Intracellular in vivo recordings from rat dorsal horn neurons were made to study the contribution of microglia to the central sensitization of spinal synapses induced by a chronic muscle inflammation. To block microglia activation, minocycline was continuously administered intrathecally during development of the inflammation. The aim was to test whether an inflammation-induced sensitization of dorsal horn neurons is mediated by changes in synaptic strength, or other synaptic changes and how activated microglia influence these processes. Intracellular recordings were used to measure subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and suprathreshold action potentials (APs). The muscle inflammation significantly increased the proportion of dorsal horn neurons responding with APs or EPSPs to electrical stimulation of the muscle nerve from 27% to 56% (P<0.01) and to noxious muscle stimulation (3% vs. 44%, P<0.01). Neurons showing spontaneous ongoing AP or EPSP activity increased from 28% to 74% (P<0.01). Generally, the increases in suprathreshold AP responses did not occur at the expense of subthreshold EPSPs, because EPSP-only responses also increased. Intrathecal minocycline prevented the inflammation-induced increase in responsiveness to electrical (24%, P<0.02) and mechanical stimulation (14%, P<0.02); the effect was stronger on suprathreshold APs than on subthreshold EPSPs. The increase in ongoing activity was only partly suppressed. These data suggest that the myositis-induced hypersensitivity of the dorsal horn neurons to peripheral input and its prevention by intrathecal minocycline treatment were due to both an increase in the number of active synapses and an increased synaptic strength.


Callus cultures are of vital importance since they are endowed with potential to produce plants through embryogenesis/organogenesis. This property helps to explore the underlying basis of differentiation. These cultures can also employed for enhanced secondary metabolites production by manipulating the composition of culture medium. This doctoral dissertation on Chlorophytum borivilianum, an important medicinal plant comprises of six chapters: Chapter-1 highlights the background for selection of this plant species along with objectives; Chapter-2 is compilation of relevant updated literature in the area of tissue culture, biochemical and secondary metabolite; Chapter-3 deals with the details of materials and techniques applied; Chapter-4 presents the findings of investigation supported by tables, photographs and illustrations; Chapter-5 discusses the results in the light of available literature and Chapter-6 presents the summary of the work which is followed by literature cited. This doctoral dissertation will be useful for reseachers working in the area of plant tissue culture, basis of morphogenesis and secondary metabolite production.


The utility model relates to an umbrella type reducing expansion tool used for expansion pipes. The umbrella type reducing expansion tool comprises two parts consisting of a fixing cone and a reducing cone. The umbrella type reducing expansion tool used for expansion pipes is characterized in that the fixing cone is a conical through hole structure which is narrow in the upper part and wide in the lower part; the reducing cone mainly consists of a bottom board, reducing conical plates and a top expansion cone; the reducing conical plate comprises three conical surfaces which include a first conical surface, a second conical surface and an expansion conical surface; the top expansion cone is a conical structure which is narrow in the upper part and wide in the lower part; a top end is arranged in the through hole of the reducing conical plate; the conical angle of the expansion conical surface is equal to the conical angle of the top conical surface of the top expansion cone; the expansion tool is provided with a plurality of reducing conical plates which are fixed on the bottom board; during expansion, the reducing conical plates generate radical expansion along the top conical surface of the top expansion cone under hydraulic effect to lead the expansion tool to reach the purpose of reducing; when the expansion conical surface turns to a vertical surface, the outer diameter of the expansion tool reaches at the maximum value. The umbrella type reducing expansion tool used for expansion pipes has the advantages as follows: the reducing cone of the expansion tool can realize reducing expansion under an external force, which greatly increases the expansion of a pipe body, and improves the well diameter utilization rate; moreover, the umbrella type reducing expansion tool used for expansion pipes has a simple structure, is easy to be processed, has small expansion force, and is suitable to be used in various bushings and barefoot well holes with regular well walls.


Turbo fan as an air moving device is widely used for its silent characteristics and high efficiency relative to the other centrifugal multi blade impeller. In general, turbo fan is installed with a scroll casing for energy conversion from kinetic one to pressure energy. However, a turbo fan without scroll casing is considered as a present model that is proposed model for compact design of a product In detail, the model has only 4 cutoffs as guiders for 4 separated outlets. Specially, equal distribution of flow rate generated by the model blower is main interest in this investigation. The optimal position of the guider is found by reducing abnormal flows such as reverse flow in each outlet.


Abstract In this work a new projection basis for the substructure method is presented. This basis uses new correction solutions reducing the numerical of co-ordinates used in the dynamic analysis of a complex structure. For each connexion boundary, a "boundary structure" (whose characteristics are defined using a physical criterion) is associated. The correction solutions proposed here use the normal modes of the "boundary structure". On this basis, the size of problem and the compute time are reduced. Two structures are studied: a rectangular plate and the planetarium of the science city of Tunisia. The results show that the proposed method gives a good estimation of frequencies in comparison with the full finite element method results.


A latent variable modeling method for studying maximal reliability of unidimensional multicomponent measuring instruments with correlated errors is outlined. In the presence of correlation between 2 residual terms, the procedure allows one to point and interval estimate the reliability of the linear combination of the scale components that possesses the highest possible reliability coefficient. The approach is readily applicable with popular latent variable modeling software and also provides an alternative scoring rule to the widely used overall sum score for homogeneous psychometric scales. The discussed method is illustrated with a numerical example.


* a van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions are of interest in two-dimensional electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, fi rst-principles calculations were used to study the atomic and electronic properties of the MoS 2 /C 3 N vdW heterojunction. The results show that there is no overlap of the band gaps for the MoS 2 and C 3 N monolayers in the heterojunction, indicating the MoS 2 /C 3 N vdW heterostructure has a type III alignment. The MoS 2 /C 3 N vdW heterostructure is a broken-gap heterojunction. The e ff ects of biaxial strain and external electric fi eld on the band structure of the vdW heterostructure were also investigated. The alignment type cannot be changed, but the band overlap can be tuned. The present work reveals that the MoS 2 /C 3 N heterostructures are quite favorable for applications in tunneling devices based on the broken-gap heterostructures.


Rabindranath Tagore, the first to win a Nobel Prize in Asia for literature, has contributed in a myriad ways not only to literature but also to philosophy, music and education. He has focused on various themes such as family, love, woman and child psychology, consciously or otherwise. He focuses on human associations. It is common knowledge that communication plays a key role to building and maintaining relationships. Moreover, to say that the lack of it can cause misunderstandings is an understatement. In order to protect one's self-esteem, people tend to take drastic measures. Sometimes, it leads to psychological and emotional distress, but in some cases, it may even lead to accepting death over life. Problems caused by lack of communication play an important role in shaping Tagore's characters. The Postmaster and The Ghat's Tale are two such stories in which the characters face difficulties because of, inter alia, lack of communication. This article undertakes a textual analysis to analyse the relation between 'self-esteem' and "lack of communication" in the aforementioned short stories. It estimates what would happen if the characters had communicated with each other. Additionally, it also reflects on the importance of the absence of communication, to bring out the intended emotions in a reader.


herbal drug for cartilage protection comprising plant extracts of Clematis Radix of, Trichosanthis Radix, Prunella Spica, wherein said mixed plant extracts contain rosmarinic acid composition in an amount greater than 0.6% by weight of the total composition.


Common rail injection system is flexible in injection timing, injection duration and pressure in engine. Many researches have reported on the merits in the application of common rail systems. This research investigated on characteristics and performance for single cylinder diesel engine with a common rail injection system by varying major parameters such as injection timing, injection duration and common rail pressure. The injection timing and injection duration were controlled by electronic pulse generated, and common rail pressure were controlled by PCV driver. The 498cc single cylinder diesel engine was used in this experiment. All data for combustion pressure, injection timing and injection duration were recorded by Labview. Furthermore, this test was focused on how to optimize injection conditions.


Interpreting experimental results is a key part of evidence-based reasoning. However, it is challenging for students to synthesize data from multiple sources to reach their own conclusions. As experimental design is increasingly emphasized in undergraduate biology learning, it is important that students also develop the ability to synthesize and communicate diverse experimental results. This lesson spans a class session and homework assignment asking students to interpret data from three scientific papers, synthesize the results


The high cost of conventional Building materials is a major factor affecting housing delivery in Nigeria. This has necessitated research into alternative materials of construction. This paper presents the results of an investigation carried out on the use of Saw Dust Ash(SDA) as partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) in sandcrete hollow blocks, in order to determine the optimum quantity of SDA in percentage by weight of OPC, so as to effectively reduce the cost of Building production. The percentage of SDA is in gradation of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, two mix ratios (1:6 and 1:8) were used, and the blocks produced were tested for Density and Compressive strength. The results of the tests showed that as the percentage of SDA increased, Density and Compressive strength decreased. At 28days the Compressive strength of blocks with 10% SDA replacement are 2.2N/mm 2 and 2.0N/mm 2 which satisfy the requirement. specified by the National Building Code (2006). It was concluded that up to 10% SDA replacement can be used for non-load bearing walls for 1:8 mix at 28days curing age. Also, up to 10% replacement for 1:6 mix can be used for load and nonload bearing walls. Keyword: Sawdust Ash, Compressive Strength, Density


(57) Abstract: Objective In formed by attaching a reinforcing member to the elastic tube body made of soft synthetic resin synthetic resin tube, by obtaining a strong bond with easy means, bendability and 耐押 crushing to provide an excellent variable 橈性 synthetic resin tube. [Configuration] core layer refractory hard synthetic resin, the sheath layer is heated reinforcement member sheath two-layer structure is a low melting point of the soft synthetic resin, Which was annexed to the elastic tube with pressure treatment, the low melting point film layer becomes interposed between the reinforcing member and the elastic tube is, and surely the bonding member by acting as a large adhesive melt degree strongly made that it has fused integrated variable 橈性 synthetic resin tube.


