Bullying has been described as a dangerous, pervasive social problem (Rigby, 2008). Children and young people involved in bullying tend to demonstrate greater evidence of psychosocial issues than those who have not been involved, including conduct problems, emotional disturbances, and difficulties in peer relationships (Nansel et al., 2001; Smith, Talamelli, Cowie, Naylor & Chauhan, 2004). Victims of bullying may experience increased depression, stress and hopelessness, decreased self-esteem, and may be more likely to self-harm or attempt to commit suicide (Coggan, Bennett, Hooper & Dickinson, 2003). Bullying perpetration or victimisation in adolescence can predict an increased likelihood of mental health and social adjustment problems in adulthood (e.g., anxiety, personality disorders, substance dependence, aggressive offending) (Gibb, Horwood & Fergusson, 2011). To be classified as bullying the behaviour must be repeated, have the intention of causing harm, and involve a physical or social power imbalance (Olweus, 1993). This behaviour can take various forms including physical or verbal aggression, relational aggression (e.g., spreading gossip, socially excluding others), or cyber-bullying, which is bullying through the use of electronic communication devices (Craig, Pepler & Blais, 2007; Wang, Iannotti & Nansel, 2009). Approximately 10-12% of children worldwide report having experienced bullying (Craig et al., 2009; Cross et al., 2011; Liang, Flisher & Lombard, 2007; Nansel et al., 2001; Ortega et al., 2012) and there is some evidence to suggest that the prevalence of bullying in New Zealand may be higher than in other countries. In a survey of 3,265 New Zealand high school students, 27% reported having experienced 'chronic' bullying in the previous six months (i.e., five or more separate incidents) (Coggan et al., 2003). Furthermore, in a recent international study, New Zealand was ranked fourth-highest of 50 countries in terms of bullying prevalence for school students (Mullis, Martin, Foy & Arora, 2012). Nearly one third (31%) of Year Five students indicated that they were bullied 'about weekly', significantly higher than the international average of 20% (Mullis et al., 2012). This concerning statistic may be due in part to the structure of New Zealand's public school system, where each school is governed by a Board of Trustees, meaning that individual schools may not have an explicit anti-bullying administrative policy (Slee et al., in press). The social-ecological systems perspective on bullying (Swearer & Espelage, 2011) proposes that bullying is a complex social phenomenon, influenced by the interaction of multiple inter- and intra-individual factors. The perspective suggests that bullying among children and young people must be understood across individual, family, peer, school, and community contexts (Swearer & Espelage, 2011). In New Zealand, the majority of bullying research has involved children as participants (e.g., Coggan et al., 2003; Fenaughty & Harre, 2013; Jose, Kljakovic, Sheib & Notter, 2011; Marsh, McGee, Nada-Raja & Williams, 2010; Raskauskas, 2010; Raskauskas, Gregory, Harvey, Rifshana & Evans, 2010). The relatively few New Zealand studies involving adult participants have focused primarily on the perspectives of school staff. For example, Green, Harcourt, Mattioni, and Prior (2013) and Mattioni (2012) examined the experiences and perceptions of teachers and principals in relation to bullying, while Cushman, Clelland, and Hornby (2011) reported the perspectives of school staff on bullying as part of a wider study focusing on student mental health and wellbeing. These studies appear to have explored bullying within only one context, namely the school. Although bullying research in New Zealand does not appear to have included parents as participants, international research demonstrates the important role played by parents and families in the social-ecological network of influences on bullying. …


I first put these thoughts together for the National Enquiry into Scholarly Communication, a large study that was financed by a number of foundations and that concerned itself with scholars, jour nals, libraries, and university publishers in the U.S. My thinking also grew out of my experience at the University of California Press, where we conducted a publishing operation that was rather different from those of other American universities. The difference was that we maintained two parallel programs?a standard book program similar to those elsewhere, and a serial monograph program. The mono graphs, unlike the books, were limited to work from our own univer sity; they were wholly subsidized and non-commercial. I might add that California was the first American university to organize itself into several semi-independent branches, and that we published for all nine of them. While the two publishing programs existed side by side, all the conditions, including the means of selection and the method of distribution, were sharply different. The books, even those that were partly subsidized, were issued on speculation and had to bring back most or all the cost of publication. But the monographs were distrib uted mostly by library exchange; they cost a great deal and brought back very little. So we played two different roles in relation to the scholars of the university. Eventually the two sets of problems led me to think about a rather different two-way system, one made possible by some rather simple technological developments. In order to make any kind of sense in suggesting modifications to the entire system of scholarly communication, one has to look at all of it?from the scholar who writes the results of a piece of research, through the entrepreneurs who deal with it, to the individuals and libraries who buy the finished copies and use them. And one must look not with individual eyes but?insofar as possible and humbly? with the eyes of Zeus, seeing the matter entire. Note that I say look rather than think, since looking must come first if thinking is to come free of received ideas. So let us look. For as long as any of us can remember, the system of scholarly


Several diesel injection systems were selected for evaluating the effects of fuel properties on diesel spray characteristics. Fuel properties that were examined were viscosity and specific gravity. The selected injection systems were operated on nine test fuels covering a broad range of viscosity and specific gravity. High-speed movies were taken of the fuels being injected into a high-pressure environment. Penetration and cone angle data were reduced from the movies and used as a basis for fuel to fuel comparisons. In addition, drop size distribution data were obtained for one injection system operating on four fuels with different viscosities. Fuel viscosity was found to have an effect on spray tip penetration. For a pintle-type nozzle as fuel viscosity increased, the tip penetration rate decreased. Tip penetration rate from a pressure time injection system was proportional to the fuel viscosity, in that as viscosity increased, tip penetration increased. For a unit injector, viscosity effects on spray tip penetration were not significant.


The accuracy of hydraulic calculations is determined by the accuracy of the mathematical models inherent in their foundation. The results of calculations, obtained by different models, and differing from each other by 5-10% is considered identical. The present study examines classical ways of finding the Chezy formula that are used for calculations of free-flow pipelines. These formulas differ from each other not only in parameters but also in the form of the functional dependence. The equation, underlying the hydraulic calculations, is nonlinear. Its solution is possible only in the number of well-established methods. It offers numerical computing to find pipelines diameters and their filling, as well as the algorithm to realize it. It conducts numerical experiment to compare pipelines diameters and filling and flow velocities. It presents frequency characteristics to distribute the parameters under analysis. For a specific example, the difference of cost of pipes, the diameters of which was found using the various formulas for coefficient Chezy, was calculated.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing a phenolic resin enabling the industrial production of a polyarylene ether having low melt viscosity by an extremely simple method without the need of a special post-treatment after polymerization or a complicated multistage reaction, and provide a method for producing an epoxy resin from a phenolic resin obtained by the method. SOLUTION: The method for producing a phenolic resin comprises the dehydrating condensation reaction of (A) a polyhydric hydroxyaromatic compound having two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups per molecule such as dihydroxynaphthalene or dihydroxybenzene in the presence of (B) a basic catalyst. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT


Supramolecular topological hydrogels are constructed by introducing different dynamic topological structures into polymeric networks and thus exhibit a wide variety of stimuli-responsive properties and versatile applications.


Fish is one of the best sources of animal protein of the food. Fishing and hunting are the oldest profession of all mankind since man began his search of food. Traditional fishing catching devices which were operated in River Siang, Arunachal Pradesh have been studied with respect to its operation, structure and productivity. The small depicted work highlight 13 different types fish catching devices, which have been classified into 5 different types viz., (i) Encircling Gear (Khewali Jal, Angtha Jal and Ber Jal or Jeng Jal) (ii) Entangling Gear (Langi or Current Jal and Phansi Jal) (iii) Scooping Gear (Sip Jal and Thela Jal) (iv) Hooks and Line fishing (Nal Barshi and Doogabanshi) (v) Traps (Chepa, Dingora, Polo, and Kholaha). The present study was carried out from June 2012 to July 2013 in a 58km stretch of River Siang in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Some methods can be considered as traditional as well as non-traditional since they are well known in some other states of North-East as well as also in the country with some different kind of variation. Various fishing techniques depend on various behavioral pattern and microhabitat type of fishes.


Data on concentrations of chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane and vinyl chloride in European and Arctic waters, sediments and biota were collected from scientific literature and monitoring programmes for the period 1980–2005 and are presented in this report.


This study deals with the structural optimization of hybrid vertical-axis wind turbine blades using a response surface method (RSM). The structural analysis results suggest that the stress of hybrid vertical-axis wind turbine blades exceeds the yield strength. Optimization techniques are then applied to structural design to ensure a safe structure. First, the design factors that strongly influence the structural response are identified. The RSM was applied based on the design of experiments. The objective function and constraint terms set the weight and allowable stress, respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to indicate the effects of the design factors on the stress and weight. Finally, structural design was performed for the hybrid vertical-axis wind turbine blade.


Seven yield characteristics of 14 inbred melon lines were analyzed using grey relational grade analysis method to determine the correlation between the characteristics and yield of the melons.The results showed the rankings of these 7 yield characteristics were: single fruit weightdisease indexhorizontal diametersoluble solid contentlengthfruit growing stagetotal growth period.It was concluded that high individual fruit weight and disease resistance should be the indices for parent selection in breeding the melon.


This article shall provide analysis of the system of criminal punishment at the time of the Ming Dynasty China with the use of historical, analytical and deduction methods. The object of studies involves the penitentiary punishment systems in the Criminal Code of the Ming Dynasty. Attention shall be paid to the types of punishments, punitive measures and their value for the medieval Chinese society. The author also views subjects and objects of crime. This study is within the scope of the science of history of state and law of foreign states. Currently the topic of Chinese law is not sufficiently studied in the science of history of state and law of foreign states, that is why this study is of interest to both lawyers and historians as a description of the original (authentic) law, which was efficient for the organization of a certain type of national society of the medieval Chinese state.


