. The comorbidity of arterial hypertension (AH) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is becoming increasingly common in clinical practice. However, the priority strategy for selecting antihypertensive therapy in such patients is yet to be defined. 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is important for determining an approach to controlling hypertension.Objectives. To study specific features of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring in comorbid AH– OSA patients.Methods. A total of 130 AH patients were surveyed. The main cohort (1) included AH–OSA patients (n = 90, mean age 54.93 ± 1.04 years), control cohort (2) — non-OSA AH patients (n = 40, mean age 57.92 ± 1.29 years). All patients had a general clinical examination with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. OSA was verified in overnight respiratory polygraphy using an Alice PDx diagnostic appliance (USA).Results. The following specific features of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring were identified in the comorbid patients: a statistically significant growth of mean 24-hour systolic and average BP, as well as mean nocturnal systolic, diastolic and average BP; a statistically significant growth of mean 24-hour systolic, diastolic and average BP load indices. In addition, the AH-OSA patients had the statistically higher pulse pressure, systolic and average BP variability, as well as morning BP surge rate. The 24-hour BP dynamics in OSA patients had predominant morbid profiles and higher non-dipper and night-peaker rates compared to the control cohort.Conclusion. The identified specific features reflect a high risk of adverse cardiovascular events in AH–OSA comorbid patients, an earlier damage of target organs and negative prognosis of comorbidity, which warrants a further analysis of AH-specific clinical picture and personalisation of blood pressure control measures in such patients.


This paper presents part of the doctoral research results entitled "The Significance of the Past for History Teachers". The subjects are seventeen teachers of history, from ten schools of high school in Curitiba - PR. Present and categorizes teachers' answers on the epistemological concept of past in groups: static past, past to create empathy, past and memory, past to memorize, exemplary past and past for guidance. The theoretical basis of analysis and research was developed by Michael Oakeshott (2003), David Lowenthal (1989, 1998), Jorn Rusen (2001, 2007a, 2007b), Jacques Le Goff (1992), Peter Lee (2003) and Maria Auxiliadora Schmidt (2010). The categorization presents results that contribute to the discussion of understanding that the teacher has on the epistemology of science reference.


To keep up with the rising demand for silicon solar cells in the photovoltaic sector, an alternative slicing method that can achieve high throughput with minimal waste is required. In recent research efforts, Wire electro-discharge machining (WEDM) has become the possible alternative method for slicing. The experimental investigation focuses on slicing monocrystalline silicon using the WEDM process with a brass wire electrode of 250 μm in diameter. The face-centered central composite design was employed for planning and conducting experiments. The investigational experiments were conducted with five different process parameters serving as inputs: peak current, wire tension, wire feed rate, pulse on and off time. The response parameter measured was the slicing speed and the surface roughness. Further, comparisons were made between different kernel functions in support vector regression (SVR) for the prediction modelling of slicing speed and surface roughness. The difficulty in prediction modelling can be attributed to the complexity of the WEDM process, which is caused by the involvement of various process parameters. The primary purpose of this work is to determine the best predictive kernel among the linear, polynomial, radial basis function (Rbf), and sigmoid kernel functions based on the experimental data. The predictive performance of different kernel functions was evaluated and compared. Grid search was used for the hyper tuning of the kernel parameters. The radial basis function produces R2 of 99.751% and 97.552%, MSE values of 0.00046 and 0.00079, RSME values of 0.0215 and 0.02814, MAE values of 0.01645 and 0.01894, and MAPE values of 1.2% and 0.9% for slicing speed and surface roughness. Support vector regression with radial basis function gives better results in comparison to other kernel functions, which concludes that support vector regression with radial basis function is well suited for the prediction of slicing speed and surface roughness.


Purpose - This paper seeks to investigate the effects of different influential factors on consumer perceptions of uncertainty for online shopping. Design/methodology/approach - In this research, consumer perceptions of uncertainty have been divided into perceived commodity uncertainty and perceived seller's behavior uncertainty, and the influential factors concerned are experienced commodity attributes, online communication, buyer's comments, and the warrants of the consumer to consumer (C2C) operator. Based on the theoretical framework, this paper takes a structural evaluation model to analyze the research hypotheses. Findings - Taking TAOBAO.com as an example, the empirical research results indicate that perceived commodity uncertainty can be reduced by all the influential factors directly, and the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty can be reduced by online communication. In addition, the results also show that the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty can significantly affect the buyers' will, and perceived commodity uncertainty can indirectly affect the buyers will through the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty. Practical implications - Based on the empirical results, the paper argues that in order to effectively reduce the seller's behavior uncertainty and eliminate information asymmetry, the main issues C2C are faced with currently is to establish a more comprehensive protection mechanism and to develop more equitable trade rules. Originality/value - Compared with previous research on risk and uncertainty, this paper provides experimental analysis of the consumer perceptions of uncertainty for online buyers. It reveals the effects of different influential factors on the perceived uncertainty of consumers, which would help to explain the online consumer's behavior. Furthermore, the results from this research can enrich the understanding of the theory of risk.


'Conservation-as-development' policies are increasingly implemented for and by Indigenous peoples across the world. In particular, such policies have been introduced and adopted in many Indigenous communities of northern Australia since the 1990s. In this context, the transnational model of community-based natural (and cultural) resource management has produced the 'ranger system': a multi-actor, multi-rationale, and multi-level system articulated around job opportunities in the domain of 'caring for country'. In this paper, I explore how the ranger system reflects and extends a process of neoliberal bureaucratisation into Indigenous communities, and to what extent this process can be described as a form of 'bureaucratic participation'. I argue that the notion of 'bureaucratic participation' contributes to the investigation of existing entanglements between rationales of empowerment and neoliberal principles in Australia and beyond. My analysis is based on the ethnography of the daily work of the Indigenous rangers operating from a remote community in Arnhem Land in 2009 and 2010. I examine the complex relationships between local practices and bureaucratic requirements imposed by the Australian state at the core of the Indigenous ranger jobs.


Simple Summary Fungal and bacterial fermentation improves the nutritional quality of soybean meal (SBM). The beneficial effects of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens have been demonstrated. However, FSBM is usually used in pre-starter diets of broiler chickens due to the high cost. In the present study, the SBM in diets was partially replaced by FSBM to evaluate its effect on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The growth performance and major carcass traits were not significantly affected by FSBM treatments. Different levels (2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%) of FSBM supplementation influenced the meat color, pH, nutritional composition, and antioxidant properties. The improvement of meat quality would extend the shelf life of meat and increase consumer acceptability to chicken. The 2.5% FSBM was recommended in a broiler diet. Abstract The usage of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in poultry feed is limited due to the high cost. The present study was conducted to examine the carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens that were fed diets with partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with FSBM. The 336 one-day-old chicks were assigned to four groups with 0% (control), 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% FSBM addition in corn-SBM-based diets. Compared with the control, 2.5% and 5.0% FSBM decreased leg muscle yield, breast drip loss, and cooking loss (p < 0.05). The 7.5% FSBM increased the ultimate pH of breast and thigh muscles, and all FSBM treatments decreased muscle lightness and breast malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05). The 2.5% FSBM increased breast total superoxide dismutase activity, while 7.5% FSBM reduced breast hydrogen peroxide level (p < 0.05). All FSBM treatments elevated breast contents of bitter and sour tasting amino acids, and 2.5% and 7.5% FSBM increased breast glutamic acid and total free amino acids (p < 0.05). The 5.0% and 7.5% FSBM elevated thigh isoleucine and leucine contents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FSBM replacing SBM affected meat quality with the decrease of lightness and increase of pH, water-holding capacity, antioxidant properties, and free amino acids.


In a porous medium the fluid flux and the electric current density are coupled, so that the streaming potentials are generated by fluids moving through porous media and fractures. These electrokinetic phenomena are induced by the relative motion between the fluid and the rock because of the presence of ions within water. Both steady-state and transient fluid flow can induce electrokinetics phenomena. It has been proposed to use this electrokinetic coupling to detect preferential flow paths, to detect faults and contrast in permeabilitieswithin the crust, and to deduce hydraulic conductivity. This chapter proposes a comprehensive review of the electrokinetic coupling in rocks and sediments and a comprehensive review of the different approaches to deduce hydraulic properties in various contexts. Electrical methods are sensitive to the fluid content because of the relative high conductivity of water compared to the one of the rock matrix. The electrical resistivity can be related to the permeability and to the deformation, in full-saturated or in partially-saturated conditions (Doussan & Ruy, 2009; Henry et al., 2003; Jouniaux et al., 1994; 2006). The electrokinetic phenomena are induced by the relative motion between the fluid and the rock matrix. In a porous medium the electric current density, linked to the ions within the fluid, is coupled to the fluid flow (Overbeek, 1952) so that the streaming potentials are generated by fluids moving through porous media (Jouniaux et al., 2009). The classical interpretation of the self-potential (SP) observations is that they originate from electrokinetic effect as water flows through aquifer or fractures. Therefore some formula have been proposed to predict the permeability of porous medium or fault using the electrokinetic properties. The SP method consists in measuring the natural electric field on the Earth's surface. Usually the electric field is measured by a high-input impedance multimeter, using impolarizable electrodes (Petiau, 2000; Petiau & Dupis, 1980) and its interpretation needs filtering techniques (Moreau et al., 1996). Moreover, for long-term observations the monitoring of the magnetic field is also needed for a good interpretation (Perrier et al., 1997). Some studies have proposed to use SP observations to infer water-table variations, to estimate hydraulic properties (Glover & Walker, 2009), and to deduce where to make a borehole for water-catchment. These studies involve surface or borehole measurements (Aubert & Atangana, 1996; Fagerlund & Heison, 2003; Finizola et al., 2003; Perrier et al., 1998; Pinettes et al., 2002), some of them have monitored self-potentials during hydraulic tests in boreholes (Darnet et al., 2006; Darnet & Marquis, 2004; Ishido et al., 1983; Maineult et al., 2008). Direct models Electrokinetic Techniques for the Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity


The recognition of the specific nature of an obstructing lesion of the bowel is a vastly important expedient in the proper management of intestinal obstruction. With the introduction of suction therapy for the treatment of acute obstruction by Wangensteen and Paine, 1 the need for exact diagnosis has become even more pressing. While it is clear that in certain cases simple mechanical obstruction of the small bowel can be treated successfully without recourse to surgery, the management of obstruction of the small bowel by decompression is not without danger, especially when the exact nature of the lesion has not been ascertained. In certain instances of diagnostic uncertainty, suction decompression of the bowel postpones the inevitable train of events and creates a false sense of security. Gallstone ileus is one of the conditions in which temporizing procedures are not indicated; once this diagnosis is established, the hazard of any procedure other


The paper explores the problem of creating interest in mathematics students' research endeavors at teacher preparation institutions. The purpose of the study is to determine whether it is possible to organize students' scientific investigation using the 5E Instructional Model during a workshop on approximation theory and the Fourier series. The study takes into account the survey responses from the students who assisted in assessing the workshop participants' emotional states. The Differential Emotion Scale, a tool for expressing evaluations of positive and negative emotionality, was used to gather the data. The benefits of the atmosphere created by the 5E Instructional Model on students' emotional states and how it shapes their motivation in scientific inquiry when setting up workshop classes are covered in the article. We have reason to believe that running workshops based on the 5E Instructional Model is effective. The students' involvement throughout the session and enthusiasm in research activities increased as a result of the index reduction of their negative feelings.


With the emergence of the "single-parent" social phenomenon, an augmenting number of studies have been carried out on marriage issues. However, few articles focused on the empirical study of the "single-parents" or "two-parent "effect on family education expenditure. Based on data from the China Comprehensive Social Survey in 2015 (CGSS2015), this study examines the impact of the marital status of householders on it. The results of the study are as follows: Firstly, there are differences in education expenditure between "single-parent" and "Two-parent " families. The education expenditure of "two-parent "family is significantly lower than that of "single-parents". The education expenditure of the middle-aged householders in "two-parent" family is significantly higher than that of the middle-aged householder in "single-parents" family; the education expenditure of the young householder in " two-parent " family is lower than that of the young householder in "single-parents" family, which offsets that of the young householder in " two-parent " family. The investment in education is higher than the expenditure on education of the young householders in "single-parents" family, which leads to the fact that the expenditure on family education of the young householder in "two-parent" family is still higher than that of the young householder in "single-parents" family. Second, the expenditure on family education of the level of education of the householder is greater than of the young householder in "single-parents" family. There is a promotive effect whether the whole sample or the sub-sample, the conclusion is very consistent: holding other variables constant, the education acquisition of the householder has a significant positive correlation with the total expenditure on education of the children (logarithm), and the householder with more education acquisition generally pays more attention to the education of the next generation and they spend more on the education of the child.


The problem of determining the transversal contour of a slender, conical body of given length and base area so as to minimize the total drag (the sum of the pressure drag and the skin-friction drag) in hypersonic flow is investigated with the indirect methods of the calculus of variations. It is assumed that the pressure coefficient is modified Newtonian and a constant value of the skin-friction coefficient is employed. It is shown that, depending on the values of the length, the base area, and the skin-friction coefficient, three classes of solutions are possible: (I) circular arcs, (II) combinations of straight line segments tangent to a basic circle, and (III) combinations of circular arcs and straight line segments tangent to the circular arcs. Sufficiency proofs for a weak relative minimum are developed without the use of the Jacobi condition. Also, sufficiency proofs for an absolute minimum are supplied for the solutions of Class 11 and Class III.


Aim Major trauma or MT has historically and traditionally been associated as a disease mainly affecting young men, normally under the age of 401 (NAO 2010). Major trauma describes serious and often multiple injuries where there is a strong possibility of death or disability2 (Keogh et al. 2015). Nationally the population is growing older, it is anticipated that the elderly will form an increasing part of the major trauma work load. A recent report published by TARN3 2017, found that elderly trauma currently accounts for 20% of patients, the predominant reason was a fall from <2 metres. The Emergency Operations Centre or EOC reported call demand for the year ending 2016 was 8 55 015 (YAS BI, 2017). All calls receive a code dependent on chief complaint calls that coded 17 (falls) accounted for 82 847 of that call volume, just under 7000 calls a month. Calls that code 17 (green) has the potential of a 90 delay in call back from a clinician at times this can be prolonged further dependent on call demand within the EOC. Identification of human factors association in the decision making process when looking at elderly service. Improve identification and flow of Silver Trauma or ST patients who have fallen and suffered significant injury and bypass should be considered in the Emergency Operational Centre. Highlight the changing face of trauma within the UK. Raising awareness of the increased risk in mortality for ST Service user with complex PMH and to take in to account the increase of risk of mortality or serious injury as a result of anticoagulation medication. Highlight potential harm in this subset of service user with delays in triage. Raising awareness in the lack of early identification of ST Service users. Objectives A change in process during the at the triage of elderly falls making contact in the ambulance control room, involving senior clinical advisors to ask an additional question around anticoagulation medication highlighting potential high risk ST service users. To improve awareness around frailty and importance of other factors such as PMH to influence and improve decision making. To improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality. To refine methods of measurement & identification of Silver Trauma. Development of a new reporting form for ST Service users. Get patients to the right place the first time, whilst improving patient outcomes. To inspire and embed leadership within the EOC. Summary of work undertaken Design of project within the EOC New change of process within the EOC Highlighted the importance of consideration complex past medical history of elderly falls service users. Designed new reporting to capture data round elderly service users who have suffered a fall. Pilot started 29th April around new process initially for 3 months when dealing with elderly service users who have suffered a fall. Impact on practice Audit after initial pilot, dissemination and findings reported back to the organisational quality and governance forums. Establish If pilot can evidence a need for change to the Major Trauma tool. To request the question around blood thinning medication or anticoagulation medication to be added in to the call taking process software via the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch or IAED. Shared learning nationally and internationally around findings and dissemination. ST who suffer traumatic injury identified earlier and taken to the most appropriate place of care. Highlight the risk to this subset of service users to raise awareness around frailty and head injury where service users are taking anticoagulation medication. References . National Audit Office. Major Trauma Care [online]2010. Available at: https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/0910213.pdf [Accessed 23 March 2018]. . Kehoe A, Smith J, Edwards A, Yates D, Lecky F. The changing face of major trauma in the UK [online]. Emergency Medicine Journal2015. Available at: http://emj.bmj.com/content/32/12/911 [Accessed 05 Dec. 2017]. . Trauma Audit Research Network. TARN – Publications2017 [online]. Available at: https://www.tarn.ac.uk/Content.aspx?ca=9 [Accessed 01 December 2017].


In the complex business environment companies seek for new forms of successful operations, where innovations become very important success factor for business development. However, innovative activities might affect financial performance of a company in two ways: by increasing expenditure for required investments and by increasing income due to inflows generated by new innovative products. Reffering to this context, the article examines financial performance of companies that are classified as innovative in comparison to traditional companies. The research is based on the determined characteristics of innovative companies, such as performance of research and development activities, technology commercialization, organizational flexibility, focus on market needs, specialization, integration of existing knowledge and experiences, ability to reshape industry standarts, integration of different innovation aspects, investment into production and commercial processes, investment in employees' training and development, concentration on knowledge sharing, innovative infomation transfer, emphasis on environmental and social problems, which enabled to select innovative enterprises from the top 300 companies in Lithuania. Various financial ratios (such as return on equity, return on assets, gross, operating and net profit margins and net debt) were analyzed for the two groups of companies and compared to determine whether innovations lead to better financial performance of a company, especially during economical downturn cycle. It was determined that profitability ratios selected for the research are significantly higher in the group of innovative companies as compared to the sample of traditional enterprises.


This paper describes the organization and conduct of a 4th year capstone project for civil engineering students at the University of Calgary that embodied a very significant international component and the difficulties inherent to that component. The project design education process results in numerous contributions to university, industry, and society by permitting students to develop innovative design solutions that reflect multicultural influences, while also recognizing that Civil Engineering design is universal. This paper explains the novel approach adopted for the final-year civil engineering design course in 2002–2003 using the largest urban renewal project currently underway in Europe, for which the students had the opportunity to develop designs. The concept, structure, challenges, and contributions as well as the successful outcome of the civil engineering design course are also explained in the paper. Overall, this design project provided the students with valuable experience in communication,...


In this study, we was going to suggest that could objectively apply to the homepages of domestic hotels(deluxe level 29) in Seoul likewise, by evaluating the hotel homepage. The purpose of this study was to analyze official internet site of each hotel internet marketing approach. Content analysis of each hotel homepage was examined by the marketing 4Ps which is product mix, promotion mix, price mix and place mix. In accordance with evaluation elements, we proposed analysis result, problems and the development plan.