I regret that Professor Hannoum believes I mischaracterized his argument. By their nature, book reviews synthesize and condense; they cannot capture all the nuances authors may have wished to convey in their larger work. For all of our shared interests and engagements, Professor Hannoum and I clearly disagree on the contours of the academic historiography of colonial Algeria, on the lasting influence of colonialism as a (violent) project of world-making, on the interplay of empirical description and theoretical reflection, and on the role of anthropological research in articulating a political critique of the present. Professor Hannoum's book was written as a polemic and thus invites argument. I encourage readers to examine his book and respond themselves.


The high impact of demand reduction on the energy grid management and the importance of reducing loss of distributed energy resources (DERs), in addition to the necessity of a secure distributed data storing system motivate us to propose an energy blockchain solution. This paper presents a demand response (DR) solution utilizing energy blockchain to reduce demand, save the extra DERs, and efficiently incorporate customers block mining ability. In this work, a real dataset of customer demand profiles and PV generation in the Ottawa region is used to deploy a DR Stackelberg game between a control agent (CA) and local customers to negotiate demand reduction by integrating the block mining method as DERs saving. This article presents a novel and well-suited consensus algorithm, Proof of Energy Saving (PoES), that is used to incentivize the customers to reduce their demand, discharge their electric vehicle (EV) and maximize their chance for block mining to earn monetary rewards and DER savings. This results in lower peak demand, customer bill reduction, and transforms energy savings into monetary resources. Furthermore, the results show that our proposed consensus algorithm is robust and secure against malicious actions of users.


Three separate international inquiries will soon be investigating the World Health Organization's decision to declare the H1N1 virus a pandemic. The most advanced, being conducted by the Council of Europe, began in January.

Also, support is growing inside the European parliament for members to conduct their own investigation, and WHO itself will set up an independent review committee later this month.

Paul Flynn, the British Labour MP who is drafting the report of the Council of Europe's investigation into the pandemic, believes that the discrepancy between the scale of the warnings and the actual effect of the …


The article analyzes the transformation processes in the transport system of the Russian Empire as a result of Catherine II's legislative activity. The empress considered roads not only as means of transportation but also as means of communication (including information communication) linking the whole state. The new road system was to reflect the hierarchy of state power location: capitals – principal towns of provinces – principal towns of districts – gentry estates and rural settlements. Of particular interest are technical innovations in road construction, river channels, bridges and other structures that were especially developed during that period. Some of them were so idealized that they finally remained unrealized.


Eighty‐six tumor tissues of diverse histology and origin were cultured in vitro. Some growth characteristics were studied with the aim of establishing criteria which might help in prognosis. It was found that tumors of identical origin and classification differed in their ability to grow in either cell or tissue cultures and, in the effect of cancer ascitic fluid on their growth and in morphology of the developing cultures. The main group of tumors tested was the invasive duct carcinoma of the breast, in which we found a wide spectrum of morphological variations which ranged from well‐organized homogenous cell layers to small colonies of round aggregating cells which detached quickly. These differences will be correlated with the results of the clinical follow‐up being done on the respective patients.


Tension structures--structures whose members transmit loads to supports by tensile stresses--can be made of cables...membranes...or both. They include air-support structures, pneumatic shells, prestressed membranes, cable networks, tethers, suspension cables, guyed towers and tents, ocean platforms, and breakwaters. This comprehensive book presents a timely and thorough evaluation of these important structures.


Objective  The purpose of this study was to analyse two analgesic interventions for acute dental pain from the pharmacoeconomic standpoint:ibuprofen (IBU) versus ibuprofen/codeine combination (IBU/COD).


Introduction: The burnout syndrome affects people working in various professions focused on helping others. It is an important issue especially for those nurses who work with oncology patients. The author of this study focused on relationship between levels of empathy and education of oncology nurses and burnout syndrome development. Association of empathy, education of burnout reported in this study confirms the need to develop empathy and its competence in the education process, which leads to lower stress, which is associated with particularly contact with a patient suffering , dying or being in a different situation traumatic. Material and methods: The study included 121 oncology nurses working in different departments of oncology including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, transplantation, surgery and others. The study used the questionnaire method with the following research tools: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) by C. Maslach and the empathy scale (EMP) taken from the PKIE questionnaire (Popularny kwestionariusz inteligencji emocjonalnej) by A. Jaworska and A. Matczak. Results: The relation between level of education and the emergence of burnout syndrome. There was no correlation between the level of empathy and the level of burnout oncology nurses. In contrast, the relationship shown a low level of empathy with the lack of professional satisfaction. Conclusions: The main factor moderating burnout syndrome among oncology nurses is their level of education. Moreover, the educational level effects the development of empathy.


A new system for converting combustion heat into electric power was proposed on the basis of countercurrent burner with thermoelectric element embedded in a wall separating incoming fresh mixture and combustion products. The wall serves as heat exchanger between combustion products and the fresh mixture. Numerical simulations showed that almost whole combustion heat may be transferred through the thermoelectric element in such system and the total thermal efficiency attained a value close to the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric device itself.


A 51-year-old white Brazilian female woman initially presented symptoms similar to migraine and chronic pain after the birth of her second child. After confusing diagnosis and continuous use of painkillers, the patient presented drug-induced hepatitis. A complete neurological evaluation was performed, where the imaging tests proved the existence of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature. Thus, our study highlights the importance of alerting physicians in closely observing the variables presented in each neurological case. Correspondence to: Thiago M. de Paiva Fernandes, Departamento de Psicologia, CCHLA – UFPB. Campus I, Cidade Universitária, CEP: 58051-90, João Pessoa PB; Brazil, E-mail: email@example.com


Mooren, Nicolai, Supplementary European Search Report dated Oct. 29, 2013 for European Application No. 11783943.1, 6 pages. International Preliminary Report on Patentability received for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/035196, mailed on Nov. 29, 2012, 6 pages. International Search Report received for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/035196, mailed on Jan. 16, 2012, 5 pages. Written Opinion received for PCT Patent Application No. PCT/ US2011/035196, mailed on Jan. 16, 2012, 4 pages.


Several adrenergic antagonists such as phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine (non-specific alpha), prazosin (alpha1), yohimbine (alpha2), propranolol (non-specific beta with membrane stabilizing action), practolol (cardioselective beta), sotalol (non selective beta with no membrane stabilizing action) and labetalol (non selective beta with alpha1 blocking action) were studied for their effects on ventricular tachycardias induced by benzene and adrenaline in anaesthetised rats. All the alpha and beta adrenergic blocking agents examined showed significant antiarrhythmic effect in this model. The relative potencies of alpha blockers were: prazosin > yohimbine > phenoxybenzamine > phentolamine while that of beta blockers were:labetalol > propranolol > practolol > sotalol.


Late Cretaceous marine and nonmarine sedimentary rocks of the Rosario Group, deposited in one or more forearc basins, are exposed discontinuously from San Diego to Punta Canoas. Near the southern end of this belt, at San Carlos, mexico, a well-exposed, 6-km wide submarine canyon cuts at least 150 m into a fluvial section. Paleocurrent data indicate a west-southwest-directed sediment transport in the canyon. Large blocks of limestone 3-4 m in size, derived from the Early Cretaceous arc basement complex of the Alisitos group, were transported at least 20 km from the source area in the submarine canyon. The canyon fill consists of a basal and upper conglomerate to sandstone unit separated by a 20 to 45-m thick shale and sandstone unit, and capped by a second shale and sandstone unit of unknown thickness. The lower conglomerate-sandstone unit ranges from 20 to 140 m thick, and cuts into fluvial deposits in a curved or steplike pattern. The upper conglomerate-sandstone unit fills deep channels incised into a sandstone-shale unit and is 35-60 m thick. The conglomerates represent high-density turbidites and debris flows. Sandstones are massive (ungraded or graded), or display Bouma AB or ABC divisions. Shaly slump blocks, derived from channel marginsmore » or terraces, were injected by clastic sills and dikes as they were incorporated into the conglomeratic flows. Slump blocks increase in frequency and size near the northern canyon wall. This pattern has been attributed to a meandering channel with slumping on the outer bend of a meander. The abrupt contact between the conglomerate-sandstone units and the overlying shale-sandstone units indicates that on two occasions the canyon head was abruptly denied access to sources of coarse-grained material. This cyclic pattern may be the result of tectonic events or eustatic sea level changes.« less


To ensure the viability of conventional biodiesel production, new ways to value by-products are mandatory. Fuel oxygenate additives manufactured from glycerin are envisaged as a relevant usage of the glycerin glut arising from a growing biodiesel industry. Acetins obtained through glycerin esterification with acetic acid over acid solid catalysts, intended on achieving the maximum triacetin yield. Commercial K10, K30, and KSF montmorillonite were employed as catalysts, with both pure (99.9%) and crude (80%) glycerin being used as feedstock, the latter having a slight negative effect on the catalysts performances. In order to improve the catalytic activity of commercial K10 clay, acid treatments were performed using inorganic (hydrochloric, sulfuric and phosphoric) and organic (propionic, acetic, lactic, citric, tartaric and oxalic) acids. Several analytical methods were employed in order to assess the solids surface morphology and chemical composition (SEM-EDS) of fresh and post-reaction catalysts, crystallographic changes promoted by acid treatment or during reaction (XRD), and the surface acidity of acid treated clay materials (skeletal isomerization of 1-butene). Solvent-free acetylation catalytic tests were carried out at reflux temperature using 10% (W/W) of catalyst and an acetic acid:glycerin molar ratio around 9.6. Sulfuric acid was the most effective overall catalyst, showing a triacetin selectivity of 33.0% after 2h of reaction. Citric and oxalic acids performed the best among the used organic acids, leading to 27.2% and 25.6 % of TAG selectivity.