The authors implemented a cognitive apprenticeship learning community (Collins, Brown, & Newman, 1989) in a class of preservice teachers at the University of Missouri - Columbia to enhance their argumentation and critical thinking skills about complex, educational problems. A detailed rubric based on the literature in argumentation and scientific reasoning was developed to evaluate the students' performance before and after the intervention. The rubric was designed to measure students' (a) conceptions and use of evidence, (b) notions about research and its applicability in evaluating complex social problems, and (c) ability to consider alternative perspectives. This article describes the intervention, the theoretical underpinnings of the rubric, and the use of the rubric in measuring the development of critical thinking in a group of preservice teachers. Strengths and weaknesses of the rubric are outlined and avenues for future research are discussed.


Al-Morabaha, is one of the most important instruments of financing of Islamic Bank in the world. This article sheds light on the opinions of scholars with regards to promise compulsion as one of the most legal controls. In this paper the opinion of those who said that the promise is compulsory, where the promised complies with it and he supposed to be forced for fulfilment and their evidences was discussed. * This article is one of a series of articles addressing the issue of Al-Morabahah coauthored with Prof. Dr. Kamal Hattab.


that the density of the tsunami inundation water depends on Froude number of the incident tsunami and the sediment grain size, and the relative tsunami run-up distance (=the run-up distance of the inundation water with the sediment/the run-up distance of the inundation water without the sediment), ratio of the tsunami deposit distance to the tsunami run-up distance, ratio of the mean tsunami deposit thickness to the tsunami deposit distance depend on the density of the tsunami inundation water, and then four empirical expressions for those dependencies are proposed.


The traction system of high-speed train has many faults, among which compound faults account for a certain proportion. Compared with single faults, compound faults will lead to more serious consequences. This paper takes the fault chain of compound fault of "CRH380D high-speed train traction inverter IGBT open circuit and motor speed sensor gain coefficient is too small" as an example, establishes a mathematical model of the fault chain based on the fault mechanism, and obtains the relationship between fault characteristic variables and traction motor failure rate by using relevant experimental data and national standards, thus obtains the probability of compound risk chain occurrence. Event tree and grey clustering method were used to evaluate the consequences of the compound risk chain. Finally, taking the actual Chengdu-Chongqing passenger dedicated line as an example, the risk analysis and evaluation of the compound fault were carried out.


A modified piece-wise polynomial pre-distortion is proposed, investigated and compared against classic memoryless polynomial pre-distortion. The proposed enhanced piece-wise polynomial pre-distortion uses the overlap between segments to ensure continuity in the total pre-distortion function. The implementation of overlap allows the use of a simple error estimation algorithm to minimise hand over error. The classic and proposed piece-wise pre-distortion performances are assessed and compared for several sets of polynomial coefficients. The proposed method is shown to consistently outperform classical polynomial pre-distortion in terms of required coefficients and linearity improvement. The method is applied for the linearisation of an envelope tracking Class-J PA at 1.7GHz, under a 1.4MHz LTE signal with a 14.4dB PAPR.


Since the appearance of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, the frequency of community‐acquired pneumonia hospitalisations was decreased significantly especially in children below the age of 2 years, but its effects are still conflicting. This meta‐analysis study was performed to assess the relationship between the effects of different types of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines compared with each other on the frequency of community‐acquired pneumonia hospitalisations in children aged below 2 years.


Introduction: Using contrast medium in diagnosis and identifying of an organ from its surrounding tissue is very useful. These contrast mediums alter radiation absorption of studied organs. The aim of this study is to identify the influences of contrast media in treatment planning system of the pelvis.

Materials and Methods: Seven patients with pelvis area cancer with two sets of CT image, one with contrast medium and another without it, have been used and influences of contrast medium in treatment planning system for these patients were studied.

Results: After using contrast medium 2.63% increase in MU for RL field and 0.79%, 1.05%, 1.42% decrease in MU for AP, PA, RL fields have been obtained in rectum, respectively. For Bladder cancer, 0.34% decrease in MU of AP filed and 1.57%, 0.46%, 0.39% increase in MU for PA, RL and LL fields have been calculated, respectively. For cervix cancer, 1.1% decrease for AP field and 0.68% increase for PA field have been obtained.
Conclusion: According to the DVHs and calculated MUs, the results showed that the dose differences between the plans for the CT images with and without contrast medium were less than about 1% and was clinically tolerable.


We have cloned by complementation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and sequenced a LEU2 gene from the sour dough yeast Candida milleri CBS 8195 and studied its chromosomal location. The LEU2 coding sequence was 1092 nt long encoding a putative β‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenase protein of 363 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence in the coding region had 71.6% identity to S. cerevisiae LEU2 sequence. On the protein level, the identity of C. milleri Leu2p to S. cerevisiae Leu2p was 84.1%. The DNA sequence of the C. milleri LEU2 gene was submitted to GenBank and assigned Accession No. AY571337. The CmLEU2 DNA probe hybridized to one to three chromosomal bands and two or three BamHI restriction fragments in C. milleri but did not give any signal to chromosomes or restriction fragments of C. albicans, S. cerevisiae, S. exiguus or Torulaspora delbrueckii. Using CmLEU2 probe for DNA hybridization makes it easy to quickly identify C. milleri among other sour dough yeasts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Based on the analysis of both the challenges and chances in the construction of experimental courses for accounting and finance specialty,the experience and characteristics of a comprehensive and designing experimental course—management simulation—are introduced.Then some ideas and measures to improve the experimental teaching are also given.


Deferasirox (DFRA) is a novel oral chelator agent for treatment of iron overload. Although well established in the treatment of β-thalassemia major (β-TM), it has not yet been fully investigated in patients with sickle cell disease. The aim of this report is to present the preliminary results of a pilot study assessing the effect of 4 years of DFRA treatment in six patients with sickle cell disease who are in need of recurrent transfusions. Our results show a significant reduction of ferritin levels and improvement of liver hemosiderosis, assessed by means of magnetic resonance imaging T2* (MRI T2*). None of the patients presented any serious adverse effects and the treatment was well tolerated. These results are in accordance with previous studies about the use of DFRA in sickle cell disease.


Chemiluminescence spectra have been recorded for low-pressure, highly dilute, fuel-lean atomic oxygen flames of C2H2 and C3O2; under typical flame conditions the total pressure was 0.83 Torr with 1.1 mTorr of O atoms, 0.44 mTorr of O2, 0.20 mTorr of fuel, and the balance Ar. Spectral coverage was complete from 183 to 1500 nm for C2H2, and from 183 to 885 nm for C3O2. Strong CO a → X Cameron band emission was found to be the dominant feature of the chemiluminescence signature from 190 to 260 nm for C2H2 oxidation under these conditions, with distinct but relatively minor CO A → X fourth positive emission between 185 and 195 nm. There is strong emission from higher triplet states of CO throughout the visible and near-IR, with CO e → a, d → a, and a' → a emission features observed. Nearly identical CO emission spectra were obtained for both C2H2 and C3O2 fuels, which indicates that for both fuels the source of electronically excited CO is the C2O + O reaction. Quantification of emission yields for the four t...


The electrochemical oxidation of a wide variety of 5-substituted indole monomers at a platinum electrode results in the formation of a redox active film. Electrochemical and spectroscopic evidence is consistent with the redox species in the film being a cyclic trimer. In contrast, the electropolymerisation of 5-aminoindole and 5-hydroxyindole on a platinum electrode does not result in redox active film formation. This is attributed to the adsorption of the monomer onto the metal electrode via the substituent, which inhibits this reaction. However, electropolymerisation of these monomers onto a predeposited film of 5-cyanoindole or 5-nitroindole results in the formation of the cyclic trimer. Electrochemical studies using a rotating-ring disc electrode (RRDE) have confirmed the stoichiometry of the trimerisation reaction and also that the redox active cyclic trimer species shows reversible one electron redox activity. The half-wave potential for the reduction of each of these trimers shows a linear dependence with the Hammett substituent constant, σ+ or σ-, as appropriate, determined for a para-substituted aromatic indicating that the 5-substituent is conjugated into the π-electron system of the trimer. This indicates that judicious choice of substituents allows control of the trimer redox potential.


s 77 As a consequence of the local deceleration, the detachment of the boundary layer from the wall develops a disturbed flow, which impacts hemodynamics. It results in a non-uniform distribution of wall shear stress (WSS), which is responsible for atherosclerosis [1]. This phenomenon usually occurs in the carotid bifurcation (CB). Computational methods, MRI and conventional Doppler techniques have been used to establish the correlations between flow disturbance and plaque formation. We propose the use of a new method, called high-frame rate Vector Flow imaging (VFI), which dynamically visualises blood flow velocities in all directions, in the evaluation of the flow characteristics in the CB [2,3,4,5]. Methods: CB geometries and flow patterns in 30 healthy subjects of different age were evaluated using a commercial system equipped with high-frame rate VFI based on a frame rate of 600 Hz. The flow is represented by many coloured vectors, displayed as arrows, showing the different velocity, magnitude and direction at each site. Results: The correlation between flow disturbances and carotid sinus diameter was confirmed: the more relevant the diameter, the more disturbed the flow. Different CB geometries, affecting the flow behaviours and generating complex flow, such as recirculation, counter eddy, vortex and helical trajectory, were identified (Fig 1). Conclusions: High-frame rate VFI shows in detail the spatiotemporal characteristics of the flow and demonstrates the strong effect of vessel geometries on the flow patterns.