The effect of barrier characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity and thickness on the movement of NAPL(Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid) leaking from UST(Underground Storage Tank) is examined to prevent the pollution of soil and ground water in unsaturated zone. Due to laboratory experiment for soil characteristics, hydraulic conductivity is decreased as particle size becomes small. And there is little to no effect of particle size on soil characteristics such as bulk density, porosity, and water content. Initially, movement of NAPL in vertical direction is more fast than that in horizontal direction because a gravity is the most important factor on movement of NAPL in unsaturated zone. As increasing a travel time, the effect of barrier is very important in contaminated volume of NAPL since the change of moving distance of NAPL is decreased. When the hydraulic conductivity of barrier is reduced to 1/3 time, the contaminated volume is deceased to about 50%. However, the contaminated volume is deceased only 23% although the thickness of barrier is increased to 3 times. Hence, the hydraulic conductivity of barrier is very important to control the movement of NAPL in unsaturated zone. The dimensionless group, Kt/T, represents the characteristics of barrier and the optimal dimensionless value is decided to about 50. When the dimensionless value is applied to the field example in which hydraulic conductivity is 1.0×10-6cm/sec, the moving distance of a front head of NAPL is estimated about 20 cm for 30 years.


A double-surface model of dilative soils is put forward with plastic work and plastic shear strain as hardening parameters. This model, based on generalized plastic mechanics, can be easily used for FEM analysis.


Bachelor thesis is focused on the potential of outdoor summer school with preschool chil-dren. The author discusses the issue of planning and organization outdoor summer school, which is connected at present with problems. In theoretical part describes the legislation and standarts, which realte to personnel, security and technical security outdoor summer school. Application part is devote to conceptual presentation of one particular outdoor summer school, which was set for the selected Kindergarten. The work describes the reali-zation of outdoor summer school, its development and also are presented evaluation out-puts.


Abstract Case report - Introduction By June 2020, 175,000 cases of COVID-19 had been identified in London alone. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, loss of smell, cough, myalgia, and sore throat. The major complication is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but systemic complications such as cardiomyopathy, acute kidney injury, encephalopathy and coagulopathy are being identified. A delayed multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children has also been recognised and further complications are likely to be identified as our experience increases. Here, we report the case of a patient with large vessel vasculitis who initially presented with symptoms highly likely to be due to COVID-19 infection. Case report - Case description A 36-year-old black African nurse presented in May 2020, with acute onset 7 days prior of high-grade fevers, rigors, nights sweats, generalised myalgia, sore throat, headache with photophobia, anosmia, dysgeusia and a widespread rash. She was a smoker with no other relevant medical, travel nor sexual history, and no drug use. A COVID-19 swab on day 2 had been negative and she had taken a course of Doxycycline. Examination revealed firm palpable subcutaneous nodules on lower limbs, upper back and forehead and cervical lymphadenopathy. She was photophobic with no meningism. The rest of her physical examination was normal. BP was 116/97 mmHg, heart rate 109 bpm and satO2 100%. Investigations demonstrated C-reactive protein 330mg/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 140, Ferritin 479, lymphopaenia 0.7x109, eGFR 54 with no haematoproteinuria, D-dimer 3.05 mg/L with INR 1.1, aPTT 1.3, fibrinogen 8.8 g/L. Hb, WCC, liver function, CK, serum ACE and triglycerides were normal. Infectious screen revealed negative blood cultures, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, EBV, CMV and Treponema pallidum serology. CT brain and CSF analysis were normal including bacterial culture and viral PCR. ANA, ENA, dsDNA, ANCA and aPL antibodies were negative with normal complement levels. Throat swab grew group A streptococcus and she was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics for 7 days maintaining fevers up to 39oC. Skin biopsy was non-specific with negative direct immunofluorescence but showed microvascular thrombi in the papillary dermis. COVID-19 PCR tests (three naso-pharyngeal swabs and one stool PCR) and IgG test (day 38) were negative. CT showed no pneumonitis but non-specific retroperitoneal stranding with medium/large vessel vasculitis involving both proximal renal arteries and a 6 cm segment of mid abdominal aorta on PET-CT. We started oral prednisolone 40mg with immediate resolution of her fevers, myalgia, and inflammatory markers, remaining well a month later. Case report - Discussion Takayasu's arteritis is the most common autoimmune large vessel vasculitis (LVV) affecting young females and involves inflammation of the arterial wall ultimately resulting in stenosis and obstruction of the vessel. However, it is rare in patients with African heritage and usually presents with a prolonged prodromal phase. Given the atypical presentation and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection we feel that this patients' LVV may have been a complication of COVID-19 infection. The relationship between infections and vasculitis is complex. TB and syphilis cause aortitis and a relationship between infection and vasculitis has been proven in HBV associated PAN and HCV associated cryoglobulinemia. Experimental data supports a possible association between CMV and herpes virus and Takayasu arteritis. It could, therefore, be hypothesised that COVID-19 infection can trigger LVV. Our patient had a throat swab positive for Streptococcus pyogenes which is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis and mycotic aneurism, but this patient had no evidence of either endocarditis or aneurism formation and so it was felt the throat swab finding was incidental. Our patient had repeated negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swabs and a negative antibody test at day 38. Although this argues against a diagnosis of COVID-19 related illness, the relative lack of information we currently have regarding sensitivities of the tests, at what point COVID-19 PCR becomes negative in the illness and when/if patients develop antibodies, means these negative tests in the presence of typical symptoms cannot exclude the diagnosis. We believe this case is extremely important to highlight a possible novel inflammatory complication of COVID-19 infection. We decided to treat this patient in line with guidance for the management of LVV, including the introduction of methotrexate, but it will be interesting to observe her long-term outcome. Case report - Key learning points Increasing numbers of COVID-19 related systemic inflammatory conditions are likely to be recognised over the coming months. We present the case of patient with large vessel vasculitis who initially presented atypically with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection To identify these complications, COVID-19 symptoms questioning should be part of any routine medical history More information is required regarding the sensitivity of COVID-19 PCR and antibody tests to aid the diagnosis of these conditions The long-term management of inflammatory conditions associated with COVID-19 infection is not clear and a discussion is warranted as to whether DMARDs should be initiated


Three known species of Anacroneuria Klapalek,1909 from Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke (RFAD), Amazonas, Brazil are redescribed: A. minuta Klapalek, 1922 from the male; A. manauensis Ribeiro-Ferreira, 2001 from the Holotype male; A. marlieri Froehlich, 2001 from a Neotype male, herein designated. A fourth species is herein designated as putatively occurring in the RFAD, A. amazonica Froehlich, 2003, and is redescribed from a female paratype. A key to adults known to occur in RFAD is also presented.


When applied to double-circuit lines on the same pole(DLSP),the performance of conventional distance relays is adversely affected by the mutual coupling effect between the lines.This paper analyses the performance of the distance relay when earth faults take place on DLSP,the varying rule of measuring impedance of the distance relay when a phase-to-phase fault between two lines occurs.It is indicated that using own zero-sequence current compensation method in conventional distance relay can enhance the performance of the distance relay,which is especially suitable for over-reaching pilot distance protection of DLSP.


This paper presents a method of estimating pitch frequencies using a modulation model of speech. Both the amplitude envelope and instantaneous frequency deviation due to modulations present in speech carry fundamental frequency information. It is shown that demodulation of speech around any arbitrary frequency or in the vicinity of a formant brings out well resolved F0 in both the envelope and the instantaneous frequency. Values of F0 estimated from the modulation model for utterances under normal and stressed conditions were found consistent with those determined from a direct vocal tract model.


The method of fractionated irradiation was used to study kinetic aspects of repair of sublethal radiation damages in precursor cells from mouse embryonal liver that form in vivo colonies on 8th and 11th days. It was shown that 11-day CFUs had a lesser ability to repair sublethal radiation damages than 8-day ones at different time-intervals between radiation fractions (from 2 to 6 h). These two CFUs sub-populations differed also in the repair kinetics.


The traditional method used to detect and localize power quality disturbances by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) can provide only amplitude - frequency information, but looses time information. In evaluating power supply quality, the FFT-based indices present different limitations. This paper proposes a set of four indices based on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), such as total harmonic distortion, equivalent distortion index, K-factor, and crest factor that can be also applied for non-stationary signals analysis, in unbalanced three-phase systems with non-sinusoidal conditions. In the comparative analysis of Power Quality Indices (PQIs) definitions, these two instruments were used for the three-phase power systems with non-linear loads: three rectifier topologies with near sinusoidal input currents (RNSIC).


This paper explores how several water technologies mediate people's relationship with nature in the domestic sphere. While septic systems are critical to the built environment in exurban North America, they remain largely unacknowledged. Their hidden participation in the backyards of private homes silently facilitates—yet outwardly denies—people's continued engagement in the water cycle. Now, a growing array of alternative practices (e.g. composting toilets and greywater systems) are being embraced by individuals choosing to intervene in their local ecology in an active manner. This study shows how the domestic realm can be a site of imaginative engagement and shifting consciousness, and moreover, serve as a catalyst in society's transition toward a meaningful sustainability.