In general insurance, risks from different categories are often modeled independently and their sum is regarded as the total risk the insurer takes on in exchange for a premium. The dependence from multiple risks is generally neglected even when correlation could exist, for example a single car accident may result in claims from multiple risk categories. It is desirable to take the covariance of different categories into consideration in modeling in order to better predict future claims and hence allow greater accuracy in ratemaking. In this work multivariate severity models are investigated using mixture of experts models with bivariate gamma distributions, where the dependence structure is modeled directly using a GLM framework, and covariates can be placed in both gating and expert networks. Furthermore, parsimonious parameterisations are considered, which leads to a family of bivariate gamma mixture of experts models. It can be viewed as a model-based clustering approach that clusters policyholders into sub-groups with different dependencies, and the parameters of the mixture models are dependent on the covariates. Clustering is shown to be important in separating the data into sub-groupings where strong dependence is often present, even if the overall data set exhibits only weak dependence. In doing so, the correlation within different components features prominently in the model. It is shown that, by applying to both simulated data and a real-world Irish GI insurer data set, claim predictions can be improved.


This paper raised the question of to what extent and how learning organization was accepted, appreciated and practiced at different organizations and its relation to the commitment of the employees. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between learning organization and organizational commitment among the public primary school principals. A quantitative cross sectional research design with purposive sampling was employed in collecting the data. The questionnaires were based on the Learning Organization and Organizational Commitment indicators that have been modified and used in Malaysia. The respondents for this study were principals of public primary schools who attended the three years intensive program (called the Head-Teacher Degree Program) which would award them the Bachelor's Degree in Education Management. Two cohorts comprised of 107 principals were chosen from 600 principals who enrolled for the Head-Teacher Degree Program. The study showed that, there was a significant relationship between learning organization and organizational commitment. Therefore, learning organization and organizational commitment are deeply interwoven and opens up new questions to be explored by further research.


Experiments with mycelial inoculation of detached leaves showed that lesion size increased with time in form of logistic curve. Lesion expansion of susceptible varieties was significantly faster than that of resistant ones. Analysis of conditional variance was first applied to genetic analysis of resistance to lesion expansion and the results showed that the existing variation of resistance between cultivars was controlled by heritable factors measured as conditional additional and conditional dominant variances. There was different conditional additional effects detected between resistance and susceptible cultivars and different conditional dominant effects between crosses. This analysis method is more sensitivity to detect heritability, for example, heritability increased by 40 percent after roots treated with oxalate when compared with that estimated by the normal variance analysis. It could reveal dynamic change of gene effects during disease development.


To improve the training facilities for its power system operators, New Zealand Electricity, has recently commissioned Hiko Power Station, a computer controlled training simulator. Hiko is a life-sized layout of a typical hydro power station/substation control room with conventional instrumentation: analogue meters, incandescent indication lights, heavy duty control switches and electromechanical protection relays. An embedded computer system replicates the behaviour of the generators, synchronous condensor and the power transmission network. The result of the computer's mathematical model of the power system is displayed on the control room instrumentation. The design of the simulator system is described with an outline of its operation as a power systems operator training environment.


Abstract 774 The most aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), ABC-DLBCL, is characterized by constitutive activation of NF-κB signals, in association with somatic mutations in regulators of this pathway. However, in a large fraction of cases the molecular basis for the elevated NF-κB activity is unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a central role in immune function, in part by modulating the NF-κB system; yet, their role in the NF-κB deregulation found in DLBCL is unknown. To address this issue, we created a copy number/expression map of miRNAs in ∼100 DLBCLs, and integrated these data with miRNA target prediction models. This supervised strategy showed that miR-125a and miR-125b, which we found to be amplified/overexpressed in ∼ 30% of DLBCLs, are predicted to target TNFAIP3 (A20) via two fully conserved binding sites. A20 is an ubiquitin editing enzyme that negatively regulates NF-κB complexes and acts as a lymphoma suppressor gene, suggesting that its abnormal downregulation by miRs-125a/b may impinge on DLBCL pathogenesis. To validate these initial findings, we stably expressed miR-125a and miR-125b in multiple DLBCL cell lines, and used western blots to show that both miRNAs downregulate A20. In parallel assays, we used anti-miR oligos and miRNA sponge constructs in cell lines expressing high levels of miRs-125a/b, and found that their inhibition upregulates A20 levels. To study the interaction between miRs-125a/b and A20, we created reporter constructs with A20 sequences wild-type (WT) or mutated for the miR-125 binding sites; luciferase activity of the WT (but not the mutant) constructs was inhibited by miRs-125a/b confirming that they directly target A20. We hypothesized that miRs-125a/b-mediated inhibition of A20 activates NF-κB in DLBCL. Indeed, phosphorylation and degradation of the NF-κB inhibitory protein IκBα was markedly enhanced in DLBCL cell lines ectopically expressing miRs-125a/b, in comparison to their isogenic counterparts lacking these miRNAs. Further, nuclear accumulation of RelA was also elevated in miRs-125a/b expressing cells. Finally, we used a NF-κB reporter construct, to show that DLBCL cells stably expressing miRs-125a/b had significantly higher NF-κB activity (p Each miRNA targets multiple genes. Thus, to confirm that the effects of miRs-125a/b on NF-κB activity result mainly from A20 inhibition, we stably expressed an A20 construct lacking miRs-125a/b binding sites in DLBCL cell lines genetically modified to overexpress these miRNAs. The ratios of phosphorylation/degradation of IκBα and the nuclear localization of RelA showed that A20 re-expression rescued the miRs-125a/b-induced activation of NF-κB in DLBCL, asserting the key role of A20 targeting on miRs-125a/b function. MiR-125a and −125b are thought to act as oncomiRs in the hematopoietic lineage. In probing this concept, we found that DLBCLs stably expressing miRs-125a/b grow at significantly faster rate than their empty-vector counterparts (p Together, we defined miRNA deregulation as a novel mechanism for aberrant activation of NF-κB signals in DLBCL, and showed that A20 targeting by the lymphomagenic miRs-125a/b enhances lymphoma aggressiveness. These data bring mechanistic insight into the oncogenic activities of miRs-125a/b, and may guide the development of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies in hematological cancers. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


This research investigates the impact of decentralization in the link between infrastructure and inclusive economic growth in Indonesia. It address the question of whether decentralization strengthens the relationship between infrastructure and inclusive economic growth or not. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis is applied to explain those relationship. Data were collected from several publications issued by Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS). It contains both secondary data and the result of national survey from 2013 to 2017. The findings show that the effectiveness of decentralization in Indonesia is vary among regions. The result of the statistical test—PLS SEM—shows that the relevance between decentralization and inclusive economic growth is significant in Indonesia case and Sulawesi-Nusa Tenggara-Papua, but is insignificant in Sumatra, Java-Bali, and Kalimantan. While in the context of the relationship between infrastructure and inclusive economic growth, it was positively and significant in Sumatra and Kalimantan but insignificant in Indonesia case, Java-Bali, and Sulawesi-Nusa Tenggara-Papua. As the result of main hypotheses, this research conclude that decentralization does not matter yet in strengthen relationship between infrastructure and inclusive economic growth in Indonesia.


Using 2007 as the base year,the SO2 concentration characteristics under different scenarios were simulated using the CALPUFF Model.Emissions modeled were SO2 emissions of coal-fired power plants in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone in 2007,national planned SO2 emission reductions(20.9×104 t) from power plants from 2008-2009,local plans for SO2 emission reductions(18.5×104 t) from power plants during the 12th Five-Year Plan,and SO2 emission additions from newly-established power plants during the 12th Five-Year Plan.The results show that the reduction of SO2 emissions from power plants during 2008-2009 caused a remarkable decrease(18.9%) in the ambient SO2 level in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone.However,new coal-fired power plants in the period of 2011-2015 will lead to a 20.7% increase in the annual average concentration of SO2.Although the impacts of newly-established coal-fired power plants can be reduced through emission reduction projects and structural adjustment,the risk of regional acid rain pollution will still exist.From the viewpoint of the spatial distribution of SO2 concentration,some of the areas with SO2 emissions increases are also the areas with serious acid rain.


We demonstrate control and stabilization of a frequency comb generated by Kerr nonlinearity induced four-wave mixing in a monolithic fused silica microresonator. The comb parameters are controlled via the power and the frequency of the pump laser. Moreover, we present generation of frequency combs in larger scale microresonators exhibiting a comb spacing of less than 100 GHz. This provides a route to direct on-chip synthesis of frequency combs stabilized to a microwave standard. Introduction.—Optical frequency combs [1, 2] have become a universal tool for high precision spectroscopy within the last years and are moreover used for various applications such as broadband gas sensing [3], molecular fingerprinting [4], optical clocks [5] and Attosec-ond physics [6]. Frequency comb generation naturally occurs in mode-locked lasers whose emission spectrum constitutes an " optical frequency ruler " and consists of phase coherent modes that can be fully described by f m = f CEO + m · f rep (where m is the number of the comb mode). Consequently, stabilization of a frequency comb requires access to two independent parameters: the spacing of the modes, which is given by the rate f rep at which pulses are emitted and the offset, given by the carrier envelope offset frequency f CEO , which can be measured and stabilized using the powerful technique of self-referencing (by employing for instance an f − 2f interfer-ometer [7, 8]). Indeed, these techniques have been cricital to the success of mode locked lasers as sources of optical frequency combs.