An optical amplifier for metro WDM networks, based on a gain-clamped semiconductor optical amplifier is proposed. The amplifier (RAGCSOA) consists of a low gain Raman fiber amplifier and a gain-clamped semiconductor optical amplifier. The RAGCSOA has over 20 dB gain and a noise figure below 3 dB. In addition, the potentially compact amplifier shows negligible transients under dynamic add-drops. Sixteen channels of 10 Gb/s signals were successfully transmitted over five NZDSF spans of 80 km using RAGCSOAs. RAGCSOAs were also used to successfully transmit sixteen channels of 10 Gb/s WDM signals over four 40km spans of SMF with add-drops. No penalty was observed when 15 out of 16 channels were dynamically add/dropped in all the transmission systems. The RAGCSOA can be very compact when a GCSOA chip and a Raman pump LD chip are packaged in a module.


Biodegradable microspheres containing cisplatin were prepared by a solvent-evaporation method and release profiles were evaluated in vitro. Cisplatin was entrapped in the microspheres prepared by poly (L-lactic acid) (L-PLA)with high encapsulation efficiency of about 80%. The microspheres containing cisplatin were spherical with diameters of about 60 μm. About 20% of the loaded cisplatin was released during the initial hours and release rates of cisplatin were very small thereafter. Attempts were made to enhance the release rate by incorporating fatty acid esters or gelatin as additives in the microspheres. The release patterns of cisplatin from the microspheres were different depending on the kinds of esters. In order to clarify the causes of its difference, appearances of the microspheres were observed with a scanning electron microscope. There was difference in their appearances in their surface and crosssection. The release rates of cisplatin from the microspheres were increased by incorporating gelatin in them.


3D geological modeling and visualization of mines is an important part of digital mine,and it is also a hotspot on the research of modern mines informatization.Based on the concept of Surpac software,the general process of 3D geological modeling and visualization of mines is dicussed,which including establishment of geological database,creation of solid model and grade block model etc.Through the applications on the project of gold deposit prediction in Yinan,some methods and techniques used in geological database design,geological interpretation and ore-body reserves estimation,were particular discussed.Finally,a kind of effective method and means is put forward for metallogenic study and prognosis in mines,which greatly improve the efficiency of mineral exploration,and also promote the informatization construction in mine.


Diamond films with various thicknesses (0.15–9 μm) were grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. The lowest threshold field strength for electron emission was 4 V/μm for the ∼1.5-μm-thick diamond film. The results were analyzed by effective emission areas and effective work function according to Fowler–Nordheim theory. It was found that the threshold voltage was strongly affected by the ratio of (111) and (110) oriented grains in the films. The larger the fraction of (111) oriented grains, the lower the effective work function in agreement with the reported negative electron affinity of (111) surfaces.


We conducted an extensive program of Mars observations during the recent 1990 opposition utilizing three telescopes at the Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii. Images and spectra were obtained between 0.4 and 4.0 μm using a CCD camera (0.4–1.0 μm, two grating array spectrometers (0.5–0.95 μm and 2.1–2.5 μm), and a near-infrared array camera (1.3–4.05 μm). Our goals were to take advantage of the good ground-based spatial resolution possible from this opposition, the best until 2001, and to try to map spatial variations in subtle spectral absorption features caused by martian atmospheric volatiles and trace gases and by surface minerals such as ferric oxides, clays, and pyroxenes.

Some preliminary results of our imaging observations are presented in Figure 1. These images were obtained in November 1990 using the University of Hawaii 61-cm telescope and an uncooled CCD camera/narrowband filter wheel combination (0.40-μm image), and the NASA 3.0-m Infrared Telescope Facility's ProtoCAM array camera (2.00-μm and 3.02-μm images). ProtoCAM uses a 58×62 element Indium-Antimonide (InSb) array and three cooled circular variable filters sensitive from 1.3–5.8 μm. We obtained images of the entire martian disk in 58 colors from 1.3–2.5 μm (0.9% spectral resolution) and in 25 colors from 2.9–4.05 μm (1.4% spectral resolution). These observations were made 2 weeks before opposition (phase angle 12°) when Mars was in late northern winter (Ls = 333°) and had an angular size of 18 arc sec. The 0.4 μm image was obtained 2 weeks later, closer to opposition (phase angle 2°, Ls = 341°).


This study aims to analyze the expenditure by using symbolic language as a proxy in election of head of village in Madura by using an interpretive qualitative method in order to enreach the meaning of the communication by the parties based on a cost accounting perspective, as identifying by the intention of the cost, as fix cost,variable cost, and semi variable cost. The results of the research point outed that there are many activities in the election of head of village process from before the nomination until the completion of the inauguration have cost dimension are nyaghêrêh, ekareng towa'ah, ghuruh, ajêgêh, angin tang ngin, tongket, and uniformity also in cigarret. The costs that must be incurred by the candidate as a fix cost and tend to be semi variable cost at the day of the election and also at the day of the inauguration. Some times the cost can continue until after becoming a village head. The variable cost are usually in order to influence voter decision from before voting day to the voting day.


In this paper,the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to monitor the spatial and temporal distribution of dissolved Microcystin-LR and Microcystin-RR in Lake Taihu,and its relationship with physiochemical factors of the lake were also discussed.The results showed that the concentrations of microcystin(MCs) were not different between surface and bottom water in a day,and the highest concentration of microcystins occurred in winter.Concentrations of the MCs changed much during one year in the sampling sites N5 and N1 which located in Zhushan Bay and the western part of Lake Taihu,respectively.Generally,the concentration of the MC-LR was higher than MC-RR for the year in average while the opposite results appeared in individual month of August and September.Correlation analysis showed that MC-LR was significantly positive correlated with TN,but did not show correlation with TP.During the period of water bloom of cyanobacteria,levels of the MC-LR were significantly positive correlated with TP,TN,UV254,SS,total organic carbon and biomass of cyanobacteria,whereas MC-RR was not significant correlated with all the environmental factors in the statistical test.


We study singularities of 2-ruled hypersurfaces in Euclidian 4-space. After defining a non-degenerate 2-ruled hypersurface we will give a necessary and su‰cient condition for such a map germ to be right-left equivalent to the cross capinterval. The behavior of a generic 2-ruled hypersurface map is also discussed.


An enzyme mixture was undertaken to improve degumming of ramie fiber. Optimum parameters of enzyme production were as follows: pH 8.45, temperature 40°C, inoculums size 5%, shaking speed 205 rpm, and degumming time 24 h. Using enzyme produced under the optimal conditions, the removal of residual gum of ramie fiber was 10.94% which fulfill the textile requirement. In addition, the fiber quality was measured to evaluate effective degumming and the gum in the ramie fiber was mostly degraded compared with chemical treated.


Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) methodology for biological tissue component distribution map using MALDI-TOF MS and MALDI-TOF/TOF MS was established.Peak density distribution was probed to be quite useful for MS image classification.More than 40 000 spectra from 200 tissue sections were acquired and reproducibility between various of species groups was great than 80%.Tens of differentiately expressed components were detected by t-test (P0.01).Classification modeling was created based on the differentiate components,blind species were analyzed for model validation,accuracy was above 90%.


Terry Barton Strom, a giant in the field of transplantation immunology, died in Boston on December 20th, surrounded by friends and family, at the age of 76. He will be remembered by all whose path he crossed for his intellect and persona. Terry grew up on the South Side of Chicago (more on that later) and went on to start his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. He entered medical school at the University of Illinois after his junior year, and — having never satisfied the foreign language requirement of the University — could not be awarded a bachelor's degree. Thus, he was one of the rare physicians and academicians to have never graduated from college (although Harvard later awarded him a degree). This certainly did not hold him back. Following medical school, Terry was an intern in medicine at the University of Illinois and was then recruited to be a senior resident in medicine at the Beth Israel Hospital, after which he was renal fellow at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. On the completion of his clinical training, he worked in the lab of gentleman-scholar Charles (Bernie) Carpenter, entering and helping define the then nascent field of transplantation immunology. He was among the first and most distinguished of a long line of scientists to emerge from the Carpenter [...] Obituary


This chapter reviews the protections under international law which purport to secure refugees' right to seek asylum by protecting them from penalization. Once a mere administrative matter, irregular migration and presence are now often made a crime in domestic laws, often with additional criminal offences such as for failure to cooperate in migration and asylum proceedings, or failure to have or produce identity documentation. In addition to criminalization, States also have meted out increasingly harsh treatment to those who breach their migration controls, irrespective of whether they are refugees or not. The chapter then analyses article 31 of the Refugee Convention, the provision which purports to protect refugees from penalization for 'illegal entry and stay'. It argues that non-penalization reflects one of the objects and purposes of the Refugee Convention. The chapter also explores whether international human rights law substantively limits States' 'right' to criminalize irregular entry and stay, and whether non-penalization of irregular entry or stay may be an emerging general principle of law.


Abstract The premise of this study was to assess the Oregon public's risk perception concerning Oregon's water resources. The state has a long-held reputation of having an overabundance of water; however, water shortages, droughts, and impaired water bodies throughout reveal this is not an accurate perception. Climate change models and population growth are projected to exacerbate Oregon's water situation. A 2010 survey questionnaire was distributed to 1,563 randomly selected Oregon households to elicit the risk perception of ten water-related activities. With a response rate of 51%, the study found the public perceived agricultural and forestry practices as the two greatest risks and private wells as the lowest risk activity. A Risk Perception index found on average the public view the state's water resources at a moderate risk. These findings can assist water resource managers throughout the Western United States as they develop and implement management strategies in response to climate change.


Network Processor (NP) is a programmable processor, which is used for packet processing in Network applications. Nowadays, many vendors are manufacturing different models of NPs for various applications. The major difference between each model is the number of microengines (ME), which varies from 6 to 32 (e.g., 6 or 8 or 16 or 32). The main objective of the Dynamic Reconfiguration in this work, is to optimize the usage of MEs depending on the network traffic fluctuation. The usage of MEs is either increased or decreased depending on the packet queue length. This paper proposes a new queuing system for dynamically reconfigurable NPs for traffic fluctuation. The number of MEs used, is dynamically increased when the queue size was increased by k packets and it was dynamically decreased when queue size reduced. We have used Intel IXP2400 NP for validating the queuing model for different traffic fluctuations.