A pattern reconfigurable patch antenna using a switched loop structure is presented.The loop structure for switchable radiation pattern is connected with a feeding line of the patch antenna. The proposed antenna is designed to operate at 2.5 GHz band with 4.2 dBi maximum gain for wireless communication. The sizes of the rectangular patch and the ground plane are 28 mm × 28 mm and 50 mm × 60 mm, respectively. The simulation and experimental results show that the antenna radiation pattern can be changed with switch on/off configuration. The average gain value in the switch off case is 4.09 dB less than that of the switch on case over the range of from 30 to 150°. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1325–1328, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27593


Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) management includes prediction rule evaluation to define standard pretest DVT probabilities in symptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental usefulness of hormonal therapy to the Wells prediction rules for DVT in women. We studied women undertaking compressive ultrasound scanning for suspected DVT. We adjusted the Wells score for DVT, taking into account the &bgr;-coefficients of the logistic regression model. Data discrimination was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The adjusted score calibration was assessed graphically and by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Reclassification tables and the net reclassification index were used for the adjusted score comparison with the Wells score for DVT. We observed 461 women including 103 DVT events. The mean age was 56 years (±21 years). The adjusted logistic regression model included hormonal therapy and six Wells prediction rules for DVT. The adjusted score weights ranged from −4 to 4. Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed a nonsignificant P value (0.69) and the calibration graph showed no differences between the expected and the observed values. The area under the ROC curve was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90–0.95] for the adjusted model and 0.87 (95% CI 0.84–0.91) for the Wells score for DVT (Delong test, P value < 0.01). Net reclassification index for the adjusted score was 0.22 (95% CI 0.11–0.33, P value < 0.01). Our results suggest an incremental usefulness of hormonal therapy as an independent DVT prediction rule in women compared with the Wells score for DVT. The adjusted score must be evaluated in different populations before clinical use.


Abstract: High spatial resolution remote sensing of forest resources represents a powerfull tool for improving forest planning and management. Here, a new text book is presented dealing with all the main aspects of this important discipline.


The data obtained from some 30 radiophosphorus field experiments on wheat were examined with a view to ascertaining the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on percentage phosphorus in the grain and straw, and protein content of the grain. The percentage phosphorus in the grain was significantly reduced as nitrogen applications were increased while phosphorus fertilization had no effect Grain grown on stubble land contained consistently higher percentages of phosphorus than that on fallow due conceivably to a deficiency of available nitrogen in the stubble land In general, the effect of soil type or climate caused greater variations in percentage phosphorus in the grain than fertilizer treatments No statistical relationship existed between grain yield and percentage phosphorus It is suggested that variations in available nitrogen in the soil may be responsible for variations in phosphorus percentage in the grain, both between soil type and on the same soils in different seasons The percentage ...


Boron and salinity are both toxic to plant growth in high concentrations and frequently occur together. Field peas are one of the major break crops in Western Australia yet little is known about their tolerance to the combined influences of salinity and boron. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine the influence of salinity (0 and 6 dS/m) and boron (5 and 20 mg/kg) and the combined effects of both on the early growth of two field pea varieties 'kaspa', the predominant variety grown in south-east and Western Australia, and an older variety, 'parafield'. Levels were chosen as the upper levels for cereal production. Salinity was found to be the main inhibitor to plant growth in both 'Kaspa' and 'Parafield' reducing plant height, root length and the number of nodes on the main stem. No interaction was observed between the combined effects of salinity and boron toxic soils. 'Kaspa' was more tolerant of boron toxic soils than 'Parafield' with no significant difference between low and high boron soils. In 'Parafield' boron significantly reduced plant growth under low saline conditions. Results suggest that breeding for boron tolerance has had some success, but that there is an urgent need to develop cultivars with greater salinity tolerance and screening of accessions held in genebanks is required to determine if diversity for salinity tolerance exists.


20546 Background: This study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of lung findings in the early phase of febrile neutropenia with normal chest radiographs (NCR) and to analyze the associate risk groups. Methods: Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. 31 High Resolution Computed Tomographies (HRCT) were performed on 27 neutropenic patients with less than 72 hours of fever despite of empiric antibiotic treatment, from May 2006 to May 2007. All patients had NCR. The presence and distribution of focal consolidation (FC), ground-glass opacities (GGO), nodules (N), tree-in-bud pattern (TIBP) and halo sign (HS) were assessed by three radiologists. Statistical analysis of the risk factors was performed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests; a p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Five (16.1%) patients had respiratory symptoms, 12 (38.7%) had mucositis, 23 (74.2%) had hematological malignancy (HM). 15 patients (48.3%) had HM in complete remis...


Objective To evaluate the effect of stage sequential treatment of Chinese medicine on mild to moderate ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods A multi-central,randomized-controlled,and non-inferiority designed study was carried out.Totally 239 patients from four clinical centers with mild to moderate UC were randomized into study group and control group.The study group received the stage sequential treatment of Chinese medicine,i.e.,the decoction of Qingchang Huashi Recipe(Recipe for clearing intestine and dissolving damp)for oral taking,the decoction of Guanchang Recipe(Recipe for enema)for enema,and thedecoction of Qingchang Recipe(Recipe for clearing intestine)for oral taking.The control group received mesalazine enteric coated tablets for oral taking.The course of treatment was of 24 weeks.The symptom scores of before treatment and 2,4,8,12,16,20,24 weeks after treatment were recorded to compare the changes of two groups for evaluating the clinical effect.Results Of the 239 patients,204 cases were up to the treatment plan,111in the study group and 93 in the control group.At the end of the treatment,the total effective rate of the study group was 87.4%,while that of the control group was 84.9%,indicating that the former was not inferior to the latter(P0.05).In the comparison of difference of symptom scores between the two groups,the improvement in the total symptom score of the 8th week in the study group was better than that of the control group(P0.01),and the improvement in the abdominal distention and abdominal pain of the 4th and 8th weeks in the study group was better than that of the control group respectively(P0.05).Conclusion Stage sequential treatment of Chinese medicine could remarkably improve symptoms of mild to moderate UC patients,and could quickly induce symptom relief,especially the earlier improvement of abdominal distention and abdominal pain.


Based on regional culture and traced by the tag of netgame law,East-Asia cyberlaw culture turns to be a special community.It focus on the netgame questions referring to the system,idea and behaviour law culture along with three countries as China(including Mainland and Taiwan),Korea and Japan."Harmonious and different" becomes their common characteristics.Much the same,Manul Castle's famous viewpoints should give us much intensive thinking,just about the relation of isomorphism and heterogeneity.


Women who have responded to God''s call to ministry share common processes in their emergence into and development in leadership. Leadership Emergence Theory was first articulated by J. Robert Clinton, in studies which focused on Christian men. For those denominations (Wesleyan-Holiness) that ordain women to pastoral ministry the question is whether the patterns of leadership emergence are the same for women. This research addresses that very question. The context for research was the Church of God in North America, looking not only at Caucasians, but African-Americas and Latina-Americans. There are many processes that all leaders share: male or female; brown, black or white. There are also many processes in the development of leaders that are particular to sex and race. It is important for those preparing Christian leaders to understand both the similarities and the differences.


This paper characterizes the rate region of the vector Gaussian CEO problem with the trace distortion constraint. We develop a new analysis technique based on spectral decomposition of mean square error in Berger-Tung scheme. In order to prove the converse part of the rate distortion region, the perturbation method of Wang and Chen is utilized through combining with detailed analysis of Karush-Kuhn-Tucker necessary conditions of the non-convex optimization problem. Finally, we show that Berger-Tung inner bound can achieve the entire rate region of the vector Gaussian CEO problem with the trace distortion constraint, via deriving a novel extremal inequality.


Increase of production efficiency through generalization of design practices of integrated product quality management of the industry is a necessary condition for sustainable development of domestic production. The purpose of the study is to assess the existing system of quality management of the enterprise on the example of a separate business unit and identify directions to increase its effectiveness. Object of study — Production Association of Software (Polished Glass) JSC AGС "Borsky Glass Factory". The subject of study is an integrated quality management system. Research methods — method of economic analysis, and method of expert assessments. A practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using the results to control non-conforming products in the process of industrial production. These studies allow to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the technology used for product quality management and production processes of the industry enterprise on the example of a separate production.


AbstractThe spatial and seasonal occupancy by Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi was estimated using acoustically tagged fish in the Pascagoula River estuary over a 3-year period (2010–2013) and was based on 131,381 detections. Juveniles spent considerably more time in the estuary than subadults or adults, but that varied by year. Gulf Sturgeon of all size-classes entered the acoustic array earlier when stream discharge was high (2011, 2012) compared with when it was lower (2010). The difference was about 14–28 d earlier for adults and subadults but only 12–17 d for juveniles. Temporally, there were no significant differences in occupancy by year or season for adults or subadults or by year for juvenile Gulf Sturgeon, suggesting repeated patterns across the 3 years of this study. Significant and consistent spatial differences in occupancy occurred by array zone, with juveniles occupying the West zone more than the East and River zones of the acoustic array; however, occupancy in the River zone was...