The article deals with the discussion of French scientists on the problems of the study of totalitarianism in the 1990s and on the problems of transition from totalitarianism to democracy. The author notes that the criticism of the theory of totalitarianism in the French historical and political thought in this period reached the highest point. In the Soviet Union began the "Perestroika", the process of transition to democracy which revealed all the problems of society. In the pages of French newspapers and magazines plenty of "evidence of the totalitarian past" appeared. Under these conditions, the problem of the study of totalitarianism in the French historiography became even more important. Most of the discussion issues were related to the problems of transition from totalitarianism to democracy. The study and understanding of totalitarianism was carried out from different positions. In the scientific discussion researchers of different directions took part, for example, F. Lacoue-Labarthe and J.-L. Nancy who considered the origins and essence of totalitarian regimes from historical and philosophical positions and concluded that the emergence of totalitarian ideologies and movements was caused by the crisis of Western democracy of the early twentieth century. Bershtein and Milza insist on the fundamental novelty of the totalitarian phenomenon characteristic for the twentieth century. The totalitarianism is a form of modern dictatorship that uses all of the abundance of techniques and tools of modern communication. F. Furet in one of his last works, "The Past Is an Illusion", focuses on the intellectual and psychological history of communism in the twentieth century. He notes that the war of 1914 has played in relation to the history of the twentieth century the same role matrix as the French revolution in relation to the history of the XIX th century. It caused events and movements that led to the emergence of three "tyrannies" E. Halevi spoke of. At this time, French scholars not only significantly enriched and deepened the concept of totalitarianism, but also proposed a new concept for the study of the phenomenon of the twentieth century. The focus of the present work is the positions of French historians in relation to the problems and ways of overcoming the totalitarian past. It is noted that French scientists believed that communism was as criminal as Nazism. Totalitarianism, in their opinion, is not gone. Despite the fact that the advantages of the democratic form were fully substantiated and proved both in theory and in practice, the danger of the revival of this phenomenon is high due to the lack of mechanisms to counter it.


The main objective of this thesis is to propose and to validate a mathematical model that relates the project portfolio management and the organizational performance. Such model must allow that the impact of decisions made in the process of project portfolio management on the results of organizations and their projects could be evaluated. In addition, it is intended to assess the impact of the type of strategy and the stakeholders' profile of the organizations on the relationship between the project portfolio management and organizational performance. To achieve the proposed objectives, this research was developed by adopting the methodological approach characterized as descriptive which type is hypothetical-deductive, being used as technical procedures the review of the literature, with the help of bibliometric analysis, and the type survey. The data are processed using statistical methods, particularly structural equation modeling. The universe under study is that of organizations with business units in Brazil, the Americas and Europe, and the profile of the respondents comprises directors, senior and middle functional managers, project coordinators or managers, and project office coordinators or members. The total sample size analyzed comprises 103 valid questionnaires. The proposed model consists of eleven latent variables related to project portfolio management and three to organizational performance. Based on the literature, it was identified as latent variables that compose the project portfolio management: knowledge of the organizational context; the identification of opportunities; defining the decision-making criteria; the classification of projects; the selection, prioritization, sequencing and optimization of projects; the evaluation of the project portfolio; project balancing according to previously defined criteria; the authorization to start the projects; the allocation of resources; the creation and monitoring of the project's portfolio and the existence of an infrastructure for the project portfolio management. In addition, it was identified in literature that organizational performance is comprised of the following latent variables: efficiency of the projects, business success and preparing for the future. It is assumed that the management of the portfolio of projects has no statistically significant impact on organizational performance. This hypothesis has been tested and validated. The main findings of the survey indicate that there is a strong relationship between project portfolio management and organizational performance (R2=38%, p=0.000, t=9.7236). In addition, it was possible to verify, among other results, that having an infrastructure for project portfolio management and learn to identify business opportunities, organizing a single list of candidate projects, impact organizational performance (p-value = 0.0361 and p-value = 0.0612, respectively), especially with regard to their preparation for the future (p-value = 0.0171). Another finding of the survey was that the knowledge of the organizational context, the use of techniques for resource allocation and classifying projects in distinct categories contributes to the efficiency of the projects (p-value = 0.0358; p-value = 0.0102 and p-value = 0.0391, respectively). As regards the influence of stakeholders on the relationship between portfolio management and organizational performance was possible to check for sample researched the types of stakeholder shareholders / investors, directors and line managers affect the performance of the organizations (p-value = 0.0054, p-value = 0.0591 and p-value = 0.001, respectively). These findings, although they are limited to the sample analyzed, indicate that organizations should structure their portfolio management area, since it strongly impacts their performance. In this regard, the presence of an infrastructure for portfolio management, with qualified staff, an available and effective information technology infrastructure, and a properly established project office, as well as the unceasing search for maturity in project management, are key issues for the organization's performance, and especially to prepare it for the future. As contributions to the theory, this research provides a model of the relationship between project portfolio management and organizational performance validated for the sample under study and a research instrument validated in Portuguese, Spanish and English, which can be reused in future research.


The known fundamental symmetries and interactions are well described by the Standard Model. Features of this powerful theory, which are described but not deeper explained, are addressed in a variety of speculative models. Experimental tests of the predictions in such approaches can be either through direct observations at the highest possible accelerator energies or through precision measurements in which small deviations from calculated values within the Standard Model are searched for. Antiproton physics renders a number of possibilities to search for new physics.


The extraction of phenols from dilute aqueous solutions was studied; the extracting agents were n-butyl acetate, C/sub 5/-C/sub 10/ alcohols, nitrobenzene, and tributyl phosphate. Isotherms of extraction of phenol by isomolar mixtures of n-butyl acetate and nitrobenzene, n-hexyl alcohol and tributyl phosphate are shown. The synergistic and salting out effects in extraction of phenol with mixtures of solvents are represented based on n-butyl acetate. The effect of dialkyl phthalates on extraction of pyrocatechol with C/sub 5/-C/sub 10/ alcohols was studied; in extraction of pyrocatechol with solutions of dialkyl phthalates in alcohols, synergism was observed.


This is a descriptive analysis on management information systems at institutions of higher learning. Basic educational management theories are reviewed including, information systems, knowledge and databases required for understanding the need, functionality and success of a management system. This paper also focuses on the current administrative system at the University of Costa Rica and describes applications developed at the institution as an effort to address the lack of such systems. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of university administrative systems were classified based on the information that was analyzed. It is concluded that information management systems are indispensable at institutions for higher learning. The University of Costa Rica cannot ignore this situation and must strategically leverage on the systems it uses in order to convert the data to information in the different academic sectors.


The source of the water is important in determining the nature of the decomposition cycle. Oxidation of ammonia to nitrite is retarded in water from the deep sea (1200 m.). Inconclusive results were obtained from efforts to sterilize both the water and the original organic matter, but it is evidently easier to eliminate organisms responsible for the oxidation processes than those which may participate in the formation of ammonia. The speed of the whole decomposition cycle was more than doubled by an increase of 6° or 8° in temperature. Growth of diatoms is possible at any stage in the cycle of decomposition.


PSB(Power System Blockset)of Matlab is designed for the simulation of power system,which is powerful and flexible,and its models are introduced.Using PSB on the simulation platform Simulink,an excitation automation control system is designed and simulated,the parallel in of gene-rator is analyzed and its dynamic process is simulated.The simulative results are satisfying.


Micromorphological and ultrastructural analyses of the leaf trichomes of Salvia fruticosa Mill. were performed by light and electron microscopy. The leaves bear numerous non-glandular unbranched trichomes, and peltate, capitate and digitiform glandular trichomes. Very elongated flagelliform non-glandular trichomes densely covered the leaf sur- faces, with especially abundance on the leaf margins. Peltate trichomes consist of a basal epidermal cell, a very short stalk cell and a large round head of eight secretory cells arranged in a circle. Capitate trichomes can be divided into two main types, short-stalked and long-stalked, and further into five subtypes according to the number of stalk cells, morphology and number of glandular head cells. Digitiform trichomes consist of one basal cell, one or two stalk cells and one apical secretory cell, which are of similar diameter and approximately equal length.


The depolymerization of polytrimethylene terephthalate in methanol was carried out in an autoclave reactor.The effects of reaction temperature and reaction time on the reaction were investigated.The results showed that the yields of monomers were dependent on the reaction temperature and reaction time.The variation of carboxymethl group in the solid-products were analyzed by gel permeation chromatograph.A kinetic model was used to describe the reaction,which fitted well with the experimental data.The dependence of rate constant on the reaction temperature was correlated by the Arrhenius plot giving the activation energy of 87.8kJ/mol.