Over the past two decades, permutation tests (PTs) have received much attention in the educational and behavioral sciences. The aim of this article is to review the theoretical developments of PTs, the active areas in the educational and behavioral research using PTs, and the types of analysis under which PTs have been applied. We obtained 224 published articles, which included 141 theoretical articles and 83 application articles. After scrutinizing each article, we are happy to see that (1) some researchers began to advocate introducing PTs into basic statistics training; (2) computing load for PTs may be reduced dramatically by some intelligent algorithms; (3) PTs began to be applied in new areas such as studies on the relationship between brain and behavior and the relationship between gene and behavior; (4) besides simple types of analysis such as independent two-group comparison, PTs can also be carried out under more complex situations such as multivariate analysis. However, we should also notice th...


Pseudo single stage flyback current source inverter designed for photovoltaic applications is presented in this paper. The proposed inverter consists of flyback current source converter and h-bridge unfolding stage. The proposed system is intended to do the following functions: extract maximum power for the Photovoltaic (PV) module, inject a sinusoidal current into the grid. Flyback converter is designed to operate in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), the purpose of DCM operation is to inject a sinusoidal current into the grid without measuring the grid current. Rectified sinusoidal modulation is used to control the flyback converter switch. The purpose of this modulation strategy is to let the output of the flyback converter current to be a rectified sinusoidal waveform. H-bridge unfolding stage is used to convert the rectified current at the fundamental frequency of the grid voltage to full sinusoidal current. All switches of the h-bridge unfolding circuits are operating at fundamental frequency of the grid. Operating at fundamental frequency reduces the switching losses of the h-bridge inverter to be approximately zero.


In order to probe into each region's virtual water research and practice in China,the quantitative evaluation of indicator system method and matrix categories of mutually exclusive method were conducted to classify China's provincial regions.First,three senior function regional types were divided,namely,virtual water import region(13 provinces),virtual water output region(9 provinces)and virtual water equilibrium region(9 provinces)according to the index of water resource gift,which was built up by three indicators of multi-year average precipitation,per capita water resources and runoff.Second,12 secondary function regions were identified according to combinations of the various indexes of agricultural product trade which was constructed by three indicators of proportion of agricultural output,per capita food production and per capita meat production and non-agricultural water resource demand pressure index which was constructed by four indicators of urbanization rate,proportion of urban domestic water utilization,proportion of urban industrial water utilization and proportion of industrial output.The 12 secondary function regions are typical virtual water import(output)area,inner optimization area,growing virtual water import(output)area,composite type area,potential virtual water import(output)area and reality virtual water import(output)area.Third,the authors pointed out that it should raise the commodity rate of water-intensive industrial and agricultural products in the virtual water import regions,and reduce water-intensive industrial step by step in the virtual water output regions.However in the virtual water equilibrium regions,it is not suitable to adopt virtual water strategy.Furthermore,some suggestions were put forward on the orientation of water-density industrial development and virtual water studies in each secondary region.


Pullout tests on two instrumented piles were performed in a deep deposit of sand at Mustang Island, Texas. Three pullout tests were conducted to determine the tension capacity of a pile, and to assess effects of lateral loading on pullout resistance. One pullout test was performed in a pile before lateral loads had been applied and two pullout tests followed a series of lateral loads. The steel test piles were 24-in. diameter and had an embedment length of 69 feet. The top 30 ft of the piles was instrumented with strain gages. As tension loads were applied to the piles with two manually operated jacks, strain along the pile and movement of the top of the pile were recorded. Two soil borings were made at the test site prior to pile installation. Logs of these borings and results of laboratory soil tests are presented. Test equipment and procedures are described and results in the form of strain data and load versus pile-top movement are presented. From these results, skin-friction parameters are determined. No significant effect of lateral loading on pullout resistances was noted.


Peripheral‐type benzodiazepine receptors were evaluated using the specific ligand [3H]‐PK 11195 in brain homogenates from nine cirrhotic patients who died in hepatic coma and from an equal number of age‐matched control subjects. Histopathological studies showed evidence of severe Alzheimer type II astrocytosis in the brains of all cirrhotic patients. Saturation‐binding assays revealed a single saturable binding site for [3H]‐PK 11195 in brain, with affinities in the 2‐ to 3‐nmol/L range. Diazepam was found to be a relatively potent inhibitor of 3H‐PK 11195 binding (IC50 = 253 nmol/L), whereas the central benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15‐1788 displaced 3H‐PK 11195 binding with low affinity (IC50 >40 μmol/L). Densities of [3H]‐PK 11195 binding sites were found to be increased by 48% (p < 0.01) and 25% (p < 0.05) in frontal cortex and caudate nuclei, respectively, from cirrhotic patients. Densities of [3H]‐PK 11195 binding sites in frontal cortex from two nonencephalopathic cirrhotic patients were not significantly different from control values. No concomitant changes of affinities of these binding sites were observed. Because it has been suggested that peripheral‐type benzodiazepine receptors may be localized on mitochondrial membranes and may therefore be involved in cerebral oxidative metabolism, the alterations observed in this study could be of pathophysiological significance in hepatic encephalopathy.(HEPATOLOGY 1990; 11:874‐878.)


Sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-coronary ICU's, and one hallmark of sepsis patients is sustained immune suppression. Septic patients exhibit compromised innate and adaptive immunity, making them highly susceptible to secondary infections. Using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, we recently showed the recovery of CD4 T cells from CLP-induced lymphopenia is accompanied by alterations in the composition and function of the Ag-specific CD4 T cell repertoire. These data led us to hypothesize that CD4 T cell-dependent B cell responses would also be impaired after CLP. Using the same CLP model, we immunized sham (control) and CLP mice with PE-conjugated 2W1S56 peptide 30 d after surgery, and then we quantitated the number of 2W1S-specific CD4 T cells and PE-specific B cells 7 d later. Compared to sham mice, CLP-treated mice immunized with PE-2W1S56 had a sustained reduction in number of 2W1S-specific Tfh CD4 T cells and naïve/memory PE-specific B cells after CLP. Next, we immunized sham and CLP mice with TNP-KLH plus either CpG or alum early (2 d) or late (30 d) after surgery to induce Th1 or Th2 Ab responses, respectively. We observed compromised production of anti-TNP Ab in mice immunized with either TNP-KLH/CpG or alum early (2 d) after CLP. Importantly, Ab production remained reduced in mice immunized with TNP-KLH/alum late (30 d) after CLP. Together, our data show CLP-induced sepsis impacts humoral immunity by affecting the number and function of Ag-specific B cells and CD4 Tfh cells. Moreover, these data suggest potential for defects in humoral immunity to newly introduced Ag (e.g., vaccines) in sepsis survivors long after the septic event has resolved.


This chapter deals with causal explanation in quantitative‐oriented social sciences. In the framework of statistical modelling, we first develop a formal structural modelling approach which is meant to shape causal explanation. Recursive decomposition and exogeneity are given a major role for explaining social phenomena. Then, based on the main features of structural models, the recursive decomposition is interpreted as a mechanism and exogenous variables as causal factors. Arguments from statistical methodology are first offered and then submitted to critical evaluation.


This paper discusses three common problems plaguing microfinance institutions (MFIs), namely high interest rates, sustainability issues, and ability of MFIs to help the poor to generate income. This paper will consider arguments regarding these problems and point to how these problems could be minimized through innovation and cooperation. The high loan costs caused by high risk of financing the poor can be reduced by implementing the innovative group lending model which could help to decrease the default risk. While the dependency on subsidies and external supports which reduces the sustainability of MFIs can be addressed by cooperation with larger financial institutions and improvement of MFIs' products and operating efficiency. In addition, an improvement of infrastructure and human resources would lead to a more efficient MFIs operation. Lastly, the questioned effectiveness of MFIs to improve their clients' livelihood can be tackled by educating their clients with basic business skills.


ECG Challenge: A 74-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pros-tate cancer (treated with surgery), and hypertension, which is being treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a β -blocker, presents to the emergency department with concerns of palpitations that had been present for several hours. He initially felt that the palpitations were the result of his albuterol inhaler, but the symptoms persisted for several hours and prompted him to come to the emergency department. On presentation, his respiratory status was stable and his blood pressure was 130/78 mm Hg. Heart sounds were regular, but he had a rapid heart rate. An ECG was obtained (A). The patient underwent urgent cardioversion after which a second ECG (B) was obtained. There is a regular wide complex tachycardia with a rate of 138 bpm. The QRS complexes have a duration of 0.14 s. Although the QRS complexes resemble a right bundle-branch block with a tall R wave in lead V1 ( → ), and deep S waves in leads I and V6 ( ← ), as well, the morphology is not typi-cal for a right bundle-branch block. In addition, the axis is indeterminate between –90° and ±180° (negative QRS complex in leads I and aVF). Also noted is 1 on-time QRS complex (^), which has a morphology that is very different from all of the other QRS complexes (+). The QT/QTc intervals are prolonged (340/515 ms and 300/455 The second ECG (B) is the baseline ECG for this patient, obtained after cardioversion. There is a regular rhythm at a rate of 76 bpm. There is a P wave before each QRS complex (+) with a stable PR interval (0.18 s). The P waves are positive in leads I, II, aVF, and V4 through V6. This is a normal sinus rhythm. The P wave is all negative in lead V1 and has a notching in leads II and aVF; these findings are consistent with a left atrial abnormality or hypertrophy. The QRS complexes have a normal duration (0.10 s) and a normal morphology, although there is poor R-wave progres-sion from V1 through V3, which is consistent with clockwise rotation of the electric axis in the horizontal plane. This is established by imagining the heart as if viewed from under the diaphragm. With clockwise rotation, the appearance of left ventricular forces is delayed and they develop later in the precordial leads. The axis is very leftward between –30° and –90° (positive QRS complex in lead I and negative QRS complex in leads II and aVF). The 2 causes for an extreme left axis include an old inferior wall myocardial infarction in which there is a deep Q wave or a left anterior fascicular block in which there is an rS morphology, which is seen in this case; therefore, this is a left anterior fascicular block. There are ST-T–wave abnormalities seen in leads I, aVL, and V4 to V5 (^). The QT/QTc intervals are normal (340/380 ms).