Intestinal adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue created by the intimate contact of two injured surface tissues; these appear in 93% of the patient undergoing intra-abdominal or gastrointestinal surgery. The comorbidities associated with the formation of adhesions have an impact on quality care offered to patients, leading to an increase in healthcare. Goals of this study was to perform a review that includes different therapeutic alternatives in basic and clinical research to prevent the formation of postoperative abdominal peritoneal adhesions. A bibliographic search was conducted in different databases including Pub med, Medline, Cochrane, science direct, from the years 2000 to 2018 using the keywords: gastrointestinal adhesions, small bowel obstruction, prophylaxis, treatment. Only experimental and clinical articles were selected. The development of peritoneal adhesions in most of the experimental studies occurred with cecal abrasion, studying the effect of biodegradable materials, drugs and gels such as mXG Hydrogel. Nanofiber membranes, agents created with recombinant technology such as periostin antisense oligonucleotide and aerosol applications such as polysaccharide 4DryField PH, are positioned to replace in the future the actual limited mechanical barriers application commonly used in abdominal surgery such as seprafilm and interceed. There are several anti-adhesion agents in experimental phase with different mechanism of action that could be used in the short term to prevent the formation of post-surgical intestinal adhesions. The inclusion of gastrointestinal surgeons in basic research is increasing and necessary with multidisciplinary collaboration. It is expected in short term the study and development of a greater number of materials to minimize tissue trauma and decrease the formation of post-surgical adhesions.


We present algorithms and their implementation to compute limit cycles and their isochrons for state-dependent delay equations (SDDE's) which are perturbed from a planar differential equation with a limit cycle.
Note that the space of solutions of an SDDE is infinite dimensional. We compute a two parameter family of solutions of the SDDE which converge to the solutions of the ODE as the perturbation goes to zero in a neighborhood of the limit cycle.
The method we use formulates functional equations among periodic functions (or functions converging exponentially to periodic). The functional equations express that the functions solve the SDDE. Therefore, rather than evolving initial data and finding solutions of a certain shape, we consider spaces of functions with the desired shape and require that they are solutions.
The mathematical theory of these invariance equations is developed in a companion paper, which develops "a posteriori" theorems. They show that, if there is a sufficiently approximate solution (with respect to some explicit condition numbers), then there is a true solution close to the approximate one. Since the numerical methods produce an approximate solution, and provide estimates of the condition numbers, we can make sure that the numerical solutions we consider approximate true solutions.
In this paper, we choose a systematic way to approximate functions by a finite set of numbers (Taylor-Fourier series) and develop a toolkit of algorithms that implement the operators -- notably composition -- that enter into the theory. We also present several implementation results and present the results of running the algorithms and their implementation in some representative cases.


Biographical materials are used to describe the influences of John Rawls' paper 'Two Concepts of Rules' (1955) on my sociological work. The topics of my concern — the phenomenology of the interview, language games and their organizational context; police practices and information technologies as well as qualitative methods — were directly and indirectly shaped by reading the paper early in my career. While my work remains organizational, the importance of context on meaning and the resultant practices are the background that drives my research.


Vapor-phase oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutylaldehyde over various B403 catalysts promoted with alkali metal oxides or alkaline earth metal oxides has been investigated to the reaction mechanism of methacrylaldehyde formation and the effect of addition of these oxides on the catalytic activity of Bi2O3. Almost selective formation of methacrylaldehyde was observed during the reaction of isobutylaldehyde with these promoted Bi2O3 in the absence of gaseous oxygen; the Bi2O3 containing these oxides at 10-15 atm% was most effective for methacryl- aldehyde formation. Furthermore, the conversion of isobutylaldehyde and the yield of methacrylaldehyde at zero reaction time increased with the decrease in the electronegativity of metal ion added to Bi2O3. Similar regularity was also observed in the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutylaldehyde and the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over these oxides. In the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation over Cs20-Bi2O3 (Cs=15 atm %), the yield of methacryl- aldehyde was 47.1%, the selectivity being 65.5% at 450°C. Formations of carbon dioxide and of methacrylaldehyde were kinetically discussed on the basis of the regularity observed, and participation of lattice oxygen rather than oxygen species adsorbed in the oxidative dehydrogenation was proposed. Metal oxides added probably control the strength of Bi-O bond according to the electronegativities of metal ions.


A model was constructed describing the volatile release from coal based on the pyrolysis mechanism and identification of the major elements in relation to the conditions. Pyrolysis involves the following stages: heating, primary decomposition, decomposition-product diffusion in the particles, and external mass transfer. The model gives a complete kinetic description for the release of liquid products. The description is dependent on the rate relations and incorporates the nonstationary temperature distribution along with the effect of coal particle diameter on liquid product yield. The model has been used to define parameters and identify two critical particle diameters enabling one to define the semicoking range.


The conformational differences in the structure of methyl paraben at 118 K and room temperature would appear to be within normal changes because of lattice expansion. Therefore, they do not represent different polymorphs as proposed in a publication (Vujovic, D.; Nassimbeni, L. R. Cryst. Growth Des. 2006, 6, 1595–1597).


5′-S-(2-Sulphoethyl)-5′-deoxy-5′-thioadenosine (S-adenosylcoenzyme M), 5, was prepared from adenosine by reacting its 2′,3′-isopropylidine tosylate with the disodium salt of coenzyme M (NaSCH2CH2SO3Na) followed by removal of the protecting group. Methylation of 5 to give methylsulphonium (±) S-adenosylcoenzyme M, 6, was achieved with methyl iodide in acetic acid. Neither 5 nor 6 stimulated methane production from cell free preparations of M. thermoautotrophicum, negating the possibility of a biochemical analogy between 6 and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).


The nickel (Ni), and carbon coated nickel (Ni@C) nanoparticles were synthesized by levitaional gas condensation (LGC) methods using a micron powder feeding (MPF) system. Both metal and carbon coated metal nano powders include a magnetic ordered phase. The synthesis by LGC yields spherical particles with a large coercivity. The abnormal initial magnetization curve for Ni indicates a non-collinear magnetic structure between the core and surface layer of the particles. The carbon coated particles had a core structure diameter at and below 10 nm and were covered by 2-3 nm thin carbon layers. The hysteresis loop of the as-prepared Ni@Cs materials with unsaturated magnetization shows a superparamagnetic state at room temperature.


The developments of the globalization are always not controlled by men`s determinations. We must meet globalization in politics, economy and culture. There are challenges as well as opportunities in enhancing the administrative abilities of Communist Party of China in global process. And both seizing the opportunities and quickening the developments are most important in enhancing the administrative abilities of Communist Party of China.


Inhalation therapy has significant place in treatment of different diseases in children. It has incontestable advantages over other methods. Efficacy of this method depends on choice of medication and mostly on proper carrying out of inhalation. Methods which can increase efficacy of inhalation are presented in this article, frequent mistakes are analyzed. Key words: children, respiratory tract diseases, nebuliser, inhalation therapy, dornase alpha.


Benchmarks have been traditionally tailored to static, unchangeable systems, functioning in well-known and controlled environments. Thus, established benchmarks (and benchmarking approaches) are becoming progressively less representative of real world scenarios, as change is gaining emphasis as a fundamental player in computing systems runtime conditions. As today's systems are becoming, at the very least, reactive to changes (either endogenous or exogenous) at some level, if not even proactive in reaching their goals more efficiently and effectively, we believe that benchmarks must also evolve, becoming applicable to systems that react to change, adapt, evolve, and have the capability to improve their own performance. In this position paper, we argue that representative change loads are now as vital as representative workloads, and that change load-based benchmarks will become a key part in the development and evaluation of SASO systems. We present and discuss some applications of benchmarks in this area, proposing some directions for research.


for Union troops.' Nothing comparable to the Sanitary Commission developed in the Confederacy. The states' rights philosophy fostered particularistic tendencies in philanthropy as in almost everything else. Moreover, shortages of supplies, transportation difficulties, financial disorder, and the disruptive effect of military operations made co-operation almost impossible. In Georgia, South Carolina, and a few other southern states private citizens, assisted by subsidies from public funds, formed statewide associations for the benefit of their troops; government officials in other states, bypassing voluntary associations, established tax-supported agencies to look after the welfare of their men in the Confederate forces. Under the circumstances, state-oriented and state-supported military relief programs had obvious advantages, but they inevitably resulted in unequal treatment of men who had enlisted in a common cause." By necessity and because of state and local pressures, war charities in the Confederacy were alleviative rather than preventive. The closest approximation to a comprehensive organization was an association for maimed soldiers, which was set up to furnish artificial limbs to amputees. The most celebrated and possibly Robert H. Bremner, Ph.D., is Professor of History, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Currently he is Executive Research Editor, The Child and the State Project, Charles Warren Center tor Studies in American History, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.


This paper describes the step-by-step procedure for modeling an 8/6 switched reluctance machine. Starting from establishing the geometry of the machine, a finite element modeling approach is initially developed to compute the flux linkage/current/rotor position relationship extracting proper and mutual inductances, also its torque and field distribution characteristics. Experimental tests are performed to obtain the magnetic characteristics of the machine, comparing, correcting, and discussing the results obtained with those of FEM analysis.


Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most widely used and effective anti-resorptive agents for the treatment of diseases in which there is an increase in osteoclastic resorption, including post-menopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and tumor-associated osteolysis. Oral and maxillo-facial surgeons are well aware of the side effects of bisphosphonates and mainly with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Less known are the mucosal lesions associated with the use of these agents. In the scientific literature there are only few reports of mucosal lesions due to the direct contact of the oral form of BPs with the mucosa (bisphosphonate-related mucositis). They are mostly related to improper use of bisphosphonate tablets that are chewed, sucked or allowed to melt in the mouth before swallowing. Lesions are atypical and need to be differentiated from other mucosal erosions. We present a case of bisphosphonate-related mucositis due to the improper use of alendronate.