Svoboda M., K. Eichlerová, V. Horák, J . Hradeck ̆: Development of Haematological Indices in Melanoma-bearing Libûchov Minipigs. Acta Vet. Brno 2005, 74: 603-611. The aim of the study was to investigate the development of haematological indices in the MeLiM strain of miniature pigs. MeLiM minipigs in group M were affected with hereditary malignant melanoma and received 100 mg Fe3+ dextran i.m. on day 3 of age. Group H contained melanomafree MeLiM minipigs that were supplemented with iron as in group M. Melanoma-free MeLiM minipigs without iron supplementation till the week 5 of age were included in group A. Development of haematological indices in group H was compared to literature data from other breeds and strains of minipigs. Red blood cell indices in group A were found to be characteristic for hypochromic microcytary anaemia. Higher red blood cell counts were found in animals affected with melanoma (group M) on week 8 of age compared to group H. Pigs in group M showed also lower growth intensity compared to healthy animals (group H). Hereditary melanoma, MeLiM, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, iron Melanoma (melanobastoma)-bearing Libûchov minipigs (MeLiM) were used in the study. The MeLiM strain of miniature pigs was created after 10 years of selective breeding of animals bearing cutaneus melanomas. Two strains of miniature pigs (Hormel and Göttingen) and several other breeds (Cornwall, Landrace, Vietnamese pig, Large White) participated at establishment of the MeLiM strain (Hruban et al. 2004). Main features of miniature pigs, i. e. small size and early sexual maturity are observed in the MeLiM strain. The sexual maturity is achieved at the age of 4 months. Small size of breeding herd resulted in a partial inbreeding of this miniature pig strain (F = 0.30). This inbreeding neither decreased number of born piglets per litter nor brought any other negative effects (e.g. high postnatal mortality, morphological malformation) (Horák et al. 1999). However, it is probably responsible for severity of this cancer disease in the MeLiM strain. Malignant melanoma in this strain shows a hereditary occurrence. Primary cutaneous melanomas are mostly multiple and they show usually a tuberous nodular form. The primary skin tumours occur in dark-pigmented (black or rusty red) piglets as early as at birth or during the first 2 months of life. About half of all animals develop the tumours. Metastases are broadly disseminated in various organs and tissues. They are regularly found in the spleen, lymph nodes and lungs (Fort ̆n et al. 1994; Horák et al. 1999). In highly affected minipigs, metastases are found also in various parts of digestive tract, pancreas, liver, kidneys, thymus and other organs (Fort ̆n et al. 1998). No correlation between number and size of skin tumours on one side and extent of inner metastases on the other side has been found. Roughly one third of melanoma-bearing minipigs die due to melanoma progression (Horák et al. 1999). Numerous histopathological (Vincent-Naul leau et al. 2004), biochemical (Borovansk ̆ et al. 2003) and molecular-biological similarities (Pohlreich et al. 2001) with human melanoma were found. All these results suggest that the MeLiM minipigs are ACTA VET. BRNO 2005, 74: 603–611 Address for correspondence: MVDr. Martin Svoboda, Ph.D. University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Science Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno Czech Republic Phone: +420 5 41 56 2 433 Fax: +420 574 884 1 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm a suitable animal model for study of this cancer disease. Successful experimental therapy of malignant melanoma in the MeLiM minipigs was achieved by devitalization (ischaemization) technique (Fort ̆n et al. 1994; Horák et al. 1999). The blood picture offers important information about animals' state. Animal breed (strain) and iron belong to important factors influencing the blood picture. The importance of iron supplementation is well known in commercial pig breeds. The piglet of these breeds is born with limited reserve of iron (50 mg Fe) (Venn et al. 1947; Zimmermann 1995). The daily requirement of iron during the first few weeks of life is around 7-10 mg) (Venn et al. 1947). However, the sow's milk provides the piglet with approximately 1 mg Fe per day only (Csapó 1995; Kleinbeck and McGlone 1999). Without iron supplementation, suckling piglets develop anaemia during 10-14 days after birth (Framstad and Sjaastad 1991; Zimmermann 1995). The most common approach for prevention of iron deficiency anaemia in baby pigs is to inject 200 mg Fe3+ as iron-dextran on the 3rd day of life (Carlsson et al. 1974; Yu et al. 2002). In minipigs, injection of 100 mg Fe3+ as iron dextran on the 3rd day of life is recommended (Mandel and Trávníãek 1982). The following goals of our study were determined: 1. Evaluation of development of haematological indices in melanoma-free iron supplemented MeLiM minipigs (group H). 2. Evaluation of development of haematological indices in melanoma-free MeLiM minipigs without supplementation with iron (group A). 3. Evaluation of development of haematological indices in iron-supplemented MeLiM minipigs with melanoma. Materials and Methods Experimental design A total of 49 of MeLiM minipigs were used in the study. The piglets were individually tattooed with a number in the ear. They were divided into 3 groups. Group A (anaemic) had 11 melanoma-free minipigs. Piglets in this group did not receive any iron preparation till 5 weeks of age. At this age, theys were injected i.m. with 100 mg Fe3+ in the form of iron dextran (Ferridextran, Spofa, Czech Republic). Group H (healthy) included 11 melanoma-free minipigs. They were injected i.m. with 100 mg Fe3+ in the form of iron dextran on the 3rd day of life. Group M (melanoma-bearing) had 27 minipigs with occurrence of primary cutaneus melanoma. They were injected i.m. with 100 mg Fe3+ in the form of iron dextran on the 3rd day of life. Piglets of all groups were weaned at the age of 9 weeks. Starter diet was offered to them ad libitum from the age of 6 weeks (âOS 2). After weaning the piglets were fed with feed mixture A1. Sampling and analyses Blood (2ml) was collected from the minipigs on weeks 2, 4, 8, 13 and 17 from the cranial vena cava. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) was used as anticoagulant for haematological examination. Haematological examination included: haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), white blood cell count (WBC) and differential leukocyte count. Hb was measured photometrically using cyanomethaemoglobin method. PCV was measured using standard capillary tubes and centrifugation in a microhaematocrit centrifuge. RBC and (WBC) were determined in Bürker's chamber using Haym's and Türk's solution, respectively. MCV, MCH and MCHC were calculated. Blood smears for determination of differential leukocyte count were prepared and stained according to May-Grünwald and GiemsaRomanowski. The minipigs were weighed (body weight BW) on weeks 2, 4, 8, 13 and 17 of age. Stat is t ical analyses The results were evaluated statistically by Student's t-test.


While John Adams has been viewed in recent decades as an archetypal American-conservative or an anachronistic founder wedded to European models of mixed government, many of the distinctive themes in his thought can best be illuminated when he is linked to the classical republican tradition. Concluding that disinterestedness was too rare to preserve a republic, and that ambition and avarice perpetually threatened to undermine it, Adams looked to those who desired fame to provide republican leadership. To attract such choice spirits, he advocated a public realm resplendent with symbolic honors. His arguments for political titles and for the executive dispensation of offices were aimed at recruiting meritorious individuals and distributing fame to them in accordance with their "talents, virtues, services...." But Adams was disappointed by what he took to be the celebration of the unworthy and the neglect of the meritorious in America. "Real merit" was, it seemed, scarcely a match for its cunning, artful, or superficial rivals.


Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disease affecting 3-7% of Asians and becoming a major health care burden in elderly population. Surgical intervention with laparoscopic fundoplication is the effective tool in the management of GERD. Aim: To evaluate the role and advantages of laparoscopic fundoplication in the management of cases with GERD and to compare the laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication and laparoscopic toupet's fundoplication in management of GERD. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective and prospective study was conducted in the Department of General surgery at Government Medical College, Nizamabad from August 2019 to July 2021. A total of 36 cases of both sexes, clinically diagnosed as chronic GERD undergone laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication and laparoscopic toupet's fundoplication surgery were recruited. Preoperative and postoperative assessment of disease status was done at the end of third month and sixth month. Collected data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The chi- square test was used to test the significance of qualitative data. The p<0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In total data collected for 36 cases, majority cases were between 31-40 years (n=13) and 41-50 years (n=11). Total of 19 patients had undergone Laparoscopic Nissen's Fundoplication while 17 patients were of Laparoscopic Toupet's Fundoplication surgery. The mean difference of age was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Postsurgical significant improvement was observed in cases of grade 3 (n=7), grade 4 (n=19) and grade 5 (n=10) oesophagitis. The mean duration to start oral liquids was 1.29 days and 1.08 days, mean duration of surgery was 3.62 hours and 3.19 hours, mean duration of hospital stay was 4.12 and 3.67 days and the average ambulatory period was 1.46 and 1.62 days in laparoscopic nissen's group and laparoscopic toupet's group, respectively. Conclusion: The laparoscopic toupet's fundoplication and laparoscopic nissen's fundoplication were comparable in the management of postoperative Complications. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia was comparatively more in laparoscopic Nissen's group than laparoscopic toupet's group. However, the incidence was diminished within six months of postoperative follow-up.


The work reported in the present paper is a continua tion of earlier work on the photochemical decomposition of wool. The data confirm the hypothesis that the pri mary action of the radiation, which results in a change in the state of the sulfur and a corresponding lowering of the cystine content, is independent of the moisture in the system. The results indicate, however, that moisture plays an important role in the secondary process, namely that involving the evolution of hydrogen sulfide from the irradiated fibres. It is also shown that decom position of the cystine resulting from thermal reactions under the conditions of these experiments, is negligible.


Porang is one of the export commodities whose production is currently intensive by the Indonesian Government. Soft rot disease is one of the obstacles in cultivation and post-harvest of porang, which results in a decrease in productivity and quality of porang. This study aims to isolate pathogenic bacteria that infect porang tubers and determine their morphological and molecular characters. A total of 43 bacteria were isolated from porang tubers with soft rot symptoms from Malang Regency. Ten isolates of them showed positive reactions in the hypersensitivity test. Amylolytic, pectinolytic, mannanase, and proteolytic activities were shown by three bacterial isolates, including B4, B7, and BLUB15, by forming a clear zone around the inoculation point. The results of the decay test showed that B4 isolate had the most severe signs of decay, up to 97.88% in potato tubers and 37.12% in the porang frog. A pair of ExpccR/ExpccF PCR primers successfully detected B4 isolate as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) in the 550 bp band. Unexpectedly, identifying the other two isolates did not show any similarity to the bacteria that cause soft rot, which was previously known. The two isolates showed similarities to Empedobacter sp. B7 (98.7%) and Pseudomonas sp. BLUB15 (97.6%) as a result of 16S rRNA gene analysis. So far, based on the existing literature, this is the first report of phytopathogenic bacteria causing soft rot outside the genus Pectobacterium and Dickeya.