Recent advances in breast cancer imaging have generated new ways to characterize the disease. Many analysis techniques require a method for determining correspondence between a pendant breast surface before and after a deformation. In this paper, an automated point correspondence method that uses the surface Laplacian or the diffusion equation coupled to an isocontour matching and interpolation scheme are presented. This method is compared to a TPS interpolation of surface displacements tracked by fiducial markers. The correspondence methods are tested on two realistic finite element simulations of a breast deformation and on a breast phantom. The Laplace correspondence method resulted in a mean TRE ranging from 1.0 to 7.7 mm for deformations ranging from 13 to 33 mm, outperforming the diffusion method. The TPS method, in part because it utilizes fiducial information, performed better than the Laplace method, with mean TRE ranging from 0.3 to 1.9 mm for the same range of deformations. The Laplace and TPS methods have the potential to be used by analyses requiring point correspondence between deforming surfaces.


To effectively manage and maintain maritime stability and security, in all of the three most dangerous Security challenge ridden (politico-military) conflict regions, namely the Middle East, the India-Pakistan conflict zone and China-North Korea sphere, it becomes essential that three nations with common and converging interests cooperate with each other with or without treatise of agreements, in all possible spheres, as formal or informal partners in trilateral cooperation.


Studies on the application of the lead rubber bearing (LRB) isolation system to various structures carried out as one of the measures to improve seismic performance. Curved bridges play noteworthy role in the modern transportation system. Due to complex interchange and the desire to conform to existing geometric confinements have made this type of structures more alluring. Horizontally curved bridges make up of a noteworthy portion of the bridge population in various countries. In the present study, Lead rubber bearings have been used in an Isolated Curved bridges. Seismic loadings have been considered for three recorded ground motions from PEER strong motion database (PEER 2014) without scaling viz. (1) Imperial Valley (1940) with two orthogonal horizontal ground motion components (PGA0.313g and PGA0.215g); (2) Kobe (1995) with two orthogonal horizontal ground motion components (PGA 0.83g and PGA 0.63g) and (3) Turkey (1992) with two orthogonal horizontal ground motion components (PGA 0.5g and PGA 0.39g). These three ground motions have been considered to represent conditions close to far-fault, near-fault and forward directivity of earthquakes, respectively. Unidirectional and Bi-directional loading have been considered in the present study. Design aspects of the Lead rubber bearings has been considered by deploying the interaction diagram of bearing displacement between the unidirectional and bi-directional responses. It has been found that the bidirectional loading should be considered while designing the isolators.


RALEIGH, N.C. – Joseph A. Smith, Jr., Monitor of the National Mortgage Settlement (NMS or Settlement), today filed a report with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on his continued review of Ocwen's compliance with the Settlement. The report includes results from the Monitor's retesting of work completed during the first quarter of 2014 as a result of his lack of confidence in Ocwen's internal review group (IRG) and outlines several actions Ocwen has taken to improve its IRG.


To begin with a summary of the Dongkou dialect and followed by the expounding of the phonological characteristics of Dongkou Shanmen dialect,this article has investigated some original words of Shanmen dialect from three aspects of pronunciation,meaning and document.It shows that the Shanmen dialect has both the prominent features of Gan dialect and the color of its mixing with Xiang dialect.


Graft Copolymers Having Hydrophobic Backbone and Hydrophilic Branches XXI. Preparation of Galactose Surface-Accumulated Polystyrene Nanospheres and Their Interaction with Lectin


Aims. We address the origin and evolutionary status of hot subdwarf stars by studying the optical spectral properties of 58 subdwarf O (sdO) stars. Combining them with the results of our previously studied subdwarf B (sdB) stars, we aim at investigating possible evolutionary links. Methods. We analyse high-resolution ( R > 18 000), high-quality optical spectra of sdO stars obtained with the ESO VLT UVES echelle spectrograph in the course of the ESO Supernova Ia Progenitor Survey (SPY). E ff ective temperatures, surface gravities


A method of assigning a spare area of an optical recording medium having a data area, the method comprising: providing a first mode in which both a primary spare area and a supplementary spare area are assigned; providing a second mode in which a primary spare area is only assigned; and assigning the spare area according to one of either the first mode or the second mode when the optical recording medium is formatted, wherein the supplementary spare area in the first mode is assigned without a logical section number (LSN).


The respiratory ward and clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital provide treatment for people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. The bulk of both inpatients and outpatients have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition caused primarily by cigarette smoking and one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide. In COPD, panic disorder is up to ten times more prevalent than in the general population, and panic attacks and anxiety symptoms are common (Divo et aI., 2012).


What a gift to be blessed by the music and poetry of composers who have meditated on the psalms." Posting about God's example of justice and mercy from In All Things an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God's creation. https://inallthings.org/compact-theology-hymns-for-psalm-28/


) in association with chemo-therapeutic agents has become a standard treat-ment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer reaching a median overall survival of 22.7 months [1]. However, bevacizumab-therapy can be associ-ated with some adverse events, including bleeding (3%), gastrointestinal perforation (2%), arterial thromboembolism (1%), hypertension (5.3%), pro-teinuria (1%) and wound-healing complications (1%) [2–5]. Bleeding complications have been observed as pulmonary hemorrhage and/or hemop-tysis, mainly in patients with lung cancer; gingival and vaginal bleeding have also been reported, but are less common [2]. Herein, the occurrence of a (pseudo-)aneurysm within an asymptomatic renal angiomyolipoma in a patient with colorectal liver metastases treated with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab is reported. A 57-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic low anterior resection for obstructing rectosigmoid carcinoma with concommitant diffuse liver metasta-ses. At pre-operative screening CT, a fat-containing mass lesion was detected suggestive of an angiomyo-lipoma (Figure 1). A true-cut biopsy of the renal lesion was performed. Pathological analysis confi rmed the diagnosis of an angiomyolipoma. One month postoperatively, chemotherapeutic treatment with FOLFIRI and buvacizumab was started to manage the liver metastases. Control CT-scan three months after start of the chemotherapeutic treatment showed a marked involution of the liver metastases, but also a (pseudo-) aneurysm within the angiomyolipoma. The (pseudo-) aneurysm had a diameter of 4.5 cm with peripheral thrombus-formation (Figure 2). It was agreed to exclude the (pseudo-)aneurysm by transcatheter embolization. Under local anesthesia, the feeding vessel was selectively catheterized (Figure 3a) and occluded by 250 μ microparticles (Embozene, CeloNova, Newnan, GA, USA) and microcoils (Microtornado, Cook Medical, Bjaeverskov, Den-mark) (Figure 3b). FU-CT two months later depicted a further shrinkage of the liver metastases and a full exclusion of the (pseudo-) aneurysm. Bleeding complications associated with bevaci-zumab-therapy potentially can be explained by the anti-angiogenic effect, thus inhibiting the growth of the endothelium which might result in vessel wall contiguity and pseudoaneurysm formation. In the present case, the exact pathophysiological mechanism for the development of the (pseudo-)aneurysm within the angiomyolipoma is not very clear. A vessel wall lesion might be induced initially by the true-cut biopsy. However, FU-CT one month after the biopsy showed no radiological sign of intralesional aneurysm formation. Bevaci-zumab therapy might have jeopardized endotheli-alization at a biopsy-injured vessel, a phenomenon which is similar to late bevacizumab-related surgi-cal site complications [6]. Also, bevacizumab ther-apy might have a direct effect on the physiology of the endothelium of the vascular components of the angiomyolipoma. Angiomyolipoma may harbor subtle microaneurysms not visible on imaging and a pseudoaneurysm may have developed spontane-ously at the site of such a microaneurysm with a susceptible and fragile endothelial lining [7].


In minimal change nephrosis (MCN), proteinuria is associated with structural changes of the glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GVEC). The occurrence of MCN has been associated with T-helper2 lymphocyte-dependent conditions. To examine a direct role for type 2 cytokines in GVEC injury, the expression of interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 receptors by GVEC and direct effects of IL-4 and IL-13 on GVEC were studied. Reverse transcription-PCR showed that isolated human and rat glomeruli and cultured human and rat GVEC expressed mRNA for IL-4Ra, IL-13Ra1, and IL-13Ra2. Protein expression of IL-4Ra and IL-13Ra2 by GVEC in human kidney biopsies and by cultured human GVEC was detected by immunohistochem- istry. Western blotting demonstrated phosphorylation of STAT6 in cultured GVEC upon incubation with IL-4 or IL-13. This indicated signal transduction via the heterodimeric recep- tor complex IL-4R2, which is composed of the IL-4Ra and the IL-13Ra1. Direct effects on GVEC function were examined in monolayer experiments. IL-4 and IL-13 dose-dependently de- creased transepithelial electrical resistance of monolayers of rat GVEC to approximately 30 and 40% of baseline values, re- spectively. The transepithelial electrical resistance decrease was associated with a significant increase in short-circuit cur- rent, whereas no changes were observed in the transmonolayer flux of the macromolecules horseradish peroxidase (molecular weight, 44 kD) and 14 C-mannitol (molecular weight, 182 Da). No changes in cell structure were observed with electron microscopy. It is concluded that by binding to specific IL-4/ IL-13 receptors, IL-4 and IL-13 can exert specific effects on GVEC function, which could be of pathogenetic relevance for glomerular injury in MCN. Minimal change nephrosis (MCN) is a common cause of ne- phrotic syndrome in children. In the renal biopsies of these pa- tients, structural alterations are restricted to the glomerular vis- ceral epithelial cells (GVEC). GVEC are highly specialized cells with a complex arborized structure of interdigitating foot pro- cesses, which contribute to the specific characteristics of the glomerular filtration barrier. In MCN, foot process retraction and effacement are associated with the occurrence of proteinuria. The pathogenesis of these changes in GVEC structure and their rela-