After coal mine gas explosion and other accidents, rapid rescue is an important task. The underground tunnel is generally narrow and the number of people passing through it is limited. Therefore, a real-time detection technique is urgently needed to feedback the mine environment in real time and locate the trapped miners accurately. Under the actual environment, the rescue robot technology is urgently needed in the underground abominable environment. The rescue robot can use the airborne binocular camera to respond the downhole environment to the ground operation platform in real time. Due to the complexity of the environment in the mine, we must study a robust, real-time and accurate matching algorithm to restore the real scenes in the mine. In this paper, the improved census algorithm is used for stereo vision matching, and compared with the traditional SAD algorithm in the matching performance, and the superiority of the improved census algorithm is proved.


Background: Depression in older adults is a serious health problem with a poor prognosis. There is a need for indicated preventive psychological interventions for older adults, that show to be promising in preventing depressive disorders. Methods/design: This manuscript describes the design of a study evaluating 'Looking for Meaning', a newly developed prevention course for older adults with depressive symptoms, based on lifereview. Both clinical and economic effectiveness are evaluated in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. The control condition of this 12-session preventive intervention is a 20-minute video movie. The primary outcome is symptoms of depression at post-treatment and follow-up (6 months after post-treatment). Secondary outcomes are symptoms of anxiety, satisfaction with life, mastery, reminiscence styles, quality of life, and health care costs. An additional result of this study is the insight into the working elements of the course, provided by the qualitative study. The qualitative data, mainly based on 20 open-ended interviews with participants, are to be analyzed with an emphasis on newly emerging insight. Discussion: This study will add to the existing scientific knowledge in several ways, especially by also including an economic evaluation and a qualitative study to gain insight into the working mechanisms of the course, both rather new in the field of life review. Positive results of this study will make an evidence-based intervention to improve public health among older people available. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials Ltd, ISRCTN66645855 Background Depression in older adults is a serious health problem with a poor prognosis [1]. Major depression occurs in approximately 1,8% of the general population aged 55 and over, and minor depression in another 9,8% [2]. Considering the high prevalence rate of depressions in people aged 55 and older, there is a need for effective, low-threshold preventive interventions tailored to older adults. Published: 13 June 2008 BMC Public Health 2008, 8:211 doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-211 Received: 20 May 2008 Accepted: 13 June 2008 This article is available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/8/211 © 2008 Pot et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


This study presents an alternative to outcome management based on accountability by analyzing the ambiguity of nonprofit human service organizations' program goals and program structures. A total of 761 programs were chosen from the 2010–2020 annual plans of P Rehabilitation Center for analysis. The program goals were analyzed according to quantitative accuracy and outcome attainability standards and the program structures were analyzed using the program theory model. Human service organizations need to have a logical program structure according to the program goal, and it is necessary to minimize logical errors in the program structure.


Objective To construct recombinant adeno-associated virus and lentivirus carrying siRNA of TIMP-1 and to investigate the efficiency of infection and short-term inhibitory effect of TIMP-1 gene expres-sion on rat hepatic stellate cells. Methods One pair of siRNA which could effectively inhibit expression of the TIMP-1 gene in HSC-T6 was screened and cloned into AAV vector and lentiviral vector to construct the recombinant AAV/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP and Lenti/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP. AAV/GFP and Lenti/GFP as neg-ative control were also obtained. Experiments were assigned to five groups: AAV/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP, AAV/GFP, Lenti/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP, Lenti/GFP group and mock group. Rat HSC-T6 cells were infected by these recombinant viruses at a concentration of MOI by 10. To monitor the efficiency of infection, fluores-cence microscope and flow cytometer were used. After 7 d post-infection, Western blot was used to detect the TIMP-1 protein expression. Results HSC-T6 had no significant changes after infection. The efficiency of infection in AAV/GFP and Lenti/GFP group were 72.7% and 70.0%, AAV/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP and Lenti/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP group were 64.58% and 61.86%. The protein expression levels of TIMP-1 in HSC-T6 cells at 7 d post-infection by the recombinant AAV and Lentivirus were decreased 40.0% compared with those in mock control and normal HSC-T6 (P<0.05). Conclusion Recombinant AAV/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP and Lenti/siRNA-TIMP-1/GFP could effectively infect HSC-T6 with similar efficiency and suppress the expression of TIMP-1 in rat HSC-T6 remarkably.

Key words:
adeno-associated virus; lentivirus; small interfering RNA; tissue inhibitor of metalloprotein-ase-1; hepatic stellate cells


Early in the morning of June 30, 1934, SA Chief of Staff Ernst Röhm and other leaders of the National Socialist storm troopers, the Sturmabteilung or SA, were arrested by Adolf Hitler in the Bavarian resort town, Bad Wiessee. Further arrests followed across Germany during the day. Many SA leaders, various German politicians, two generals, some dissident Nazis, and some of Röhm's friends were shot. Finally, Röhm himself was killed late the next day. This was the only violent internal party purge to occur in the entire history of Nazism. Some ninety people were killed, with the greatest proportion being in Berlin, Munich, and Silesia. At the time the purge was justified by the allegation that the SA leaders were plotting to overthrow Hitler, carry out a "second revolution," and seize power in collusion with former Chancellor General von Schleicher (also shot) and with the aid of an unnamed foreign power (France). The need to rid the SA of corruption and decadence was emphasized; in this context Hitler's alleged discovery of Röhm's homosexuality was publicized.


Here, we isolated and characterized a new ginsenoside-transforming -glucosidase (BglQM) from Mucilaginibacter sp. strain QM49 that shows biotransformation activity for various major ginsenosides. The gene responsible for this activity, bglQM, consists of 2,346 bp and is predicted to encode 781 amino acid residues. This enzyme has a molecular mass of 85.6 kDa. Sequence analysis of BglQM revealed that it could be classified into glycoside hydrolase family 3. The enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) using a maltose binding protein (MBP)-fused pMAL-c2x vector system containing the tobacco etch virus (TEV) proteolytic cleavage site. Overexpressed recombinant BglQM could efficiently transform the protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides Re and Rg1into (S)-Rg2and (S)-Rh1, respectively, by hydrolyzing one glucose moiety attached to the C-20 position at pH 8.0 and 30°C. TheK m values forp-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside, Re, and Rg 1 were 37.00.4M and 3.220.15 and 1.480.09 mM, respectively, and the Vmaxvalues were 33.4 0.6mol min 1 mg 1 of protein and 19.20.2 and 28.80.27 nmol min 1 mg 1 of protein, respectively. A crude protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside mixture (PPTGM) was treated with BglQM, followed by silica column purification, to produce (S)-Rh1and (S)-Rg2at chromatographic purities of 98% 0.5% and 97%1.2%, respectively. This is thefirst report of gram-scale production of (S)-Rh 1and (S)-Rg2from PPTGM using a novel ginsenoside-transforming -glucosidase of glycoside hydrolase family 3.


We compute the decay rates for the processes $Z\to V+\gamma$, where $Z$ is the $Z$ boson, $\gamma$ is the photon, and $V$ is one of the vector quarkonia $J/\psi$ or $\Upsilon(nS)$, with $n=1$, $2$, or $3$. Our computations include corrections through relative orders $\alpha_s$ and $v^2$ and resummations of logarithms of $m_Z^2/m_Q^2$, to all orders in $\alpha_s$, at NLL accuracy. ($v$ is the velocity of the heavy quark $Q$ or the heavy antiquark $\bar{Q}$ in the quarkonium rest frame, and $m_Z$ and $m_Q$ are the masses of $Z$ and $Q$, respectively.) Our calculations are the first to include both the order-$\alpha_s$ correction to the light-cone distributions amplitude and the resummation of logarithms of $m_Z^2/m_Q^2$ and are the first calculations for the $\Upsilon(2S)$ and $\Upsilon(3S)$ final states. The resummations of logarithms of $m_Z^2/m_Q^2$ that are associated with the order-$\alpha_s$ and order-$v^2$ corrections are carried out by making use of the Abel-Pade method. We confirm the analytic result for the order-$v^2$ correction that was presented in a previous publication, and we correct the relative sign of the direct and indirect amplitudes and some choices of scales in that publication. Our branching fractions for $Z\to J/\psi+\gamma$ and $Z\to \Upsilon(1S)+\gamma$ differ by $2.0\,\sigma$ and $-4.0\,\sigma$, respectively, from the branching fractions that are given in the most recent publication on this topic (in units of the uncertainties that are given in that publication). However, we argue that the uncertainties in the rates are underestimated in that publication.


The worm plot is a series of detrended Q-Q plots, split by covariate levels. The worm plot is a diagnostic tool for visualizing how well a statistical model fits the data, for finding locations at which the fit can be improved, and for comparing the fit of different models. This paper shows how the worm plot can be used in conjunction with quantile regression. No parametric distributional assumptions are needed to create the worm plot. We fitted both an LMS and a quantile regression model on Dutch height data. The worm plot shows that the quantile regression model is superior to the LMS model in terms of fit. At the same time, it also contains a warning that the particular quantile model used may actually overfit the data. The resulting quantile curves are wiggly at the extremes, and appear less well suited for drawing growth diagrams. The paper concludes that the worm plot is a natural diagnostic tool for quantile regression.


The article addresses factors that allowed large Russian companies to withstand the economic crisis, as well as prospects for their business expansion in the post-crisis setting. While anti-crisis policies adopted by Russian government supported big business substantially during the first months of the recession, they hardly played any pro-business role since mid-2009. The analysis of capitalization figures and sales volumes shows that leading positions of state-owned companies in oil, gas and financial sectors were in fact strengthened during the crisis. Excessive state control over corporate assets and decision-making works as a barrier to post-crisis recovery of large Russian companies and should be substituted for by policies supporting internationalization strategies and productivity improvements.