Keywords: decay, glucomannan, mannanase enzyme, pectobacterium


The effectiveness of commercially-available repellents in reducing browse by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was assessed on two varieties of azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and one variety of pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis). Repellents examined included PlantskyddTM (liquid, granular), Deer StopperTM, MilorganiteTM, and RepelsAllTM. Evergreen azaleas in 15-gallon containers were observed during 3 trial seasons in October – May, 2012 – 2015. During each trial, individual plants were treated with the maximum recommended level of each repellent, or no repellent, or no repellent with a wire cage to serve as a positive control. At the end of each trial, leaves were stripped from azaleas, dried and weighed to determine level of browsing. While differences (P < .05) in leaf weight were evident across seasons, no differences (P >.05) could be attributed to any repellent. Repellents (except MilorganiteTM) were tested on pansies from November – December 2018. Percentage of browsing of plants was determined by visual observation every 7 to 10 days. The control and some treated plants were browsed initially. Virtually all plants, treated or not treated, were extensively damaged by deer browsing within 40 days. Thus, no repellent was found to be 100% effective at reducing deer browsing damage in this study. Proceedings of the 18 Wildlife Damage Management Conference. (J.B. Armstrong, G.R. Gallagher, Eds.). 2019. Pp. 102


Due to the dynamic and interpersonal nature of selling, understanding affective and cognitive relationships and their influence on performance has gained the attention of sales scholars. Moreover, recent literature has created opportunities to study the impact of cognitions, such as salesperson theory-of-mind, on sales performance. This research develops a model involving salesperson interpersonal mentalizing skills (i.e. rapport building, detecting nonverbal cues, taking a bird's-eye view, shaping the interactions), subjective happiness, attachment anxiety, and sales performance. Although salesforce optimization is critical in any economy, emerging economies are the growth frontier for many global companies. Using three samples from Brazil, we investigate the telecom, banking, and retail industries, providing generalizable results from one such emerging economy. We find that, in general, it is the influence of attachment anxiety and subjective happiness on interpersonal mentalizing skills which ultimately impacts sales performance. Based on these findings, we discuss several theoretical and managerial implications.


We present a new method for acquiring data for image-based rendering and 3D reconstruction using an array of spherical mirrors and a single high-resolution perspective camera. The main advantage of this setup is a wider field of view, but designing calibration and reconstruction algorithms is challenging because catadioptric systems with spherical mirrors have non-central viewpoints, and do not behave as perspective cameras. A single image from our perspective camera produces sample rays from a very large number of virtual viewpoints. In this sketch we describe the construction of this system and a new procedure for calibrating it. Previous methods for acquiring a number of images from different viewpoints have included arrays of cameras [Levoy and Hanrahan 1995] and moving cameras [Gortler et al. 1995]. Another previous method was an array of lenses mounted on a flatbed scanner [Yang 2000]. The literature on catadioptric systems is extensive, but to our knowledge systems with large numbers of identical mirrors arranged in regular configurations have not been presented. The main advantages of our system are the wide field of view, the single camera capture makes the time synchronization issues associated with multi-camera systems vanish. On the other hand, frame-rate video processing is not possible with these high resolution consumergrade digital cameras. Mechanical System Design: The system, shown above, consists of a thick aluminum plate with stainless steel cylindrical pins pressed into holes. These pins hold 31 spherical mirrors. They were cut to length and inserted in the plate with high precision in our machine shop, but the inexpensive plastic mirrors were glued to the plate using a synthetic silicon rubber adhesive. As a result, the mirror parameters (location of sphere centers and radii) are not known with high precision. This plate is positioned in space to roughly fill the field of view of our Olympus C-8080 8 Mega Pixel digital camera. A structure built out of standard aluminum extrusions keeps the whole structure in place. A single image captures all 31 mirrors. The camera's SDK provided by the manufacturer was used to automate the capture and calibration processes. Calibration: We divide the calibration process into three steps: 1) Intrinsic camera calibration, 2) Extrinsic calibration of the plate with relation to the camera, and 3) Calibration of the individual mirrors with respect to the plate. For the intrinsic camera calibration step we use well-established techniques and free high-quality software. The second step is carried out from a single input image as follows. We use an ellipse detection algorithm to locate the four corner pins close to the four corners of the image. Since we know the precise location of these four pins in the plate and their relative distances, from the four point correspondences we compute a homography, and from this homography a first estimate of the equation of the plane in space. We can now predict the locations of the rest of the pins in the image. We use these predictions to search for the remain-


This paper makes a case for developing a theory of quality ecologies in early childhood education and care, and presents our initial thoughts around how that might be done, including how it might create a space for further thinking, research and discussion. First, the politicised, positivist nature of dominant contemporary interpretations of quality is discussed, including our case for theoretical experimentation and diversification. Then, we discuss existing applications of ecologies theory in education research and the opportunities it presents, followed by our thinking so far around how it can be applied to critical theorisations of quality ecologies. Last, we outline our research program and what we envisage can be accomplished by a theory of quality ecologies in early childhood education.


Objective To detect and quantitate genital herpesvirus DNA in clinical specimens samples from 100 cases of genital herpes. Methods Using PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a standard curve of DNA copies of HSV as the quantitative contrast. Results Ninety three cases were HSV positive and 7 cases negative among 100 samples. There were 58 cases of HSV- 2(62.4% ) and 35 cases of HSV- 1(37.6% ) among 93 positive cases. The results of quantitation showed the number of DNA plasmids ranged from 115 to 1.1× 105/250μ L of specimen among total 93 positive samples and the mean was 7.1× 104/250μ L. The number of HSV DNA plasmids ranged from 136 to 1.1× 105 copies per 250μ L, and the mean was 7.6× 104 among 58 positive samples of HSV- 2; the number of HSV DNA plasmids ranged from 115 to 9.4× 104 per 250μ L, and the mean was 6.3× 104 among 35 positive samples of HSV- 1. Meanwhile 10μ L of extracted and dissolved DNA randomly taken from 8 out of 58 cases of HSV- 2 and 35 cases of HSV- 1, respectively, were tested, the results indicated the number of HSV- 2 DNA plasmids ranged from 35 copies to 2.7× 104 and the mean was 1.8× 104 and the number of HSV- 1 DNA ranged from 29 to 2.5× 104 and the mean was 1.6× 104. In 7 negative cases, the results of quantitation were zero. Conclusions The sensitivity of ELISA quantitation (93% ) equals to that of Southern blot, and the sensitivity of PCR for diagnosis is 91% , and the PCR for typing is 88% .


With the growing information in the web, ranking algorithms is very important in searching information. Currently, there are two categories of the ranking algorithm based on content and connectivity. Ranking algorithms which are based on content have low accuracy and recall and also contain the rank spamming problem. Ranking algorithms which are based on connectivity contain the rich get richer problem too. Therefore, in this paper, ranking algorithm based on distributed learning automata was presented, which use pages content's information, hyperlinks between pages and web usage data to present better results. In this paper, at first, two algorithms for determining the structure of web documents based on DLA was proposed, and then was used for ranking. The obtained results of the simulation proposed algorithm was evaluated with RankCorrelation and P@n measures.


Literature is a modern invention, it inscribes itself [elle s'inscrit ] in conventions and institutions which, to hold on to just this trait, secure in principle its right to say everything [ledroit de toutdire].Literature thus ties its destiny [destin ] to a certain non-censure, to the space of democratic freedom (freedom of the press, freedom of speech [opinion ], etc.). No democracy without literature; no literature without democracy.


Populations of western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) appear to have declined in many portions of their range. A standardized survey and monitoring program is not available to quantify changes in abundance or distribution. Before a standardized survey method is selected for long-term, continent-wide burrowing owl monitoring, potential survey protocols should be rigorously tested. We evaluated 3 potential burrowing owl survey methods: line transect, roadside point-count, and driving surveys. We also examined the effectiveness of using call-broadcasts on point-count surveys to increase detection probability. We conducted 3 replicate borrowing owl surveys (either point-count or driving surveys) along 1,350 km of roads (114 survey routes) in eastern Wyoming, USA, between June and August 2000. Detection probability varied among observers for both point-count and driving surveys. Detection probability was higher on point-count, surveys (x = 64.3%) compared to driving surveys (x = 37.5%), and point-count surveys sampled a larger effective area away from the road. Walking line-transect surveys proved ineffective and inefficient for monitoring burrowing owls at large (statewide) scales. Nest-site detection probability was 47% during driving detection trials and 79% during point-count detection trials. We detected over twice as manly owls per unit distance on our point-count routes (0.038 owls/km) compared to our driving routes (0.016 owls/km), but detected more owls per unit time on our driving routes (0.339 owls/hr vs. 0.229 owls/hr on point-count routes). We detected 22% more owls using call-broadcast even though all of our detections on pointcount surveys were visual rather that aural. Estimates of breeding density were fairly similar based on our driving and point-count surveys (0.110 and 0.074 nest sites/km 2 , respectively). Standardized point-counts using call-broadcast along roadsides offer the best approach for monitoring population trends of burrowing owls at large (statewide) spatial scales. Based on our results, we developed a standardized survey protocol for monitoring burrowing owls at large spatial scales. Implementation of these monitoring protocols would provide more precise estimates of population trends of burrowing owls in North America.