This paper brings out one perspective on the experiences of the analytic couple, and transposes it into a general perspective on the analytic process: its aesthetic dimension. It is a combined epistemological and emotional perspective that is open to both participants. By an intense preoccupation with and distance to the object, the subject tries to reconcile the object's exterior form with its imagined content. This perspective offers itself most advantageously in highly emotional situations, in which analyst and analysand feel the pain of being outsiders to each other. They are thrown back on making guesses about the other's intimations. It can bring them into indifference or despair—or it can bring out an aesthetic experience. A situation, until now unbearable, suddenly reveals its surprising potential. The theoretical discussion will be illustrated by a discussion taken from the Talmud and by two clinical examples: one from the psychoanalysis with an infant and her mother, the other with a latency girl. The paper also accounts for the aesthetic as a philosophical and psychoanalytic concept. Some recurrent topics, especially those of form and content, reflect the aesthetic experience as our continuous struggle to reconcile outward form with interior content. This struggle will be formulated as a continuation of the infantile aesthetic conflict, following Meitzer.


Investors want one outcome: to achieve their financial goals. When investing, you'll need to come up with a plan to manage your portfolio - including a view on whether an active strategy can outperform the market. You'll need to decide whether an active or passive investment strategy is best for your portfolio.


Defibrotide has several activities [profibrinolytic, antithrombotic-thrombolytic, anti-ischemic (heart, liver, kidney, skin, brain), antishock, antiatherosclerotic, and antirejection]. This host of activities has puzzled several people accustomed to the concept: one drug — one activity. But, if you see defibrotide as an antiendothelial cell activation drug, each piece of the puzzle will neatly fit into its right place and the host of activities becomes an array of activities. In fact the polyhedric inflammatory process is the common background of seemingly different illnesses, both acute and chronic. So the old concept of one drug-one activity proves true; one drug: defibrotide — one activity; antiendothelial cell activation activity.


Neutron irradiation of crystalline SiO/sub 2/ creates two-level-state (TLS) excitations similar to those found in vitreous SiO/sub 2/. Using evidence obtained from x-ray and mass-density measurements, we conclude that the TLS excitations in damaged crystals need not reside in regions of material made amorphous.


In this paper,we investigate the Cauchy problem for a family of p-Laplacian equations with nonlinear gradient term,under the careful choosing of the test function,the nonexistence of global solutions of the Cauchy problem is proved by using the energy method and inequality technic.


To asses the water quality in estuaries nutrient fluxes at the sedimentwater interface need to be measured. We developed an in situ method, the dialysis porewater sampler (DPS), which consists of a 30 cm-height plexiglass sheet in which fixed volume cells are regularly spaced of 1 cm and covered with a polysulfone membrane permeable to ions. Then the DPS is vertically insert into the sediment. Equilibration time may be long, ranging from 15 to 25 days. In order to optimise the equilibration time of the DPS, we developed a 1D diffusion model which considers the exchange between the sediment surrounding the cell and the dialysis cell itself. Both diffusive solute fluxes within the sediment and the permeable membrane towards the dialysis cell in a horizontal direction are considered. The physical parameters take into account in the diffusive model are : (i) diffusion coefficients of nutrient ions (N, P), (ii) tortuosity, (iii) permeation speed, (iv) initial concentration in the vertical direction. The sensitivity of the model to the physical/chemical parameters of the sediment such as porosity (or tortuosity), permeability of the membrane and temperature of the sediment is evaluated. Model's validation is realized with data obtained from muddy estuarine sediments (on the Seine river, Normandy, France). From a global point of view, the results of the 1D model calibration tested from field data highlight that the equilibration of the dialysis porewater sampler is not homogeneous on the 30 centimetres of sampled sediment column. Indeed, the results confirm the good correlation between Vennin Arnaud Normandie Universite, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, Université de Rouen 76821 Mont-SaintAignan cedex, France E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Mesnage Valérie Normandie Université, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, Université de Rouen 76821 Mont-SaintAignan cedex, France Lecoq Nicolas Normandie Université, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, Université de Rouen 76821 Mont-SaintAignan cedex, France


Biogenetic reefs of well Xichen 1, Xisha sea area are mainly plant reefs which consist of calcareous alga, including Rhodophyta shell-like coralline algae, articulated coralline algae and Chlorophyta Halimeda, and secondly of coral reefs.Reef facies types are mostly reef core facies and back reef lagoon facies.Minerals in reef rocks are simplex, mainly consist of carbonate, involving low-magnesian calcite and ferroan dolomite.Textural components are organism framework, granular fragment, micrite and calcsparite.Rock types comprise framework limestone/dolostone, boundstone, grain limestone/dolostone, with organic framework texture, biology baffle texture, geniculum texture, binding texture, and cementitious texture.Reservoir pore space types are primary pore including intergranular pore and visceral foramen, and secondary pore including moldic pore, fissure, intragranular emposieu, enlarged intergranular pore, which mostly exists as intergranular pore-emposieu-intercrystal pore, with good storage capability.


Examines two generations of Social HMOs (S/HMO I and S/HMO II), models of managed care that incorporate additional long-term care benefits and care coordination services for Medicare beneficiaries. Finds that one of the three S/HMO I plans examined has implemented innovative geriatric approaches. However, costs for the plans are 15 to 27 percent higher than under the regular Medicare HMO payment method. The higher payments appear unwarranted, because only one plan has frailer enrollees than local Medicare HMOs. Furthermore, plans are not spending the full 5 percent supplementary payment on extra services as intended. The newer S/HMO II plan also has implemented innovative geriatric programs and is not overpaid for the health of its enrollees. Despite the enhanced services, member satisfaction with the four S/HMOs is about the same as for regular Medicare HMOs in the same cities, and S/HMOs do not appear to have a greater effect than regular HMOs on beneficiaries' health and functioning. The authors recommend that the S/HMO plans be phased into the regular M+C program by 2004, and that the special payment method be phased out.


There has been increasing scientific evidence related to climate change and its attribution, impacts, and possibilities of mitigation. Yet, climate contrarianism still persists. This paper concentrates on Poland and Norway—two fossil fuel giants that represent essential differences on climate contrarianism. In Norway there is a broad social and political consensus about the attribution and importance of climate change and a motivation to undertake climate change mitigation measures, whereas in Poland the inconvenient truth on anthropogenic climate change remains particularly inconvenient. By taking a qualitative approach, this paper discusses different drivers of climate contrarianism in both countries; provides examples of contrarian attitudes present in society, media, politics, and research; and compares their role in Polish and Norwegian contexts. The findings show the difficulties in defining universal factors determining contrarian attitudes, because their understanding and weight can be different among countries and a more nuanced analysis is needed to scrutinize different national contexts. The conclusion calls for more comparative research, which would combine quantitative and qualitative approaches investigating climate contrarianism.


Cactaceae are plants that demand low consumption of water and energy for their commercial exploitation. In addition, cacti have a high mucilage content (polysaccharide) that can be used as a hydrocolloid for various food applications. In this sense, the raw material used in this work was the native cactus Opuntia monacantha that shows wide distribution in the Brazilian coastline. The objective of this work was to characterize the mucilage and the cladode flour obtained from this plant in terms of its technological potentialities for food application. In addition, these ingredients have also been tested on gluten-free crackers. For this purpose, in the first study the mucilage was evaluated for its physicochemical characteristics (proximate composition, minerals, monosaccharide profile, water activity, color, bulk density, intrinsic viscosity, and molar mass), powder morphology, particle size distribution, and functional properties (solubility, emulsifying, foaming and viscosity properties). In the second study, the flour obtained by drying and crushing the cladode (called cladode flour) was analyzed for its physicochemical characteristics (proximate composition, minerals, chlorophyll content, color, and water activity) and technological properties (bulk density, swelling, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity). Sequentially, both ingredients (mucilage and cladode flour) were used in the preparation of gluten-free cracker-type biscuits. Five cracker formulations were prepared: control cracker (containing 2% of commercial gums CMC and xanthan), cracker added of mucilage (containing 2% of mucilage instead of commercial gums), crackers incorporated of 5%, 10% and 15% of cladode flour (no commercial gums added). The crackers were evaluated for their proximate composition, physical properties, total phenolic content, carotenoid composition, antioxidant activity (ABTS) and sensory analysis. The results of the first study showed that the yield of mucilage extraction was 12% (dry basis), being composed of 80.12% of carbohydrates, 15.14% of ashes, 3.55% of proteins and 1.19 % of lipids. The mucilage presented high levels of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. The monosaccharide profile demonstrated that the mucilage is a heteropolymer, consisting mainly of galactose, glucuronic acid, and arabinose. The viscosimetric measurements of the mucilage resulted in an intrinsic viscosity of 9.02 dL/g and a molar mass of 1.12 × 10 g/mol. The reconstituted mucilage in water (1% w/v) had a mean particle diameter (D4,3) of 648 nm and solubility above 85%. The emulsifying capacity of the mucilage has improved with its increase in the emulsion; in the same way, it provided high emulsion stability through different proportions of oil: polysaccharide solution. The mucilage exhibited good foaming capacity, although the stability of that foam has progressively decreased over time. Also, its mixing with ovalbumin resulted in the improvement of foaming capacity and in a markedly greater foam stability compared to ovalbumin alone. The rheological studies indicated that the mucilage solutions showed a pseudoplastic behavior at concentrations between 1 and 10%, and relative viscosity stability in the temperature range of 5 to 80 °C. According to the results of the second study, the cladode flour had a proximate composition of 5.13% moisture, 5.12% protein, 1.72% lipids, 18.29% ash, 45.36% total dietary fiber, 32.86% insoluble dietary fiber, 12.50% soluble dietary fiber, and 74.87% of total carbohydrates; besides, exhibited the following values for the functional properties: swelling of 17.49 mL/g, water holding capacity of 7.03 g/g, and oil holding capacity of 1.26 g/g. In relation to the elaborated crackers, the proximate composition of the cracker added of mucilage was very similar to the control (except for its superior ash content), while the crackers incorporated with cladode flour exhibited an increase in ash and fiber contents. In general, the physical properties of the crackers were not affected by the use of mucilage or cladode flour, except for the darker coloring of the cladode floursupplemented crackers. The crackers containing mucilage and the cladode flour-incorporated ones presented higher values of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than the control. Additionally, the crackers formulated with the cladode flour were incremented with carotenoids. Sensory evaluation revealed that the cracker added of mucilage and the one incorporated of 5% cladode flour were those most accepted. Considering the results obtained in this work, it is suggested that the mucilage extracted from the O. monacantha cactus can present potentially useful applications in food systems, particularly as an emulsifying, foaming and thickening agent, or as a stabilizer. The cladode flour, in turn, can be used in many food applications in order to modify the texture of the products, as well as to increase the levels of fibers, minerals, and bioactive compounds. The application of the mucilage and the cladode flour in the production of gluten-free crackers has shown promise in the substitution of commercial gums usually used. Thus, due to the characteristics presented by the food ingredients obtained from Opuntia monacantha cactus, it is suggested that such ingredients must be tested in other foods.