Mass spectrometry-based clinical proteomic analysis, combined with collection of taegeted cancerous cells laser-microdissected (LMD) from formalin-fixed paraffinembedded (FFPE) tissues, has been promising to unveil both proteins expressed and their functional networks in lung cancer subtypes. Among lung cancer subtypes, both large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) are now classified to neuroendocrine tumor (NET) but pre-therapeutic histological distinction between LCNEC and SCLC has so far been problematic, leading to adverse clinical outcome. Protein biomarker candidates for LCNEC were found to be interestingly known as cancer stem cell (CSC) markers including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), and those for SCLC included novel NET marker candidates, brain acid soluble protein 1 (BASP1) and secretagogin (SEGN), and a known NET marker, neural cell adhesion molecule (CD56). For three types of lung adenocarcinomas (ACs), which are adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and lepidic predominant invasive asenocarcinoma (LEP), their preliminary clinical proteomic analyses revealed protein expression profiles characterizing those lung cancer subtypes. The STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis followed by gene set enrichment (GSE) for proteins expressed significantly to the three lung AC subtypes manifested characteristic associations of cancer-related pathways, which might play consertedly important roles in progression of disease mechanisms, and which would be quite useful to understand carcinogenic processes of lung adenocarcinom. Thus outcomes from clinical proteomic analysis reveal not only biomarker protein candidates expressed significantly to a disease but also serve to elucidate disease-oriented protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks including functional networks predicted from experimentally obtained proteome datasets. Abbreviations: LCNEC: Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Carcinoma, OLC: Other Large-Cell Lung Cancer, SCLC: Small-Cell Lungcancer, GGO: Focal Ground-Glass Opacity, AIS: Adenocarcinoma In Situ, MIA: Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma, LEP: Lepidic Predominant Invasive Adenocarcinoma, FFPE: Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded tissue sections, MS: Mass Spectrometry, PPI: Comparative Proteomics, Protein-Protein Interaction


Background: Nursing students experience stress that may impact their sleep and resilience, especially those attending rural campuses that may have potentially limited access to resources. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among perceived stress, sleep quality, resilience, and demographics and predictors of resilience among senior BSN students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, perceived stress, sleep quality, resilience, and demographic data were collected from a senior student cohort attending a new baccalaureate nursing program on a rural Appalachian campus (N = 16). Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses. Results: Perceived stress significantly associated with sleep quality, resilience, and gender. Perceived stress, sleep quality, and gender significantly explained 61% of the variance in resilience, with perceived stress as the strongest predictor. Conclusions: Early collaborative assessment and intervention focused on mitigating stress may promote improved sleep and resilience. Availability of resources for students attending small rural campuses is essential.


Effective weather forecast information helps smallholder farmers improve their adaptation to climate uncertainties and crop productivity. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of weather forecast adoption on crop productivity. We coupled agent-based and crop productivity models to study the impact of farmers' management decisions on maize productivity under different rainfall scenarios in Ethiopia. A household survey was conducted with 100 households from 5 villages and was used to validate the crop model. The agent-based model (ABM) analyzed the farmers' behaviors in crop management under different dry, wet, and normal rainfall conditions. ABM results and crop data from the survey were then used as input data sources for the crop model. Our results show that farming decisions based on weather forecast information improved yield productivity from 17% to 30% under dry and wet seasons, respectively. The impact of adoption rates due to farmers' intervillage interactions, connections, radio, agriculture extension services, and forecast accuracy brought additional crop yields into the Kebele compared to non-forecast users. Our findings help local policy makers to understand the impact of the forecast information. Results of this study can be used to develop agricultural programs where rainfed agriculture is common.


Abstract : This report on studies of chromosome translocations in corn covers an analysis of 588 translocations at the mid-stage prophase and presents data showing similarities and differences in the character of the chromosomal disturbances resulting from the different types and dosages of radiation. (Author)


A ruptured aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is very rare. In recent years, there have been some reports of successful endovascular therapy of SMA aneurysms. However, endovascular stent graft repair of a ruptured SMA aneurysm has not been reported previously. We report on a 50-year-old man with a ruptured aneurysm of the proximal SMA. Using an endovascular approach, the aneurysm was initially excluded with 2 stent grafts. Two weeks following the first procedure, computed tomography angiography revealed a proximal endoleak, which was treated with another stent graft. The endovascular stent graft repair finally resulted in total exclusion of the ruptured aneurysm. Patency of the SMA was maintained and no ischemic complications occurred.


A new spectrometer for studying ion surface interaction is described. This apparatus is built around a secondary electron and ion detector with a very large acceptance angle and made of 16 individual microchannel plate detectors located on a half sphere. A simultaneous detection of the scattered projectiles with an additional position sensitive detector allows measurements of the correlation between all these particles using a multicoincidence technique. With this spectrometer, a large variety of measurements are possible such as the energy spectra of the secondary electrons as well as the statistics of the number of ejected electrons, the scattering pattern of the reflected projectiles and their charge‐state distribution, the analysis of the sputtered ions. Some examples are given concerning the impact of multiply charged ions on a LiF single crystal. The dependence of the secondary electron multiplicity as a function of the charge state, of the surface channeling condition, and of the scattering angle o...


Bromelain enzyme is an enzyme contained in pineapple. The enzyme bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that it has the properties hydrolyze proteins into their constituent elements. The purpose of this study is a way to improve the utilization of protein by adding the enzyme bromelain into artificial feed to increase fish growth tawes. This study have using an experimental method and these was conducted from March 2016 to May 2016 at the Hatchery of Teuku Umar Teuku Umar, West Aceh district using completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment of dose of the enzyme bromelain is differences, namely P0 with doses of 0%, P1 with a dose of 2%, with a dose of 4% P2 and P3 with a dose of 6%. Test fish are given feed ad libitum or until full. The results showed that the enzyme bromelain with different doses have not significantly affect the efficiency of feed utilization and survival. While enzyme bromelain with different doses have significantly affect to protein efficiency ratio, growth rate and the growth rate of biomass show. Value range of protein efficiency ratio is ±1,86-2.26%, value range of the growth rate is ± 2.16 - 2.64% and the rate of growth of the biomass is ± 0.019 to 0.117 grams. The quality of water, i.e. temperature is 26 o -30 o C and pH value is 7.7-8.4.


Pets are animals that are cared for and cared for by humans. Nowadays many people are interested in owning a pet. Of course, the existence of a veterinary clinic in an area will greatly assist animal lovers in caring for their favorite animals. In the Digital Era as it is today, the use of sophisticated technology is certainly an option for business actors, in this particular case, veterinary clinics. Especially during a pandemic like this, waiting in line will certainly be avoided. However, at this time, several veterinary clinics in Purwokerto have not utilized the sophistication of existing technology so that the data management process is still manual for each running process. Therefore, an information system application is needed to help the process flow at the clinic run computerized. In this application there will be three users, namely patients, officers and doctors. To design this application using the waterfall method and for implementation using Android so that it can be used mobile via smartphones and is more flexible in its use. With the android-based application, it is hoped that it can help the transaction process for animal owners and clinics.


SOARES, A.C. Diretrizes para a manutencao e o aperfeicoamento do processo de planejamento e controle da producao em empresas construtoras, 2003. Trabalho de conclusao (Mestrado em Engenharia) – Curso de Mestrado Profissionalizante da Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. The construction industry is characterized by high levels of waste, lack of organization and low degree of technological and managerial innovation. This brings a bad image to this sector, and often contributes to the lack of motivation among its professionals. In this context, the application of new production management concepts, some of them originated in the car industry, can contribute to develop the construction industry. In this respect, the production planning and control process plays an important role in the implementation of such concepts. The main objective of this research work is to propose guidelines for maintaining and upgrading production planning and control systems in construction companies, using general production management concepts and principles. A case study was carried out in a construction company, and this was divided into three stages. Initially, an analysis of the existing production planning and control system was undertaken. The second stage involved interviews with company directors, production managers, client representatives, and suppliers, as well as visits and data collection on site. Besides, an in-depth case study was carried out in one of the projects of the company. In the third stage of the study, the data was analyzed and the guidelines for maintaining and upgrading the production planning and control process were proposed. Among the main conclusions of this research work, the factors that contribute for the success of the implementation of production planning and control systems can be pointed out: the existence of an ISO-9001 quality management system, the role of the coordinator of the production planning and control process, and the weekly learning meetings involving all company production managers. Also, it was observed that the degree of client requirement fulfillment increased due to the production planning and control system.