This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation on the performance of polymer modified concrete (PMC) and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. Chloride-induced corrosion of steel in concrete is the main cause of premature deterioration of off-shore or on-shore reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to marine environment. For service life evaluation and prediction, the time of crack initiation in concrete cover can be considered as the most important criteria. Thus, the corrosioninduced crack initiation time and maximum anodic current intensity generated by corrosion process of embedded steel reinforcement in concrete were investigated in this paper. The specimens made of different categories of the concrete subjected to high concentrated Sodium Chloride solution and continuous cycles of wetting and drying for 24 months. Later, the accelerated electrochemical test was conducted to measure the time to concrete cover cracking and also anodic current intensity. Results proved that due to remarkable increase in time to cracking, the polymer-concrete composites increased the durability and service life of RC structures significantly.


To explore the epidemic situation and the correlation factor on Song,Yuan,Ming and Qing dynasty in Northern China area by using bibliography,epidemiology and statistics methods.There was a increasing tendency from Song,Yuan,Ming to Qing dynasty in northern China area.The Ming-Qing dynasty was high-developing period.There was a correlation between epidemic situation and Gan-zhi distribution.The epidemic diseases in Northern China area were mainly developed in Shanxi and Hebei Province.The development of epidemic situation was closely correlated with natural factor and social factor.The drought and flood were the main natural factors.The famine,chaos caused by war,population circulation and concentration were the main social factor.


The article is dedicated to problems of qualification of the murder regarding a husband or a wife. The author determines motives & purposes of that kind of murder, analyses judicial practice, compares CIS states criminal laws. The author substantiates the expediency to reinforce the responsibility of the murder regarding a husband or a wife, resulting from the weakening of basic social institutes in Russia, firstly family, and being one of the causes of the high level of juvenile delinquency.


Current college students mostly have certain psychological problems.Through investigating the psychological status of graduates in Quanzhou city,this paper analyzes the existing psychological problems of college graduates,and gives out some countermeasures.


In this work G G  -expansion method is used to obtain exact solutions of the Jimbo-Miwa (JM) and TzitzeicaDodd_Bullough (TDB) equations. It is shown that G G  -expansion method is straightforward and concise, and its applications are promising.


Compact-sized, efficient cryo-coolers are widely used in missiles and other devices. The cooling performance of cryo-cooler largely depends on the regenerator and the cooling performance of regenerator depends on non-dimensional parameters, namely heat transfer unit (NTU), heat capacity ratio, thermal losses due to longitudinal conduction etc. A code has been developed to analyze the energy balance of the fluid and matrix and solve the equations using Parallel-Flow model for both ideal and non-ideal regenerators. The effects of nondimensional parameters on inefficiency were found out quantitatively through the developed code. For comparison, porous media simulation by commercial solver FLUENT was also done. The results generated by the code (temperature profile, heat transfer and inefficiency) were in good agreement with those of FLUENT simulations as well as the data documented in the literature. Thus, the developed code can be used as a tool for initial design of cryocoolers and optimizing the performance by selecting the matrix material, temperature swing, NTU, porosity etc.


The major issue covered in 'this report involves unequal distribution cf GI Bill education benefits in different states. It is noted that since differences in state tuition charges are not recognized, veterans in Eastern and Midwestern high-tuition states have a harder time using education and training opportunities than veterans in Sunbelt lower-tuition Western and Southern states. Major findings resulting from investigation of this issue are covered under the headings (1) General Discussion, (2) Geographic Differences Discussed, (3) legislative Formula Produces Unexpected Results, (4) Inadequacies of the Present GI Bill for All Veterans, and (5) The Means to Provide an Adequate GI Bill for All Veterans. A final rEcommendation calls for corrective action by means of tuition equalizer legislation passed either by the Congress or by individual Eastern and Midwestern states to give all veterans the same chance at education. A list of tuition and fees at 4-vear public colleges (1976-77) , a "Washington Post" article on the GI Bill, and a news release summarizing this report are appended. (WL)


The problem of this study is to evaluate the methods of reporting pupil progress in the primary grades of Texas schools comparable in size to that of Wichita Falls, Texas, and to set up criteria from which could be developed a more desirable reporting system for the primary grades. The main purpose is to establish a more adequate program for parent-teacher-pupil relationship and understanding through a philosophy based on the development of the whole child.


This report summarises the presentations and discussions of a workshop on "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Patients Today and Tomorrow", held at the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday 16 October 2017. The aim of the workshop was to provide background and technical information and advice to the members of the ENVI Committee on the latest findings and trends in the field of complementary and alternative therapies. The current state of play of complementary and alternative therapies in Europe was highlighted during the first part of the workshop. Presentations focused on CAM in practice and academic research. The second part of the workshop focused on the policy and legal framework in Europe and the integration of CAM into EU healthcare systems. IP/A/ENVI/2017-10 November 2017 PE 614.180 EN Policy Department A: Economic and Scientific Policy 2 PE 614.180 This document was requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety. CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS MEP Ms Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, co-Chair ENVI Health Working Group MEP Mr Alojz PETERLE, co-Chair ENVI Health Working Group Dr Ton Nicolai, EUROCAM Spokesperson Dr Wolfgang Weidenhammer, Technische Universität München, Germany Ms Agnes Mathieu-Mendes, European Commission, DG SANTE, Deputy Head of Unit, Medical products: quality, safety, innovation Dr Stéphane Espinosa, World Health Organization (WHO), Consultant in the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCI) Unit in the Department of Service Delivery and Safety (SDS) SUMMARY PREPARED BY Ms Alexandra SCHNEIDERS Mr Matteo MASCOLO Ms Alicia MCNEILL Ms Meena FERNANDES Milieu Ltd, Brussels, Belgium RESPONSIBLE ADMINISTRATOR Mr Miklos GYOERFFI EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ms Eva ASPLUND ABOUT THE EDITOR To contact the Policy Department or to subscribe to its monthly newsletter please write to: Policy Department Economic and Scientific Policy European Parliament B-1047 Brussels firstname.lastname@example.com Manuscript completed in October 2017. © European Union, 2017. This document is available on the Internet at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/supporting-analyses LINGUISTIC VERSION Original: EN DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. Reproduction and translation for non-commercial purposes are authorised, provided the source is acknowledged and the publisher is given prior notice and sent a copy. Complementary and alternative therapies for patients today and tomorrow PE 614.180 3 CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 EU POLICY CONTEXT 7 PROCEEDINGS OF THE WORKSHOP 10 1.


This article analyzes the controversies about the legitimate mechanisms for the regulation of sovereign bankruptcy and sheds light on the resilience of the instruments and the actors that ensure the continuity of the global economic order at the legal and financial levels. Twice – first in 2002 at the initiative of the International Monetary Fund, and then in 2015 at the UN General Assembly – the alternatives to regulation through the financial markets, which aimed at establishing a supranational legal mechanism, have been disqualified. Based upon the analysis of some of the actors and institutions that are constitutive of international economic governance, this article sheds light on the consolidation of the economic order and on its underpinnings. Contrarily to what one may spontaneously imagine, states are not exclusively "victims" of globalized debt markets and of the vulture funds that refuse the renegotiation of debts and trigger procedures that would allow them to claim full reimbursements. In the name of their financial attractiveness and of their access to globalized capital markets, the treasury departments of various emerging states comply with the contractual formats imposed by foreign financial markets and accept a restriction of their sovereign powers.


With recent consumer TV programs reporting on vitamins and supplements, Jayamala Gupte looks into the role of the pharmacist in helping consumers make the right choices.


The power spectrum of UWB-IR systems can be controlled by proper selection of any of the three entities pulse, modulation scheme and Time Hopping (TH) codes, or their combinations . This paper presents algorithms to design TH codes with good correlation properties for spectrum nulling at a selected frequency, of multiuser UWB signals, to avoid interference to narrow band systems. To improve the correlation between sequences, variation in frequency hopping (FH) codes, LCC and one Coincidence FH codes are applied. Results are presented to verify the analysis.


A simple and reliable system based on analog radio-over-fiber and millimeter-wave-wireless is proposed for wireless signal transmission. High-throughput WLAN signals using high-order modulation and wide bandwidth is successfully transmitted and demodulated over the proposed system.


Abstract. The author proposes that a reinterpretation of cosmological redshift as arising from the small positive spacetime curvature of a 4-rotating Hyperspherical Universe of constant size can eliminate the current requirement for spacetime singularities, cosmic inflation, dark matter, and dark energy from cosmological models. This second paper further addresses angular diameter at low and high redshifts, and the constant metallicity of the universe.


The characterization of financial returns depends heavily on probabilistic behavior, which can be ill-fitted, thus leading to inappropriate economic decisions concerning asset pricing, portfolio allocation and/or the measurement of market risk. In this paper, we propose a test to determine the adjustment of the returns of the General Index of the Colombian Stock Exchange (IGBC) to the following distributions: Normal, Skew Normal, and Skew T. In addition, we measure the level of bias and compare our test's performance with an alternative test used only for detecting asymmetry. We find that the proposed test allows for characterizing returns in the Colombian stock market with one of the probability distributions, unlike the other test, which only provides a warning about the existence of bias and does not ascertain the distribution representing its behavior.


After discussing generalities such as raw materials problems and requirements of the nuclear industry, a treatment is given to prospecting, exploitation of uranium deposits, concentration of uranium ores, and economic aspects of the uranium mining industry. The discussion involves the more specific topics of choice of regions for prospecting, radiometric prospecting on the ground, aerial prospecting, radiometric equipment. geochemistry, geophysics, knowledge of deposits, statistics applied to mines, character of uranium mines. and protection against radioactivity. (T.R.H.)