Chapter 1 presents a dance-centered taxonomy of musical numbers, which clarifies how dance promotes agency and authorship. Reconsidering the term "song picturization," which suggests the primacy of the song as setting the agenda for the visuals, this chapter proposes that in the case of certain dance numbers or famed dancer-actors, a reverse process of "dance musicalization" is at work, in which a desired dance vocabulary precedes and influences the conceptualization of the song. This disruption of given logics of production and authorship spurs the conceptualization of a multi-bodied "choreomusicking body," which directs our attention to the many on- and off-screen bodies laboring to produce the song-and-dance number, and fundamentally shifts ideological readings of narrative and spectacle in popular Hindi cinema. Employing choreomusicological theory, historical accounts of dancer-actors' influence on musical composition, and spectatorial responses to the music-dance composite, this chapter proposes new models for theorizing the Hindi film song-and-dance sequence.


This paper presents five empirical tests of the popular modeling abstraction that assumes bids from online auctions with proxy bidding can be analyzed "as if" they were bids from a second-price sealed-bid auction. The tests rely on observations of the magnitudes and timings of the top two proxy bids, with the different tests stemming from different regularity assumptions about the underlying distribution of valuation signals. We apply the tests to data from three eBay markets---MP3 players, DVDs, and used cars---and we reject the sealed-bid abstraction in all three data sets. A closer examination of these rejections suggests that they are driven by less experienced bidders. This consistent rejection casts doubt on several existing theories of online auction behavior and suggests some demand estimates based on the abstraction can be biased. To assess the direction and magnitude of this bias, we propose and estimate a new model in which some bidders conform to the abstraction while other bidders bid in a reactive fashion. Because reactive bidding can be at least partially detected from the data, we are able to estimate the underlying distribution of demand and compare it to what the sealed-bid abstraction implies. We find that our proposed model fits the data better, and our demand estimates reveal a large potential downward bias were we to assume the second-price sealed-bid model instead.


Fine particulate matter (PM ) was collected by a high volume sampler TE-6070D during 2010 2.5 to study the characteristics and sources of trace elements in PM in Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone. 2.5 Nineteen elements of the sixty-four samples were determined by Agilent 7500cx Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy. The results showed that significant seasonal variation of PM was ob2.5 -3 -3 served with highest (211 ig m ) in winter and lowest in summer (132 ig m ). The annual average -3 concentration was 175 ig m which was significantly higher than the assessment thresholds of European Commission, WHO and USA. The concentrations of toxic metal Cd and As exceeded the assessment threshold of EC Air quality Framework Directive. Annual average concentration of Pb was found to be below the limit value for all samples, while the concentrations of Fe, Cd, Co, Mn were relatively high. Statistical correlations and principal component analysis for the chemical composition in PM showed that fine particles arising from soil dust, biomass and coal burning, industry 2.5 and traffic were the main sources of PM in the studied region. 2.5


Law of the Republic of Indonesia No.20/2008 on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) explain the meaning of the micro, small and medium enterprises. SME is a business activity that is able to expand employment and provide economic services to the wider community and can play a role in the distribution process and improve household incomes, encourage economic growth and play a role in achieving national stability. Moreover, SMEs are one of the main pillars of the national economy should gain major opportunities, support, protection and development of the widest as a manifestation of partisanship that explicitly attempt to group people's economy.


This paper focuses on competency of data scientists and behavioral intention that affect the big data analysis performance. This experiments examined nine core factors needed by data scientist. In order to investigate, we conducted survey to gather data from 103 data scientist who participate in Kaggle big data competition and used factor analysis and PLS-SEM for the analysis methods. The results shows that some key competency factors have influential effect on the big data analysis. This study is to provide new theoretical basis needed for the relevant research by analyzing the structural relationship between the individual competencies and performance, and practically to identify the priorities of the core competencies that data scientist must have.


The crystal structure of the uracil complex of Vaccinia virus uracil DNA glycosylase (D4) has been determined at 2.03 Å resolution.


【Objective】 To explore the value of Esophageal Variceal diameter on the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding.【Methods】 35 cases o f liver cirrhosis with port a hypertension were divided into bleeding group(n =20) and no bleeding group(n =15).HVPG according Seldinger method and diameter of esophageal vein according to MSCT were carried out.【Results】 Both values in no bleeding groups were significantly lower than those in bleeding group.【Conclusion】 The esophageal vein Width Measurement was convenient and safe and predictive e of EVB.


Biracial people are often stereotyped as cold and socially awkward. Two experiments assessed whether the racial context in which they are perceived influences the application of these stereotypes. Participants read about a Black/White student who chose or was assigned a White, Black or Black/White roommate. Roommate race was manipulated via photographs (Experiment 1), or written description (Experiment 2). When photos were provided, roommate race, not the relationship, influenced target evaluations. The biracial target with a White roommate was viewed the least positively and as least similar to participants, implying his minority status was highlighted by his roommate's race. The written description produced only relationship effects. When the target chose his roommate he was evaluated as warmer, more competent and with more positive regard than when he was assigned a roommate. The results suggest that visual vs. narrative racial contexts produce divergent evaluations of biracial people.


This article raises the question of the compatibility of 'Postmodern marketing' and 'Mediterranean marketing', challenging the literature on Mediterranean marketing, which qualifies it as postmodern. Do Mediterranean and Postmodern marketing not, in fact, constitute an oxymoron? Or, at the very least, do they not exhibit characteristics that differentiate them much more than the literature contends? The comparative and critical analysis of the convergence of these two types of marketing is based on a literature review and empirical cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The common scientific wisdom is that dissolved organic debris (from rotting dead plant material, for example) reduces the biological activity, and hence toxicity, of heavy metals such as mercury. Prior to the start of this project, however, a study showed that organic debris could also sometimes enhance build up of the toxic form of mercury in phytoplankton. This toxic form is called methylmercury (MeHg). It is produced in the aquatic environment by sulfur-reducing bacteria and biomagnifies through aquatic food chains.


【Objective】To investigate the regular pattern variation of tumor size after chemotherapy,and analyze the possible factors which influence the change of tumor size after chemotherapy.【Methods】60 non-small-cell lung cancer patients with multi-cycle induction chemotherapy which were firstly diagnosed from January 2012 until December 2012 were enrolled in this study.To utilize size measurement software of TPS to measure tumor size,and to retrospective analyze the change of tumor size after each chemotherapy cycle.【Results】The absolute tumor size are different between re-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy of first cycle,from 89.32 cm3 decrease to 58.36 cm3(P =0.0120.05),fourth cycle and after fifth cycle(P =0.0460.05),but the differences between other consecutive cycles have not statistical significance.T staging and the original tumor size are independent prognostic factors of tumor relative size changes after the first cycle chemotherapy.The absolute size of original tumor size125 cm3 group and T1-2 group decrease more.【Conclusions】The best curative effect induction chemotherapy on non-small-cell lung carcinoma is after the first cycle chemotherapy.the most cycles should be no more than four cycles;absolute size of original tumor size125 cm3 group and T1-2 group are more sensitive to induction chemotherapy than other group.


The present invention provides methods of using an amine compound for producing a perspective unchelated enriched ansa-metallocene compound. In general, these methods produce a stereoscopic greater than 4:1 enriched ansa-metallocene compound rac: meso isomer selectivity. The present invention also provides new racemic ansa-metallocenes.


Gains for lesbian and gay adults demanding the rights to privacy and marriage that they consider their due as U.S. citizens do not hold the same promise for young people. Both the 2003 Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court decision and 2004 successes of the same-sex marriage movement in the United States fail to alter the oppressive social conditions in which contemporary young people navigate and claim sexual lives. Consent, privacy, and majority status—principles fundamental to the Lawrence decision and the expanding definition of "marriage"—are privileges to which youth do not have access. They are also understandings essential to the restrictive and inaccurate abstinence-only instruction with which many youth contend in contemporary U.S. schools. I urge social movement leaders to abandon adultist understandings of sexual justice and to include young people as constituents and allies in their movements for social change.