We present new proper motion (PM) measurements of the dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) Draco and Sculptor using multi-epoch images obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope ACS/WFC. Our PM results have uncertainties far lower than previous measurements, even made with the same instrument. The PM results for Draco and Sculptor are (μW , μN )Dra = (−0.0562± 0.0099, −0.1765± 0.0100) mas yr−1 and (μW , μN )Scl = (−0.0296 ± 0.0209, −0.1358 ± 0.0214) mas yr−1. The implied Galactocentric velocity vectors for Draco and Sculptor have radial and tangential components: (Vrad, Vtan)Dra = (−88.6, 161.4) ± (4.4, 5.6) km s−1; and (Vrad, Vtan)Scl = (72.6, 200.2) ± (1.3, 10.8) km s−1. We study the detailed orbital histories of both Draco and Sculptor via numerical orbit integrations. Orbital periods of Draco and Sculptor are found to be 1–2 and 2–5 Gyrs, respectively, accounting for uncertainties in the MW mass. We also study the influence of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) on the orbits of Draco and Sculptor. Overall, the inclusion of the LMC increases the scatter in the orbital results. Based on our calculations, Draco shows a rather wide range of orbital parameters depending on the MW mass and inclusion/exclusion of the LMC, but Sculptor's orbit is very well constrained with its most recent pericentric approach to the MW being 0.3–0.4 Gyr ago. Our new PMs imply that the orbital trajectories of both Draco and Sculptor are confined within the Disk of Satellites (DoS), better so than implied by earlier PM measurements, and likely rule out the possibility that these two galaxies were accreted together as part of a tightly bound group.


Based on a keynote address to the 2006 Annual Conference of the Australian Association of Career Counsellors, this article reviews a number of significant international developments in public policy for career development. It also comments on some recent developments in Australia. Finally, it discusses four strategic issues that are important to the future of policy development in this field, both in Australia and elsewhere: the need for stronger organisational structures for career guidance; the role of the market in delivering career development provision; the role of employer-based provision; and the need for closer links between theory, policy and practice.


Abstract : This report presents the results of the Smoke Venting flight test on a USAF C-18, and a modified B-707 aircraft. A 3-in. x 4-in. Smoke Elimination Valve (SEV) was installed in a metal window plug in a fuselage window forward of the wing's leading edge. The SEV consisted of a hinged flat plate that extended out into the slipstream. The local airflow accelerated around the plate, decreasing pressure in the area, creating a draw that pulled smoke from the cabin of the aircraft. The objective of the test was to prove feasibility of the SEV for venting smoke. The aircraft was instrumented with smoke density detecting light meters and a computerized data collection system. First, a baseline test of the aircraft's pressurization and air conditioning system was conducted. Then the SEV was opened to assess its smoke clearing capabilities. Smoke clearing time constants were developed to gauge the system's performance and ranged from 57 to 555 seconds, depending on the test condition. While the SEV did exhaust smoke, complex airflow within the cabin appeared to cause air stagnation in certain areas. This in turn forced the time constants to increase when the SEV was opened, a trend exactly opposite of what was expected. Recommendations were made to re-accomplish the tests using a more realistic scenario, repeat runs to increase reliability of data collected, and use some means to visualize local flow patterns in certain key areas around the cabin. Keywords: Jet transport aircraft pressurization; Smoke venting flight testing; Aircraft fires; Smoke clearing.


The paper addresses the recent issue of interference with an object of religious worship in the context of criminal liability for the crime under Art. 196 of the Penal Code (PC). It is based on events known to the public that have been assessed in the context of criminal liability for such an act (e.g., destruction of the Bible at a concert, dissemination of an image of the Mother of God with a rainbow halo, or the chopping down of a roadside cross). The paper discusses the issue of the protection of religious feelings, which is reflected in the criminalization of conduct consisting in insulting an object of religious worship. In particular, attention is paid to the multifaceted view of what an object of religious worship is, including not only its physical (material) form but also its spiritual (maetaphysical) aspect. In this regard, an analysis was carried out to answer the question of whether interfering with a certain symbolism and violating the specific canon in which an object of religious worship is presented can constitute the crime of offending religious feelings. It was assumed that, taking into account the subjective aspect of the crime under Art. 196 PC, criminal liability in this respect is possible. The paper also considers the so-called justification of art, which is supposed to lead to the exclusion of the unlawfulness of behaviours that involve artistic expression and are based on the freedom of expression. The paper employs primarily the dogmatic method, and to a limited extent also the historical method.


Distribution laws and variation characteristics of the precipitation and temperature in the area above the Longyangxia Reservoir on the upper Yellow River were analyzed with the climate data obtained since 1956. Based on the relationships between the natural runoff at the Tangnaihai Station and the temperature and precipitation at each gauging station, a natural runoff calculation formula was established. With the formula, the influence of climate variation in the upper Tangnaihai region since the 1990s on the inflow of the Longyangxia Reservoir was calculated, and the sensitivity of runoff at the Tangnaihai Station to climate variation was analyzed. The results show that the average annual temperature in the 1990s is about 0.5 higher than the perennial average value,and increases by 0.7-0.8 as compared with that of previous decades,that the annual rainfall of this region is much less than the long-term average value,and especially, the maximum reduction of rainfall is up to 15.8% in Maqu district, that the natural annual runoff in the 1990s decreases by 43.710~8?m~3 as compared with that of previous decades, and 20.2% of which is induced by climate variation, and that the variation of rainfall is of great influences on the inflow of the Longyangxia Reservoir as compared with the variation of temperature.


When practising shelter or charity medicine, often the population concerns are of prime importance; however, it is essential to bear in mind individual factors too. This chapter covers reasons for neutering shelter animals, physiology of kittens and puppies, anaesthesia, surgical approach and evaluating the impact of preadoption neutering in shelters. Quick reference guide: General anaesthetic protocols for early neutering.


Objective To construct a prokaryotic expression system of norovirus (NoⅤ) G Ⅱ-4 strain P protein (P particle and P dimer) and to explore its binding activity and patterns with HBGAs receptor.Methods P domain sequence of GZ121 NoⅤ ORF2 gene was cloned and its phylogenic tree was constructed to identify the gene cluster.The pGEX-4T-1-based expression plasmids were constructed respectively by inserting P domain gene fragments with hinge and P-CDCRGDCFC without hinge,and then transformed into BL21 to express fusion proteins,which was induced with 0.6 mmol/L IPTG at 22℃ overnight.P proteins were purified by thrombin cutting and characterized by FPLC.The binding patterns of NoⅤ P protein to HBGAs antigens were analyzed by EIA.Results P region gene of GZ121 belonged to genotype G Ⅱ.4/2004 cluster.SDS-PAGE analysis showed the relative molecular weight of P particle and P dimer was about 36×103,which was consistent with other reports.The peak appeared at 830×103 confirmed the formation of P particle by FPLC.The expression of P protein was further confirmed by Western blot.The EIA results showed that GZ121 P protein could bind to saliva of A-group,B-group and O-group secretors,but not to nonsecretor.The binding affinity of P particle was 80-100 times higher than that of P dimer.Compared with VA387 P particle,it showed stronger binding affinity to O-group,but weaker to A-group.Conclusion The NoⅤ GⅡ-4 GZ121 P proteins including P particle and P dimer were successfully expressed and HBGAs receptor binding assays were established.This pave the way for further studies on the evolution dynamics of NoⅤ G Ⅱ.4 strains and the development of NoⅤ vaccines.

Key words:
Norovirus;  Prokaryotic expression system;  P particle;  P dimer;  HBGAs receptor


Objective To study the incidence of hyponatremia in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods To dynamically determine the serum sodium level of 36 cases according to the amount of bleeding,the severity of the disease and cerebral vasospasm,and to detect middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (VMCA) with trans-cranial Doppler (TCD). Results The sodium level of the patients with cerebral vasospasm decreased significantly,there was obvious clinical significance. Conclusion Hyponatremia,a common complication of SAH,is an important index reflecting the patient′s condition,and should be closely monitored. To find the disease cause timely and early treatment will improve the condition and prognosis.


Multidimensional perfectionism includes the dimensions perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings. Many studies have investigated the nomological network of multidimensional perfectionism by relating perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings to the Big Five personality traits. Results from these studies were largely inconsistent. In the present study, we meta–analytically integrated 672 effect sizes from 72 samples (N = 21 573) describing relations between multidimensional perfectionism and the Big Five personality traits. Perfectionistic concerns correlated positively with Neuroticism (r = 0.383) and negatively with Extraversion (r = −0.198), Agreeableness (r = −0.198), Conscientiousness (r = −0.111), and Openness (r = −0.087). Perfectionistic strivings correlated positively with Conscientiousness (r = 0.368), Openness (r = 0.121), Neuroticism (r = 0.090), and Extraversion (r = 0.067) and were unrelated to Agreeableness (r = 0.002). The measures of perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings moderated most of these relations. Meta–analytic structural equation modelling allowed controlling each perfectionism dimension for the respective other. This partialling increased all correlations with the exception of the previously positive correlation between perfectionistic strivings and Neuroticism, which ceased to be significant. The findings support the distinction between perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns and demonstrate how multidimensional perfectionism is situated in the context of broader personality traits. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology


A new relativistic approach to electroweak properties of composite systems has been proposed in our recent paper [1]. The approach is based on the use of the instant form (IF) of relativistic Hamiltonian dynamics (RHD). The detailed description of RHD can be found in the review [2]. Some other references as well as some basic equations of RHD approach are given in Ref. [1]. In the paper [1] our approach was used to perform a realistic calculation of electroweak properties of pion considered as composite quark–antiquark system. The electromagnetic form factor and the lepton decay constant were calculated for pion using different model wave functions for the relative motion of quarks in pion. Now our aim is to generalize the approach to more complicated systems, namely, to composite systems of


An object of the present invention, there is not performed or performed the motion compensation depending on whether valid or not to make the motion compensation, the effectiveness is determined in terms of rate-distortion cost. How to decompress image portion, a step (302) for determining at least one prediction of the image portion, a step (307) for determining the distortion associated with each prediction, at least based on the distortion value associated with each prediction includes a step (314) to determine whether to encode the residual and. .Field