Common mechanizations for submarine inertial navigation system(INS)involve problems of accuracy depressing,lack of north benchmark and so on.Aiming at this problem,a transversal strapdown INS mechanization is designed here,which is applicable to polar regions.The navigation reference framework of the transversal coordinate system is constructed.The navigation parameter transformations from the transversal coordinate system to the local-level coordinate system are deduced.Moreover,mechanization of transversal strapdown INS is established,and then an error analysis for the transversal strapdown INS is performed.Through error analysis,periodic oscillating errors existing in that mechanization are determined,and damping technology applicable to that mechanization is proposed to reduce those errors effeciently.Finally simulation test is performed to validate the feasibility of this system in polar regions,as well as the performance of the damping technology.


Through literature review of social entrepreneurship opportunity,this paper established the discovery and development framework model of social entrepreneurship opportunity and then analyzed it.In three stages of discovery,evaluation and development framework model of social entrepreneurship,there are some factors such as knowledge and information,the value of perception,awareness,resources and social networks to affect them.


The Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission was the first planetary mission to use Internet-based distributed ground operations where scientists and engineers collaborate in daily mission operations from multiple geographically distributed locations via the Internet. This paper describes the operations system, the Web interface for telescience (WITS), which was used by the MPL mission for Internet-based operations. WITS was used for generating command sequences for the lander's robotic arm and robotic arm camera, and as a secondary tool for sequence generation for the stereo camera on the lander. WITS was also used as a public outreach tool. Results are shown from the January 2000 field test in Death Valley, California.


ABSTRACT The concept of lost films and missing directors or missing periods is a fact of life in the study of Hong Kong cinema. However the idea could be turned to advantage — as a necessary epistemological process for scholars to study long neglected or simply forgotten parts of a cinema. The meaning of loss here can be extended to also denote a state of neglect and a general unresponsiveness on the part of the critical establishment towards the work of a certain filmmaker, star, a genre, or a particular production company. This Special Issue showcases five articles dealing with different aspects of 'loss' in Hong Kong cinema. Taken together, they map out a topology of 'rediscovered' sites that have hitherto been 'missing' from critical scholarship.


Abstract. We propose a three-dimensional (3-D) denoising approach and coding scheme. The suggested denoising algorithm is taking full advantage of the supplied volumetric data by decomposing the original hyperspectral imagery into individual subspaces, applying an orthogonal isotropic 3-D divergence-free wavelet transformation. The delineated capability of hierarchically structured wavelet coefficients improves the efficiency of the suggested denoising algorithm and effectively preserves the finest details and the relevant image features by emphasizing a nonlocal similarity and spectral-spatial structure of hyperspectral imagery into sparse representation. The proposed method is evaluated using spectral angle distance for a ground-truth spectral dataset and by classification accuracies using water quality indices, which are particularly sensitive to the presence of noise. The reported results are based on a real dataset, presenting three different airborne hyperspectral systems: AHS, CASI-1500i, and AisaEAGLE. Several qualitative and quantitative evaluation measures are applied to validate the ability of the suggested method for noise reduction and image quality enhancement. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed denoising algorithm achieves better performance when applied on the suggested wavelet transformation compared with other examined noise reduction and hyperspectral image restoration techniques.


1 SUMMARY Field experiments were conducted in central Cote d'Ivoire during the growing seasons of 2001, 2002 and 2003 to investigate the effect of natural soil fertility and inorganic fertilizer on productivity of yams. Dioscorea alata cv. TDa 95/00010 and Dioscorea rotundata cv. TDr 98/02461 were grown with and without fertilizer application in a savannah site with a low fertility soil and in a forest site with a more naturally fertile soil. The fresh tuber yield (FTY), the area under the curve (AUC) of shoot and tuber and the AUC of nitrogen and potassium contents all significantly increased in the forest site than in the savannah site. This was due to the greater soil organic matter and exchangeable K, Ca and Mg contents observed at the forest site. The inorganic fertilizer applied had no effect on the FTY, while it significantly increased the AUC of shoot and tuber of D. rotundata in the savannah site. The shoot AUC of D. alata was increased with fertilizer application in the forest site in 2001, but this was not reflected in increased tuber dry matter (DM), suggesting a side effect of the fertilizer on DM balance between above and underground organs. The increase in the canopy establishment and tuber initiation growth phase in D. alata in the savannah site suggests a better adaptation of this species to low fertility soil and might explain its better overall productivity in the experiments. In contrast, the development of D. rotundata was rather fixed allowing a weak adaptation to low fertile soils. The results showed clear importance of soil organic matter in productivity of yams, which is not compensated in soils with low organic matter content by the use of inorganic fertilizers. It is recommended that management practices that favour maintenance or build up of soil organic matter content be evaluated and applied in yam production systems.


Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) interlinks and provides for the two most critical issues for human and ecological sustainability: providing food for impending population growth to reduce poverty and undernourishment, and managing for eco-system resilience in the context of global environmental change. Implementation of CSA in smallholder communities in the least developed countries (LDCs) has proven successful but has not been widely adopted. This paper examines the constraints to replicable and generalizable adoption of CSA methodologies and posits that the absence of professional, local, agro-economic institutions is a key variable that explains the stagnation of agricultural production and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. The strategies of the development community (NGOs, development banks, international and national aid institutions) focus on funding large scale irrigation projects, encouraging and supporting new technologies, and correcting perceived market failures. The development community has not engaged professional agricultural organizations and institutions and this disconnect has led to ineffective interventions on the part of the development community. This paper further posits that farming is not an activity that can be sustained by the strategies and tactics of the development community. Agriculture is a business enterprise that requires local agro-economic institutional support.


In the classical differential geometry which deals with the theory of curves and surfaces of three dimensional Euclidean space, the most distinctive study is the Weingarten surface. Generally, the research of this surface can be reduced to the solving of a partial differential equation. This thesis gives the position vector field of the rotational hypersurface in Euclidean space. After computing the principal curvatures and solving the differential equation system, the thesis proves the existence of the rotational hypersurface about given principal curvature function in Euclidean space.


The invention relates to an electric-vehicle charging device. The electric-vehicle charging device comprises a soft switching power conversion circuit, wherein the soft switching power conversion circuit comprises a full-bridge phase shift power conversion main circuit, an LLC resonance circuit, a rectifying circuit and a filtering circuit. The full-bridge phase shift power conversion main circuit comprises four switching transistors and a transformer, wherein the four switching transistors and the transformer are connected in series to form a loop, a front switching arm is formed by two switching transistors, and a rear switching arm is formed by the other two switching transistors. The LLC resonance circuit is respectively connected with the center point of the front switching arm and the center point of the rear switching arm, and the LLC resonance circuit comprises an excitation inductor. The rectifying circuit comprises a secondary side of the transformer and is connected with the filtering circuit. According to the electric-vehicle charging device, the soft switching power conversion circuit can enable switching transistors of a primary side of the transformer and rectifying diodes of the secondary side of the transformer to work in a no-voltage or no-current switching mode, no-voltage or no-current switching-on and switching-off of the circuits are achieved thoroughly, and switching loss of the soft switching power conversion circuit is reduced further.


Background: Preoperative assessment by calculating the morphological cortical Index (MCI), canal-calcar ratio (CCR), canal flare index (CFI) and canal bone ratio (CBR) will facilitate appropriate surgical planning for total hip arthroplasty. Since no data on indices and ratios of proximal femur in Punjab is available the study was planned to record the same from radiographs of normal adult population. Study design: Cross-sectional population study Methods: MCI, CCR, CFI and CBR were calculated from measurements on anteroposterior radiographs of the proximal femur from 116 male and 96 female subjects with a mean age of 46 years. Results: Morphologic cortical index, canal calcar ratio and canal flare index did not have any statistically significant difference between the two sexes. Canal bone ratio showed a highly significant difference when the male and female group were compared (p = 0.0042). Conclusion: The study has provided baseline data on morphologic cortical index, canal calcar ratio, canal flare index and canal bone ratio of proximal femur in Punjab which may be helpful in surgical planning for total hip arthroplasty and further research in the area. Keywords: Morphological Cortical Index (MCI), Canal-calcar Ratio (CCR), Canal Flare Index (CFI), Canal Bone Ratio (CBR), proximal femur, morphometry, total hip arthroplasty (THA)


Assume that (Xt)t∈Z is a real valued time series admitting a common marginal density f with respect to Lebesgue's measure. Donoho et al. (1996) propose near-minimax estimators f̂n based on thresholding wavelets to estimate f on a compact set in an independent and identically distributed setting. The aim of the present work is to extend these results to general weak dependent contexts. Weak dependence assumptions are expressed as decreasing bounds of covariance terms and are detailed for different examples. The threshold levels in estimators f̂n depend on weak dependence properties of the sequence (Xt)t∈Z through the constant. If these properties are unknown, we propose cross-validation procedures to get new estimators. These procedures are illustrated via simulations of dynamical systems and non causal infinite moving averages. We also discuss the efficiency of our estimators with respect to the decrease of covariances bounds.


The women face a lot of physical & psychological problem both at the time of menarche as well as menopause. Kashtartava is a disease where in a female during her reproductive age experiences difficult & painful menstruation. Pathologically its tridoshas having vata predominance .A total 60 patients were randomly divided in these group. An assessment was done on the basis of subjective as well as objective parameters with the help of vas.The study revealed the good report.