The last two decades have witnessed various governance initiatives across institutions, domestic and international, in response to mushrooming regulatory trade barriers. Among the efforts to balance regulatory autonomy and international cooperation, "regulatory coherence" or "good regulatory practices" seems a promising solution that centers upon bottom-up domestic regulatory rationalization. While existing literature has documented how recent mega-regional trade blocs seek to harness regulatory barriers through mechanisms of international cooperation, it has arguably overlooked certain crucial issues. In particular, how has regulatory coherence emerged as a new global norm vis-à-vis the default in* Lecturer, Monash University (Australia). Ph.D. (Graduate Institute, Geneva); LL.M. (Columbia); M.Jur. (Oxford); LL.M./LL.B. (National Chengchi University, Taiwan). Part of the research is funded by Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology for the project on "Regulatory Coherence in the Age of Megaregionalism. ** Associate Professor of Law, National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan). S.J.D./LL.M. (Harvard); B.S./LL.B. (National Taiwan University, Taiwan). This paper is part of our multi-year project on regulatory coherence, its global diffusion, and normative implications for mega-regionalism. Another part of this project, an empirical survey of relevant clauses in the free trade agreements signed by the United States, the European Union, and China, has been published by Melbourne Journal of International Law. We are very grateful to Professors Shin-Yi Peng (National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan), Chien-Huei Wu (Academia Sinica, Taiwan), Julia Qin (Wayne State), Paul Mertenskötter (NYU), Thomas Streinz (NYU), and participants at the 6th Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law in Seoul, Korea, August 2017, where we presented an earlier draft of this paper. Thanks also go to Enid Yu, Jung-Min Chang, Sylvia Lu, YiTing Chen, and Roger Kai at National Tsing Hua University for their research assistance. Usual disclaimers apply. Published by Penn Law: Legal Scholarship Repository, 2019 134 U. Pa. J. Int'l L. [Vol. 40:1 ternational economic and legal order? What are the limits to the global normative diffusion of regulatory coherence when considering the diverse contexts and agendas of emerging economies, most notably China? This article aims to contribute the existing scholarship by making two major claims. First, built upon a historical approach, this paper traces the trajectory of the development of regulatory coherence. With the United States being the primary driving force, the concept of regulatory coherence mirrors the key elements of Administrative Procedure Act and has diffused across various jurisdictions through multiple venues, like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Yet, despite its penetration, the entrenchment of regulatory coherence as a new global norm is conditioned upon complex political economy issues, particularly the role of China. By exploring the evolution of legal and political underpinnings for the past decades, this article contends that China has taken what we describe an "experimental approach" by prudently addressing regulatory coherence at both domestic and international levels, largely due to the democratic implications of regulatory reforms. Such an approach may in the end define the boundary of regulatory coherence as an emerging global norm. https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/jil/vol40/iss1/4 2018] The Emergence of Global Regulatory Coherence 135


To determine whether the proportion of patients with suitable temporal bone acoustic windows is different for conventional transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) and transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography (TCCS), based on a head‐to‐head comparison in the same population of patients.


Along-termfieldexperimentwasemployedtoevaluatetheshort-termeffectsofCu,Cd,cypermethrin(C) andtheircombinations(C + CuandC + Cd)onsoildehydrogenaseactivity(DHA)andmicrobialfunctional diversity (average well color development, substrate utilization, Shannon index and evenness), as well as their differences in different fertilizedsoils. Threefertilization modes are arranged:wheatstraw compost (OM), fertilizer NPK (NPK) and no fertilization (CK). The soil microbial activities were impacted greatly by long-term fertilization. The highest DHA and the lowest functional diversity (average well color development, Shannon index and substrate utilization with exception of carbohydrate) appeared in OM soil. The functional diversity was highest in NPK soil. DHA in Cu treatment and functional diversities in Cd,Cu + C andCd + Ctreatments weresignificantlydecreased tothegreatest extentin NPK soil. Theorder of the influence of contaminants on soil microbes was NPK > CK > OM. Despite the slight effect of cypermethrin on functional diversity, when applied together with heavy metals, especially with Cd, the negative effect was more pronounced. In sum, long-term compost application has benefits to promote and decrease bioavailability of contaminants in soil. At the same time, with the microbial community shifting, the microbial functional diversity reduces greatly. Our findings suggest that more attentions should be paid to the microbial community shifts in organic farming system. (cid:2)


W from rural and remote communi t ies with no local access to maternity services have worse maternal and newborn outcomes than women from similar communities with local access to even limited birthing services.1 Canadian studies have demonstrated that distance to services affects maternal and newborn outcomes.2–4 Perinatal mortality is higher for populations of women who are more than 4 hours away from maternity services.1 Women who live 2–4 hours away from the nearest maternity service show in creased rates of interventions, and women living 1–2 hours away from services have increased rates of unplanned out-of-hospital deliveries.1 There are trends across all these groups toward increased prematurity.5 Parturient women from commun ities with no local intrapartum services are 7.4 times more likely to report moderate to severe stress than women from rural communities with local birthing services.6 Loss of local maternity services in a rural or remote community is more than just a social and financial challenge. Translating these research findings into policy is essential: how do these issues affect clinical care, health services planning and risk management? Clinical decision-making optimally follows full discussion of the diagnostic and therapeutic choices available with an exploration of the various risks and benefits, including social risks, as well as a discussion of alternative choices.7 Although this approach may be possible in a well-resourced urban environment, a different set of issues arises in a rural and remote environment, where choices for birthing women are limited by access.8,9 Decision-making will be influenced by the financial costs or the social and cultural challenges resulting from an absence from home.8,10,11 This may be particularly significant for women living in areas with limited birthing services (without local surgical backup). In rural and remote settings, maternity care providers and their patients weigh possible clinical risks associated with birthing locally against the social and other challenges involved in travelling away from home to access services. Women may elect to accept some potential clinical risk to mitigate an apparent social or financial risk. This leads to difficult decisions for maternity care providers in small communities who may be without the surgical backup needed to manage an unexpectedly complicated delivery. The question of whether or not a maternity care service should be supported adds another layer of complexity to analyzing risk. If a decision is made by health authorities to cease maternity services in a rural community, clinical decision-making is simplified. Services are no longer available to women, so they must travel to access services somewhere else. This is particularly challenging, however, for rural women with uncomplicated pregnancies, previous vaginal deliveries and young children at home. Although health professionals may be relieved by no longer being asked to manage the uncertainty of birth in a low-resource environment, they also


Proteomics is the global (genome-wide) study of protein expression in a given living cell, tissue or organism. Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT), gel electrophoresis (GE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are the widely employed approaches to survey protein levels in complex biological samples. This article describes an easily implemented, effective, and highly reproducible dual-column HPLC prefractionation method that helps in improving routine proteomic analyses.

Keywords:

proteomics;
multidimensional protein identification technology;
high performance liquid chromatography;
gel electrophoresis;
protein expression


Objective
To study the possible role of cytokines interleukin-1beta(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF)in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Methods
The serum levels of IL-β,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α,and GM-CSF were measured in 50 patients with vitiligo and 20 healthy volunteers with radioimmunoassay.

Results
The serum level of IL-6and GM-CSF in focal type and generalized type of vitiligo,and the serum level of IL-1βin generalized type were significantly higher than those in normal controls.In segmental type of vitiligo,the serum levels of all the cytokines tested were not significantly different from those in normal controls.The GM-CSF levels in focal type and generalized type,and the IL-6 level in generalized type of the progressive stage were significantly higher than those in the stable stage.

Conclusion
IL-6and GM-CSF may be involved in the autoimmune mechanism of non-segmental type of vitiligo.

Key words:
Vitiligo; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Tumor necrosis factor; Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor


Grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering was used with synchrotron beam to determine lateral pore sizes and distances between pores formed by anodizing thin (∼300 nm) surface layers of p-type silicon substrates withdifferent current densities. electrolyte compositions, and temperatures. The diffuse scattering was recorded by a two-dimensional gas-filled detector and showed an intensity distribution compatible with a pore correlation parallel to the porous silicon layer. This was observed for all the samples irrespective of their anodization conditions. The experimental intensity data were reproduced by assuming a model of spherical pores. The depth profiles of the average pore diameters and interdistances parallel to the surface were obtained and compared with the mean layer porosities determined by previous specular X-ray rellectivity measurements made on the same samples.


Address for Correspondence: Anna L Watts MRCS, MBChB, Core Surgical Trainee, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK. E-Mail: email@example.com Background: A bipartite medial cuneiform is a rare anatomical variation of the midfoot. Whilst it has been described in isolation there are few reports describing this variation alongside other anatomical anomalies of the foot. Results: We are reporting the first case of a bipartite medial cuneiform in association with a calcaneonavicular coalition in a 27 year old male who presented with midfoot pain. Conclusions: This case highlights the interesting origins of two seemingly opposing processes; demonstrating both the over-differentiation of primordial mesenchyme in-utero and separation and failure of fusion between two ossific nuclei.


Previous studies have identified several dimensions reflecting the concepts used by religious people in describing God. Semantic Differential research has also found adjectival factors which apply to numerous concepts, including that of God. The present study sought to identify replicable factors in the conceptualization of the deity from both areas of previous research. Adjectives of possible applicability to the concept of "God" were included in a hierarchical factor analysis. A general factor of the Traditional Christian concept appeared along with factors previously identified (Deisticness, Eternality, Evaluation, Kindliness, Omni-ness, and Wrathfulness) as well as several new dimensions (e.g., Irrelevancy and Potently Passive). The internal consistency of each scale resulting from the factor analysis was determined in another sample of subjects and indicated that most of the factors could be easily measured.